Not great excuses I know, but up until now my focus has been providing as many electric shaver product reviews as I can so that you will have the broadest range to choose from. Electric shavers vary widely in the features they possess, the type of shave they deliver and the price you will have to pay.

A top 10 list is something I’m always being asked for, so I’ve finally decided to cooperate and list what are, in my opinion, the ten best mens shavers available today. Some of them I’ve chosen because they provide the best shave you can get, others are here because they offer a combination of a close shave and value for money. When you read through the list though, bear in mind that it is only my opinion, so please do read through the full review before you make up your mind to buy. Here we go…….

• Philips Norelco 1280cc/42 SensoTouch Shaver Review

The 1280cc/42 is another of the shaver models in Philips Norelco’s SensoTouch range, and here we show you its main features, what you can expect in terms of performance, and review some of the comments from people who have used it. Even more so than the other razors in this range, this one is for the serious shaver!…..

• Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV81-K Shaver Review

• Panasonic ES-LA93-K Shaver Review

Like other Panasonic models, this shaver incorporates a slim ergonomic shaft with the round-edged head perched on top. It has a black and gleaming casing, which provides an elegant look. At 2.2 x 2.7 x 6.5 inches it’s not that bulky, but it does weigh around 2 pounds with its docking station…..

• Philips Norelco 7310XL Shaver Review

If you are looking to get a close comfortable shave and maintain that close comfort throughout the day you will love what this great electric shaver will do for you. One of the great features is the patented lift and cut razor system that does just what it says it will do. It is a two razor system where the first one lifts the hair out of the skin and the second one comes through and whacks the hair off…..

• Braun Series 7 Shaver Review

Series 7 is the pinnacle of Braun’s revolutionary engineering technology in men’s shavers. Its uncompromising features are designed to remove more hair with every stroke, even for problematic hair. It is available in two models- 790cc and 760cc.

• Philips Norelco 8250XL Shaver Review

The Philips Norelco 8250XL Shaver has numerous great features, but even if this shaver only had one of these features it would still be worth the investment. To start of the long list of features this shaver has the speed XL shaving heads offer 50% more shaving surface to make removing the hair on the face and neck very quick and easy. This feature also provides less irritation for a man’s skin.

• Braun Series 5 Shaver Review

Aesthetically it is a pleasing black and silver color, it has a contoured design with grip features running up the sides of the stem of the shaver with the foil head built into the top. It comes with a stylish cleaning and recharging docking station, also in black and has a LED display to show battery status and a cleaning indicator…..

• Remington MS2-390 Shaver Review

To make every shave more comfortable Remington has provided two microscreens with comfor tech technology. This is a feature that can only be found on the Remington MS2-390 Shaver and no other razor provides a more close shave at such a high comfort level…..

• Braun BodyCruzer Shaver Review

This body shaver is used by many male models to shave off body hair that is simply an annoyance and takes away from their appearance. It has all of the great features any man is looking for in a great body groomer and is sure to be sold at a price that men will gladly pay…..

Whatever the reason, below we give you some tips on how to use an electric shaver, including foil and rotary head shavers when using wet and dry – because the techniques do differ. We also tell you how to clean your unit.

In addition to our tips, don’t forget to read the instruction manual that comes with your razor for more tips specific for your particular unit.

How To Use A Rotary Head Shaver

Philips Norelco are the biggest name in rotary shavers, though you may see Remington and Wahl models too. Most of the best models use 3 rotating heads nowadays.

• The general rule is that you will hold the razor at approximately 90 degree angle to the face to maximize the exposure of the heads to the beard and stubble.

• As you move the shaver over the chin and neck areas the angle will vary – you can adjust to what’s most comfortable for you.

• Move the shaver up “against” the grain and down “with” the grain as you are shaving – this will give you the closest shave possible.

• With a rotary head shaver you can also move in a circular motion, from side to side – which is a difference in technique to using a foil shaver (see below).

• Another good technique is to pull the skin of the area you are shaving taut with your free hand and this exposes any short or flattened hairs to the blades of the shaver.

Over time you will find the right balance of motion and pressure with your shaver. It’s best if you don’t press your razor too hard as this can cause irritation, but if you have a cheaper shaver with less power you may not get a close shave without a little pressing.

