Written by Kevin
Edited on
12 March 2024
·
16:01
Compare electric shavers with a rotating shaver head and electric shavers with shaver foil
In this article, we'll look at the differences between electric shavers with a rotary system and electric shavers with a foil system. Especially Philips electric shavers use a rotary system with 3 shaver blades, while Braun often has a foil system with different blades and a middle trimmer. That's why we use the brands Philips and Braun as the example in this article.
Main differences between Philips and Braun shavers
| Philips electric shavers | Braun electric shavers | |
|---|---|---|
| Shaving system | Rotary system | Foil system |
| Number of shaving elements | 3 rotating blades | 2 shaver foils with 1 or 2 vibrating middle trimmers |
| Shaving motion | Rotating shaving motion | Up and down shaving motion |
| Replace shaver head after | 24 months | 18 months |
Shaving system
Philips: rotary system with 3 rotating shaver blades
The electric shavers from Philips use a rotary system with 3 rotating shaver blades. The shaver blades have different holes and slits to lift and shave hairs. This allows you to shave very close to the skin. As a result, you can easily get a smooth shave. Even is you have a longer beard.
Braun: foil system with shaver foils and vibrating middle trimmer
Most electric shavers by Braun have a foil system that consists 2 or 3 shaver foils and a vibrating middle trimmer. The middle trimmer lifts the hairs and guides them along the different shaver foils.
Shaving motion
Philips: rotating cutting action
With a head system, the electric shaver makes small rotations across your face. This way, you shave all hairs, regardless of which direction they're growing in. The 3 blades move in all directions. This allows you to properly follow the contours of your face and ensures you can shave comfortably. The higher the series, the better the electric shaver. With a series 3000, you'll probably have to shave the same spot multiple times, whereas a Series 9000 will shave it in one go.
Braun: up and down cutting action
For a smooth shave result with a foil system, you move the electric shaver up and down in a straight line. This motion is comparable to the motion you make with a traditional shaver blade. How well the Braun electric shaver shaves depends on the series you buy. A Series 3 won't shave as smooth as a Series 9, so you'll have to shave across the same spot more often with a Series 3 than with a Series 9.
Replaced shaver head
Philips: every 24 months
With Philips electric shavers, it's important to replace the shaver head after 24 months. This allows you to always shave smoothly and hygienically. The Philips shaver heads are durable and have self-sharpening blades. This means they'll last a long time. With some models, you only have to replace the blades. With other models, you'll have to replace the entire shaver head.
Braun: every 18 months
The shaver head on the Braun electric shavers last a little less long as the ones on the Philips electric shavers. To shave hygienically and effectively, you need to replace the shaver foil after 18 months. With all Braun electric shavers, you need to replace the entire cassette. This consists of a shaver foil and a blade block.
Switch from shaving technique
Are you switching from shaving technique? Not just you, but also your skin needs to get used to the new way of shaving. That's why it's important to not expect the same result as usual right away. It may take up to 2 weeks before your skin is used to it. Do you start to experience skin irritation? Don't shave everyday so your skin gets some rest. This'll allow you skin to recover. Read the advice article on this page for all the tips.
Conclusion
The main difference between the Braun and Philips electric shavers is the shaving system and the shaving technique. Braun has a foil system and you move up and down. Philips has a head system with rotating blades which you move across your face in small circles. So whether you need a Philips or Braun electric shaver depends on if you prefer to make a rotary or up and downward motion.
Article by Kevin
Electric Shaver Expert.
