In a world where everything is going wireless, cordless and untethered, corded electric shavers are becoming a rare breed.
Yes, most of us would rather shave without a cord dangling from the razor, but as a fallback solution, being able to use an electric shaver directly from a power outlet is a handy feature.
And for some users, it is a must-have.
But almost all current electric shavers will only work cordless. While there used to be many cordless/corded shavers in the past, your options are rather limited in 2023.
However, there are still a few excellent shavers out there that will work with the cord plugged in. You’ll still be able to use them cordless, but also have the peace of mind that you can always plug the cord in and start shaving.
We’ll also check out a few corded-only razors at the end.
Without further ado, let’s see what’s the deal with corded electric razors and check out some of the best options still available that will suit different budgets and different needs.
Table of Contents
Corded electric shavers: pros and (no) cons?
I decided to write this post after receiving many emails and comments from readers asking for recommendations of electric shavers that they can use both cordless and corded.
And the main reason for wanting such a shaver was always the same: they wanted to be able to use it even after the battery is no longer able to hold a decent charge.
That’s a perfectly valid reason, especially for someone that plans on holding on to a shaver for a few good years.
It’s a known fact that rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charging cycles. When that number is reached, they’ll no longer be able to provide the required power in order to operate the motor.
And if it’s a cordless only shaver, that can be a problem.
In this situation, the first thing you could do is replace the battery.
However, pretty much all electric shavers are fitted with batteries that are not user-replaceable. So officially, you cannot replace the battery yourself.
Unofficially, you can actually do it and for the more popular shaver models, the batteries are widely available and you can even find tutorials showing you how to do it step by step.
But if your shaver is not one of them, the compatible batteries are difficult to find or aren’t available at all to end-users.
Another problem with opening the shaver if you do manage to source the battery is compromising the waterproofing.
Precisely, if your shaver was originally water-resistant and you could wash it under the tap, you’ll no longer be able to do that.
Water ingress can and will damage the shaver irreversibly.
So ending up with a shaver that you must baby and take extra care when using and cleaning it doesn’t sound like fun.
Even shaving in an environment with high humidity can be a problem.
Luckily, there are still a few electric razors you can buy that will also work corded.
These shavers are suitable for dry use only, meaning you shouldn’t use them in the shower or with shaving cream or gel (due to safety concerns).
That’s the downside of corded electric shavers, but a minor one as most users would rather shave dry anyway.
Despite this limitation, modern dry only shavers are usually waterproof and can be safely rinsed with water (with the cord unplugged, of course).
Important: dry-only doesn’t always imply that a shaver will work with the cord plugged in — there are a few models that won’t — but it’s a good place to start your quest for a corded razor.
The wet/dry electric shavers will generally only work cordless; again, as a safety precaution.
With that said, let’s check out some of the most compelling corded shavers out there, starting with the more advanced (and more expensive ones) and finishing with a few budget-friendly options.
What are some of the best corded electric shavers (2023)?
1. Braun Series 7 790cc
Important: Only the older Series 7 790cc-4 and 790cc-5 will work cordless and corded. The newer models, ie 790cc-6, 790cc-7 will only work cordless. You should definitely check this with the vendor before buying as that model name is not always listed.
For anyone familiar with electric shavers, the Series 7 from Braun shouldn’t need any introduction.
It’s one of the most successful, popular, and iconic electric razors of the past decade.
And while it’s definitely not flawless, it’s a really good, versatile shaver that will be suitable in a variety of situations.
First of all, it does tick the box for cordless and corded operation, the thing we’re interested in particular here.
Being an older model, it’s a dry only shaver, unlike the newer Series 7 iterations that are all wet/dry models and will not work while charging.
It’s also waterproof, so you can safely clean the 790cc under tap water.
The cc in its name stands for Clean & Charge as it comes with an automatic cleaning station that cleans and charges the shaver.
You can plug the cord directly into the shaver and as mentioned previously, it will actually work in this manner.
So what are the main pros of the Series 7 790cc and who should buy it?
First of all, it’s a very comfortable and forgiving electric shaver.
It’s arguably among the best out there in that regard, edged only by the Series 9.
The fact that it’s a dry-only razor isn’t a deal-breaker in this case as the 790cc is really comfortable and the closeness of the shave will also be satisfactory for most users.
I’ve been using wet/dry Series 7 models like the 7865cc with shaving cream and to be honest, the differences in the quality of shave were marginal. So it’s not really worth the trouble of using shaving cream anyway.
For men with sensitive skin that suffer from razor burn, irritation, bumps, ingrown hairs, the Series 7 790cc would be ideal if it fits within the budget.
It’s not exactly cheap, but then again it doesn’t have the outrageous price of other premium shavers, like the Japan-only Panasonic Arc 5 shavers (some of which do work corded as well — more details in this guide).
Also, it handles longer, flat-lying hairs better than any other foil shaver in this price range. So if you don’t shave often, the 790cc would again be a good option.
It only has 3 shaving elements, but it performs excellent and it’s powerful enough for a coarse beard as well.
And with proper care and maintenance, it should last for years and you can still use it even after the battery’s performance degrades.
The Series 7 has a good reliability track record in general. You will however have to keep in mind that it has a flawed design of the head locking mechanism.
Precisely, the head of the Series 7 can swivel up and down, so Braun fitted a head locking switch that allows you to lock it in place when you need more precision.
If you lock the head in place, then try to move it, the mechanism will simply break. I personally never lock it to avoid any risks of this happening.
Besides, the head of the Series 7 is very slim and nimble, so I never felt the need to use the locking function.
I chose the 790cc over other corded Braun Series 7 models because it’s basically the only one still available.
Other options are the 760cc and 720s (no cleaning station), but those were discontinued and are now difficult to find.
But if you still manage to get one and for a better price, definitely go for it. The shaving performance will actually be the same.
2. Braun Series 5 5030s
I personally consider the Braun Series 5 as a more affordable alternative to the Series 7.