How To Use A Foil Head Shaver

Foil shavers are made by Braun, Panasonic, Remington and Wahl. Most of the best ones these days employ “floating”, hypoallergenic, super-thin arc foils over the blade system – up to 5 of them!

• Most of the techniques for using a rotary shaver also apply to using a foil shaver.

• Maintain a 90 degree angle to the face.

• Use an up and down motion.

• The circular motion of a rotary shaver is not usually used with a foil shaver.

•  Stretch the skin for a close shave.

• Try to keep the pressure you apply to a minimum.

• Start shaving in the most sensitive areas of the face and neck first as foil shavers generate heat and feel rather hot against those areas.

Again, the relative power of your shaver’s motor and efficiency of the blade system will dictate how hard you have to press and whether you have to repeat shaving motions to get a close shave; the best units aim at one-pass shaving but this will vary, depending on thickness of beard.

Persevere with your shaver – after a couple of weeks you should almost be able to shave with your eyes closed, no matter how awkward it felt at the first attempt!

Wet Shaving With An Electric Shaver

Many foil and rotary head shavers these days can be used wet or dry, meeting the demand to use the appliance cordlessly in the shower or bath or at the sink with shaving gel or cream; this has been made possible by extended and rechargeable battery lives and is now a common feature that users look for.

As well as the convenience of shaving in the shower, many users prefer the smoothness that shaving with foam or gel gives you. many also claim that you get a closer shave this way.

For best results treat the shave like you would with a blade shave – so wash your face first with warm water and apply the shaving cream or gel. This will make the whiskers easier to remove.

With a waterproof shaver you can rinse it under the tap or shower head after every few strokes- especially if you are using gel or foam, as the heads will get clogged.

With a dry shave it’s usually quicker and can be performed in a hurry – even when not at home; you can shave in the car or at work, for example.

Cleaning Your Electric Shaver

The options for cleaning razors these days are a lot more varied than the old way of just brushing the heads clear of stubble and hair.

What hasn’t changed is that it’s very important to keep your unit clean to maintain proper functionality – preferably after every use.

Many of the top shavers now come with a cleaning and charging system – this applies to both main types of shaver. The top brands all have models with these systems and they mean that you can dock your shaver, charge it, clean it, lubricate and dry it all at the press of a button. You also need to keep the cleaning solution cartridges stocked up when cleaning this way; this is an added expense in addition to extra costs of the actually cleaning unit, but some people like the convenience of these systems.

Others still prefer the manual way of cleaning, but this is more sophisticated than it used to be, with many models. A turbo-clean mode, whereby you press a button and the motor of the razor speeds up, allows you to effectively clear the heads under running water.

With many shavers being wet dry models now the help of running water in cleaning the heads free of debris, makes cleaning a bit easier.

With the cheaper electric shavers it may still be a case of you, the razor and a brush doing the job. Most foil shavers allow you to take off the foil to make life easier and rotary heads may also allow you to remove and clean the blades for extra thoroughness.

You should brush each cutter and foil guard separately to maintain the quality of the shave and to extend the life of the cutters.

What’s the Best Electric Shaver on the Market?

This is the one question that most shaver-shoppers want the answer to and it’s the one that’s most difficult to answer!

It really is down to you whether you prefer rotary heads or foil shavers, for starters; after that it’s down to how much you want to spend and choosing between a series of large and small differences between the major brands.

If you’re looking for the best $40 shaver it will obviously have different features to the best $200 shaver, so be careful when hunting around that you compare like with like.

One good tip is to ignore Top 5 or Top 10 razor lists – often they include only one or two manufacturers, they can be marketing tools rather than proper assessments, they are generally the opinions of one person and they are rarely updated.

How Do I Compare Different Razors?

Look at your own requirements and know what you need. Then make sure you research thoroughly on manufacturer sites and review sites.

Get acquainted with the relative strengths and weaknesses of the razor you are considering, before you buy it.

What are you after? Most people, of course, want a clean and close shave with no irritation – whether that means a foil or rotary head will depend on your personal preference. But do you need a razor that you can travel with, has a long charge, cleans itself, is usable wet and dry or is price the only factor you are considering?

