EmailRotary vs. foil shavers
There are two main types of men's electric shavers: rotary and foil. Foil shavers theoretically offer a closer shave, but they have trouble cutting longer hairs. Rotary shavers can cut long hairs, and they're easier to maneuver around difficult areas like the chin and neck. However, they often don't shave as closely as foils, and neither foils nor rotaries can shave quite as close as manual razors.
In a poll conducted by the Electric Shaver Page, a slight majority of men say they find foil shavers less irritating than rotary models. However, foil shaver surfaces are more delicate, and though they're easier to clean, they're also easier to break. Rotary shavers are sturdier than foils, but require more effort to keep clean. Testers at Which?, a British consumer magazine that's similar to ConsumerReports.org, say there's little difference between the two types of shavers. In the review for Australia's Choice magazine, foil shavers are preferred overall.
You might not think much about noise level when shopping for a new electric shaver, but reviewers say listening to a loud shaver might not be the best way to start your day. In general, owners say rotary shavers are less noisy than foil shavers. Posters to Electric Razor Rap say the motors on Philips Norelco shavers are better insulated for sound than in the past (they also say Philips Norelco arcitec shavers have a higher-pitched (but not louder) sound than older models, and that the noise level of the Braun Series 7 is very low).
In the end, there's no definitive way to determine which type of shaver is best for you. Manufacturers and reviewers say it takes 30 days for your face to adjust to a new shaver; only after this initial adjustment period can you determine a shaver's effectiveness and comfort. Reviewers recommend taking advantage of the 30- or 60-day trial periods offered by most manufacturers.
Experts say to look for the following features in an electric shaver:
- Rather than an inexpensive generic model, get a quality brand with fewer bells and whistles. Most top shaver lines, such as the Braun Series 7 and Philips Norelco arcitec, offer less expensive models. These have the same cutting features, but they lack certain features, such as indicator lights and cleaning options.
- An adequate trial period is essential. It takes 30 days for your face to adjust to a new shaver; only after this initial adjustment period can you determine whether the shaver is the right one for you. For this reason, you should look for a manufacturer's money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.
- A shaver should feel comfortable in your hand and shouldn't be annoyingly noisy or vibrate too much. Reviewers say different things about the noise levels of various razors, but the general trend is toward quieter models. Some vibrating models (like the Braun Series 7) are a hit with both experts and owners.
- A quick-charge option and a long charge life are important. It doesn't matter how many fancy features a shaver has if it quits before you finish the job. Check to see how long a charge is required for maximum shaving time and whether the shaver has a quick-charge feature for shorter shaves.