Whether you’re a firefighter, a pilot, a stock trader, a meteorologist, or even a stay-at-home Dad, when it’s time to shave who needs a headache? You want a shave that feels good with a razor that isn’t going to fail when you’re on your way to work.
You also want a smooth, clean feeling without a hassle, from a shaver that is dependable and affordable, and won’t leave you with painful and ugly ingrown hair later. At Instant Grooming, we understand this struggle and we’re here to help.
Norelco Shavers are some of the best in the world, but they’re not the cheapest. Whatever your needs are in an electric razor, there’s something on our Best Norelco Shavers list to meet them.
We’ve compiled a list of shavers for those on a budget, the guys that want all the gadgets, the hurried mornings that necessitate shaving in the shower, the traveling businessman, and the family man who needs to not only shave his face or trim a mustache, but also maybe give his son a haircut for Grandma’s visit this weekend.
Anything you need in your next Norelco electric shaver you can find in our list of the Top 10 Best Norelco Electric Razors for Men.
AT A GLANCE
- Why should you trust us to find the best Norelco shaver?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of using Philips Norelco Electric Shavers
- How to select the best Norelco shaver for you?
- How we picked and tested the products to determine the best Norelco shaver
- Our Top Ten Product List
- Our Pick – Philips Norelco 1150x/46 Men’s Shaver 6100
- Our Budget Pick – Philips Norelco OneBlade FFP, QP2520/90 Hybrid Electric Men’s Shaver and Trimmer
- Our Multipurpose Usage Pick – Philips Norelco Multigroom 5100 Grooming Kit, QG3364/49, with 18 Length Settings
- Our Advanced Pick – Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900, Wet & Dry Edition, S8950/91
- Our Best Traveler’s Pick – Philips Norelco Travel Electric Razor PQ208/40
- Our other 5 products review
- List of other products we tested
Why should you trust us to find the best Norelco shaver?
In our years spent reporting on this site, there have been about 25 different electric shavers by Philips Norelco that we’ve considered, and most of them we’ve tested personally. In order to assist customers in choosing the best Norelco shaver, we reveal the following 10 products as our Top Ten Best Norelco Shavers. We’ve spent over fifty hours in online research, evaluated community testing of men’s shavers as well as testing most ourselves. At Instant Grooming, our main goal is to assist customers in making the best choice possible.
Keeping in mind this purpose, and comparing the features that are most important, we’ve selected the men’s electric razors by Philips Norelco that are the most effective on the market.
We’ve taken into consideration important factors, such as price, battery run-time and charging rates, head movements, and much more. If you’d like to view the full listing of data we gathered, join us by simply Liking any of our social media pages.
Which type of Philips Norelco Razor is most appropriate for you?
First of all, there are two basic distinctions between electric razors: rotary and foil. The foil type is the one that’s been around the longest. The very first electric shavers were foil shavers. These razors have blades that oscillate (move side to side) held in a mostly stationary rectangular head. A foil shaver tends to be the least flexible in tight spaces and typically is noisier than its rotary counterparts.
When using a foil-head razor, the best way is to move from top to bottom on the face, or left to right, sort of as if you were mowing your lawn. The worst thing to do with these is to try moving them in a circular path. If your previous shaver was a rotary head, this change of motion could be the hardest adjustment.
Conversely, a rotary-head razor has 3 discs consisting of multiple blades spinning in circles around each other. These work similar to a string trimmer for weeds around your house. The best part of these shavers is their ability to flex around all your facial contours. Most can turn 360 degrees as well as flex inward to allow for close shaving around facial features with sharp angles, like your chin, jaw, and under the nose. Though rotary razors are better in awkward spaces, a foil shaver provides a closer cut on the flatter surfaces of your cheeks.
These shavers, opposite to the foil-headed ones, are best used in a circular motion, ideally in a clockwise direction. Trying to use these the same way you would with a foil could result in painful pulling of the hair.
What kind of men’s shaver should you never purchase?
The answer to this question may seem a little obvious, but sometimes we forget the simplest things when looking at a myriad of options. The worst thing you can do is to buy a razor that’s going to irritate your face. Not only does this make the experience highly unpleasant, but it will make all subsequent shaves less effective and even more painful. This irritation can also become infected over time, causing even bigger problems.
The point of shaving is to look your best and have a nice smooth face. Red bumps, infections, and ingrown hair all defeat those purposes. Be sure to carefully check if this is a risk with the shavers you consider buying and avoid the headache… and face ache.