While not quite as refined and fast as the Series 7, the differences in performance and in the quality of the shave are really not that significant.
So if you found the Series 7 above to be a good match for your needs, but didn’t feel like spending that much on a shaver, you should really consider the Series 5 5030s.
This particular model is a dry-only shaver, so again you will be able to shave with the cord plugged in.
It’s a solo model, hence no cleaning station; but it does cost less than other Series 5 variations that come with one.
The station is handy, especially for removing some stubborn dirt buildups inside the shaving head, but you can still do a decent job cleaning it with a bit of liquid soap and water.
The shaving head of the Series 5 looks awfully similar to the one of the Series 7 and the performance is similar as well.
While the Series 5 vibrates more, it feels a tad slower and maybe a bit harsher, it’s still a really comfortable foil shaver that will be a suitable choice for the same reasons as the Series 7.
The closeness is again adequate, although something in the same price range like a Panasonic Arc 4 will likely provide a closer shave.
All Panasonic Arc 5 shavers will however work only cordless (except for the very expensive ES-LV9C-S and other Japan-only models).
Just like the Series 7, the main pro of the Series 5 is the comfort. It’s a gentle, smooth shaver that will be perfectly suitable for sensitive skin.
It will also work surprisingly well on a 2 to 3 days beard and while it’s not quite as capable as the Series 7 in this regard, it’s definitely good enough.
The newer Series 5 models that start with 51 (like 5140s) are suitable for wet/dry use, so you will not be able to use them corded.
The 5030s is one of the few Series 5 still available that will also work when connected to the mains.
Other corded Series 5 are the 5020s and 5090cc, but in most countries, they aren’t available anymore.
The Series 5 5030s offers better value for money than the Series 7 790cc since it costs less to buy and the replacement shaving head is cheaper as well.
So overall, it strikes a really good balance of performance, features, and costs.
3. Braun Series ProSkin 3 3000s
The last Braun model on our list of corded shavers is from the entry-level Series 3 line.
Precisely, the Series 3 ProSkin 3000s.
This is a dry only shaver that can usually be found at a very affordable price, offers very decent performance for the price, it’s comfortable, reasonably powerful and a great choice for the budget-conscious buyer.
While the Series 5 and 7 above are clearly the more advanced (and better) shavers, the 3000s is not too bad for such an inexpensive razor.
It’s a basic, no-frills, 3-blade shaver that will work great for someone who shaves more often and has a light to medium beard.
While it will eventually shave a dense, coarser beard as well, I highly recommend going for a Series 5 or 7 in that case.
The 3000s is easy to use and to clean, making it ideal for a beginner as well.
The replacement shaving heads are cheap and widely available, reducing the costs of ownership to a minimum.
The comfort during the shave is actually Braun’s main advantage over the other brands in this price segment.
The closeness is not the best though, but if you want a comfortable and cheap electric shaver that will work corded, the Series 3 is pretty much the only choice.
The 3000s is one of the more reasonably priced Series 3 models and the one I would recommend.
Other Series 3 models that will work while charging are either difficult to find (3020s), have poor battery life and an inferior shaving head (300s) or they cost a lot for a basic razor (3090cc, 3070cc, 3050cc, etc.).
4. Remington F5-5800
Remington is another important name in the electric shavers industry, but one that has lagged behind the Panasonic, Braun and Philips trio.
The quality and reliability of their recent shavers just aren’t quite up there with the best.
Nevertheless, the F5-5800 is a model that stands out from the lineup.
It’s also probably the most popular Remington shaver in recent years.
The main reasons for that are the affordable price and surprisingly, the performance.
Precisely, the closeness.
The F5-5800 shaves closer than other shavers in that price range, like the Series 3 from Braun.
However, it does so to the detriment of comfort. So the F5-5800 won’t be a suitable choice for users with sensitive skin.
It also works well only on short facial hair. So if you don’t shave daily or every other day at most, the Braun Series 3 3000s above will again be a better option.
And then there’s the problem of reliability which seems to be very spotty with Remington shavers.
There are reports of the blades eating through the foils after a few months of use, so this is something you should consider as well.
The Series 3 from Braun has a better reliability history.
But again, the Remington F5-5800 is a very interesting option for a corded foil shaver as it comes from a different manufacturer and is capable of delivering some very close shaves, provided that you don’t have very sensitive skin and you usually shave more often.
5. Philips Norelco Shaver 2300
Up to this point we’ve only looked at corded foil shavers.
Well, for users who prefer rotary razors, the choices are even fewer, unfortunately.
Philips (Norelco) is basically the only option and most of their shavers still in production will not work when powered with the cord from an outlet.
But again, we can still find a few exceptions.
The Shaver 2300 (S1211/81) or the older Shaver 3100 (S3310/81) are basic, entry-level, dry-only rotary razors that operate both corded and cordless.
Since the latter is begging to be phased out and isn’t as easy to get, the Shaver 2300 is the one to buy in 2023.
It’s usually very reasonably priced, easy to use and to clean, it’s quiet and works surprisingly well on longer facial hair.
It’s also fitted with a pop-up trimmer and while it’s pretty average, it’s nevertheless a useful and welcome addition.
As for the downsides, the closeness and comfort could be better, so if those are deal-breakers, you will be better off with one of the foil shavers above.
Also, the battery of the Shaver 3100 takes a whopping 8 hours to charge according to Philips (in practice, it’s around 6 hours). Luckily, you can shave with the cord plugged in.
Unfortunately, if you were hoping for a more advanced rotary razor that you can use while charging, you’re out of luck.
All the middle to high-end Philips shavers will not work from a wall socket.
So the Series 2000 and some older Series 3000 are basically the only options nowadays.
6. Philips Norelco S3552/89 (Heritage edition)
The S3552/89 (Heritage edition) is the other unicorn from Philips Norelco.
It uses the exact blades as the 2300 above, so it will shave pretty much the same.
But unlike the 2300, it only takes one hour to fully charge and yes, it will also work corded.
It has a very reasonable price and comes in this nice seafoam color which gives it a vintage vibe.
