Braun Series 7 790cc-4

The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 foil shaver is a slightly upscale version of the best-reviewed 760cc-4 (*Est. $200). Either model gives you a close, comfortable shave, with three adjustable shave settings to tackle tough areas (neck, under chin) or cater to sensitive skin or coarse beards, users and experts say.

"I'd swear I shaved with a blade this morning"

The Braun 7 790cc is deemed so similar to the 760cc that it receives the same score from a major consumer research organization without being tested. The 790cc does, however, have a few upgrades, including a faster cleaning cycle and an LCD indicator screen instead of the 760cc's LED screen.

Reviewers with Which? magazine and Wired tested the 790cc (and apparently not the 760cc); both pick the 790cc as one of the best shavers. Steven Leckart, writing for Wired, points out that even though the manufacturer promises 50 minutes of shaving time on a single battery charge, his testers routinely managed more than 75 minutes of shaving time on a charge.

Most reviewers say that the Braun 790cc-4 is good for even the most sensitive skin, giving "an extremely close shave with no more nicks." However, we did find a smattering of comments that it didn't shave close enough, after all. It's unclear whether the dissatisfied shavers had a problem with the Series 7's shaving adjustments, which can be set to provide a gentler or more intense shave. Comments like "My face right now feels so shockingly smooth, I'd swear I shaved with a blade this morning" -- from an Amazon.com user -- are more common than the complaints. Most users say it takes about five minutes to shave with the Braun 790cc.

Easy to get a hold on

Users and experts agree that the Braun Series 7 790cc-4 is easy to use. In fact, one Drugstore.com reviewer writes that her 91-year-old father with memory problems finds this shaver very easy to use. Another reviewer, this time from Amazon.com, compares this shaver against high-end Panasonic and Norelco shavers, saying that the Series 7 790cc-4 is the easiest to keep a hold on, even if your hands are wet.

Noise level worthy of comment, but not a deal-breaker

Although the Braun Series 7 790cc-4 receives very good noise ratings from one expert, a number of users on Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and Walmart.com say it's not the quietest of electric shavers. Some describe it as "buzzy," in apparent agreement with Wired's Leckart, who says the Braun Series 7 shaver he tested "buzzes like a fridge ... with a chain saw inside." The noise seems far from a deal-breaker for most users, however; some flat-out disagree, saying that the 790cc is plenty quiet, and even most of those who complain about the noise say they would recommend this shaver to a friend.

Great warranty; cost of ownership isn't bad

The Braun Series 7 790cc is covered by a two-year limited warranty (the foil and cutter cassette are excluded). You can return it to get your money back within a generous 60 days. Most owners say this shaver is well worth the price, and that its reasonable costs for replacement parts (cleaning cartridges cost about $13 for three, and replacement cassettes, which only need to be replaced every 18 months, are about $32) help defray the Series 7's high purchase price. We found one or two complaints about Braun's customer service not being very helpful, but most users don't comment on the service, which is usually a good sign.

The bottom line

As one happy Walmart.com reviewer writes, "This razor is expensive, but we are talking about your face. Men shave everyday. This is worth the price." If you want a Braun Series 7 shave that's slightly more affordable, the best-reviewed Braun Series 7 760cc-4 (*Est. $200) has most of the same features, although the cleaning stand doesn't work as fast and it has an LED indicator system instead of the 790cc's LCD screen.