Remember that your own type of beard will vary from other users and your skin is also unique so don’t expect “absolutes” with these items – it’s often a case of getting used to a particular razor over time.

We can help you choose a suitable razor with the reviews on this site.

Foil or Rotary Head Shavers?

The second most popular question in Shaver Land!

The answer depends entirely on you; you probably won’t be surprised to read that. Nobody can tell you what suits your face, cheeks and neck better than you!

Both types of razor have improved over time with Philips Norelco innovating with the rotary heads and Braun and Panasonic leading the way with the foil shavers. Both types have also lasted the distance, which means there is not a huge performance difference between the two types – indeed, Remington see enough advantages in both types to include both in their range.

In terms of popularity, foil shavers probably edge it because two major manufacturers produce them.

Some commonly quoted strengths of rotary head shavers include a powerful and close shave, with low heat and low noise levels. Some commonly quoted strengths of foil head shavers are high comfort and low irritation levels when using and great cutting systems. These are anecdotal comments and nothing has been scientifically proven, though.

What’s the Best Shaver for Sensitive Skin?

If you have really sensitive skin then you might like to check with a skin specialist for tips on whether you should be buying an electric razor or using disposables.

One electric shaver model that is made specifically for people with sensitive skin is the Philips Norelco HS8420 Nivea for Men Razor; this dispenses a moisturizer during usage to reduce irritation.

Other people prefer to choose extra-powerful models that can shave close the first time, which means less going over the same area – reducing the chance of soreness or shaver burn. Less powerful razors may also mean that you have to press harder and this may aggravate sensitive skin.

Some problems with shaving can be alleviated by using pre-shaving oil– this helps to lubricate the skin and reduce any friction you may experience.

Users have reported that perseverance can pay off; allow your skin the time to adapt to your shaver before dismissing it as a bad deal. If it doesn’t work, try something else.

What’s the Best Shaver for African-Americans?

African-American men experience more razor bumps, irritation and ingrown hairs, when using electric shavers, than Caucasian men.

If you find this, then why not try the same types of shaver recommended for people with sensitive skin, detailed above. This may work, as might the pre-shaving oil tip.

Reading reviews helps but you will often hear conflicting reports about both rotary heads and foil shavers so, again, there is no definitive answer to the question. Test and test again, until you find one that suits you.

Should I Buy a Shaver with an Automatic Cleaning System?

This depends on a number of things – are you OK with the extra expense of buying a unit with a cleaning and docking station – often adding around $100 to the cost of the unit? Are you are OK with the extra ongoing running costs of the cleaning cartridges – estimated at $3-$5 per month? Are you pushed for time and never seem to be able to give your razor a thorough clean?

Cleaning stations are becoming more popular amongst manufacturers but there seems to be a split amongst users – some people love the convenience; others aren’t willing to meet the extra expense and end up cleaning their shaver under the tap anyway.

It’s a luxury item – we would say if you don’t mind cleaning the razor yourself then there’s no need for a cleaning station. Save the money and use it on a higher-end razor.

Electric Shavers vs. Disposable Shavers

Another common question among razor-shoppers is how electric shavers compare with disposables. Once again, this really does depend on personal preference.

Many people report that they can get as close a shave with a high quality shaver as with disposable blades; some say that only some areas can be shaved just as close; others dispute this and say they will never achieve the same level of closeness as with blades.

Most users do agree that you get lees cuts with electric shavers – no electric shaver should cut you at all, whereas with blades little nicks can be quite common.

Irritation levels can be higher with electric shavers, though much can depend on the shaving foam or gel you are using as much as the actual shaving implements.

Many people like the extra convenience and time-saving element that electric shavers provide – instead of having to lather, shave, rinse and dry, simply flicking the On-switch and shaving is attractive to people pushed for time or on the move a lot.

Others like the therapeutic element of a shaving ritual that takes time – they don’t want to rush the process and so prefer blades.

Price comparisons between the two types of shaver are difficult because there are so many different types of both. What should not be forgotten is that there can be ongoing costs with electric shavers as well as disposables – replacing foils, blades and cleaning cartridges, plus electricity charges all create ongoing costs; with disposables you have the blade costs plus the shaving lotion or gel that you are using.

