Best men's electric shaver Braun Series 7 760cc *Est. $210
Best rotary electric shaver Philips Norelco 8240XL *Est. $75
Wet/dry foil shaver Panasonic Vortex ES8109S *Est. $110
Best travel shaver Braun MobileShave M-90 *Est. $24

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Panasonic Vortex ES8109S

*Est. $110

Reviewed

November 2011

Wet/dry foil shaver

Pros

Wet/dry option
Easy cleaning
Comfortable to hold

Cons

Noisy
Cleaning cycle is long and loud
Mixed reviews for durability

Where to Buy

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Unlike many electric shavers, the Panasonic Vortex ES8109S foil shaver can be used dry or wet, with shaving cream or lotion, as well as in the shower. The Panasonic ES8109S includes a cleaning/charging base that uses a special cleaning solution to wash and dry the razor. Features include a five-minute, quick-charge feature and a pivoting head that can be adjusted to the user's liking. On the downside, some say the cleaning cycle takes a while to complete and can be loud. Cleaning cartridges last for a month or so and cost about $4 each. Many reviews compare the Panasonic Vortex ES8109S to the Braun Series 7 line, such as the Braun Series 7 760cc (*Est. $210) . Those who make this comparison say they prefer the Panasonic's convex shaving head to the Braun's straighter style. Panasonic backs this wet/dry electric shaver with a 30-day, money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. If you don't want to spend as much, the Philips Norelco 8240XL (*Est. $75) gets good reviews as well.

ConsumerReports.org and Choice magazine (the Australian equivalent of ConsumerReports.org) editors test the Panasonic Vortex ES8109S shaver in reviews of foil and rotary shavers. 3Luxe.com doesn't report on the ES8109S, but it includes its immediate and very similar predecessor -- the ES8077S -- in its list of the three best electric shavers for men. Lots of consumers also weigh in at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Panasonic ES8109S Men's 3-Blade (Arc 3) Wet/Dry Nanotech Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Vortex Cleaning System, Silver

(498 reviews)
Buy new: $179.99 $104.01 41 New from $79.00

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of ConsumerReports.org test and compare 14 electric shavers, including the Panasonic Vortex ES8109S, for performance, noise level and ease of use. Testers say traditional razors provide a closer shave, but electric razors don't tend to nick skin, and they can be used without soap and water.

Review: Electric Razor Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, June 2011

2. Choice magazineDetails/Subscribe

Choice magazine, Australia's equivalent to ConsumerReports.org, tests 12 electric shavers for men, including the Panasonic ES8109. Shavers are evaluated on effectiveness, ergonomics and ease of cleaning.

Review: Men's Shavers Review, Editors of Choice magazine, Aug. 2011

3. 3Luxe.com

Editors of 3Luxe.com praise the Panasonic Vortex HydraClean series for a pivoting head that adjusts easily to the contours of the face. They list the Panasonic Vortex HydraClean ES8077S, the predecessor of the Panasonic Vortex HydraClean ES8109S, as one of the three best electric shavers for men.

Review: Panasonic Vortex HydraClean, Editors of 3Luxe.com

4. Amazon.com

More than 400 owners post comments about the Panasonic Vortex HydraClean ES8109S, and many say good things. The Panasonic electric shaver wins praise for the quality of the shave and the convenience of use and cleaning. Many compare it directly to the Braun Series 7 line, and most say the Panasonic's contoured flexible head works better than the Braun's, which is also flexible, but straight. There are scattered reports from users who dislike the Vortex, including some who say it isn't durable.

Review: Panasonic ES8109S Vortex Wet/Dry Shaver, Contributors to Amazon.com

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