The problem is that it’s extremely difficult to get. It’s available only in several retail stores in the USA, so for most users, the Shaver 2300 at number 5 remains the best option for a cordless/corded rotary razor.
What about corded-only electric razors?
For the purists out there, an electric shaver that has no battery at all is the ideal machine.
While back in the day this was the norm, currently there are even fewer than the cordless/corded models listed above.
But even so, you can actually still buy some.
These are all very basic, no-frills, cheap rotary razors, but still work decently.
So let’s check them out.
The best option for a corded-only electric shaver in 2023 is in my opinion the Philips Norelco 1100.
It is available in two variations: S1150/81 and S1015/81 (links to the official product pages).
The difference between them is that the former has been discontinued, while the latter is widely available. It comes with a newer and nicer design, but uses the same blades (SH30).
The newer S1015/81 is in my opinion the one to get (the performance will be identical).
Philips Norelco 1100 ( S1015/81)
Side note: you can also get it from Walmart or Target.
The performance will be identical to the Philips shavers at numbers 5 and 6 above (all of them use the same SH30 cutting heads and are widely available).
Finally, we also have a corded-only rotary from Remington called the R50.
It’s again a cheap and basic rotary shaver, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Performance-wise, I think the Philips Norelco 1100 has the edge, but it’s good to have more options. Also, the replacement cutting heads for the R50 don’t seem to be listed anywhere.
You can get the Remington R50 from Amazon.com, Remington’s website or Walmart.
Why are there so few corded electric razors available?
As I mentioned earlier in this post, I get quite a few messages from users complaining about the somewhat short lifespan of today’s electric shavers compared to what they used to be back in the day.
While it wasn’t uncommon to use a shaver for 10 to 15 years, such numbers seem really far-fetched nowadays.
And the argument of being able to use a shaver corded is almost always brought into the discussion.
This makes sense as the battery is usually the first component that will fail.
So why there are so few of these shavers on the market?
I guess we can always make a case for the manufacturers’ intent to sell more products and thus making them intentionally less reliable.
It’s a recurrent theme that we’ve seen in the case of smartphones, cars, or washing machines.
The official reason in the case of cordless only electric razors is safety. Since a large chunk of them are suitable for wet and dry use, the manufacturers decided to prevent operation when the shaver is connected to a power outlet.
You could argue that it’s a cop-out and a convenient one instead of making more effort to educate and inform the user and so on.
But then again the risk is real in the case of improper use and we must look at this from their perspective as well.
And since most users won’t be bothered by cordless only operation, at least not to the point of not wanting to buy an electric shaver, it’s pretty clear where things are heading.
We’re likely to see even fewer corded electric shavers in the years to come.
I personally would like to see electric shavers with user-replaceable batteries. And USB charging.
That seems utopic right now, but we can always hope, at least for the latter.
Conclusion
I usually have a hard time coming up with lists of recommended shavers for specific situations.
And the main reason for that is the sheer number of available models.
However, in this case, precisely the cordless & corded electric razors that are still readily available, there were only a few to consider.
If the ability to use your shaver from the mains is a must-have for you, the above-mentioned models should be available in most countries and you should pick one based on your needs and budget.
I hope this article will be useful and will help you in your search for a suitable corded razor.
Over to you now: what was your experience with corded electric razors? Are there any other models out there you would recommend? If you have any questions, make sure to post them in the comments below.
Hi, I am after a Shaver which the cord is unable to detach from the shaver, as this is a requirement for prisoners, but am finding it very hard to find one, is there any still available like that any more?
Hi Ross,
I’m afraid these aren’t available anymore, at least not to my knowledge. The last ones I’ve seen are actually vintage shavers from decades ago.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am in Australia and purchased the local retail version of the Philips (Heritage Edition) based on your excellent article after having been happy with my corded Philips 6466 for many years.
I’d like to share that the local Australian version is widely available and is the S3562/13. It has a white body rather than seamist and has a similar box to the S3552/89 (the front and back panels are identical but the side panels are different) however it does not work when plugged in. It seems that the Australian model is different and that I’ll have to import a S3552/89 from overseas.
Thank you for your comment, Adam.
That is very interesting — there’s also a similar version to the S3552/89 here in Europe (the S3561/12), and just like the Australian model, it will not work when plugged in. Importing the S3552/89 from the USA is probably the only option.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I really appreciate the information. I’m an electrician, and I know not to have the water on if you are shaving with a corded electric shaver. I prefer them over battery, because they are consistent. As long as they ar clean, and sharp, the speed, and torque are always the same. It is absolutely a cop out to sell more products. As long as I can find a corded shaver, that is what I will have. Or I will go back to triple blade razors. Thanks for your article, and investigating into this matter. It was a pleasure.
Thank you for your comment, Ruddy, glad you found the article useful. I totally agree with you, unfortunately the options are getting fewer by the year.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The Braun 7899CC is a wet/dry that work cord or cordless also.
Hi Tom,
I’m not sure that is true — it is even explicitly mentioned in the user manual that it will only work cordless as a safety precaution. You can check it out at this link (page 6).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I agree with Ovidiu. My Braun Series 7 can charge with the detachable cable that is for the charging/cleaning base, but will only operate wirelessly. Battery doesn’t last as long as before, so I wish it would work with the cable. Thank you for the helpful article.
Thank you for confirming this, Vlad, much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Tom,
I feel sorry for the younger generation who have grown up on rechargeable shavers and who have never experienced the consistent power and performance of a good mains only corded shaver gives you. Shavers like the Braun Syncro Plus and the Remington Microscreen had masses of power from their mains powered motors and were a delight to shave with, no painful snags when the going got tough, they just breezed through stubble. I have struggled over the years to find a mains powered shaver that gives the kind of performance we used to take for granted in the golden days of corded shavers, as all ‘mains’ shavers I can find nowadays use a transformer to bring the power down to a level that their puny rechargeable sourced motors can deal with, do they even exist? Bring back dedicated mains motor corded shavers I say!