As you can see, with so many pluses and minuses for each type, you will need to decide for yourself which best suits you – no-one can decide that for you!

How Long does it Take to ‘Break In’ an Electric Shaver?

Some people are not aware that most electric shavers need a period of “breaking in” while your face and neck become used to the device.

The length of time varies and a lot of people who have a rough time in the first couple of days with their shaver give up and stop using it.

Perseverance counts for a lot and it can take up to 3 weeks of daily shaving before maximum comfort is achieved. Your facial hair will become “trained” to be shaved in the most comfortable way for best results.

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV81-K Shaver is the latest top-of-the range model from Panasonic using 5 blades for an unbelievably close shave. It is a step up in power and precision from most other shavers on the market and that is reflected in its top of the range price.

You will see from the user reviews below that buyers are more than willing to pay the premium price for the excellent results they are getting with this shaver.

Appearance and Accessories

The Panasonic ES-LV81-K Shaver is a very stylish all-black color with its 5-bladed head perched on top of a tapering handle that allows an easy and comfortable grip, as per normal with the high-end Panasonic units.

On the front of the handle is a blue-colored LCD. It measures around 6.3 inches (h) x 2.8 inches (w) x 2 inches (d) and weighs around 7 ounces.

This model comes equipped with its cleaning and charging kit and a convenient travel case.

Main Features

• Quick lift arc foil and an ultra-thin outer foil on a pivoting head.

• It features FIVE 30 degree Nanotec finishing blades for a close comfortable shave on the first pass.

• A multi-flex pivot action shaving head that allows you to turn the shaver any way while still remaining comfortable and irritation-free on the skin.

• The expanded cutting area of this shaver spreads the pressure and reduces friction and irritation to the skin.

• It uses the sharpest blades available on the market.

• It uses the Panasonic linear motor – the fastest motor around at 14,000 RPM – to tackle even the thickest beards. Most razors operate at 8,000 – 10,000 RPM, which can cause tugging and pulling of hairs.

• Option to use it wet or dry. It can be used to shave in the shower – the stream of hot water opens up the pores, making it easier to remove hair.

• Features an LCD display that shows the battery level in 10 steps, so you know when it should be charged.  There is also a light that indicates when cleaning is required.

• A pop-up trimmer allows you to straighten up your sideburns and mustache.

• 5 minute quick charge option.

• 14-day battery life per 1-hour charge.

• Automatic voltage conversion – so it can be used overseas without any problems.

• Switch-lock button to prevent unit from going on accidentally.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is very easy with this shaver. Its automatic cleaning and charging system does it all at the press of a button, using a hygienic, alcohol-free solution and removes all stubble and debris.

Price

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV81-K Shaver will be priced at around $599 in most stores across the country. Online that price may come down but it is a relatively new unit, so prices are still a little high.

Warranty

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV81-K shaver comes with a 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV81-K Shaver is one of the latest models, but has already received some rave reviews.  Some claim it to be the closest possible shave from an electric shaver.

The exceptionally close shave is backed up by the power that means there’s no pulling of hairs and also the comfort of the expanded foil surfaces to catch the maximum amount of hair first time – thereby reducing soreness or razor burn to an absolute minimum, if at all.

The battery seems to last well on a full charge and users also like the quick charge option with this model.

One of the main negatives seems to be that you can’t use it when plugged into the mains – so make sure you remember to charge it; you are reminded when you switch the shaver off what percentage of battery life remains, which is useful.

This shaver would certainly be near the top of most peoples top ten electric shavers list…..

That needn’t apply nowadays, as manufacturers are constantly improving their products and making the best electric shavers for sensitive skin better suited to all types of skin and beard types.

More powerful motors and finely tuned cutting systems, more blades, finer foils and in-built moisturizers are just a few of the features that the best electric shavers for sensitive skin employ nowadays to create devices that produce less irritation.

So some men may need to suspend their aversion to electric shavers and give them a try again because many electric shaver users claim that they actually cause less irritation than disposable blades.

Here we look at a few ways you may be able to get the shave you are looking for from an electric shaver, even if you have very sensitive skin.

