beard trimmer

There are two main kinds of electric trimmers, rotary, and foil. Whether you’re a foil guy or a rotary man depends wholly on personal preference. Each has its pros and cons, but they both get the job done. Read on to find out if you like your electric trimmer to spin or to glide.

Rotary: rotary trimmers are designed to follow the contour of the face. Electric rotary trimmers have spinning heads that can maneuver around the difficult to reach areas like the chin and neck. Hair is caught in heads’ opening and is cut off as the blades move in a circular motion.

Because of the mechanism of a rotary trimmer, this type is best for men who have longer and coarser hair. That is, they don’t shave on a daily basis and let their facial hair grow out, but want a clean look every once in a while. A rotary trimmer is also great for those who don’t clean out their trimmers frequently and have hair that grows in different directions.

Foil: on the other hand, foil trimmers are recommended for men who have fine hair and prefer to shave every day. The term “foil” refers to a layer of metal that covers the blades, making it gentler and more practical for those with sensitive skin. A foil trimmer also typically gives a closer shave compared with a rotary trimmer. This type of razor is also great for more detailed work such as trimming around one’s sideburns.

Though each type is recommended for a certain kind of person or facial hair, it would still depend on the user whether he would like to follow the advice or not. Trying out both types can help you decide whether you like rotary or foil trimmers better. 

• Electric Trimmers Save Time: one of the most noticeable advantages of an electric beard trimmer is that it is faster than wet shaving. It normally only takes 3-5 minutes to finish shaving with an electric razor so you’re out the door quicker. This is great for people who don’t want to spend too much time on their grooming, but still want to look clean and well maintained. It also means more time to work on trimming sideburns, styling beards, and polishing mustaches.

• Electric Beard Trimmers Require Less Effort: electric razors also require less effort to complete a shave. Both rotary and foil trimmers move automatically so all you’d have to do is guide them around your face. They can also cut hair in hard to reach areas where you might have problems shaving with a traditional razor. Technology has also made electric trimmers more efficient with less effort.

• Electric Beard Trimmers Do the Job Better: because of the extra features electric beard trimmers have, they provide a better and more consistent shave each time. You aren’t struggling with maintaining a clean face early in the morning when you can barely think straight. The electric trimmers can do 90% of the work for you, and do it better. Extra attachments also allow users to define the shape and lines of their sideburns or beards. Some models come equipped with trimmers and beard stylers to do exactly that.

• Electric Trimmers are Low Maintenance: some electric trimmers have self-sharpening blades, cleaning systems, and rechargeable batteries so you won’t have to worry about keeping the device in tip-top shape. Unlike regular razors that can get dull or accumulate rust, electric trimmers are designed to last longer. They are an investment that can see you through many months or years of shaving.

• Electric Beard Trimmers are Safer to Use: using electric beard trimmers can prevent the ever-popular nicks and cuts that come with traditional razors. Many models have features that specifically cater to sensitive skin and putting an end to bloody shaves. Also, because the blades don’t rust, you don’t have to worry about getting a rash or an infection when shaving.  Technology also provides electric trimmers with the means to prevent skin irritation or redness while shaving.

1. Braun Series 7 790cc-4 – Best Electric Foil Shaver 2020

The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 electric shaver promises an ideal shave and utmost comfort and satisfaction due to its innovative design inside and out. A new program selection feature allows the user to choose from three different shaving modes to conform to various skin types and facial areas.

Its patented ActiveLift trimmer and asymmetrical shape make it easier to capture tricky hair and style facial hair. Its intelligent sonic technology and OptiFoil, 3-stage cutting system shaves easily even on the first stroke with less tugging and pulling for a smooth shave with perfect closeness.

The sleek and ergonomic design, accompanied by its lightweight, makes for a pleasing and easy-to-use shaver that is proven to be of great use to customers who are always on the go.

An advanced LCD display shows precise readings for both battery and hygiene statuses. It uses a lithium-ion battery with no memory effect, making it a powerful, rechargeable, and longer-lasting shaver.

Regular maintenance of the product recommends that you change all cutter parts every 18 months. A replacement part indicator is also included in the display for convenience. Hygienic cleanliness is achieved with the touch of a button in the Clean & Renew System.