Regards,
Gerry
Does anybody still make a plain, corded, non-rechargeable, non-smart electric shaver?
I think the Philips Norelco 1100 (S1150/81 and S1015/81) is the only one still available.
Love your site – thorough, unbiased & detailed info for electric razor addicts. I am 73, retired (your oldest reader?) electrical engineer. Switched to electric razors in 1985 (before you were born?) and never turned back. Probably used over 25 shaver models of all makes over time. here is what I am using (and doing) today: 1. Main shaver – Norelco PT 730 (from 2013- stamped in the back “Made in the Netherlands”) similar to the 3100 but has mini-round holes in the screen. Still running 40 minutes (measured lately). it charges to 90% capacity in 3-4 hours (my wife pulls the cord when she needs the outlet ) – you CAN NOT restart the charge to complete the 8 hours. Shaves 2 days beard in less than 3 minutes. Little cleaning work – just shake it facing down with the head open. Once a month I vacuum the inside – NEVER washed it with water. Bought new heads 2 years ago but never changed – the originals are still perfect. One useful advice : When the “replace the heads” light starts flashing once a year or so press AND HOLD the start switch for 10 seconds – the light shuts off for a full year.
2. I fully agree with you – rotaries don’t shave as close as screens and they are less than accurate on the Sideburns bottom line and upper lip. So after the main shave with the rotary I use a single screen Braun Free Control 1775 (2007 – batteries still good for 15 minutes) – I go all over the face in less than a minute. The face becomes smooth as if I shaved with Mach 5 pulling it in 5 different directions. The secret behind the close shave – the screen (plastic) case is marked on one SIDE and when I remove it for a rinse it comes back on in the same direction as it was on before. After a month of usage the screen and cutter “shave” each other. I know that this may not be relevant with some shaver brands today. However, I have 2 $200 machines (fathers days) which are piling dust – I can not take the laud high frequency pitch (3 KHZ ? Can find out if someone is interested) and they are not as smooth shaving as the single screen Braun.
3. Finally – about the before & after shave alcohol based products (again – appreciate your detailed / honest review). I tried some long ago and they do something – especially the preshave in very humid days. However,
back in 1990 I started brushing the face with a hot (130F tap water) small 5X5″ towel (have many of those). The hot towel absorbs all the grime and sweat in seconds – the skin dries completely in 2 minutes and the shaver glides smoothly over the face. Always take 2-3 towels for travels. If in a hurry you can use a dry towel or a hair dryer to accelerate the drying.
Thanks for letting me share SOME of my shavers experience and for your excellent website.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such an insightful comment. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. You are not in fact the oldest reader of this website, I’ve had quite a few 80+ gentlemen leaving a comment. And you are right, I wasn’t born yet when you first started using electric razors. 🙂
Your 2013 PT 730 that still uses the original heads is really impressive. Again, thank you for your comment and for the kind words, much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi!
I have the braun series 3 3020s shaver. I have looked deeper into the braun 5 5030s shaver.
How big is the diffirence in shaving and closeness, the 3020s compared to the 5030s? Im wondering this because the foil setup looks very similar and Im a bit skeptical if its a upgrade.
Regarding the cleaning of the shaver head, I just rinse it with water because Im afraid that the machine oil inside the shaver will get dissolved quickly and disappear if i put some soap on it after each shave as you recommend. I put machine oil on it 1 time every month.
How often do you put machine oil on the shaver head if you put soap on the shaver head after each shave?
Lots of thanks for all your articles and reviews on this blog, you are awesome!
Hi,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
In my experience, the performance difference between a Series 3 and a Series 5 is quite significant. Compared to the 3020s, the 5030s is more powerful, better with flat-lying hairs, the 3 cutters have a greater range of motion and the flexible head makes it easier on your wrist. I find the closeness and comfort better as well. However, Panasonic shavers are still the best when it comes to closeness, but they have other specific shortcomings (not as comfortable, only work great on short facial hair).
The foil setup looks similar in the way that there are two foil elements and one slit trimmer, but the ones on the Series 5 are of higher quality (pretty much identical to the head of the Series 7).
Regarding the lubrication, I oil the blades after every cleaning with soap. I also wrote a detailed guide on this if you want to check it out.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You wished for a battery powered shaver with “user replaceable batteries”; see the Remington Dual Foil Men’s Travel Electric Shaver TF70CDN … I have its predecessor, and, while I only use it for travel, mostly because of its small size, I believe it could be used as an every day shaver. It runs on 2 AA batteries, gives a close shave and, costs less than $20..
Thank you for your comment, John. I was actually referring to shavers with an internal, sealed, rechargeable battery that can be bought and replaced by the end-user (not in a service center). The Remington you mentioned can be a good option for occasional use or for someone with light to medium facial hair, but I just don’t see it as a viable solution for regular use in most cases. It just can’t match a more powerful and capable, full-fledged electric shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for writing this great article about corded electric shavers for men. Very informative.
Thank you for your comment, James, glad you found the post useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m looking for a simple traditional corded woman’s electric shaver?
I don’t really have any experience with women’s electric shavers, so I can’t recommend any specific ones. I do know that Panasonic and Philips make a few, but again, I can’t tell if or which ones will work corded.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great reviews, Ovidiu!
Question, how does your top pick in this article, the Braun 790cc, compare to the Braun 7880cc (it’s presently on sale at Amazon for Prime Days)? Among other quality comparisons, can the 7880cc also be used plugged in for when the battery eventually goes bad?
Thank you, Paul, glad you found the reviews useful. Performance-wise, they’re very similar, the main difference being that the 7880cc has 5 speed settings instead of 3 and it’s also suitable for wet & dry use. That does mean it will not work plugged in, unfortunately.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
These are still battery shavers and eventually the batteries will not even take a current charge. I buy new real electric shavers on the market sites and they never discharge,…and you don’t have to deal with batteries. These shavers shown are not electric or corded…they are battery operated. While they will operate from a cord, eventually they will not provide the current when the batteries are completely dead. Remington, Braun, and Norelco have had a few corded, the cheapest models, but they are almost out of production. To get true corded shavers, you have to buy on the big market sites like eBay. People compete heavily as corded electrics are no longer made.