Before You Shave

Showering before shaving opens the pores of the skin and soaks and softens the whiskers, making them easier to remove – important if you have sensitive skin.

If you don’t want to shower you can use a flannel soaked in warm water and use on the face to achieve the same effect.

If you have one of the latest wet/dry shavers, of course you can shave while you are in the bath or shower and get the full benefit from the softening effect of the warm water and steam. You can also rinse and clean the shaver instantly as you shave, which will make things more comfortable too.

Shaving the Right Way with an Electric Shaver

Part of the trick in achieving a great shave is in the shaver that you choose, but there are also some tips on how you shave that can help you achieve an irritation-free technique.

Disposable blade shavers usually shave in the direction of hair growth, down the face; with a foil electric shaver the movement should be largely against the growth direction of the hair – the foils have tiny holes that will lift hairs up from the skin and help to catch them with the rest, for a more even and close shave.

It’s important if you have sensitive skin to not go over the same area more than necessary so shaving with this technique will mean less contact between the shaver and your face.

With a rotary head shaver using it with a circular motion will help. Shaving against the direction of hair growth for best results still applies though.

When you are shaving you can gently stretch the skin with your free hand to expose all hairs and create an even surface for the shaver to pass over and grab the hairs first time.

Another concern is how hard you press with your shaver; with the better shavers it should never be necessary to press hard and this should reduce the chance of skin reactions.

Ever Thought Of Using Shaving Oil?

Many men who complain that they can’t use an electric shaver because of sensitive skin have never tried their unit using shaving oil, gel or cream for extra lubrication.

This is a great way to reduce friction and many of the wet/dry shavers made nowadays are made with this in mind – specifically aimed at minimizing irritation.

Shaving oils are perhaps not as popular as creams or gels but are worth a try if you have not had much success using anything else.

Choosing Your Shaver

One shaver that is specifically marketed at men with sensitive skin is the Philips Norelco Nivea for Men model, which dispenses moisturizer as you shave, lubricating and reducing irritation. It is quite unique.

Of course you could get equally good results with a shaver of similar quality using a separate moisturizer as described above.

The best advice with choosing your shaver is to find one that is powerful enough to handle your beard without repeatedly going over the same area, has a quality cutting system with at least 3 blades (4 or even 5 are becoming common), uses hypoallergenic foils (if a foil head shaver), can be used wet and dry and has a pivoting head that can follow your unique contours. There are plenty to choose from that cover all these bases.

You’ve probably heard plenty about the 3 and 4-blade cutting systems. Well the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A shaver is one of the latest top-of-the range models from Panasonic using FIVE  blades for an unbelievably close shave.

It is a step up in power and precision from most other shavers on the market and that is reflected in its top of the range price. You will also see from the length of the review below that there is plenty to say about this razor.

It is very similar to the ES-LV81-K model, except it doesn’t have a separate cleaning and charging station.

User reviews below indicate that buyers are more than willing to pay the premium price for the excellent results they are getting with this shaver.

Appearance and Accessories

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A Shaver is a classy gun metal dark-blue color with its 5-bladed head perched on top of a tapering handle that allows an easy and comfortable grip, as per normal with the high-end Panasonic units.

On the front of the handle is a blue-colored LCD and a chrome circular selector switch that toggles between operating mode and travel lock mode. The unit measures around 6.3 inches (h) x 2.8 inches (w) x 2 inches (d) and weighs around 7 ounces.

This model comes equipped with a convenient travel case.

Main Features

• Quick lift arc foil and an ultra-thin outer foil on a pivoting head.

• It features FIVE 30 degree Nanotec finishing blades for a close comfortable shave on the first pass.

• A multi-flex pivot action shaving head that allows you to turn the shaver any way while still remaining comfortable and irritation-free on the skin.

• The expanded cutting area of this shaver spreads the pressure and reduces friction and irritation to the skin.

• It uses the sharpest blades available on the market.

• It uses the Panasonic linear motor – the fastest motor around at 14,000 RPM – to tackle even the thickest beards. Most razors operate at 8,000 – 10,000 RPM, which can cause tugging and pulling of hairs.

• Option to use it wet or dry. It can be used to shave in the shower – the stream of hot water opens up the pores, making it easier to remove hair.

