If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best electric razor for an elderly man is then I’d recommend the Braun 5 Series 5018s as the best one.
Wanting to discover the best electric razor for you or someone you care about who is growing older?
This is a subject that is close to my heart, as I have an elderly father. It has become harder for him to keep that fresh look as he grows in years, but it is definitely not impossible.
Electric razors can be a great solution for older gentlemen. I’ve sorted through the contenders and put my recommendations and reviews below.
Capiche? Sound good? Let’s Get it Going!
What does it even mean to be ‘old’ or ‘elderly’?
According to the World Health Organization (yes, the World F**King Health Organization): “There is no denying that ageism is still prevalent in today’s society.” While I’m not personally inclined to view the WHO as an authority, it is hard to argue that ageism is absent from today’s culture.
Just like other isms, ageism makes some doubtful assumptions for example that all older people are or behave the same, etcetera.
In fact, even the WHO realizes that there is “great diversity” among older people who all have unique abilities, backgrounds, behaviours, attitudes, values and outlooks. (Thank you, Captain Obvious!)
For example, the city of College Park in Maryland asked community members for their thoughts on the question ‘What does being old mean to you?’. The resulting video clip is pretty interesting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JvdBHyu1Cs
Woah. those are some spunky guys and gals. From singing and dancing to driving and teaching, they are all doing their own thing. Way to go!
I get it! Many older people enjoy active lives … It is definitely true that for many older gentlemen ‘age is just a number’. (Some people these days do not even like to hear the word "aging" or "old" because of negative perceptions about being old.)
Nevertheless, the biological process of aging can not - at least not for now! - be completely stopped.
Aging is after all a complex biological process influenced by both personal and environmental factors. And scientists recognize that
“Skin aging is a part of a natural human ‘aging mosaic’ which becomes evident and follows different trajectories in different organs, tissues and cells with time. While the aging signs of internal organs are masked from the ambient 'eyes,' the skin provides first obvious marks of the passing time.”
Are electric razors a good fit for older men?
Since aging is an unavoidable process, we really need to dig down and understand the characteristics of this process. For my money, you are looking at both physical and emotional changes.
On the physical side, older skin is going to be a bit drier with fine wrinkles and gradual loss of elasticity. This adds up to sensitive skin in the jargon of shaving companies. So, it is natural that older men need to be a little more careful with their skin while shaving.
In addition, we also need to think about the emotional aspect of aging. While romance is welcome at any age, it is only natural to believe that in general older people are going to be less interested in ‘seduction’. There is therefore, sometimes, a loss in the vanity side of personal care rituals.
The right electric razor can help with both of those challenges: it will be safe and convenient.
An electric razor is going to be safer than razor blades. While the blades will start off and remain very sharp, they are protected and will not make direct contact with your skin.
An electric razor is also going to be faster and more convenient. You will not need to bother with esoteric techniques or replacing the blade every week.
In sum, yes: the right electric razor is a great way for an older gentleman to get a close and comfortable shave.
What are the Key Features to Look for?
Here is the rub: there are so many brands and models out there. What works well for young guys won’t always be a great solution for the older gentleman. There are just so many different electric razors there with an ever-growing list of bells and whistles, it can be hard to choose.
You probably already know that, tho. That is why I have gone through the major brands as well as speciality and newer offerings. First, though, I want to tell you the factors I’ve considered in reviewing all of the different electric razors and which ones would be best for an elderly gentleman.
Here are the factors you will want to consider when tracking down the right electric razor as an elderly gentleman.
1. Blades and Motor
My facial hair is relatively thick and coarse - thanks dad! So I know what it is like when a razor cannot hack it. Especially if you have thick, coarse, or curly facial hair, you will want to consider power. In the world of razors, power is determined by the specs on your blades and motor.
It almost goes without saying that you want a quality blade. Go with stainless steel for convenience (water resistant!) or carbon steel if you need something ultra sharp.