You should also never buy a razor that doesn’t fit your needs. Purchasing a product that doesn’t do everything you need it to is a waste of your hard-earned money. You won’t be satisfied with it and will too soon seek to buy one that DOES fulfill your requirements. As they say, if you do the job right the first time you won’t have to do it again, at least not for a very long time.
Advantages and Disadvantages of using Philips Norelco Electric Shavers
There are a few disadvantages to using electric razors by Philips Norelco. With the exception of price, all of these disadvantages are common to every brand of electric shavers in existence, and that’s because there is a stark contrast between electric and manual razors. There are many types of manual razors out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages compared to one another. However, any decent manual razor has the following over an electric: easier cleaning except on very expensive electric models that clean themselves, closer cut, less pulling and tugging (but not less discomfort or irritation due to the act of dragging a sharp blade directly against the skin), and the freedom to shave any time at any place with no need for power, ever.
With that in mind, there are plenty of advantages of using electric shavers, particularly ones from Norelco by Philips. The first few advantages are likely why you’re shopping for an electric razor instead of going to buy a package of regular razors in the first place. Primarily we have the water and shaving cream factors. These 2 things can get pretty messy, and if not used, like when you have to shave in your car or at your office desk, the risk for irritation skyrockets, the life of the blade decreases dramatically due to lack of lubrication and continuous rinsing, and your risk for injury goes up. That risk for injury is another disadvantage of using a manual razor.
We all grew up seeing Dad and Grandpa walk around the house in the mornings with pieces of toilet paper stuck to their face and neck. This is due to the inherent risk of being cut using a blade directly against the skin. Electric razors never allow the sharp blade to make direct contact, eliminating the risk of cuts.
The advantage of purchasing your electric razor from Philips Norelco is that they are widely recognized as one of the greatest manufacturers in the world for electric shavers. This recognition is due to company longevity, quality of workmanship, value, and performance. Unless you are on an extremely tight budget and are only getting electric because the blue light costs less than running to the store for more razors constantly, you will be doing yourself a huge favor by sticking with a Norelco shaver.
How to select the best Norelco shaver for you?
If you consider all these points above, you may wish to factor in your shaving priorities. Do you want the closest shave possible, or the easiest? Is compromise even an option? The rotary type makes the work much easier around the features of your face, but may not leave you with as close of a shave as with a foil-headed shaver. You may wish to not have to choose and search for a razor that can do both, or even more.
Is frequent charging going to be a hang-up for you? Maybe your bathroom power outlet is always in use by other devices, or maybe you do a lot of traveling and need to be able to shave a few times straight off of a plane or out of your car for important clients. If this is the case, you should carefully consider duration of operation from a full charge, just how long it takes to achieve that full charge, and if there’s a quick-charge option when in a hurry. You may also want to see just how quickly each product can deliver a complete shave so you don’t risk being late or incompletely shaven.
If price going to be a major factor in your decision? Do you want all the bells and whistles or just a good old-fashioned shaver that does its job without extra gadgets? Do you need a beard trimming attachment for parts of your face you don’t want to shave but don’t want to use yet another device to accomplish? Are you rough on things? Perhaps durability should play a card in this decision. Does your shaver often get knocked off the back of a sink, or get tossed around in a luggage compartment?
These are all things you should keep in mind to purchase a new electric razor. We have kept these factors in mind to test the products to help you get the best Norelco shaver.
To view the full Instant Grooming report, we invite you to Like any of our social media linked on the site and get full access to all the specs.
How we picked and tested the products to determine the best Norelco shaver
After four years of consideration, we’ve narrowed the list of 25 men’s shavers down to 17 to fully test in practical considerations. We enlisted a community of testers to utilize these razors several times a week for nearly two months to further restrict our list to the Ten Best Norelco Electric Razors for Men. Using the results of this testing, we’ve compared the key features of each to order them from best overall to tenth best, with special winners in each category for Budget Buyers, Multi-purpose Use, Advanced Functions, and Travel.
We carefully evaluated each product’s performance in difficult areas, quality of construction, touching up in a hurry, blade quality, ergonomics, battery life, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. In addition to these factors, we of course ranked the men’s razors by the key features previously discussed, like cost, head-type, number of features, and flexibility.