Thank you for your comment, Bob. Electric shaver is a very broad term and it refers to a shaving machine fitted with an electric motor — that can take electricity from a battery or directly from the mains. It’s more like a term used to differentiate them from manual razors. I do agree with you regarding the semantics though and while it’s true a battery can eventually refuse to take a current charge, it’ll take a really long time until that happens — I am personally yet to experience that with any of my old shavers.
The corded-only electric shavers you can still buy are not really a viable option in my opinion (very difficult to find and generally have poor shaving performance and you can’t get replacement foils/blades).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This post addresses exactly what I wanted to know about. It’s a pity the answer is depressing! I want a mains-only shaver, because when I had a rechargeable one (Braun 6680, and a trimmer before that), after a few years the charge wouldn’t hold at all, & it (therefore) *wouldn’t* work even plugged into the mains. So my experience accords with Bob Foss’s. So I was puzzled by your post implying you find they will still work, as if that by-passes the rechargeable battery altogether. But if some now do, that would be fine.
It means the shavers don’t last as long as my Boots 3000 (I’m in UK) mains-only from over 40 years ago has, which has been used intermittently over that period, and has only just died.
I want a non rechargeable electric razor as in my experience, they last longer.
Also, the dead toxic batteries eventually end up in the landfill.
Apart from the Philips Norelco 1100 (S1150/81 and S1015/81 models), I don’t know any corded-only shavers still available.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you All the best in 2022.
Thank you for a very helpful site. I recently replaced my 2009 Remington MS2-100 cord-only vibrating shaver with your recommended Braun 3000s, and I’m satisfied with it so far. The Remington still works and I would have bought another if still available, but one blade barely stays on the body anymore. Yes, I had to replace a foil screen every 3-4 months and the blades every 2 years – no big deal. Remington has lost me as a customer for not offering anything similar. One thing I noticed in the Braun guide is that the rechargeable batteries are removable for disposal but NOT replaceable. Removing them makes the shaver inoperable. That’s probably a safety feature so you can’t just stick any batteries in it, but annoying to me. I would guess most users don’t bother to remove and recycle the hazardous-waste batteries.
Thank you for your comment, James, much appreciated. Most batteries fitted to modern shavers are not officially user-replaceable, although many have successfully replaced them. That’s mainly the case with the more popular models as the compatible batteries can be purchased easily. The waterproofing of the shaver will however be compromised once you open it. You will be right in assuming that most users don’t remove the batteries before disposing of the shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I simply don’t want the clutter of a charger. I want to take the shaver out of the drawer, plug in, shave, and throw it back in the drawer. I don’t want to have to setup a charger somewhere.
My last two, a Norelco and a Remington have died relatively quick deaths so maybe I will try Braun.
Thank you for the info.
Thank you for your comment, Scott, I understand your position perfectly. Glad you found the post useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have allways had phillips shavers, and still have a corded phillishave, and a newer wet/shave model which i am very happy with, but as a backup i purchased a cheaper Chinese brand: Xiaomi pinjing es03, which as it turns out it shaves excellent!! and works Corded as well as Wireless, it has all the features of an expensive shaver, such as: turbo mode, power lock, digital battery charge reader, 90 minute charge time for 60 mins or more uses, it lasts me at least 15 shaves, the razors are self sharpening japanese steele and cut very well, no rashes or redness yet, the heads are floating and easy to rinse after using with gel or foam in the shower. and if the battery dies, just dry it well, and plug it in to a usb charger and you can use it dry while it charges. so for those who are looking for something that does it all and Cheaply, this is a great option. although i use it alternately with my phillips as ive allways been happy with my phillips shavers., i have sensitive skin and both Shavers do a great job.
Many thanks for your comment — I haven’t used Xiaomi rotary shavers yet, only foil, but that one sounds like a very compelling product with all its features and the affordable price. I’ll definitely try it as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
That sounds like an interesting shaver. Wonder where it can be found. Didn’t see it on ebay.
The Braun Series 3 cannot be used with cord plugged in. I bought one on the basis of your article. Shame you did not take more trouble to do your research.
Jon, I specifically listed the Series 3 ProSkin 3000s in the article and I actually own that shaver (among other Series 3) and yes, the 3000s can be used plugged in. The fact that you bought a different Series 3 (there are many of them that do NOT work while charging) is entirely your responsibility. I always do my research and I actually buy and test all the shavers that I review.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great article, thanks! I am a Brown fan, my second 320s is nearing the end, got the first maybe around 2005 or so, both died after being dropped on the floor otherwise the batteries held great and work both corded and cordless. Cannot find the 320s anymore, but I seem to have just found a replacement trimmer on amazon, so I will try that first. When it will die forever, I will probably buy a 310.
Thank you for your comment, Tudor, much appreciated. It seems like your 320s served you really well. I would actually prefer the 3010s over the 310s — I have both and I find the 32b shaving head that comes with the 3010 much better (it is more comfortable and better with fat-lying hairs). But it will also fit the 310s if you decide to upgrade it later on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Thanks for the excellent insight you are providing to this audience. My question is about the Braun shavers that allow shaving while connected to the outlet with a cord. Among the Series 7 and 9, can we conclude that only 790cc and 9250cc offer shaving while charging? TIA
Hello,
Thank you, much appreciated.
Those aren’t the only Series 7 and 9 models that will work while charging, but are likely the ones that you can still buy. For example, the 9090cc Series 9 will also operate corded, but has been discontinued for quite some time. Same goes for the Series 7 720s or 740s. Also, regarding the 790cc, please note that there are several variations of it (790cc-4, 790cc-6, 790cc-7) and only the 790cc-4 will work while it’s plugged in. Unfortunately, most stores will only list it as 790cc, you can’t really know for sure what you’re getting without talking with the vendor specifically about this. The 790cc models that will not work with the cord have wet & dry written on the side of the shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Helpful article! I might try one of the Brauns, but I really want a shaver with no battery at all. I’ve been using the same corded Norelco for at least 20 years but the replacement heads now cost more than a new shaver. The Norelco corded-only 1100 model uses a wall-wart power supply, which I also don’t want.
