Best Electric Shaver of the Year...
Maybe even Decade!

It's time to pick the best electric shaver of 2011...

No matter when you read this, it will be valid, whether it's 2011, 2012, 2013 or maybe even later. This model won't be "out-dated" anytime soon.

Yes, that's how strongly I feel it performs.

Before we announce the winner I just wanted to recap a few of the notable "runner ups" which were best sellers of 2011.

Also, it's important that I mention that this is my own opinion based on my personal use.

So keep in mind that I am just a sample size of one, however I tested these products "side by side" so to speak, and my "reviews" are in line with many other reviews out there.

One final note: These units were not necessarily released in 2011.

Honorable Mentions

Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D

Firstly, I want to discuss the SensoTouch 3D.

When this first came out I think my expectations were just too high, and that's probably because the design is so cool. Awesome design and very high tech!

But in the world of shaving, the design needs to take a back seat to performance, and overall it didn't perform as well as some other models I tested.

To be fair to Norelco, I think I'll blame my low satisfaction level on the fact that I seem to prefer foil over rotary shavers. So if you DO like rotary shavers and you've always used Norelco products, then this may be a good match for you. It HAS received some great reviews, but for me it just didn't cut it.

Read the full Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D review here.

Panasonic Wet Shavers

I also want to mention two models from Panasonic; the Panasonic ES 8249 S, and the Panasonic ES LA93 K.

These are recommended if you're looking for a foil option you can use wet with shaving cream.

The ES LA93 K is the more advanced of the two. It has a larger motor and the head pivots 360 degrees.

It's worth noting that the cleaning stations on both these are basically the same, so no improvements there. But you can dry and clean the unit without charging it with the older ES 8249 S.

Bottom line, if you're looking for more power, go with the ES LA93 K, and if you want to save a bit of money, stick with the ES 8249 S.

The final outcome of shaving performance is very similar, just with the stronger motor there may be less irritation for some people with sensitive skin, but the cheaper model is still recommended, especially if price is a big factor.

Read the full Panasonic ES 8249 S review here.

Read the full Panasonic ES LA93 K review here.

And the Winner is!

I'm going to have to give it to the Braun Series 7 - 790cc.

This did not come out in 2011, it has actually been out on the market for quite some time, but what that's done is pushed the price down quite a bit.

Based on my personal experience with using these electric shavers, this is just better than the others.

The final outcome may be very similar to other models, but the process IS better.

When I jump back and forth between products, I do notice a difference. It shaves with less effort and produces less irritation.

Get a price on the Braun Series 7 at Amazon (currently on sale). If you're in Europe, click here.

Side Bar...

Comparing the final outcome among this and say the Panasonic ES LV81 K, the results are very very similar. See the full comparison review here.

You can't get any smoother than super smooth, and you get this type of shave with both the Braun Series 7 and some top Panasonic models.

What I've found to be different is the process of getting that smooth shave. I just seem to enjoy using the Braun 790cc more. I can feel that it works a bit more effortlessly, and that's why I've chosen it as the shaver of the year.

End Side Bar...

Should you even consider anything else?

Just because I feel this is the best, doesn't mean I don't recommend anything else.

If you're looking for a wet shaving experience, you will want to go with Panasonic.

If budget is the main concern for you, then stick with the ES 8249 S.

And of course, if you're not into foil shavers then the SensoTouch 3D might be a good match for you. Just because I didn't enjoy it doesn't mean you won't.

What if you're reading this in 2012, or even later?

I would imagine that next year the Braun Series 7 will still be somewhere near the top of the list.

Certainly there will be new shavers in the future, however it's hard to imagine that they will greatly outperform this one. That's not me being pessimistic, it's me just being real, and that shows how confident I am in handing out this award.