If you’ve seen our complete report, you will have seen the results of this rigorous testing for every possible aspect of each shaver. To do this now and view how a product measured up in a particular area not specified here, it is very quick and easy to join with no cost to you or any strings attached.
After all this careful comparison, we bring you our ultimate list of the Top 10 Best Norelco Electric shavers by Philips. We welcome you to take all the time you need in perusing this list until you identify the best Norelco shaver for you. If more details are needed to make your decision you already know where to look to see the full data sheet.
Our Top Ten Product List
We evaluated 38 most important features of every Philips Norelco shaver we have selected. Our research report is open for our readers with a view to helping the readers to choose the best Norelco shaver. We will ask readers to like any of our social media pages before they can view that report. So basically it will be open and we are attaching that report here as well so that you can view it yourself and write this text accordingly.
Our Pick – Philips Norelco 1150x/46 Men’s Shaver 6100
Why this product is Our No 1 Pick?
Number One Pick
Philips Norelco 1150x/46 Men’s Shaver 6100Get It On Amazon
Philips Norelco 1150x/46 Men’s Shaver 6100
The Norelco 6100 is packed with features that deliver a silky smooth shave – the GyroFlex 2D, SkinGlide Technology, and Dual Precision heads – plus a 60-minute battery life with quick charge option.
Before we get to the full review, let us explain how this product was selected as the best Norelco shaver available. Of all the Norelco electric razors we evaluated, this one surpassed all the rest in features and qualities. Out of up to 38 different reasons we investigated to buy a shaver, this had the most of all.
Some features will be listed here but there’s just not enough space to list everything for every razor. For that reason we make our complete data record available for viewing. Access is easy, simply Like us on any of the social media links on this page and you’re done.
- To adjust flawlessly at every twist and turn on your face and minimize irritation and pressure, this product is equipped with a contour-following mechanism known as GyroFlex 2D. The rotary heads on this razor can bend and tilt to hug every curve for a close, comfortable shave. Additionally this shaver is equipped with DualPrecision heads which use slots for longer growth, and holes that make it possible to grab the tiniest stubble and trim it all smooth.
- Despite the abundance of great features, this top Philips shaver can be yours for under a hundred bucks. It might not be the cheapest electric razor you ever bought, but if maintained right it could be the last. At this affordable price you might as well grab an extra one or two for guy-gifting.
- The rate at which a product gets reviews on retailer sites says a lot about customer satisfaction. We compared the speed at which each product on our list got their last 30 ratings to get a good understanding of how many people are still talking, good or bad, about this product. The rate for Our Pick was trying to win a stock-car race with a neat 5 days for first ten ratings, only FOUR days for the next 10, and a big fat week for the remaining 10.
- Rounding out the plethora of key qualities we see here – the most of every one we tested – the Norelco 6100 features SkinGlide technology. Providing a surface that just glides over the skin, this feature makes shaving a delight and leaves your smooth and relaxed.
Detailed Review
With a total of 17 features, tied only with a full grooming suite, this razor is the leader of the pack. Everyone hates finding a dead battery and waiting forever for it to charge, but that’s no issue here with a five minute quick charge option and only 60 minutes to full charge regularly. So, you don’t need to worry about how to increase its battery’s lifespan.
Shave wet; shave dry; shave smooth. This razor can do it all. No danger of razor burn with this baby, and because of its ultra smooth gliding head, irritation can be no longer irritating. With a price-point still in the double digits, you can’t go wrong with this great razor.
Most purchasers love this model. Many tell me they don’t have to charge the thing for a week or two. Seems like an awful long time to me, but I won’t argue with the masses. I love the ergonomics of the handle, the rich royal blue color (yeah, yeah, guys aren’t supposed to care about that stuff) and the soft feel of the grip.
Some of us like to let ourselves go for a little while between shaves, some are almost obsessive about being silky smooth. No matter how you shave, the 6100 can do the job. After experiencing stress free mornings using this little bugger you’ll feel just like a kid again.
This razor likes it wet or dry; this razor likes it in the sky; this razor likes long and short hair; you’ll love this razor everywhere. There’s no hint of green-tinged ham and eggs here, just shaving delight. No longer a chore, you’ll wish your stubble grew just a little bit faster so you can do it all over again.
Pros:
- GyroFlex 2D for even shave on uneven surfaces
- SkinGlide technology to eliminate irritation
- DualPrecision heads for a close shave
- One hour full charge, five minutes quick charge so you never have to worry if there’s enough juice in the morning.
