How to choose an electric shaver that won't let you down

Decide on the type of razor

One of the key features of an electric razor is the design of heads with knives that cut hairs. There are rotary and grid models.

The first uses several heads, each of which is a disk with holes, under which rotating blades are installed. The main advantage of this type is considered to be effective work with short bristles, but this may cause irritation sensitive skin.

In a mesh razor, the blades are hidden, as the name implies, with a mesh. The cutting elements do not rotate, but move from side to side. This type is more suitable for shaving long beards and mustaches. Skin irritation occurs less frequently than from the rotary system.

It is worth noting that manufacturers do not stand still, so now high-quality rotary shavers should not have a strong effect on the skin, and mesh ones do well with short bristles.

Which electric shaver to buy

• Rotary electric shaver Philips SkinIQ S5585/35 Series 5000, from 9,397 rubles →
• Electric shaver Braun 60‑B1200s Series 6, from 8,990 rubles →
• Soocas S5 rotary electric shaver, 3,990 rubles →

Learn more about shaving heads

Three shaving heads are usually installed in rotary models, but there can be from two to five, if we exclude completely exotic devices. Foil razors have one to five heads.

The more of the latter, the wider the shaving area. That is, large models with 4-5 heads will help get rid of facial hair faster. But such devices are more difficult to fit in a bag if you are going on a trip. In addition, with a large set of cutting elements, it is inconvenient to work out small details if you do not plan to shave. beard fully.

Device heads can be fixed or floating. In the second case, the system adapts to the surface and adheres more closely to the skin. Therefore, the efficiency of cutting hairs is higher.

At the moment, devices with floating heads are more common. In many models, not only knives move - the entire upper unit of the electric shaver adapts to the shape of the face. In this case, the quality and convenience of shaving is even higher.

Which electric shaver to buy

• Panasonic ES‑LV97 grid electric shaver with five floating heads, from 29,990 rubles →
• Panasonic ES‑LT4N grid electric shaver with three floating heads, from 16,040 rubles →
• Philips S3134 Series 3000 rotary electric shaver with three floating heads, from 5,490 rubles →
• Rotary electric shaver Xiaomi Mijia S100 with two floating heads, from 1,370 rubles →

Learn how to shave

At the time of purchase, it is worth considering whether you will use the device only for dry shaving or are going to use it with creams in a steam bath. For example, while traveling, it is not always possible to arrange a full-fledged steaming and apply special means to the beard.

Of course, if a razor is suitable for wet shaving, it is also suitable for dry shaving. The model with moisture protection is easier to clean - just rinse under running water. Otherwise, you will have to remove stuck hairs only with a brush.

The electric shaver can work in different modes. In addition to the standard, an option for sensitive skin is often available, as well as a turbo for maximum shaving speed. In addition, manufacturers add ultrasonic vibration, which helps the mechanism to better adapt to the contours of the face and the condition of the beard.

Which electric shaver to buy

• Rotary electric shaver Philips Series 9000 SkinIQ S9982/55 for dry and wet shaving, from 23,967 rubles →
• Braun 70‑N1000s Series 7 electric shaver for dry and wet shaving, from 12,627 rubles →
• Panasonic ES‑RT37 grid electric shaver for dry and wet shaving, from 6,380 rubles →

Evaluate the design and materials of the case

When buying an electric razor, you need to inspect the blades. Metal knives should not show signs of rust. It is also important that they fit snugly against the base of the shaving head.

Models with ceramic knives should only be checked for integrity. They do not rust, are not inferior in efficiency to metal ones, but at the same time they dull faster. Sharpening them yourself can be quite difficult.

The body of the razor is usually made entirely of plastic; more expensive designs use metal inserts to increase rigidity. Check the model for cracks and obvious gaps.

Embossed insert made of plastic or rubber reduces the slip of the device in the hand. This is important for wet shaving, and it is best to skip models without such an element.

Find out everything about the power of the device

Cordless shavers are definitely more convenient. You don't have to keep looking socket. It is wireless models that predominate in stores, but first you need to figure out which type of battery is better to choose.

The battery can be nickel-cadmium (NiCD), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), or lithium-ion (Li-Ion). Nickel-cadmium batteries stand out for their low cost and fast charging speed, but they have a memory effect. If you connect an incompletely discharged razor for replenishment, then the next time it will be discharged not to zero, but to this level. This should not be much to be feared - many models signal exactly when they need to be fed.

For other types of batteries, this memory effect does not appear much or is absent at all. Lithium-ion is the most advanced and expensive type of battery.

There are also models that run on AA batteries, which need to be replaced regularly. They come in handy in situations where it is not possible to recharge the battery.

It is desirable that the razor has a charging indicator. This is handy when you shave outside the home. The device can be charged via a USB cable or from a docking station. The latter also plays the role of a stand.

Mains powered models have no additional features to pay attention to, except for the length of the cable. The longer it is, the easier it is to find a suitable outlet and use it. mirror in the bathroom.

Consider additional features

In some electric shavers, manufacturers add a reservoir where you can fill in lotion or moisturizing gel. During shaving, it is automatically applied to the skin, reducing irritation. This feature is typical of expensive premium models.

In addition, the shaver can support automatic cleaning using the docking station, which has a reservoir of disinfectant liquid. This feature is also common among high-end devices. capacity for disinfection can be purchased separately, which will significantly save.

Many current models have a small display that shows the charge level, the selected shaving mode, as well as a cleaning notification. Premium razors can be equipped with a sensor to determine the density of the bristles. This allows the device to automatically adjust the speed of the blades to different parts of the beard.

Find out what's included

Ease of use largely depends on the attachments and additional accessories that come with the razor. Often there is a trimmer fixed on the back of the case or as a separate element. It's useful for trimming. mustache, sideburn and eyebrows.

The set may include a set of combs with teeth of different lengths. They allow you to adjust the length of the beard cut. A container for collecting hairs is also often added. It simplifies the process of cleaning the bathroom after procedures.

Another useful accessory is a case for storing and transporting a razor. It protects the body of the device from damage, which prolongs the life of the model.

Which electric shaver to buy

• Braun Series 3 Shave&Style 300BT electric shaver with a set of six nozzles, from 6,524 rubles →
• Rotary electric shaver Xiaomi Mijia S500C with two nozzles and a case included, from 3,240 rubles →
• Xiaomi Enchen BlackStone 3 rotary electric shaver with USB-C charging cable, from 895 rubles →