So I found a cheap Remington “R2” model corded rotary for $27. Unfortunately, it doesn’t shave as close or comfortably as the Norelco with the worn-out heads. I don’t recommend it, even though it’s apparently the last remaining full-AC corded shaver without a battery.
Thank you for the comment, Van, much appreciated. Unfortunately the options for a shaver with no battery are extremely limited and will likely continue so, at least that’s the trend among the big brands.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Enjoyed all the information in this article, but I’m still confused. I purchased the Braun Series7 790cc for my husband because I thought he could use it just as a corded razor. Is this right or did I misunderstand? My husband is in a nursing home and has some dementia so things have to be simple and familiar to him.He still likes his independence in doing some of the things he used to do.He always used a corded razor to shave and he wants to be able to shave himself! We like to encourage him to do as much as he can.It is good for his moral. However , I don’ t want to give him something that is not safe for him to use. Thank you for any advice you may offer.
Hi Pat,
The Series 7 790cc is a cordless and corded electric razor. However, Braun decided to alter that and made it a cordless only shaver. Only these later iterations are cordless only, while the ones manufactured previously will also work corded. Unfortunately, they don’t make that obvious, so you’ll have to check with the vendor/store to make sure you’re getting the right shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Philips .
1955 was when I had my first 2 headed electric shaver . Worked on 110 v or 220v . I was serving with the British Army , Para Signal Squadron . We had loads of different battery driven radio’s in them days which we did a one for one swop when required . The old battery with the correct connection I could draw 110 v . What a pleasure it was to have a quick electric shave . At the age of 86 and still looking to use a corded all electric Philips , now 3 headed shaver . Thanks to you and your articles I’m still able to get the info I need and the right shaver . … Chris
Chris,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this — I truly appreciate it. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your new 3-blade Philips as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
It is far more ecological to be solely corded. The inclusion of a battery and charger causes far more pollution and use of energy to manufacture. It is naturally going to cost the customer more.
Hi David,
Thank you for the comment. I agree that it’s more ecological to have no batteries at all, regardless of the category of products. On the bright side, users tend to hold on to shavers for years before disposing of them. By the way, corded-only shavers come with a power cord (basically a cable attached to an AC to DC transformer, similar to the ones included with cordless shavers).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have used corded rotary shavers (Philips make) ever since they have been available; they lasted forever vs battery operated ones. The claim for safety of battery operated vs corded ones, sounds hollow. It is purely commercial decision and environment be damned.
Question: recently purchased Philips 1000, S1332/41, corded/cordless model.
Can I leave it plugged to the wall continuously? What would happen to the battery, which is not needed anyway? The lady at Philips Canada could not enlighten me. Thank you. Vaclav
Your informative overviews have not been matched by anybody! You are the best.
Thank you for the comment, Vaclav, much appreciated.
The Philips 1000 has a rechargeable NiMH battery that doesn’t suffer from memory effect (like in the old days), so you don’t need to fully drain it before charging it in order to maintain its capacity. Ideally, you’d want to keep the charge between 20% and 80% in order to get the most out of a battery (in terms of lifespan), but that’s not always practical. So leaving your shaver plugged in all the time won’t be ideal for the battery as it will stay constantly at 100%.
All manufacturers recommend disconnecting the shaver from the mains once the battery is fully charged for safety reasons. And in my opinion that’s good practice, it’s always best to disconnect electronics when not in use, especially the ones fitted with batteries. Even though the electronics cut off the power when fully charged, accidents can still happen. Even with a mains-only shaver (no batteries), it’s still a good idea to only plug it in when you need it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for sharing your research.
Do the corded models you researched still work when the battery is no longer operable?
Thanks,
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
Unfortunately Panasonic is the only brand to my knowledge that explicitly states that the shavers will NOT work corded when the battery is completely inoperable. Panasonic only has a handful of such shavers (the newer Arc 5 revisions), very expensive and only available in Japan, so I did not include them in the list.
As for the ones I recommended in the post, I really can’t say with certainty at this moment as my shavers still hold some charge and still work corded. I will dig more into this and update the post as soon as I find anything useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Thank you for your article very interesting.
I am a Corded shaver only fan. Been using them for more years than I can remember !! (Phillips ) Recently lost my cord for my current shaver and here in Australia I’m having trouble getting another Cord only shaver.
tried the Cordless shavers but got frustrated with the batteries dying in the middle of shaving.
I use my Corded shaver everywhere Camping ,Boating and at home when away camping /Boating a small inverter runs them easily with a solar panel to charge battery.
Which brings me to the point you made about the manufacturers claiming that the safety angle was there reason for discontinuing the corded models ?
We all know it is about unit volume / short life span = More $$$ to them.
My question to the Manufacturers is what happens to all the batteries that are being manufactured and then constantly thrown away and the environmental impact of that compared to running my Corded Shaver from Solar power both at home and when I am Camping / Boating.
Bring back the Corded Shaver I say – Just my 2 cents worth !!
If I can find a corded shaver here in Australia I’m buying 2 this time I’m sure they will see my shaving time out.
Take Care to All.
Regards
Aussie Baz
Hi Barry,
Many thanks for the comment.
I totally agree, batteries do have a finite number of charging cycles and will degrade over time. Many users don’t want to bother replacing them and just end up buying a new shaver, which is convenient for the manufacturers. Rechargeable batteries can be recycled, but that again implies taking the shaver apart, removing the battery and taking it to a local collection point. I personally don’t mind using cordless only shavers (I don’t have a power outlet near my bathroom sink) and I regularly charge my shavers as I do with my phone. But I would rather have cordless + corded shavers, it’s just a useful and handy feature that should come as standard.