Pros

The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 electric shaver guarantees a convenient and refreshing experience in using and owning a shaver. This waterproof, lightweight, and easy-to-use shaver come with an advanced LCD display that monitors the status of the shaver.

The SmartPlug feature adjusts to worldwide voltages between 100V and 240V, a huge plus in considering this as a travel companion.

Compared to most electric shavers, the Braun Series 7 790cc-4 does more with less time, energy, and effort. The Braun foil shaver provides a smooth and comfortable shave in just a few strokes while protecting the skin. With a press of a button, the Clean & Renew System readily cleans the device.

A full charge takes only an hour for up to 50 minutes of cordless shaving, while a quick 5-minute charge suffices for a single shave. It’s the lithium-ion battery has no memory effect, thus solving problems on recharging. Proper care of the easy maintenance of this product ensures a shaver like new with every use.

The shaver has a closed and waterproof body that can simply be washed under running water. The accompanying case likewise protects from dampness.

Cons

Consumers are generally satisfied with the product except for its relatively high cost. Although the product is said to be worth every penny, it may be unreasonable for the more economical consumers.

Active cooling technology is not included in the product. However, it promises minimized skin irritation.

Our Opinion About This Beard Trimmer

This may well be considered as the “smartphone” of shavers. The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 boasts quite an inventory of handy features, which get rid of those minor cumbersome problems in using shavers.

While purchasing the product may be impractical to some people due to its price, the advantages are hands down undeniable. This is taking shaving to a whole new level.

2. Panasonic ES-RF31 4-Blade – Best Electric Shaver for the money

The Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry Four-Blade Men’s Shaver proclaims to be the rechargeable shaver with the world’s sharpest optimum 30-degree cutting blade angle. This shaver with nano-edged four blades and finishing foil, operating with a motor at 10,000 rpm, makes for a faster gentler shave. The flexible pivoting head moves in all directions, making it easier to follow the contours of the face.

To maximize the comforts and benefits of wet shaving, this waterproof shaver can be used even in the shower. The shaver is much cheaper compared to the more advanced models that have better aesthetics and cost twice as much yet function similarly. In terms of performance, this Panasonic shaver saves you time and money.

A brush, travel pouch, and cleaning cartridge are included in the package.

Pros

The Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry Four-Blade Men’s Shaver is specifically designed for scrupulous shaving and performs excellently even for dry shaving. The large shaving head ensures maximum capacity and surface area when shaving. The pivoting head and arc-shaped foil ease movement along the area of the face. These make for a quick yet thorough shave.

This shaver is moderately convenient. It is waterproof and affordable. A full charge under an hour can last up to three weeks or 65 minutes worth of shaving. Washing it under running tap water can suffice for cleaning.

Cons

The difficulty in procuring readily available spare parts for a replacement would be one of the top complaints of the consumers. This minor setback may force potential consumers to purchase the more expensive models that have spare parts at hand.

The battery indicator does not show in detail the remaining battery life of the shaver. Even if the battery life were long, it would have been more convenient to show a comprehensive gauge instead of just 3 energy levels of the battery status. Also, it has not been indicated whether the battery has a memory effect, therefore proper and planned recharging intervals must be practiced to extend battery life and product maintenance.

This shaver is relatively bulkier and heavier than the more ergonomic designs. Although this could be a minor disadvantage, the performance of the shaver pretty much compensates for it.

Conclusion

The product aims to replace the existing traditional wet razors. On that note, it did. Conversely, other features may have been left out such as a more ergonomic and portable design, consideration of having readily available spare parts worldwide, and a more convenient battery life indicator.

The power requirement and supply of the shaver is quite impressive. Only an hour of charging can give a total of 65 minutes of shaving time. This is probably the only shaver that shaves longer than it charges!

The shaver is relatively cheap. However, this may be so due to the lack of spares that are available outside Japan. Shipping costs, as well as waiting time, hinder the complete appreciation of this product. Nonetheless, this is still a viable option for a great shaver that does not need more painstaking maintenance methods.

