Best Rotary Shavers

Best rotary electric shavers for all budgets

Rotary shavers have two or three rotating discs instead of foils (which vibrate back and forth). Philips Norelco rotary shavers easily receive the best reviews among rotary shavers, and the company offers two main rotary product lines: the Philips Norelco arcitec (described earlier) and the Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving System (also known as the Philips Norelco Nivea for Men shaver). These shavers have rotary cutting heads that sit above the shaver and flex to track the curves of your face; they also use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

There are several models in the arcitec series. The most basic model is the Philips Norelco arcitec 1050X (*Est. $145), which has few bells and whistles beyond its innovative cutting system. The step-up Philips Norelco arcitec 1060X (*Est. $180) adds a little snazzier styling, including a mirror-coated display, and a more informative battery-charge indicator. The top-of-the-line Philips Norelco arcitec 1090X (*Est. $215) introduces an LED display that shows the remaining shaving time in minutes and has a brushed stainless steel shell. Philips Norelco also offers the arcitec 1050CC (*Est. $180), which adds a cleaning base to the 1050X.

The Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving System is similar to the Philips Norelco arcitec line, but has a different cutting head system, with unusual glide rings that help the shaver move smoothly. Nivea for Men shaving conditioner is dispensed directly through holes in the center of the top two rotary heads. These shavers can be used wet or dry. The Philips Norelco 8060X (*Est. $140) includes a refill-and-charge stand that automatically fills the shaver with Nivea shaving conditioner and fully charges in 90 minutes for 40 minutes of operation. The less expensive Philips Norelco 8040X (*Est. $95) comes with only a charging stand, and fully charges in four hours. Both models include a snap-on tube trimmer that is wider than the trimmer on the Philips Norelco arcitec. The least expensive model, the Philips Norelco 8020X (*Est. $80), omits the tube trimmer and fully charges in eight hours for up to 30 minutes of operation.

Philips Norelco's SpeedXL also makes an impression with reviewers, though many models have been discontinued. For example, one major consumer review organization selects the SpeedXL 8160XLCC (*Est. $115) as the top rotary shaver, edging out the Philips Norelco arcitec 1050X (mainly because it's significantly quieter and has a few more features). Though this model is discontinued you might still see it in stores.

Two SpeedXL models remain available, the Philips Norelco 8240XL (*Est. $120) and 8250XL (*Est. $100). Though there isn't any professional feedback for them, user reviews at Amazon.com are largely favorable. They lack much in the way of features -- not even a low-battery warning -- but reports say that they perform well and have long battery life. The Norelco 8260XL includes a cleaning system.

Remington also makes several rotary electric shavers. The Remington R-650s Titanium MicroFlex (*Est. $50) is modestly priced rotary shaver; it's an updated version of the R-600, which scores well with expert reviewers, ranking just below the more expensive Norelco shavers. This model's triple-head rotary shaver comes with titanium-coated blades, a hair trimmer and a charging indicator. It takes eight hours to completely recharge for 50 minutes of shaving time, and there's no quick-charge feature. Remington offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty. The Remington is washable under the tap, but it's not a wet/dry shaver.

Remington's Flex 360 series uses three individual pivoting heads and appears to be positioned as a lower-priced alternative to the Philips Norelco arcitec shavers, but with more conventional styling. An example is the Remington R-7130 Flex 360 (*Est. $80), which is priced comparably with the Remington R-650s. The user reviews on Amazon.com are more solid than ecstatic. Professionals have yet to weigh in.