Corded-only shavers are unfortunately pretty much gone.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Between a Braun Series 3 Proskin 3050CC and a Braun Series 5 5018s, which would you recommend?
I would actually prefer the 3050cc (for the same money). Performance-wise they’re pretty much the same, but the Series 3 has a slimmer head, the replacement cassette is usually cheaper and in this case, it will also work corded. I think you’re getting more for your money with the 3050cc, including a cleaning station, regardless if you’ll be using it or not.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu. The 3050cc is actually more expensive, but I do like the corded option. I can purchase a new 3055cc for $100(CA) taxes in, a new 5018s for $50(CA) and also have an offer to purchase a new 6020s for $80(CA). Which would get your recommendation at those prices?
You are very welcome. Even at twice the price of the 5018s, the 3050cc is still a good deal. It usually sells for a lot more than that. The 6020s is basically a 5018s with a swiveling head (the replacement cassette is the same for both), so again I would either get the 5018s as the budget option or the 3050cc as it still offers a lot for the price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you very much for your help. Much appreciated.
Recently my Remington F505 shaver (cord only) lost its pop up trimmer due to wear and tear. You can no longer buy this shaver model, is that correct?
Also the Braun Series 1 (130 -1) model is available at places like Amazon….this is cord only and I have just bought one.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for the comment. That is correct, the F505 has been discontinued. The Braun Series 1 is indeed a cord-only shaver — I didn’t include it because its shaving performance just wasn’t good enough in my experience.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I didn’t expect to find such a comprehensive article on the exact subject I was looking for, so I had to take the time to send a message to say thanks for your hard work.
I don’t mean to be reviewing your review, but I found your writing clear, interesting and very thorough. I particularly appreciated your reflections on the positions of manufacturers with regards to environmental sustainability. You were honest without being critical and tried your best to find good points as well as less good points about each product.
Thanks ever so much for such a useful, helpful and informative piece of work.
Best from Wales,
Marty
Hi Marty,
You are way too kind, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m glad you found the information useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Mr Ovidiu, I’m in the market for a new Norelco/Phillips shaver…I recently purchased a Series 1000 corded model…Found out it DOES NOT have a pop up trimmer…MY BAD MISTAKE…So what is your recommendation for a new Norelco/Phillips with a pop up trimmer??? (I know it will be rechargeable) I want a QUALITY shaver, but not the most expensive…Something that shaves close, has a trimmer and lasts…THANK YOU, larryd
Hi Larry,
I would get the Series 2000 Shaver 2300 but only if you need a shaver that works corded & cordless. Otherwise, the Series 3000 3500 is a bit better because it’s fitted with a slightly more powerful motor. But that one will only work cordless. You can check out my reviews of those two shavers here and here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just bought a Remington R2-405 corded rotory microflex shaver , new, from eBay for about $25.00 . About $35 with shipping and tax. Seems like they are still selling these. I don’t know if these have been around for a while or are new models.
In my earlier message, the model of Remington was R405, not R2-405.
Hi John,
Thank you for the comment. I think it was discontinued but some stores still carry it, probably an older stock. I haven’t tested it, but all Remington rotaries I’ve used for the past 10 years or so have been disappointing. Would be interested in knowing your thoughts on it once you shave a few times with it. If you have the time, of course.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m not him, but I have one of these and 4 Norelcos to compare it to.
I think what most of us looking for a cord-only shaver are looking for is actually the higher speed motors. When they started putting batteries in everything, they made the motors weaker. Not just shavers, but generally, including hand drills for instance. Battery voltage can vary a bit of course but it’s generally going to be far below the voltage you get from a wall outlet, so you need a low voltage motor, and they tend to be weak. Then you might even put in a weaker motor still, because the less the motor draws the more battery life you can advertise.
And on that level the Remington met my expectations. It certainly seems to have a stronger, faster motor. However the head is the most uncomfortable I have ever seen on a rotary shaver. It has no give, and the flex is inferior to my worst Norelco as well. And the blades were in awful shape straight out of the box. Overall, it was so bad that after only a couple of days it went into the salvage box.
However I pulled it out again recently, having learned a bit in the meantime; and I spent a little time trying to improve those blades. I did a couple of toothpaste polishings and those rough, jagged edges on the blades got pretty smooth. So I cleaned everything up, lubricated, and gave it a try.
And it’s working much better now. True, the head is still the worst I’ve ever seen, and the 3500 is MUCH more comfortable on the skin. But the 3500 also has to stay on the skin longer to get the job done. So I’m now reaching for the Remington first and doing the bulk of the shaving with it, quickly.If I want a super clean cut and have the time, I can go back over the trouble spots with one of the Norelcos after.
Thanks so much for the comment, Rick. I must say that I totally agree with you. Even low-end corded-only shavers are quite powerful, although the actual shaving head isn’t anything special.
Good job on that Remington, I personally always thought it would be futile to try anything similar — except for the sharpening kits from Vollco for specific Norelco cutters, those can work surprisingly well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You mean the toothpaste? I saw that a couple places online, tried it on my old HQ9s earlier. Didn’t do a lot of good for them but it did seem to polish up the little cutters as purported. It took a long time to get results, verifying that at least it was unlikely to go too far and do harm. And the moment I ran my hands along the Remington cutters it just seemed obvious they needed it. Much more rough and jagged than any of the other blades had ever felt.
I’ve never tried the kit you mention but I have looked at it online. My thought is that they should work fine if that’s what’s needed, but I suspect that is rarely the case. The cutters normally seem to come from the factory with an acceptable edge and to hone themselves a bit in use, so they don’t get worse but may even improve a bit with normal use up until the point they are just worn out. At that point, sharpening isn’t going to be a solution, you can only remove metal you can’t put it back. And most events that could damage the blade would damage the comb as well, or instead of.
But if the factory somehow forgot to finish the edge then apparently this can help. I suspect it would work well with blades that are only slightly pitted from rust as well, but living in a dry climate I never see those anymore.