3. Philips Norelco BG2040/49

The Philips Norelco BG2040/49 Beard trimmer comes with a variety of superb features. It includes a powerful vacuum to capture hair and a hair deflector to minimize messes. The hair chamber of the Philips Norelco BG2040/49 is see-through, allowing users to monitor when it needs to be emptied.

This foil shaver’s vacuum feature ensures that every shaving session is free from mess. Instead of having to clean up the sink and bathroom after a trim, the hair is kept within the hair chamber. Then, it’s only a matter of emptying the chamber into a trash bin when it’s full.

This beard trimmer also comes with a contour-following comb that adjusts to the curves of the face, making for a precise shave every time. It also comes with 9 lock-in length settings for a wide range of cutting lengths.

The Philips Norelco BG2040/49 is a low-maintenance device that doesn’t require any lubrication. The SteelWave self-sharpening blades also extend the trimmer’s hassle-free maintenance philosophy. It also runs on a rechargeable battery that can power the device for 50 minutes after a charging time of 10 hours.

Pros

The Philips Norelco BG2040/49 is great for keeping the bathroom clean after a good shave. Its stubble collection feature cuts shaving time in half as there is now no longer a need to clean after oneself. The Philips Foil Shaver Philips Norelco BG2040/49 Beard trimmer can catch up to 99.9% of trimmed hair.

The locking mechanism for the length settings does its job well, even with substantial pressure on the attachment. This makes it great for precise trimming with the desired cutting length.

For its price, the Philips Norelco BG2040/49 Beard trimmer offers a lot. Its battery can also hold a lot of charge after an overnight power-up, making it great for traveling.

Cons

The downside with the Philips Norelco BG2040/49 Beard trimmer is its poor build and construction. It’s quite fragile, breaking easily if mishandled or dropped. Some users have commented not to get a close enough shave with this device as well. It works great for longer stubble but not if the person wants a clean and polished look.

Our Verdict About This Beard Trimmer

This trimmer works great as a travel beard trimmer because of the battery’s large capacity and its self-sharpening blades. Its vacuum feature is also well worth the price of this device. Users are happy with the almost 100% hair-free shaving experience they get with the Philips Norelco BG2040/49 Beard trimmer.

The different length settings are also great for a customizable look. This is also a low-maintenance product, not requiring any sort of lubrication and having a see-through hair chamber that allows users to know when it’s time to empty the device.

Unfortunately, this stubble trimmer doesn’t last long as it is prone to breaking when mishandles. It also works better for trimmer longer hair, making a completely clean look difficult to achieve. This device would be best for those who desire longer stubble rather than a close shave.

4. BaByliss for Men 7890U i-stubble Trimmer

The BaByliss for Men 7890U i-stubble Trimmer is the best gadget to use for maintaining the perfect stubble daily. It provides ease of operation and high accuracy and precision.

The head follows the contour of the face and the digital length adjustment is convenient for selecting desired cutting lengths. The LCD display also shows the battery level.

Electrochemically sharpened blades ensure precise trimming while removing the comb guide allows closer trimming of the stubble.

The packaging includes the lubricating oil, cleaning brush, information booklet, and a money-back guarantee good for 3 years.

Pros

The floating and contouring head tracks of the BaByliss Foil Shaver BaByliss For Men 7890U i-stubble Trimmer conveniently tracks the curves along the face for convenience and comfort.
Motorized length control between 0.4 – 5.0 mm has very precise adjustments for the utmost accuracy in obtaining the desired cut. The blades used are electrochemically sharpened to stay sharp and durable for a long time.

It is a convenient product to use and maintain. A digital display indicates the current cutting length setting and the charge remaining in the battery. It’s also easy to hold due to its sturdy, ergonomic design.

Overcharging is avoided since the device automatically shuts down after a full charge. Resetting the device with a quick one-hour charge will restore it. A five-minute charge suffices for a single shave while a full 90-minute charge is enough for 45 minutes of cordless operation.

Cons

Before the first use, the initial charge should be allowed to proceed for 16 hours. From then on, a full charge would take 90 minutes. Some users have pointed out that the battery could have a hard time holding its charge after a long time of frequent charging.

Despite what the instructions indicate about battery care and maintenance, this setback alone concerning the battery could be the primary problem for users of the trimmer. The battery indicator is said to be unreliable in indicating the actual battery life after continued use.