- Wet and Dry shaving options
Cons
- A little pricey but still under 100 bucks
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-kBHrBEpLJA%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26rel%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D3%3Bamp%3Bautohide%3D1%26showinfo%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent%26modestbranding%3D1
Our Budget Pick – Philips Norelco OneBlade FFP, QP2520/90 Hybrid Electric Men’s Shaver and Trimmer
Why this product is Our Budget Pick?
Budget Friendly
Philips Norelco OneBlade FFP, QP2520/90Get It On Amazon
Philips Norelco OneBlade FFP, QP2520/90
The OneBlade feature and three length guides allow for a clean, uniform shaving that works great for any length of hair; extremely simple to operate and very affordable.
Although this product isn’t the absolute lowest price, it is tied for second and holds the most quality features of the low price bracket, making it the best Norelco shaver for our top Budget Pick at Instant Grooming. It has a dual-sided edging blade for precise lines on any length of hair.
The OneBlade feature conforms to the shape of your face for a comfortable and effective shave. The frequency at which this product has received reviews is amazing, with the first THIRTY all occurring within 6 days. Despite it’s low price, this model is waterproof for use in the shower or with shaving foam.
Detailed Review
The Norelco OneBlade Hybrid is a unique shaver with many interesting features. I was surprised when I first saw it as it looks almost like a disposable razor. This device is fantastic for clean edges, uniform trimming with its 3 different length guides, and will still give you a shave for a great bargain.
What this does that no other product on our list can, is to allow for the wearing of stubble facial hairstyle without using a beard trimmer. You simply “shave” as normal, but with the appropriate length guide. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this design before now?
The double-edge blade lasts for average about 4 months, a surprising time considering how similar it is to traditional non-electric razors. What this looks like is a fine wire mesh wrapped over a safety razor blade. The blade then moves 200 times a SECOND to achieve the cutting, and you operate it like your Granddaddy did with his safety razor before you were born. Extremely intuitive use, ingenious length guards for modern styling.
This is the ideal shaver for the modern man. It does not provide the closest shave, but it is very flexible and easy to use. It does a wonderful job with modern facial styles that aren’t just all smooth or all unshaven. For the mixed facial hair you should check this out. The price is phenomenal considering all the different and very unique aspects of this thing.
Pros:
- Great Price
- Extremely simple and intuitive to operate
- Different length guides for trimming without shaving clean
- beautiful edging
- extremely long blade life for razor-based NOT foil or rotary.
Cons
- not a true shaver. Can’t get smooth close shave but somewhere between clean and 5 o’clock shadow
- complaints that it breaks easily
Our Multipurpose Usage Pick – Philips Norelco Multigroom 5100 Grooming Kit, QG3364/49, with 18 Length Settings
Why this product is Our Multipurpose Usage Pick?
Best Multifunctional
Philips Norelco Multigroom 5100 (QG3364/49)Get It On Amazon
Multifunctional Features at Affordable Price
Philips Norelco Multigroom 5100
The Multigroom 5100 is a one-man barber shop that easily fits the palm of your hand. It has everything you need to trim every single strand of hair on your person.
Tied with our Top Pick for most features, and tied with our Budget Pick for second lowest price, this Philips shaver does everything. With 7 included attachments, including a full-sized trimmer, mini shaver, detailing trimmer, and nose-hair trimmer, it’s your one-stop solution to hair, neck as well as face grooming.
Just a hair slower than our budget pick, this grooming kit received its first thirty ratings within only 10 days. Added to that there are 18 different built-in length settings with no need to search for the right guide.
Detailed Review
Philips Norelco Multigroom is an entire barber shop that fits in a pouch (included.) The price is amazing, the options are amazing, the operational ease is amazing, and the suite of accessories is amazing. Norelco has outdone themselves this time with this product. Or, should I say products? I mean, everything to trim every piece of hair you can find is included here. And since when I don’t have to shuffle through guides for different lengths?
Trimmers made just for your hair still make you have to dig through a bag of plastic to find the right size, but this one is just a setting. Wahl has some explaining to do here.
Then we add in the fun stuff -Turbo boost. It makes me want to do some home improvement, how about you? Though this model isn’t recommended for manscaping, it will do every other grooming area, and if mowing down south is of importance the next model number up in this product line allows for that as well as full shower usage.
