What To Look For
The top brands in electric shavers are Braun, Panasonic, Remington and Phillips Norelco, not necessarily in that order. First, you will need to choose between a foil shaver and a rotary shaver. A foil shaver has one or two floating heads that "float" over facial contours, with cutters that oscillate behind a perforated screen. The rotary shaver has three or four spinning blades designed to float over facial contours. Rotary shavers are usually quieter, but don't give as close a shave as the foil shavers. Different features include wet/dry capabilities, available accessories, whether it's rechargeable or cord-electric and how it is cleaned.
Common Pitfalls
A shaver with a lot of bells and whistles may seem attractive, but the best choices are name-brand models with fewer features, which consistently outrank budget brands in comfort and durability.
Where To Buy
Online purchases can be researched, compared and purchased on the same sites in many cases. Amazon.com gives the pros and cons of many models, as well as price, descriptions and features, as does Shavers.com and Bestcovery.com. The shavers can be bought at drugstores such as CVS and Rite-Aid, but do your research before you head to the drug store or department stores such as Target.
Cost
Electric shavers range in price from about $50 to $200. Features drive up the price. In addition to the original outlay, take into consideration the cost of replacement heads, which need to be replaced every six months to two years and range in cost from about $25 to $45.
Comparison Shopping
Braun is always a leader on lists, in particular the Model 790cc, which was voted the best overall rechargeable at Bestcovery.com for its ease of use and comfortable shave. It self-cleans, lubricates, dries and charges at the push of a button, and the $268 price tag reflects the quality. The $117 ES81095 Vortex wet/dry shaver with nanotechnology and Hydra-Clean system was selected as the best overall choice for wet/dry shavers at pcconnectionexpress.com. Norelco Arcitec series and Panasonic shavers take top spots also. Prices are current as of September 2010.
Accessories
You can purchase accessories to go with the shavers such as battery chargers. Look for one that gives enough charge for about one to 12 hours and provides at least seven shaves. A long-hair trimmer trims sideburns or other long hair. One of the most important features is the cleaning process. Most models come with a small cleaning brush. Some shavers can be merely rinsed clean, while others self-clean by pumping a sanitizing liquid through the cutters.
Insider Tips
Foil shavers usually offer a closer shave, but longer hairs produce a problem. Rotary shavers can tackle the long hairs, and they're easier to maneuver around the face, but don't shave as closely as the foil shavers. Rotary shavers tend to be less noisy than foil shavers.
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