• Features an LCD display that shows the battery level in 10 steps, so you know when it should be charged.  There is also a light that indicates when cleaning is required.

• A pop-up trimmer allows you to straighten up your sideburns and mustache.

• 5 minute quick charge option.

• 14-day battery life per 1-hour charge.

• Automatic voltage conversion – so it can be used overseas without any problems.

• Switch-lock button to prevent unit from going on accidentally.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is very easy with this shaver. It features a sonic vibration cleaning system that speeds up the motor and clears it of stubble and hair; it is waterproof so it can be held under water. It does not use the cleaning station like its “cousin”- the LV81-K.

Price

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A Shaver will be priced at around $499 in most stores across the country. Online that price may come down but it is a relatively new unit, so the prices are still a little high – having said that, this unit would be pretty near the top of most peoples top 10 electric shavers list, so it is well worth the investment.

Warranty

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A shaver comes with a 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV61-A Shaver is one of the latest models, but has already received some stellar reviews.  Some claim it to be the closest possible shave from an electric shaver.

Apart from the quality of the shave, users like the comfort of the shave from the pivoting, floating heads, the easy cleaning process, the ease with which the heads can be dismantled and put back together and the lengthy charge time with this model.

The main objection is the price and certainly this unit may be out of many people’s budgets but when you split the cost over 3 or 4 years of using it, shaving every day, it seems much more reasonable! Don’t forget that as well as the cost of the shaver you have replacement blade costs every year or two, which will add another $50-$70 to the equation.

Please also note that you can’t use this model with a separate cleaning and docking station from the LV81-K model, as it’s missing the charging nodes it needs.

The Braun 9595 Series 7 Electric Shaver is one of the most popular lines from Braun, in their long line of foil head shavers that they have brought to the market over the years. Weighing in at around $275 – $300 online, it is not a cheap model but let’s look at the reasons why it’s popular.

Overview

The Braun 9595 Series 7 Electric Shaver is one of the most popular lines from Braun, in their long line of foil head shavers that they have brought to the market over the years.

This is not a cheap series of shavers so let’s look at the features that make this one is so popular.

Appearance and Accessories

The razor itself is quite a striking silver, chrome and blue color and is a solid design with a rubber gripping back-side for ease of holding and using. It has a rounded oblong shaped head supporting the blades and foil cutting system and quite a straight stem. It looks very solid but is not too heavy.

With its sophisticated cleaning and docking station (“Clean and Renew”) this is a bulky item for an electric shaver, though people have become more used to this as docking stations have become more commonplace in recent years.

Main Features

• The 10,000 plus micro-vibrations per minute from the head make this a powerful unit – this system stimulates the skin and allows more hairs to be trapped and cut.

• The precision Gillette Blade Technology works to cut the hairs and provide a close shave first time without any pulling.

• Braun’s touch-sensitive foils that cover the blades provide a smooth, comfortable shave that minimizes any irritation or risk of soreness.

• The Braun 9595 Series 7 head is flexible, with a pivoting head, and will follow the contours of the face and the neck, enhancing the comfort of the shave and also meaning that it can reach all the harder to get to areas.

• A Power-Comb feature lifts any problem hairs that lie flat to the skin in hard-to-shave areas, meaning that less hair is missed.

• A quick charge option is available for charging the Lithium ion battery, which takes about 5 minutes.

•  Full recharge takes about an hour.

• Provides around 50 minutes of continuous cordless shaving.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Clean and Renew system docking station is one of the features that makes this model stand out.

It will clean, lubricate, dry and recharge the razor efficiently, thanks to its Energy Star qualified battery charger.

The system can be activated as the touch of a button and the washing cycle completed either fully or in a Fast mode that will clean the shaver in 25 seconds if you are in a hurry.

Alternatively, the unit can be washed under running water effectively, if the Clean and Renew system is unavailable or if you decide not to take it when you travel.

Users recommend combining standard cleaning with using the cleaning station to save on cleaning cartridge costs.

Price

You can buy a Braun 9595 Series 7 electric shaver for around $275 – $300 online,

Warranty

This shaver comes with a 2-year warranty which excludes the cutter and foil which will probably need replacing inside 2 years.