Sadly this one’s not safe to use fully in the shower, but it can be washed with actual water not just a little stiff brush. I’m not one to try to shave in the shower anyway, but if you do, keep that factor in mind. I’m more prone to being in a rush in the mornings and shaving is an afterthought. With a lightning fast 60 minute charger we won’t miss the quick charge function.
Pros:
- Four devices in one package
- easy to clean, just run under water
- fast battery charge to full
- not little plastic parts to dig through for lengths
- self-sharpening blades
Cons
- like the OneBlade Hybrid, this doesn’t offer a close shave. According to some purchasers, not even as close as a regular hair trimmer without a guard.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BMGP1IkM-qo%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26rel%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D3%3Bamp%3Bautohide%3D1%26showinfo%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent%26modestbranding%3D1
Our Advanced Pick – Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900, Wet & Dry Edition, S8950/91
Why this product is Our Advanced Pick?
Cutting-edge Pick
Philips Norelco 8900 (S8950/9)Get It On Amazon
Best Tool for Tighter, Closer Shave
This Norelco 8900 boasts of a plethora of features like 3 run speeds & 8-direction head movement for closer & smoother shave, and 1 hour battery charging time with a quick charge option.
As seen in Instant Grooming’s full data report, this Philips shaver has more advanced features than any other in our list. For up to a 30% tighter, closer shave, there’s the V-Track Precision Blades. To cut up to a fifth more hair, the 8900 is equipped with Contour Detect Technology that moves the cutting heads eight different directions. Though this is the highest priced shaver in our list, it is still very affordable and far from an expensive model. A little slower on the uptake of ratings, this razor took 24 days to get its first thirty ratings.
The interface of this shaver has a travel lock and battery indicator with three levels. For more flexibility this shaver also has a clip-on styler for the beard with five settings for length. It offers a full charge in only an hour. This model is self-cleaning and lubricating, offers a very close and comfortable shave, and comes with a travel case.
Detailed Review
Though this isn’t the cheapest electric razor out there, it does have a wonderful array of features at an affordable price. I love how close and smooth the shave is and how quickly it’s accomplished. A nice bonus is the beard trimmer making it so I don’t have to maintain two different pieces of equipment to keep my face looking its best.
Always traveling somewhere, I’ve found the lock to be indispensable as other razors often get turned on in my suitcase and leave me with funny looks from bystanders at the buzzing, and by the time I need to use it, a dead battery. With this little gem, I can eliminate the embarrassment and frustration I’ve experienced without a lock.
Now, every few weeks when I do have a dead battery, it’s only an hour to a full charge so as long as I know it’s low I can plug it in when I wake and come back to shave after my morning routine. It’s so much less cluttered in my bathroom now that I don’t have to have a razor and a beard trimmer competing for space. Now my wife can add another seashell or something and call it an anniversary gift.
Either way, all I need is the one tool. No swapping back and forth or fighting to keep both from falling, but at least if this one does it’s completely waterproof.
Pros:
- 1 hour full charge; 5 minute quick charge function
- Plethora of fantastically useful accessories as well as 3 different run speeds
- 8-direction head movement for easy work over contours
- Self-cleaning and lubricating
Cons
- highest price on our list
https://youtube.com/watch?v=CBIsoNL8Rgk%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26rel%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D3%3Bamp%3Bautohide%3D1%26showinfo%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent%26modestbranding%3D1
Our Best Traveler’s Pick – Philips Norelco Travel Electric Razor PQ208/40
Why this product is Our Best Traveler’s Pick?
Travel-Friendly
Philips Norelco PQ208/40Get It On Amazon
Best Electric Razor for Travel Junkies
This compact electric razor operates on AA batteries, making it the perfect shaving tool to bring anywhere. No need to worry about charging it in an outlet, just bring extra batteries and shave away.
With the combination of important travel-friendly features like the carrying pouch, use of AA batteries eliminating concern with outlet voltage around the world, and small, lightweight design, coupled with its extremely low price (less than the cost of a new DVD) this razor makes for a fantastic Best Traveler’s Pick.
This low price makes it much less nerve-wracking to risk breakage or loss while traveling as there’s nearly no investment: you could buy two of these for less than our next lowest priced shaver. Adding to the above features, there’s no need to travel with a lot of accessories to maintain function as this Philips shaver has a self-sharpening feature as well as the fact there’s no charge-cord or dock needed.
