Rotary vs. foil shavers

When you shop for an electric razor, your first decision is  to choose between a foil and rotary model. Experts note that choosing between the two usually boils down to a matter of personal preference, and some trial and error is part of the process; that's why manufacturers offer you a money-back guarantee for 30 days or more after you purchase the shaver. They want you to not only try the shaver out, but give your skin and beard a couple of weeks to adjust to it before you make your decision.

Know Before You Go

Foil versus rotary: Thinking through what you really want from a shaver before you shop helps narrow your choices and greatly speeds the trial and error process.

Common reasons you might choose a rotary shaver include:

  • Noise is a deal-breaker. Rotary shavers tend to be quieter than foil models.
  • You like to go awhile between shaves. Experts say that rotary models may handle longer hairs better than foil models do.
  • You have a hard time shaving along contours. Many say that the multiple, independently rotating shaving heads on a rotary model do a better job of handling difficult contours than foil models do.
  • You're used to rotary models. If you're already used to the circular motions of shaving with a rotary electric razor, you might not want to teach yourself the long, straight strokes required of a foil shaver.

Common reasons for selecting foil models include:

  • A close shave is of the utmost importance. Experts say that, in general, foil shavers get you a little closer to the feel of shaving with a blade. (Experts recommend shaving against the direction of your hair growth when you're using a foil shaver.)
  • You're used to shaving with a disposable razor. The long, straight strokes of a foil shaver resemble the same movements you'd make with a disposable razor. 

Do you need an electric razor with wet/dry capabilities? Shaving experience is your best indicator: If you're as comfortable as can be with a dry shave, there's no need to spend extra money on a wet/dry shaver. However, if you know you have very sensitive skin or that dry shaving can irritate your skin, experts recommend trying a wet/dry model.

Some men prefer shaving in the shower, or just after a shower, for the sake of expediency or comfort. If this is you, keep in mind that wet/dry capability doesn't automatically mean an electric shaver is fully immersible or waterproof. Select a model that's specifically designed for use in the shower. Check the documentation to be sure; some models display a shower symbol on the shaver casing, too.

Shaving function first, features later

Many shavers offer upgraded models with snazzy features like an automatic cleaning base or LCD display. Pay attention to these features if really matter to you, but experts recommend that you look out for other features that are more crucial to a good shaving experience:

  • Shop for a quality brand name like Braun, Philips Norelco or Panasonic. Experts say that in this case you really do get what you pay for, and that brand-name products tend to provide a closer, more comfortable shave, and they last longer.
  • Choose a model with a pop-out trimmer if you need help dealing with longer hairs or shaping sideburns.
  • Look for a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days. It takes about that long for your skin and hair to adjust to the new shaver, so you'll want to be able to try it out for (nearly) the full trial period.
  • Accept only a two-year or longer warranty. Two years is the industry standard for shavers. Also, check to see whether the foil and blades, or shaving head and cutters, are excluded from the warranty. (This isn't uncommon, but it's a good thing to know up front.)
  • Check for charge times and duration. The best shavers reach full charge in 60 to 90 minutes, although the first charge might take longer. Also check how long a full charge lasts (45 minutes is the minimum among name brands), and whether the shaver offers a quick-charge feature, so you don't end up with half a beard if the battery runs out.

Once you buy your next shaver, hold onto the packaging until the very end of the trial period; we saw some regretful reviews from people who had thought they had the right shaver, thrown out the packaging and then changed their mind before the trial period was over -- but they couldn't return the shaver without the packaging.

Finally, once you try the shaver out, make hand comfort, noise and vibration your priorities. The shaver should feel comfortable in your hand, and it shouldn't be annoyingly noisy. Check the cleaning system, too -- users warn that sometimes the cleaner is loud, even when the shaver itself is not. Some models vibrate -- users say it can feel a bit like a facial massage or a cell phone vibrating -- so be sure and try this feature out, too, if your shaver has it.

If the shaver feels awkward or uncomfortable in your hand or against your face, you'll either stop using it or dread shaving. But if you're willing to put a little effort into finding the right electric razor for you, shaving can become a ritual to look forward to.

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