What To Look For
Electric shavers are becoming a popular choice because they don't touch the skin and it's easier to avoid nicks and cuts than when using a manual blade. There are two types of electric shavers--rotary and foil. A rotary shaver uses two or three circular and flexible spring blades, while a foil shaver uses blades tucked behind thin steel foils that move from side to side. Foil shavers are known for providing a closer shave; however, rotary shavers are typically more effective at cutting longer hair and are easier to maneuver around the contours of the face, according to Consumer Search.
Common Pitfalls
The largest pitfall to purchasing an electric shaver--whether it's rotary or foil--is that they are much more expensive than a manual razor blade. Many of the top-rated electric shavers cost over $100, so buying an electric shaver can be a large initial investment. They are also noisy and there are few electric shavers on the market that can be used in the shower.
Where To Buy
Electric shavers are available at a wide variety of retail outlets, including major department stores such as Macys, specialty electronic stores such as Best Buy and mass retailers such as Target. It can be helpful to visit a website dedicated to electric razors, such as 101shavers.com where you can search by brand and shaver type and purchase additional grooming accessories such as beard trimmers.
Cost
As of September 2010, the cost of electric shavers varies greatly depending upon model and brand; however, it's a good idea to expect to pay a range of $60 to $150 and up, according to Consumer Reports. Many top-rated models, such as the Braun 7 Series, cost over $200.
Comparison Shopping
The major brands listed on the Consumer Reports website are Braun, Panasonic, Philips, Remington and Wahl. Foil shavers tend to beat rotary shavers for closest shave in tests performed by Consumer Reports, while rotary shavers earn points for being quieter and easier to clean. Consumer Search rated the Braun Series 7 760cc as the top electric shaver on the market because reviewers claim it's the closest shave to a manual razor.
Insider Tips
Many electric shavers feature 30-day trial periods so you can determine if the razor is right for your needs before fulling committing to a $100+ price tag.
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