Detailed Review
To some, the lack of recharge-ability on this shaver may seem like a downside, but to me, a consummate traveler, it’s a big bonus.
I don’t need to be somewhere to find an outlet, or worry about what type of outlet may even be available. This razor runs on universally available AA disposable batteries. Not only can these be purchased worldwide, but you could “borrow” them out of any number of other devices you may have with you while traveling every couple months when they actually die. I know as I do this a lot on the go.
Sporting a very non-intrusive design, I can squeeze this puppy into any little crevice I can find in my luggage making packing for a trip much easier. The lack of extra parts needed means I won’t lose anything important either; it’s all in the same place.
The extremely low cost says no big deal if the airline loses or abuses my luggage too. If this happens, I’ll just buy a new one. The shave from this thing is as close and comfortable as with much higher priced not-so-portable razors, making it not require a compromise to travel. One less stress to deal with while I travel makes me very happy.
Pros:
- self-sharpening blades
- Extremely inexpensive
- long life on universally available disposable batteries
- very small and lightweight but offers great shaving experience
Cons
- just a basic Philips shaver. No extra options
- not usable in shower or easily cleaned with water.
Our other 5 products review
No. 6 – Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7100, BG2040 Review
All-in-one Pick
Philips Norelco 7100, BG2040Get It On Amazon
This razor does a good enough job at shaving facial hair, but where it excels in is in taming hair from the neck below. It’s a safe and comfortable razor for grooming body hair.
Not so much a Philips shaver as a Philips Manscaping Legacy Tool of the Year if you ask me. This product works anywhere you may need to tame the wild.
I’m not sure if women started it or men trying to impress those women, but manscaping has become a pervasive reality in modern life and no one really questions anymore why men should groom body hair. Whether you have a girlfriend or a wife, (perhaps both, but don’t tell me, plausible deniability and all that) she is likely to rave to her friends about her previous neanderthal’s newfound evolution.
Now this razor may not be the best Norelco shaver for the face but it will do the job. While hair removal below the neck gained popularity, facial hair has also come more into fashion, so how cleanly this shaves your face may not even factor in. Where this piece really shines is everywhere else.
Chest, back, all the unmentionables, they all can comfortably and safely be trimmed or shaved with this device without the ensuing nightmares of bloodshed for days after.
If you like a good clean shave on your face, this isn’t your one-stop shop, but if you have needs for other locations this is a winner. If you can’t afford a separate one for your face, it does do a satisfactory job there as well.
Pros:
- safe and fast body-hair trimming or shaving
- low to moderate price-point
- can be an all-in-one device
- multiple length settings for trimming
Cons
- not the BEST facial razor but it works
No. 7 -Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100, S1560/81 Review
Basic Pick
Philips Norelco 2100, S1560/81Get It On Amazon
Philips Norelco 2100, S1560/81
This razor is something that doesn’t need any frills or trimmings to work efficiently. It has self-sharpening blades that delivers good quality shave, and charges in only an hour.
A good, basic electric shaver. Let’s face it, most of us don’t really need all the bells and whistles when it’s time to shave. We need to shave quickly, cleanly, safely, and without headaches. This razor provides all that and in the lower price bracket. Unlike most cheap shavers it doesn’t sound like you’re running a chainsaw in the house either.
If you’re one of those guys that needs to shave in the shower, look elsewhere. This product just won’t hold up to the deluge of water in there, but it can be used with lotions, gels, etc, and fully rinsed under the tap when you’re done.
Bonus: If your wife frequently complains about her electric razor’s performance, maybe you could pick one of these up for her and stop hearing about it. Mine “borrowed” mine, apparently to do whatever it is women need an electric shaver for, and she wanted to claim it as her own afterwards. The thing is so quiet I had no idea what she was doing until she nearly danced out of the bathroom.
Is it the best Norelco shaver? No. Is it the cheapest? No. Do I really need the BEST Philips shaver unless I have special needs or concerns? No, not really. This razor is very good at doing its job and it’s very affordable. That’s all that really truly matters isn’t it? I do think I’ll pick one up for the wife though, for my own peace of mind and privacy.
