What To Look For
There are two types of men's shavers on the market: rotary and foil. Rotary shavers, which consist of two or three rotary blades, tend to be quieter than foil shavers and handle longer hairs better. Foil shavers, which use oscillating blades hidden behind thin, perforated foil screens, tend to give closer shaves than rotary shavers. The things to consider when purchasing a shaver are battery life, wet/dry capabilities, pop-up trimmers and noise level. You can also choose models with all kinds of bells and whistles, like an automatic cleaning base and LCD display, but they have no effect on the shaver's performance.
Common Pitfalls
Most experts, when recommending the best men's shavers, advise against buying models with fancy accessories. Less expensive models have the same cutting features as the more expensive ones, but they lack features like indicator lights and cleaning options. Even the top shaver lines offer less expensive models that tend to provide a closer, more comfortable shave and are usually more durable. Give your new razor plenty of time; it usually takes a month for your face to get used to a new shaver, so make sure that any razor you buy has a manufacturer's money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.
Where To Buy
All the models of the men's electric shavers mentioned are available in retail stores. For the higher-end models, which are not only more expensive but more difficult to find, it is recommended that you buy them online. Many sites that sell these models online offer great discounts as well. Electric Shaver.com, for example, sells both major and minor brands (Braun, Panasonic, Norelco/Philips, Wahl, Remington and Andis Clippers & Parts), plus every kind of accessory imaginable. Shaver Centre is also a good resource, and it has free shipping. Buying directly from the manufacturer is always a good way to go, as is shopping from Yahoo and Amazon.
Cost
Prices and features among men's electric shavers cover a wide range. Top-brand shavers have extra features, like more vibration, greater grip flexibility and longer battery life that results in higher prices. The best advice is to purchase a name-brand shaver with fewer features instead of buying one from a lesser known company. The price of foil shavers ranges from a low of $40 to a high of $180, while the price of rotary shavers ranges from $65 to $240.
Comparison Shopping
According to Consumer Search, the Braun 7 series are the best men's electric shavers on the market. Their motor generates 10,000 vibrations per minute and provides a slightly better, more comfortable shave than other models. Its head has twice the flexing angle of older shavers, making it easier to grip.
Panasonic sells a rotary shaver for $110; this model is its most basic shaver, but it delivers the same performance as other more expensive and feature-laden shavers in its line. Remington sells a wet/dry foil shaver; it comes with a clean-and-charge base, a pop-up trimmer and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Philips Norelco offers a budget rotary shaver for $65. It has unusual glide rings to help the shaver move smoothly. Shaving lotion dispenses through holes in the center of the top two rotary heads.
Accessories
Men's shavers come with a variety of accessories, depending upon the price. These accessories include beard and/or moustache (even goatee) trimmers, nose/ear trimmers, a cordless rechargeable battery, an LCD display, self-cleaning options and shaving cream dispensers. Electric shavers also come with replacement parts; the more expensive ones require replacements much less often than the more economic models.
