How We Research
Every guide on SteadierHand starts with one question: will this product work for the person who is shopping for it? For our electric shaver guides, that means your beard, your skin and whether you shave your face or your head.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with your beard and how you shave
A foil shaver and a rotary shaver cut differently, and a daily shave needs something different from a shave every few days. Shaving a bald head adds its own needs.
We check the head type, whether the maker says the shaver works wet and dry, and whether the trimmer and cleaning station come in the box. When your face or head limits the choice, we say what to look for.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at the head type, the number of cutting elements, battery run time and charge time, wet and dry use, the pop-up trimmer and the cleaning system. We also note which replacement heads or foils fit each model.
We also note the warranty terms the maker lists. When a detail comes from the maker, we say so.
3. We look at buyer feedback
We read through what buyers report after using a shaver. We look for patterns, like pulling, short battery life, loud motors, heads that wear fast or cleaning that takes too long.
One angry review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A product that's great for one buyer may score lower in a guide written for another.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Products change, and some disappear from stores. Braun, Philips Norelco and Panasonic each sell several models with similar names, so we check each model name and number before we write about it.
When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not shave tests. We don't claim to have shaved with every model we cover.
Our guides don't replace the maker's manual. For charging, cleaning, water use and replacing heads, follow the maker's steps.
We make no skin promises, and we don't say that any shaver will suit every face. If a shaver irritates your skin, stop using it and ask a doctor.