User Reviews

The Braun 9595 Series 7 electric shaver is one of the highest rating models of electric razor from users on the largest online retail sites.

Despite the high price, users are overwhelmingly positive about the close, comfortable shave it provides and the ease of maintenance with the Clean and Renew system.

The main negative with this model is the price of the shaver and the cleaning fluid, which takes it out of many people’s budgets.

The Braun 560 Rechargeable Shaver is one of their high-range, Series 5 shavers. It looks to bring a “power and precision” approach to shaving, using its Gillette blade technology.

As expected with a Braun it is a foil head shaver, but let’s see what else can you expect from one of these units.

Appearance and Inclusions

Style-wise the 560 is shaped with non-slip finger-grips that make it nice and easy to hold and use.  It is blue and silver in color and tapers slowly from the precision, floating foil head down to the base and features an LED on the front with 5 light indicators.

As well as the shaver, this unit comes with a deluxe travel pod and cleaning brush.

Main Features

• Gillette Blade Technology is used in a 3-stage cutting system.

• The Gillette precision comfort blades are specially-angled to give the closest shave possible and are designed to remove hair effortlessly in one stroke, resulting in less irritation.

• In this unit you see the expertise of an established blade company with Braun’s expertise in providing powerful, convenient and comforting electric shaving units.

• For a tailored shave there is a Comfort Setting switch, which controls the level of pivoting according to your own requirements. The head adjusts well to shape of the face.

• The extra-thin smartfoils used in this series help to raise any flattened hairs and align them, ready for cutting by the high-speed blades.

• Any flattened hairs that have not been raised by the foil will be caught by the power comb, which is especially good for the neck area. This ensures an all-over shave, with fewer “missed” hairs.

• An extendable trimmer also allows for any longer hairs in the beard or sideburns to be trimmed easily.

• The shaver is operated with the same up and down movements as a wet shaver, so it is easy to control and the slim heads mean that it’s easy to use it in the hard-to-reach areas.

• Its battery is lithium ion and there is a 5-minute quick charge facility if you are in a hurry.

• Fully rechargeable unit that can be used for travelling.

• Automatically selects the right worldwide voltage setting.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Braun 560 is washable under running water for easy cleaning. Just switch the shaver on for 5 to 10 seconds and rinse, after each use.

For best results a drop of machine oil every now and again wouldn’t hurt either.

Price

The Braun 560 Rechargeable Shaver is usually priced at between $180 and $240, depending on where you look.

Warranty

The Braun 560 comes with a year 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

User Reviews

Most users rate the Braun 560 very well in terms of the closeness and comfort of shave, good battery life and ease of use and cleaning.

The main negative comment from users was about the travel case only being big enough for the shaver and not for the cleaning brush too, so nothing too major.

Overview

The Remington WDF 7000 Smooth & Silky is a top of the line lady’s electric shaver from one of the “Big Four” razor manufacturers.

If you’re going to spend the extra on a razor like this you will want to know what it does that a $40 razor doesn’t do and that’s what we take a look at below.

Appearance and Accessories

The Remington WDF 7000 Smooth & Silky is gold and white in color and has a smooth, ergonomically designed, easy-grip handle that leads to a large head supporting the blades. The foil heads are gold colored.

The razor alone weighs 6.3 ounces. With the cleaning system it weights almost 2 pounds.

The unit comes with its cleaning and charging station, Remington Cleaning Solution (8-ounce size bottle) and a razor cleaning brush.

Main Features

• The heads use dual Remington Titanium blades for a close shave.

• Employs a set of SmoothCut trimmers for the bikini line, any missed hairs or longer, multiple day growth that needs cutting.

• The foil screen covering the blades is a hypo-allergenic safe screen design that allows the razor to follow the contours of the user’s body for a quick, close and comfortable shave.

• Built-in comfort strips over the blades.

• No need to press hard against the skin.

• Rechargeable.

• Can be used wet or dry – in and out of the shower: like many of the higher end shavers these days it can be used with shaving foam or gel to add extra smoothness and lubrication to the shave, avoiding any chance of irritation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Unusual amongst women’s shavers, it comes with its own cleaning and docking station; whilst this has been a popular feature of the top of the line men’s shavers for a while now, lady’s shavers have not employed this facility until Remington used it here.