Pros:
- self-sharpening blades
- 1 hours to full charge
- easy to use
- good quality shave
Cons
- no length attachments or quick charge
- not the BEST shave or the cheapest
No. 8 -Philips Norelco Shaver 4100 Model AT810/46 Review
This product is a miracle. As a man with very sensitive skin and prone to razor-burn, I loved the performance of this Philips shaver. It takes an extremely light touch to perform a very gentle but thorough shave.
Gentle Pick
Philips Norelco 4100 (AT810/46)Get It On Amazon
Philips Norelco 4100 (AT810/46)
Say goodbye to razor burn with the Norelco 4100 shaver. With an extremely light touch on the skin, it still delivers an exceptionally smooth and thorough shave
Seriously though, the first few times I tried using this, I was afraid I was going to wake up the whole time with skin irritation. After years of battling irritation and razor burn I didn’t think this was possible without just going full mountain man in the face. This beauty is trying to make me forget all the years I spent dabbing and smoothing this or that on to try to sooth my mug just because I shaved.
If you go too heavy on the pressure you can still get irritation with a face like mine, but there’s no need to press against the face at all. I am nearly floating the shaver over my face and I still get an extremely smooth finish, and I don’t want to go hide somewhere when I’m done.
If you have sensitive skin, I’d recommend this product hands down. With skin like mine, you can’t lose with this razor. Not only do you avoid the pain and embarrassment of the usual shaving aftermath, but you actually get a nice close shave; no compromises. However, you can still follow some professional tips for sensitive skin. Other than that, there’s nothing special about it so you tougher guys might want to go with a fancier model, or a cheaper one.
Pros:
- Wet or Dry shave possible
- Dual Precision
- Fully washable
- very smooth and comfortable shave, great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Charging stand not included
- pretty basic but without a basic price
No. 9 – Philips Norelco Shaver 4500 Model AT830/46 Review
Smooth Operator
Philips Norelco 4500 Model AT830/46Get It On Amazon
Smooth Shave Anytime You Need It
Philips Norelco 4500 Model AT830/46
Except for the 3-minute quick charge function, the Norelco 4500 is much like the 4100 in performance, with ultralight touch delivering a thorough shave minus the irritation.
I tried this model as well as the 4100 Model AT810, and I honestly can’t see ANY difference in their performance. I love the 4100’s shave. I love the 4500’s shave. I can’t possibly say that I could choose one over the other if you handed them both to me. The one difference you’re paying extra for here is the fast 3-minute charging function.
That said, let me remind you we’re talking about a dream come true for guys like me. Sensitive skin on the face is a lifelong battle for a guy that needs to shave every day. Usually, when we finally do find a product that allows us to escape or at least lessen the irritation, our face ends up not to smooth. Not the case here. Hallelujah.
What this shaver does offer above the 4100 is the quick-charge feature. Perhaps if you’re someone that frequently forgets to charge up, or is often on the road and without much access to power that 3 minute charge will be important, it’s just not all that to me. It’s really a trade-off in my eyes. Do you want to pay less, or do you want an ultra quick charge available in case you forget or have to charge in say a fast food restroom? Why else would it matter which one you got?
Pros:
- Wet of Dry shave possible
- DualPrecision
- Fully washable
- very smooth and comfortable shave, great for sensitive skin
- 3 minute quick charging function
Cons
- with only 1 added feature, not worth the extra 25 bucks
No. 10 – Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 3100 S3310/81, 3000 Series Review
This is another of those basic everyday electric shavers you see everywhere. That’s not a bad thing really, if it were there wouldn’t be so many to choose from. It is a bit better at following facial contours; it has a quickie trimming tool attached, and you can open it up to rinse in the sink with one hand tied behind your back. But it’s still not amazing.
Plug & Play Pick
Philips Norelco 3100 (S3310/81)Get It On Amazon
Mid-range Razor with Average Shave
Philips Norelco 3100 (S3310/81)
This electric razor delivers an average shave, but stands out in that it can be used even when you forgot to charge it. Simply plug it in and it’s ready to use.
What stands out to me about this razor is that unlike nearly all rechargeables, I can plug this thing in with a dead battery and immediately begin using it.
That of course is a really good thing considering how long it takes to charge it, but that’s okay. Most guys don’t travel every day or shave in their cars on a regular basis. We shave in the bathroom; just have to unplug the wife’s hair dryers and curlers and electric potpourri dispensers or whatever she fancies this month.