We are talking about electric razors so there is no avoiding the need for a quality motor. You want to stay away from a rotary motor and instead choose something with at least [.…]
2. Multi-Directional Head
Traditionally, it was thought that rotary razors cut in a circular manner (think weed whacker ↻) whereas foil razors cut in a back-and-forth motion (like an oscillating fan ⇄). But, that understanding depended on the foil razor having a stationary or sometimes single direction ‘head.
The ‘head’ we are talking about here is a little unit that sits inside the foil along with the razor blades and mediates the razor - motor connection. These days, a high-end foil razor is going to have a head pivots in multiple directions, which allows the angle of the blades to match the contour of your face.
A high-end device like the Braun Series 9 might feature a 10 direction hud, which will provide maximal flexibility thus allowing for both micro and macro motion to give a clean shave. Even a less expensive device from Remington or Wahl should feature a multi-directional head.
3. Ease of Use & Design
You probably don’t need anything ‘fancy’ or ‘fashionable’ but you definitely want a tool that feels comfortable to use and looks respectable.
A first consideration here is weather the device is battery operated, and if so whether the batteries hold a proper charge. Long-lasting, rechargeable batteries are definitely recommended. My personal recommendation for elderly gentlemen is to avoid cable-only razors.
Second is design. Some electric shavers may be either overly fancy or just look down right industrial. You probably don’t want that. What you may want instead is a clean, polished design that will sit comfortably in your hand and provide for a good grip.
4. Foil vs Rotary
This is the classic chicken / egg debate for electric razors. There was a time when it was honest to say that there are ‘advantages and disadvantages of each type’ . Times have changed and foil technology has radically surged ahead.
The truth is that today’s foil razors are simply superior. I appreciate that rotary razors are quiet but, truth be told, there is no other advantage to rotary right now. (Maybe, maybe you might consider rotary a better choice if your facial hair is long. But, in that case why not just trim it before shaving?)
So, really, foil is the clear winner. At any price range, foill delivers the cleanest and closest shave you are gonna get with an electric razor. Plus, almost all the electric shavers nowadays are foil. What you want to watch for is micro foil.
5. Made in America?
Rumor has it that some electric razors are still made right here in the good ol’ U S of A. The rumor appears to be correct.
If you want one of these bad boys, make sure to keep your eyes open for the Star Spangled Banner, as it will be proudly displayed on the packaging.
6. Price
It is crazy to think that an electric razor can now cost more than twice as much as a desktop computer. Crazy!
Anyway, that might - *might* - make sense for guys who are trying to climb the corporate ladder. But, as an elderly gentleman you are probably more focused on the important things in life … So, yeah, I am kind of triggering myself here. But, point is that my reviews keep a close eye on value and tend to exclude unnecessarily high-priced items.
As you grow older a lot of things do change, but you can still take good care of your skin. While there are a ton of electric razors out there the following are both high-quality and high-value. Scroll down for specific product reviews and recommendations.
Reviews
Braun Series 9 (9293S)
The Braun Series 9 has been described as the Bentley of shavers, but you might also call it the Mercedes S Class of electric razors.
Like Mercedes, Braun is an industry leader, and produces a wide range of electric razors but the Series 9 is their number one shaver. Especially if you are dealing with sensitive skin, I would personally recommend this one.
Why is it my recommendation for the elderly gentleman with sensitive skin? Let me count the reasons.
First, the Series 9 is made in Germany, which means that they have the Braun A-Team working on this one. When it comes to at-home facial hair grooming the guys at Braun just take things very, very seriously. A Braun Series 9 is going to last for years and years.
Second, let’s look inside the foil head, the Series 9 packs two specialized, stainless steel blades that are titanium coated. In tandem with the careful design, these sharp blades will slice through even the gnarliest of hairs.
Third, the motor is outstanding. It delivers excellent functionality with its microvibrations. These microvibrations work in tandem with the floating head that slices and dices in ten different directions. Rather than ‘powering through’ the result is that the Series 9 gently adapts to your face and makes your facial hair disappear.
Fourth, is going to be design and ease of use. This carefully designed tool uses five (5!) shaving elements: 4 cutting elements and 1 guard. These work together to deliver an efficient and comfortable shave. The synchronized shaving elements can cut in one stroke what other razors do in two. That's double duty, it means less stress on your skin and more convenience.