Within the base it can be charged up and cleaned, using a cleaning solution and a filter which work together to make the shaver as good as new after each shave and taking about 25 minutes to cycle through.

The base also lubricates the cutting blades as it cleans, which maintains the shaver in a good state conveniently, without any extra work for the user.

On the docking station an LED indicator will let you know when the unit is cleaning, charging or needs some new solution.

For a quick clean, open the unit up, blow the hairs away and run it under the tap, because the whole unit is waterproof.

Price

The Remington WDF 7000 is priced at around $400-450, depending on where you buy it.

Warranty

The Remington WDF 7000 comes with the standard Remington 2-year warranty.

User Reviews

Users of the Remington WDF 7000 Smooth & Silky report a comfortable and worry-free shave because it never nicks or cuts the user, dry or wet shaving. It provides a great shave for legs and underarm areas, by virtually all accounts, even for those with sensitive skin.

The main problem voiced seemed to lie with the two slender rubber strips (the comfort strips) on either side of the foil area over the blade which can be worn away after a while.

The Panasonic Arc IV ES-LA63-S Multi Flex Nanotech is one of the higher end models from Panasonic that you will see on the market.

Like the Braun shavers, Panasonic specialize in the foil-head shavers rather than the rotary blade types that Philips Norelco are known for.

There are a lot of cheaper models in the Panasonic range so let’s take a closer look at the features of this model that make the difference.

Appearance and Inclusions

The ES-LA63-S Arc IV Multi Flex Nanotech is a stylish silver-colored unit with an ergonomic stem handle that has an illuminated blue LCD display, supporting a large multi-flexible pivoted active head that moves in 2 directions. The back of the stem is rubberized, making it easy to hold, whether wet or dry.

As well as the shaver you get a travel case and charger with this item.

Main Features

• Uses an ultra-thin vibrating outer foil only 41 micrometers thick, which makes it incredibly sensitive – the vibrations from the motor lift the hair follicles and give the closest possible shave.

• The 30-degree inner blades also use nanotechnology to cut the hairs at their base to provide an even closer shave.

• A non-irritating shave is achieved by the four multi-arc blades which exert very even pressure on the chin and facial areas and react well to the contours of the face, leaving the shaven area smooth and free of any redness.

• This shaver has a fast, powerful, linear motor drive that produces 14,000 cycles per minute, meaning that you don’t have to go over areas repeatedly to achieve smoothness.

• You can use it plugged in, cordless while travelling, or cordlessly in the shower using gel or shaving foam to augment the closeness and comfort of the shave.

• For longer hairs you can use the pop-up trimmer that comes supplied.

• Fully charges in 1 hour and this allows approximately 40 minutes of shaving time.

• Switch-lock button that means it cannot accidentally be turned on when travelling.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Unlike other models in this price range there is no docking station to clean, lubricate and charge the razor.

Cleaning is performed by running the unit under a tap and pressing the power button long enough for it to enter cleaning mode, where it will receive a powerful boost from its motor to help the process.

The main positive of this system is that you save money as you don’t have to buy the specially-designed cleaning cartridges that you need for the docking station system. It also saves on electricity costs.

Price

You will find the Panasonic Arc IV ES-LA63-S Multi Flex Nanotech retailing for $300 in places, but you can pick one up online for around half that price at major bulk retailers like Amazon nowadays.

Warranty

The Panasonic Arc IV shavers come with a one year warranty.

User Reviews

Most of the users of this shaver have given very positive feedback about the shaving experiences, from the comfortable feel of the shaver when using it, through the quality of the shave, battery life, its low noise output, the flexibility of the wet/dry shaving options and the ease of cleaning.

Some users have commented  that they get a much closer shave using it as a wet shaver, as it acts more like a traditional blade shaver than an electric razor.

In terms of the negative comments, there was some surprise from users that there was no cleaning/docking station or stand, which other similarly-priced models have nowadays.

There were also some people who considered the head a little bulky for reaching the hard-to-get-to areas when shaving and some who considered the razor a little plain-looking for its price.