The shaving experience from this razor is great for the average guy. It’s pretty easy to do the daily cleaning on it, but it gets gunked up pretty quickly and needs a total tear-down once or twice a week. The price is average, not cheap, not expensive, but the ability to still use it when you forgot to charge it in forever, without waiting, that right there is the reason for me to take this Philips shaver home with me.
Pros:
- can operate while plugged in
Cons
- 8 hours to full charge
Check Customer Reviews on Amazon!
List of other products we tested
- Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Shaver 2100>>>7 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Philips Norelco 1250X/40 SensoTouch 3D Electric Razor>>>10 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Philips Norelco PT724/41 Shaver 3100>>>9 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Philips Norelco S9311/87, Shaver 9300>>>15 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Philips Norelco Shaver 6800 (Model 1190X/46)>>>11 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Philips Norelco Shaver 7300 for Sensitive Skin, S7370/84>>>14 Positive Features as seen on our research report
- Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 3100, Shave and trim with back attachment, BG2034>>>8 Positive Features as seen on our research report
Care and Maintenance for your new Philips shaver
Your Philips Norelco electric shaver comes very close to immortality as I’ve observed over the last twenty years. In order for this to be true for you, you must take care of it and follow some maintenance techniques. Experts agree that oiling your shaver can allow this to be your reality.
Although a Norelco razor may regularly survive years, even decades, with an owner that neglects oiling, there are other reasons you should be sure to maintain your shaver’s head this way. A well-oiled head cuts down on friction that can result in both snagging and pulling of your hair, skin irritation, and heat buildup that can burn you.
Additionally, Instant Grooming reminds you to be sure to clean your razor with warm water after every use, and mid-use if using on a neglected beard. This keeps it shaving smoothly as well as preventing it from harboring nasty bacteria that can cause infections. Failure to clean your shaver will also shorten the lifespan of its blades and its motor.
You should also always store your shaver in a dust-free area, like a box, cupboard, or pouch when not in use, particularly when traveling with it in your suitcase where lint from clothes can gunk it up.
On that note, you need to replace the blades periodically to maintain quick and smooth shaving. All manufacturers recommend this to be done at least once a year, but if you’ve been slacking on the cleaning and oiling, have fast-growing coarse hair, or are otherwise noticing a decrease in performance, you should replace them more often. Dull blades make shaving take longer to complete and can tug on the hair causing irritation. Do yourself a favor and don’t put it off if it’s time for new ones.
One more aspect to remember when caring for your electric shaver is the battery. Unless you have a razor that must be plugged in to run, you have a battery. This battery has a lifespan just as your blades and motor do. Any expert will tell you that rechargeable batteries for any device be it your razor, your mobile phone, laptop, or your cordless electric lawn mower, last the longest when used correctly. To prolong your battery, you must do 2 simple but key things.
First, don’t charge until it’s needed. Just because you shaved today for twenty minutes doesn’t mean your razor needs to be charged again right away; it probably has about two more shaves still in. Secondly, don’t overcharge. Overcharging causes the battery to heat up, prematurely shortening its life. So remember, run the battery just about dead before charging, and unplug it as soon as it has a full charge.
To ensure a comfortable shave and a long lasting razor be sure to continue to perform all maintenance on your Norelco electric shaver over its entire lifetime, not just when you start to notice a buildup. This simple maintenance could make a shaver with the potential to last years or even decades, continue flawlessly for your sons and possibly grandsons as well.
Wrapping it up
If you’re still not sure which might be the best Norelco shaver for you, make sure you have your priorities figured out in a shaver. Once that’s accomplished, compare the important qualities between two or three favorite models, and weigh them out all together. Maybe your major concerns are price and battery life, or durability and added features. Whatever it is, try looking at just 2 or 3 features. Number them most to least important. We’ll go with 3 features in our example.
Each razor you’re considering gets each key feature you need ranked 1, 2, 3. Now, multiply a feature’s rank by how high it is on your list. If cost is top priority you would take the cheapest razor and give it a 1 since 1st priority times 1st ranking equals 1. Second priority rankings multiplied by 2, and 3rd by 3. Add these numbers up for each shaver you may get, and like in golf, the lowest score wins. Of course you don’t have to do it this way, but you could if still stuck.
You should now be ready to make a choice. The choice that, if made wisely and maintained properly, will lead you to the last razor you will ever have to purchase. It surely feels good to know that with all this information, you can pick a piece of equipment that will never disappoint you, never die, and never cause you pain and suffering like disposable and safety razors do.