Fifth, the Series 9 comes with an excellent battery and a convenient charging stand. The battery will hold 50 minutes of charge as displayed minute by minute on the digital display.
Now, I’ve introduced the advantages of the Series 9 but - you say - there has got to be some drawback. Well, in this case I can really only identify two potential disadvantages.
First, the Series 9 can be expensive. I specifically recommend the 9293S because it is the least expensive in this range and delivers excellent value.
Second, Braun’s electric razors that are marked as ‘ss’ or ‘s’ do not come with a cleaning station. I personally do not think that a cleaning station is necessary or should really be a priority, but it is important for some guys.
Braun Series 5 (5018s)
So, you already know that Braun has a reputation for superior quality, craftsmanship, and performance. Perhaps, tho, you are thinking that the Series 9 is too expensive. That is reasonable, but there is some good news.
As an industry leader, Braun produce a wide range of electric razors and sometimes you can -- if you get your timing right -- find a great deal as they re-arrange their various product lines. The Braun Series 5 is an excellent example.
This is all a bit of a long story, so bear with me as i geek out. Back in the day, Braun’s electric razors only went up to 7. As you intuitively know, when the Series 9 was introduced, Braun created the Series 5 to fill the gap between the entry-level Series 3 and its Series 7. You would not know, tho, that the Series 5 has already gone through three product iterations. I want to introduce the 5018s, as I think you will agree that it delivers not just ‘value’ but quality and value.
However, if we consider the performance and the overall capabilities of the Series 5, they are a whole lot closer to the Series 7 than the Series 3.
The Braun 5040s is not a high-end shaver like the Series 9. But it is a major step-up from the Series 3 ProSkin and even has some capabilities that are equivalent to the Braun Series 7. Balancing cost against performance, the Braun 5018s delivers not just ‘value’ but ‘quality and value’.
Panasonic ARC4 (ES8243AA)
I love American brands and made-in-America products, but I also respect the craftsmanship and excellence in engineering that goes in to *some* foreign products. At the top of the list has gotta be Japanese products, especially their electronics.
Japan’s leading manufacturers clearly have a highly refined and pleasing sense about the design of their products. Panasonic is no exception. When it comes to electric shavers for using at home - these guys know what they are doing, and they supply an excellent product.
The Panasonic ARC 4 -- as the name suggests - comes with four precision-honed, nanotech razor blades. Through the wonders of Japanese razor technology, the blades are sharpened to 30° -- can you say ultra-sharp and hypoallergenic.
The Arc4’s samurai blades are powered by a high-performance 13,000 cpm motor. You know what i am talking about here with the small but powerful motors, right?
Even if you don’t get that reference, the real key is that the small, powerful motor is driving
a quick-pivoting head. Panasonic describes this as a Multi-Flex dual system and the result is that the foil face can be moved effortlessly along your face while the internal head and razors make quick work of your facial hair.
Your Japanese facial geisha (sorry, I’m getting way too excited about this) delivers side-to-side and back-and-forth movements that lift and position your facial hairs. The result is that you get to experience gentle, clean, and consistent removal of unwanted facial hair.
The ARC 4 is also going to be easy to use:
- its battery provides 45 minutes of consistent run time. (Battery status is displayed by a 10-stage, blue LCD screen.)
- It is 100% waterproof and can be used with foam or gel in the shower
- it is quick and simple to clean by simply rinsing the unit under running water with the ‘sonic vibration’ mode on
Heck, the Panasonic even comes with a built-in pop-up trimmer. The Arc 4 also comes with universal voltage, an AC adaptor/charger and a travel pouch.
Bottom line: Panasonic’s Arc4 provides a combination of high quality and year round value. Electric razors are an investment and you should be able to rely on your investment to last for a long time: the ARC 4 delivers that reliability at a price point that will not eat up your pension.
