Updated: 26 Aug 2011

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Introduction

We trialled 4 rotary-head and 6 foil men's electric shavers.

The best electric shaver for you depends on your beard and type of skin. So we had 4 men with different beard-skin combinations try the shavers, and rate them for performance, ease of use and comfort.

Our free checklist also explains what to look for in an electric shaver.

Models we trialled

This report contains trial results and our picks for the following men's electric shavers:

• Braun Series 3 Wet & Dry 340
• Braun Series 5 Smooth & Precise 590cc-3
• Panasonic Pro-Curve ES8109s
• Panasonic RW30S 541
• Philips HQ6900
• Philips SensoTouch 3D RQ1280CC
• Remington Diamond 360 SR9130A
• Remington Titanium 360 R3130AH
• Remington Titanium Pivot & Flex F4790
• Remington Titanium Pivot & Flex F7790

Checklist

If you're planning to buy a new electric shaver, here's what to consider.

Type of shaver

There are two main types of electric shavers: rotary and foil (also called oscillating).

Rotary shavers have cutters underneath circular heads. With foil shavers the bristles poke through holes in a curved metal foil and are sliced off by an oscillating blade. The foils are very thin and can easily be damaged if you drop the foil or press too hard while shaving.

Either system can give a good shave. Because rotary and foil types work differently, you may find your skin is irritated for a while if you switch from one type to the other.

Power options

Rechargeable shavers offer convenience. Most can be operated on the mains as well, but shaving with the cord is only meant to be a back-up measure, in case the battery runs out.

If you frequently use your shaver on the mains, hoping to save the battery, you can actually shorten its life. On more sophisticated models you'll also disrupt the "number of shaves left" function. You can switch to the cord if the shaver runs out of power halfway through a shave, but recharge the battery when you've finished.

Small battery-operated shavers are useful for travelling, but are not usually suitable for everyday use.

Batteries

Most models use either a Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or a Lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery.

Ease of use

Choose a model that's easy to clean and comfortable to hold. If it has a separate blade for trimming beards and sideburns, make sure your view isn't obstructed when you use it.

Cleaning is easier and quicker if the shaver can be washed under a tap, rather than brushed out.

Wet shavers

If you feel that a lather gives a better shave, or you like to save time by shaving in the shower, look for a "wet and dry" shaver. These can't be used on mains power, and have a charging stand.

Washable models

Cleaning out electric shavers can be a messy and fiddly job. A "washable" shaver will be easy to clean, as you can just run it under the tap, but is not intended for wet shaves.

Travel case

A pouch is easier to pack than a hard case when you're travelling. If your model has a charging stand or power pack, make sure it will fit into the travel case.

Also handy for travelling shavers: a travel lock (it ensures the power switch remains "off"), and a shaving head cover to protect the foil or cutters.

Indicators

A rechargeable shaver should warn you when it is about to run out of power. It's also handy to have a charging light (so you can be sure you've plugged it in properly), and a more precise display of the charge level. Other indicators may include a light to warn you that the foil or cutters need replacing, or the shaver needs cleaning.

Extra features

A docking station can provide a convenient base to recharge your shaver and can also incorporate a cleaning solution – but our triallists found them slow to clean and unnecessary.

A conditioner dispensing system dispenses shaving conditioner onto the skin while shaving.

Electric vs disposable

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How does an electric shaver measure up to a disposable razor?

Pros

• Convenient: Electric shavers are quick – and you don't need to bother with shaving gel or foam.
• Portable: Most shavers come with a travel pouch. Charge them up before leaving home, and they'll stay charged for a week's worth of shaving.
• Easy to use: Most shavers come with a moustache trimmer, some wash themselves, and others dispense gel. Electric shavers are less likely to bite than a razor blade: they're great for those who have dexterity problems.
   

Cons

• Maintenance: Foil shavers need new foils every 6 to10 months and new cutters every other year (it depends on the thickness of your beard). Rotary shavers need new heads every 2 to 4 years.
   

What we found

Shaving performance

We wanted to find the shaver that gave each triallist the best combination of smooth shaving and easy-to-look-after features. Each shaver was trialled at least twice on one-day and two-day growth.

Personal preference
Our two sets of triallists didn’t agree on the same shavers – so we’ve grouped our results according to hair and skin type (see Our picks).

Cleaning station

This is included with some models. It’s a separate device containing a cleaning solution with an opening at the top for the razor to be lowered into head-first. The "dunked" razor is then cleaned automatically.

We found them fiddly to use, taking a long time to do what could be quickly and easily done by rinsing the razor under a running tap. All the models with cleaning stations also had detailed instructions on how to clean the shavers without using these unnecessary devices.

Trial results

 

Guide to the table

We trialled 4 rotary-head and 6 foil shavers. Our 4 triallists regularly used electric shavers and had different hair and skin types. 2 of them tried the rotary shavers and 2 of them the foil models.

Of the 2 who tried the rotary shavers, 1 had coarse hair and normal skin and the other had coarse hair and sensitive skin. Of those who tried the foil shavers, 1 had medium hair and sensitive skin and the other fine hair and normal skin.

Our picks

Rotary-head models

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Philips SensoTouch 3D RQ1280CC(for coarse hair and normal skin)

Price: $800

Good points
Very good shaving performance and comfort. Very easy to use. Has trimmer. Allows wet shave. Washable. Has travel pouch.

But
Fiddly cleaning station.

Bottom line
Very smooth cut. Very easy to clean. But we didn't like the cleaning station.

 

Remington Diamond 360 SR9130A(for coarse hair and sensitive skin)

Price: $250

Good points
Excellent shaving performance and comfort. Excellent to use. Washable. Has travel pouch.

But
Heavy. The trimmer was largely ineffectual.

Bottom line
Smooth result. Easy to clean. Nice to hold.

 

Foil models

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Braun Series 5 Smooth & Precise 590cc-3(for medium hair and sensitive skin)

Price: $400

Good points
Very good shaving performance and comfort. Excellent to use. Has trimmer. Washable. Has travel pouch.

But
Cleaning-station process is noisy, time-consuming and wastes energy.

Bottom line
Effective. Easy to use (except for the cleaning station).

 

Panasonic Pro-Curve ES8109s(for fine hair and normal skin)

Price: $300

Good points
Very good shaving performance. Excellent comfort. Very easy to use. Has trimmer. Allows wet shave. Washable. Has travel pouch.

But
Fiddly and messy cleaning station.

Bottom line
Very good shaver (except for the cleaning station).

 

Top shaving tips

• Charge it up: Make sure your shaver is fully charged.
• Wash up: Some manufacturers recommend washing your face before shaving, others don't. For most people, this will be a question of personal preference.
• Pull your skin taut: Stretching your skin allows a closer shave.
• Shave against the grain: Electric shavers work best if you shave against the direction in which your hair grows.
• Moisturise: To avoid dry skin, moisturise after shaving.
• Clean your shaver: Brush or wash away stubble after use. Check the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your shaver – some can be rinsed under a running tap.