Initially, the product seems to work well for some consumers, but others have said that they were unhappy with uneven finishes. Working over the same areas on the face was still necessary to achieve the desired cut. It required more time to do the shaving that was expected.
Since the device is not waterproof, it should not be used for wet shaving. Cleaning the trimmer requires the use of a brush and running it under the tap is unsafe. Users also need to disassemble the head to get rid of hair and debris.

The trimmer is pricier than the other basic brands/models. Spares for broken parts are likewise unavailable. The price cannot seem to justify the cheap plastic material of the body and the faulty battery that loses its potency over a short time.

Our Opinion About This Beard Trimmer

The product does not seem to meet its standards well considering the hefty price tag.

Simple yet useful features such as waterproofing, sturdy housing, and a long-lasting, powerful battery should have been included. Better alternatives that have greater value for money are available.

5. Panasonic ER-GB40 Hair and Beard Trimmer

The Panasonic ER-GB40 Blue Hair and Beard Trimmer offer users high cutting performance with its 45-degree blade and advanced cutting technology. It also provides precision cutting with its 19 comb adjustment steps that begin with 1mm and ends at 10mm with 0.5mm intervals. This beard trimmer allows for flexibility and variety, giving users the ability to style their beards to their liking.

The ER-GB40 also has a wide fixed blade that is set at 25mm. It also includes 0.5mm cutting length without the blade. The beard trimmer’s rubberized grip helps users maintain control over the shaver to aid in a smoother cut. It also comes with a charging stand that can double as a storage unit for the trimmer.

This product can be used as a wet shaver, with water or foam, and a dry beard trimmer. It’s water washable and is designed for a refreshing and smooth shaving experience. Cleaning it requires only to run it under the tap. There is no need to remove the blades to get rid of hair clippings and other debris.

Pros

This beard trimmer is easy and simple to manage. It can be cleaned under the tap and deposited into its recharging cradle at once. The Panasonic ER-GB40 Blue Hair and Beard Trimmer’s fixed settings allow for an even shave without the danger of the head slipping or the settings being moved mid-shave.

Users have commented that the ER-GB40 Hair and Beard Trimmer’s short blades make shaving less painful. With longer “teeth”, many have felt discomfort as the blades cut across the skin. The Panasonic ER-GB40 Blue Hair and Beard Trimmer’s head allows for irritation-free and precision shaving.

Cons

Though effective enough on its own, the ER-GB40 has trouble with longer hair. Those who make it a habit to go for a week or two without shaving may find hair being caught on the device from time to time. It has also been found to break easily as one drop can snap off the distancing head.

Another negative point for this foil shaver is that usually takes two swipes instead of one to properly groom hair. This doubles the time it takes to shave or trim beards.

Our Opinion About This Beard Trimmer

The Panasonic ER-GB40 Blue Hair and Beard Trimmer is a great buy for those who want a no-frills shaver. It’s ergonomic and does its job well. It is also easy to clean and maintain. The only downsides to this product may be the flimsy construction that makes it easy to break when dropped, and its problem with catching longer hairs. It also takes twice as long to finish shaving as the beard trimmer isn’t as powerful as other devices.

It’s compact enough not to take up a lot of space and yet powerful enough for a great shave. The fact that it is rechargeable also adds to its pros, making the need to buy batteries a thing of the past. So, for those looking for a simple, dependable stubble trimmer, the Panasonic ER-GB40 Blue Hair and Beard Trimmer is a solid buy.

Braun

Braun started as a radio and audio equipment manufacturing company started by Max Braun in 1921. This mechanical engineer began by making components for radio sets but was quickly able to expand into making whole sets himself. In 1951, after being delayed by WW2, the company released its first electric trimmer.

The S50 was designed using an oscillating cutter block with a thin steel foil fixed above it. More than 60 years later, the principle is still being used in modern Braun trimmers. Today, Braun is considered one of the top brands of electric trimmers, competing with the likes of Philips, Remington, and Panasonic.

Braun is considered by many to produce the most comfortable electric trimmers in the market. With state-of-the-art German engineering, this brand stands head and shoulders above its competition. Below it in the comfort criteria is the Japanese-made Panasonic, followed by Philips and Remington. For comfort and convenience Braun is undefeated.