Philips Norelco 9000 Series - Rotary (S9531/27)
Just like some gentleman prefer blonds while others prefer brunettes, some guys prefer rotary shavers while most of us prefer a foil model. If you are an older gentleman looking for a rotary electric razor, well then you sir need to check out the Philips Norelco 9000 Series (PN 9000).
A rotary razors’ three independent heads are sometimes preferred for their ability to hug facial contours. Traditionally the knock on rotary shavers has been that they pull at facial hair. Philips Norelco’s best products have tried hard to solve that problem. How do they do it?
The PN 9000 features a MultiPrecision blade system, which allows close contact to the skin, even along the neck and jawline. It also has a 5-direction shaving head, which is a major improvement over older technology. When it operates well, it allows Philips Norelco’s best products to cut your beard without grabbing on specific hairs and pulling or tugging.
The PN 9000’s wet / dry functionality gives you the option of shaving with your go-to gel or foam whether in the shower or not. You can even use the PN 9000 to shave without moisture, tho I certainly don’t recommend it.
You should note that the PN 9000 is a strictly cordless tool. Its lithium-ion battery should provide more than 40 minutes of run time on a one-hour charge. The inbuilt LED display let’s you know about remaining battery time and a warning if maintenance is coming up.
There are just a few drawbacks. First, this unit is a bit heavier than the other electric razors I have reviewed here.
Second, you are going to need to replace the cutter annually. The LED display has a special icon that will light up when a new cutter is needed.
Third, another inconvenience is that Philips Norelco does not include a cleaning system in the machine and the cleaning bases can be unwieldly. Because of its weird pear shape, the PN 9000 needs held by a stalk-like support when it is put in the cleaning base. Alternatively, you can just maintain the shaver manually with the cleaning brush
So, what is the bottom line? The PN 9000 is simply the best rotary shaver for older gentlemen whether or not you have sensitive skin. A rotary razor that doesn’t pull or irritate your skin.
Remington Foil Shaver ( F5-5800)
Remington is one of those american manufacturing businesses that seems to be struggling for an identity. As my nerdy brother, the accountant, would say: they are struggling to find a clear value proposition for today’s consumer. Remington’s business problem is, I would argue, ultimately a potential bonus for us as consumers. See, Remington is now in a cycle of needing to over-deliver to win back disenchanted consumers.
The F5-5800 is a good example of Remington’s desire to over-deliver. It has a number of functionalities that are normally only available in more expensive models. It is no surprise that the F5-5800 is probably Remington’s most popular shaver and has helped them stay in the game.
This is Remington’s answer to the three blade shaver. The stainless steel blades are housed beneath two foils and a single slit blade. The geniuses at Remington call this “Intercept Technology” but is pretty standard. It is the same functionality that is used by Braun’s Series 3, for example, and should allow the external face of the shaver to move smoothly across your face.
Like the Braun Series 3, the F5-5800’s external elements can move independently (which Remington refers to as Pivot & Flex). Unlike the Braun Series 3, however, the F5-5800’s blades are housed in a shaving head that has some movement, i.e. a basic swivel function that allows it to pivot up and down. This is a first important feature that is offered by the F5-5800 that is missing in Braun equivalently priced Series 3.
The Remington can also be used either cordless and corded. And, it has an impressive, rechargeable battery that will allow you to shave cordless for up to 60 minutes.
Finally, the Remington comes with a very basic trimmer. At this price point, this is a pure bonus.
Of course, no product is perfect. At the end of the day this Remington is more about value and less about quality. Here are a few things you should know about the Remington F5-5800.
First, it is kind of chunky and clunky. It is not necessarily going to fit as easily in your hand as, say, a Braun ProSkin. It also does not have a proper grip.
Second, a more important concern is that the Remington is realistically never going to be more than adequately comfortable. Of course, this will all depend on your particular face, but potential discomforts include: the foils getting warm, longer hairs getting caught and pulling, and then of course there is the big one of the motor not always being strong enough to hack thick facial hair.
Conclusion
Braun is an industry leader and the 92900cc is pretty much its Rolls-Royce. That said, if you are looking for something with a realistic price, the Braun Series 5018s is impossible to beat. It delivers not just value but value and quality.