Best Bang for Your Buck
in a Panasonic Electric Shaver -
Panasonic ES 8249 S Full Review

Enter the Panasonic ES 8249 S:

Here is a full list of items you will find when you order this product:

• ES 8249 S Razor
• 1 Panasonic Cleaning Cartridge
• Traveling Case
• Electrical Cord
• Water Tank
• Cleaning and Charging Base
• Set of Instructions

Return to top

Panasonic Hydra Clean System

The HydraClean cleaning and charging station on this model is a good size. It's not too big and should fit nicely in most bathrooms. With many of the top shaving units, the cleaning station is a major selling point and quite a luxury item. I personally love the fact that you can just drop your shaver into the charger and press a few buttons to clean, dry and charge your shaver. In the time that I've used this system I've had no issues whatsoever. Each session takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and there's always the option of cleaning it manually if you're short on time.

When you buy this system you are supplied with 1 Panasonic cleaning cartridge. The product name is the Panasonic WES035P Vortex HydraClean Shaving System Solution Cartridges. Technically this should last you 1 month if you were to clean your shaver daily. However many people can stretch this to several months by regularly cleaning the shaver manually.

Personally, I use the station each time, but many people want to reduce the cost of buying new cartridges. So using the base every other time can help you do this.

You can buy a set of 3 new cartridges for a retail price of $15 so there is an added expense, but it's not too bad. Remember, there's always an added expense of buying new disposable blades and shaving cream when you're using other types of shaving equipment.

Initial set up will require you to fill up the water tank and attach it to the back of the unit. This should be fully rinsed and washed out every time you change a cartridge. The cartriges that are used with this are not alcohol based. What this means is that they won't dissolve when the base isn't being used. In the instructions manual it's stated that they expire within 6 months of purchasing, but this is still an advantage over other cleaning cartridges which can dissolve within about 8 weeks of opening them. Using the system is pretty straightforward, but requires a bit more effort than some other similar models. On the right side of the base there is a select button. When you finish a shave and put the shaver into the unit, pressing the select button will allow you to cycle through different options. You can clean, dry and charge, or do any combination of the three. Once you have chosen a specific option, the unit with start operating in 5 seconds. To cancel an operation simply remove the plug from the wall.

This is one of the few systems that lets you clean or dry without charging.

Manual Clean

If you're traveling you're going to need to do a manual clean. Keeping it clean will definitely help improve the lifespan on these types of products.

There are two main steps to a manual clean. The first step which is not always necessary is to apply some water and hand soap to the outer foil. Once this is complete, pressing down the on and off button for 2 seconds will start the sonic mode. Running the sonic mode for about 20 seconds should give a thorough clean.

Next step is to remove the foil cap by pressing down on the button on either side of the shaving head. Running the inner blades under running water while in sonic mode again will help rinse the shaver clean. You should also rinse off the foil cap as well. Using a cloth to gently remove any water drops and letting it dry is the last step to a manual clean. Return to top

Design and Specs

This particular model will probably feel quite small if you have large hands, but don't be fooled by its size. It packs a lot of power which is delivered through its 4 blades. The shaving head pivots side to side and up and down which allows you to shave all the contours of your face effectively. I had no irritation at all on my neck which is something I always experience when using disposable razors.

It's also equipped with a pop up trimmer which is useful for trimming down side burns. Overall the design and power of this shaver is excellent and I was quite impressed the first time I used it.

Return to top

My Shaving Experience

I must say I have been pleasantly surprised at how well this shaver has performed.

After using some of the top systems from Braun, I did not expect this to be comparable, but at the end of the day it's pretty close.

Within 2 or 3 days my facial hair grows in pretty thick so I try and shave everyday or at least every other day. In the past if I left it grow for a few days I would have to buzz it down with a beard trimmer, then use a disposable razor.

Now, with this unit, 2 or 3 days growth is not really a problem. I prefer to shave everyday or every two days because it's much easier and produces absolutely no irritation, but if I miss a few days this has no problem getting the job done. If you have thick facial hair it's usually recommended to shave quite often if you don't want to use a beard trimmer. Like I said, this will get through some thick facial hair, but it takes longer and will require you to go over certain areas a few times. This is what can lead to a bit of irritation. For those with very thick facial hair you might want to conisder the more powerful ES LA93 K.

Overall I enjoyed this product a lot. It produces a nice smooth finish both with and against the grain. There's really nothing bad to say about the actual dry shaving experience.

The only thing I didn't like was the wet shaving. Some people like to wash their face before shaving with some nice warm water and get all lathered up. This particular model allows you to do this because it's completely water resistant.

Personally, this is not for me. I tried it once and didn't really like it. I should probably try it a few more times and give it a chance, but I'm just so happy with the dry shaving I don't really want to give it up.

The main reason I didn't like the wet shaving was because it was a bit messy for me. It was hard to see which areas were shaved and which areas needed a few more strokes. The end result was excellent, but I wasn't a big fan of the process. It's probably something I should try a few more times.

That being said, a wet shave is something you should really try if you get this model. It's worth a shot and who knows, you might really like it. Return to top