Generally when we talk about life of electric Shavers, we simply focus on the factors like Motor durability, Blade or foil life and battery types and performance. These factors will give the overall impression of the life of an electric shaver per se along with the normal wear and tear on the body and its other functional parts.
We have the high-end shavers, mid level and the entry levels, each with different features, functions and durability. With necessary replacement of parts (shaver heads or foil/cutter being the most significant and common replacement) along the way,some shavers will perform almost as new.
Most manufacturers recommend changing the heads or the cutter every 12 months. If you have to use your razor extensively and regularly on coarse hair, you may have to replace it more frequently. On the other hand, the same head/ cutter may also last up to 18 months depending on your usage. Braun recommends changing the cutters after every 18 months, and whilst they might last even longer, its often better to follow the manufacturers recommendation and avoid issues later.
Most electric shaver batteries should last for 3-5 years. But top-end electric shavers like Braun Series 7 are designed to last 7 years and more. Most batteries in electric shavers will last for a long time if we follow proper recommendations and guidelines given by the manufacturers.
Most electric shavers use a Lithium Ion battery that is very powerful, and can store large amounts of energy in a relatively small unit. This battery lasts longer and is said to have no ‘Memory effect’. However a recent study shows it exhibits some memory effect. It is advisable to fully discharge the battery regularly, then fully recharge, to get the maximum performance. Some shavers with NiMH batteries show no such effect and have been tested to last longer. Click this link for articles on how to boost or extend electric shaver’s battery life?
Some high-end shavers come with a warranty of 2-3 years but with replacement of parts as recommended by the manufacturer, they will even last for 5-10 years depending on the treatment you give to your shaver. Cheaper shavers come with 6-12 months warranty but practically most shavers last for 3 to 5 years.
Proper maintenance like cleaning and lubrication (read article on electric shaver maintenance) are equally important to increase the durability of a shaver. Shavers like Braun 7 series and Philip Norelco SensoTouch include cleaning kits that sound expensive but, this cleaning technology in the long run is adding life to the shaver as well as maintaining its performance.
It is possible to exceed even the shavers life expectancy suggested by the manufacturer if we religiously follow the user’s manual and take care of the small things, like developing cleaning and lubricating habits, following discharging processes, or avoiding overcharging of the battery, replacing the parts when recommended etc.
Best to get an electric shaver if you want long life; not a rechargeable battery one. True electric shavers are harder to find, but they are far more convenient as you never have to wait for them to charge, they don’t die out in the middle of shaving, and you don’t have to have an expensive battery put in when it dies. Electric only also provides consistent speed on your shaver. Battery shavers go slower and slower.
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 2 ELECTRIC SHAVERS LASTING AT LEAST TEN YEARS ONLY BECAUSE I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROPER MANTINENCE OF HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE SHAVER. IPRESENTLY HAVE A Braun electric shaver which I purchased in 2006 IT HAS A SELF CLEANING MACHINE AND CHARGES AFTER THE CLEANING IS COMPLETED I HOPE IT LASTS ANOTHER TEN YEARS. I FIND IT MORE CONVENIENT BECAUSE I COULD MOVE AROUND MORE FREELY AND STILL SHAVE AT THE SAME TIME.