Remington

Before it was known for personal care products, Remington was known as E. Remington and Sons, a firearms manufacturer. In 1816, E. Remington and Sons started their business making weapons, sewing machines, and farm equipment. After inventing the QWERTY typewriter, the Remington brand transformed into the Remington Typewriter Company.

It wasn’t until 1937 when the Remington brand, that that time called Remington Rand, branched out into personal care products. Their first foray into electric trimmers began with the Remington Model E.

Today, Remington is known for its affordable electric trimmers. Many of its products are 2 or 3 times cheaper than its competitors. Their trimmers are also popular for being simple yet effective. One problem, though, is that most users lament the poor build quality of Remington products. They often get mixed reviews for the sturdiness of their trimmers. Nevertheless, Remington is the go-to brand for affordable products.

Philips

The Philips brand is a diversified tech company with roots in Amsterdam. They are organized into three main divisions: The Philips Consumer Lifestyle division, Philips Healthcare, and Philips Lighting. Though Philips sold a bulk of its consumer electronics operation to Funai Electric Co in 2012, they held on to the consumer electronics operations after the deal was broken one year later.

The Philips Consumer Lifestyle division was formerly two separate divisions that merged in 2008. The Philips Consumer Electronics and Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care teamed up to create 6 product departments. They are in charge of producing and distributing personal care products, in particular Philips electric trimmers.

Though they aren’t lauded as the top in quality or performance, the Philips brand remains popular for its affordability and reliability. It ranks above Remington in build quality, but below them in closeness.

Panasonic

For all 4 famous brands, it seems that Panasonic takes the most awards. It is considered to produce trimmers with the closest shaves and best build quality. Their high-end models have motors that deliver 14,000 cycles per minute, the fastest of all-electric razor brands. This makes their trimmers perform to give the closest shave of all four brands.

The Braun comes in second with their best trimmers providing 10,000 cycles per minute and their mid-level trimmers performing at 8,500 CPM. Panasonic is also regarded as having the best build. While other brands have had good and mediocre products, Panasonic consistently produces high-quality trimmers.

Beard trimmers form handy and useful gadget, in the hectic and busy schedule of the modern era. Men can ensure a neat and presentable beard, in a hassle-free manner by using these sophisticated trimmers. These devices are constructed with quality components and are meant to last for several years. However, they need to be well-maintained for the purpose, and adequate maintenance could retain them as powerful as a new one.

Every trimmer comes with a users’ manual, which educates the user with a list of do’s and don’ts. With experience, a user would get a general idea of many things that the manual does not inform. The blade requires the most care in a beard trimmer, as it determines the overall performance of the trimmer. Some of them come with blades that are coated with special material for lubrication, and hence a soft substance should be used for cleaning them. If the trimmer does not have a brush attachment, a soft brush or a soft cloth has to be used to clean its blades.

Liquid cleansers such as detergents or corrosive chemical-based cleansers should be utterly avoided, as they tend to damage them, in turn degrading their performance. Soap is usually not required, as the dirt on the blades is normally due to grease from the face. If it is used after washing the face or after a shower, it may not require cleaning at all.

The next important thing is to keep the device shut off, after using it, and particularly while cleaning. The trimmer guards should be removed to shake out any accumulated hair, or they can be cleaned by blowing out or brushing the hair from its teeth. The attachments and the blade should be wiped with a clean cloth.

In case the trimmer doesn’t move, when turned on, then it is probably clogged with hair. In that instance, it should not be knocked or overly shaken, rather the attachments should be removed, in order to detect the problem, and set it right.

A battery-powered trimmer will last long, if it is run down completely at least once in a month, and then charged fully for several hours. This is also a means of prolonging battery life. It is also important to set aside a safe place for storing the trimmer, as it may get knocked down if it is placed on high shelves. While traveling a well-padded container should be used to store the trimmer, and further a voltage converter would be useful to avoid damages due to electrical surges that are likely in some places.

Therefore, it takes a few simple measures to maintain and care for the beard trimmer, an amazing gadget, which helps men maintain the style of their goatee, beard, or mustache in an effective manner.