I found a Norelco 1100 in stock about 30 miles from me, I’m very tempted to grab it. But I’ve noticed a couple of reviewers saying it actually has a low rpm motor, do you know if that’s true?
If that’s true I may have no choice but to attempt to transplant the guts from the Remington into one of the Norelcos.
Yes, toothpaste, polishing paste, anything along those lines.
You definitely must have some metal/slack to work with, otherwise I agree that it won’t do anything.
I have a Norelco 1100 on order from the USA, it’ll be another week or two until it gets here (I live in Europe). I will report back if it’s not too late.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, thank you so much for the excellent review of Braun shavers, easily the most detailed and useful review out there! For corded shavers like Braun 3090s, I’m a bit confused with the label as “dry-only”… Are they usable while fully submersed in water / can be cleaned under water? As in, is it correct that “dry-only” has all the functions of a “wet & dry”, but has the added benefit that “dry-only” can be used while charging, whereas “wet & dry” cannot be used while charging?
Hi Edward,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
That is correct, the 3090s is waterproof and can be rinsed with water. It is marketed as dry-only as a safety precaution since it will also work with the cord plugged in.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a Krup shaver that I bought many many years ago. When the micro screen wore our, in would pick up a new one at the small appliance repair shop. When the small appliance store closed up, I contacted Krup and the lady informed me the Krup stopped making my shaver but she would send me whatever she could find. The lady sent me an additional shaver plus an extra micro screen. What a deal! I had also given my dad a Krup shaver for Christmas which my gave me when my dad passed away. I have now have had a Krup shaver for over 35 years and am down to my last one. I love this shaver but can find nothing close to it on the internet. My son bought me a Norelco rotary shaver 10 years ago and I didn’t care for it at all. Can recommend a shaver similar to my Krup?
Hi John,
Corded foil shavers are almost non-existent now. I think the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3000s would be a good option for you — it’s also among the only ones you can still buy. It shaves well and the costs are pretty reasonable as well, both for the shaver and for the replacement head.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
On 3/13/23, I went to Ebay and found “Norelco men’s vintage 3405LC Corded Electric Razor Triple Rotating Head” with built-in trimmer for $28.88
Hi,
Thanks for the comment, much appreciated. Pre-owned old shavers are also an option if you’re ok with the possible shortcomings. In the article I only covered the ones that are still readily available in most countries.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, Over here in Australia you can still buy a corded remington razor the model is R2 selling for AU$30.00, on another note, I still have a Philips PT725 which I bought in 2112, I have just bought new blades and foils for it, the battery is still good, it also works plugged in. last of all ive got the Braun series 5 5030, i think its the best razor ive ever had, and gives me a close shave after 3 days growth. Sincerely Simon
Hi Simon,
Thanks so much for the comment and info. The 5030s was a fantastic shaver for the money, it really is a shame Braun discontinued that entire Series 5 generation and replaced it with worse shavers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Are Philips Norelco 1100 ( S1015/81) or Remington R50 available anywhere in Europe?
And if not, if I buy them from the USA, will I have to buy a separate power adapter for my EU outlets?
I’m afraid those aren’t available in Europe. You should only need a USA to EU plug adapter.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I did a search for corded-electric-razors and found your site. My biggest complaint about rechargeable battery shavers is that they are so heavy! I’ve tried a few, and keep going back to my Remington MS2-100. Yes, that’s right – it still works, and it’s very light. Replacement parts are still available, and I even have a back-up one I bought on Amazon in 2005 (who knows why). Many European hotels have a 110 outlet (hello American tourists!) so I’ve even brought it abroad with me.
Thank you for the comment, David. That is true, the battery does add some heft. It’s great that your Remington is still going strong, it was among the last really good shavers made by Remington (unfortunately the more recent ones are just underwhelming).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Any advice for someone wanting a cord only beard trimmer? I like to keep my beard short and tidy, but every trimmer I can find has a battery and suffers from the same problem that they won’t work when the battery has died even if the cord is plugged in. I don’t know anyone who trims their beard when it is wet so this is not likely to be a safety issue.
Hi Daniel,
I’m afraid there aren’t any corded only options (I personally don’t know any), just corded & cordless and most will indeed not work when the battery is completely dead and won’t let power go through. But I still think those can be a viable option. For example, the Philips Multigroom 7000 has excellent battery life and I think it’ll serve you well for years before that finally happens. It works corded and cordless and has a metal body, it’s powerful and comes with lots of accessories for beard trimming.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, Ovidiu:
I wonder why you reccommend the Philips/Norelco 2300 when, for $5 more, you an get the Philips 2500, which has a slightly faster motor, higher capacity battery, runs longer on a full charge, and charges in an hour or so instead of more than 8 hours.
Also, there are a number of cheaper Chinese made shavers available on amazon.com and elsewhere, with names like: Pritech, Kemei, and Ufree, among others, which perform surprisingly well, especially for the price, and can operate corded as well as cordless. The biggest down side to most of these cheap Chinese shavers is that replacement foils and cutters don’t seem to be available.
Several of these Chinese companies sell rotary shavers that are waterproof, can be used wet or dry, and can even operate corded; and you can get replacement cutters and foil nets for them. Prices on amazon range from around $40 US to as cheap as $20 and even cheaper with occasional coupon discounts. Maybe you should check out a few of them. You might be surprised!
Hi Brent,
Thanks for the comment, those are really good points.
At the time I wrote the article, the Philips 2500 was either not available or a lot more expensive. But as of now it does make more sense getting that one instead of the 2300.
I’ve had some really bad experiences in the past with some of the Chinese brands. The durability of the cutters was the main problem in my case. There’s also the long term durability and I think a Philips shaver would be the safer option. Users interested in cordless & corded shavers also care a lot about reliability and low costs of ownership, which again made me lean more toward the well established brands. A replacement part getting suddenly discontinued is also a lot less likely.
This post is however in need of a major update, hopefully I’ll get it done soon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu