Hair clipper test 2022
Electric hair clippers (“hair clippers”, “hair trimmers”) are in greater demand than they have been for a long time – no wonder, many hairdressers were or are closed because of Corona. GIGA shows you the best battery-powered models and explains what to look out for when buying.
Cutting hair yourself is actually quite easy – if you have a good machine and follow the instructions for use. Then the hair on the head can be shortened with millimeter precision with little expenditure of time. Interesting: The first electric hair clippers goes back to Leo Wahl, who registered the corresponding patents as early as 1919. The basic principle has remained the same: two comb-like knives and attachable spacer combs also do the work with modern hair clippers, which should save the user having to go to the hairstyle.
Contents
The best hair clippers: All test winners and recommendations at a glance
| GIGA tip | Quality test winner | Amazon bestseller | |
|---|---|---|---|
| model | Panasonic ER-GB80 | Panasonic ER-SC60 | Hatteker hair clipper |
| Price | about 60 euros | about 120 euros | about 41 euros |
| advantages | Good value for money | Outstanding performance | low price |
| Disadvantages | bit heavy | high price | “No-name” product |
| offer | To Amazon | To Amazon | To Amazon |
| price comparison | Compare prices | Compare prices | – |
GIGA tip: Panasonic ER-GB80
advantages
- Impressive value for money
- Top performance even after months of use
Disadvantages
Bought at the beginning of the corona pandemic, used extensively since then and found to be good. Of the Panasonic ER-GB80 is the GIGA editorial tip from the middle price segment. Although it only costs half as much as professional devices at around 60 euros, it is equipped with a number of features from the upper class. The blades of the cutting unit are ground at 45 degrees and cut through thick head and beard hair very well – without any tangling.
The device works reasonably quietly, lies securely in the hand – but is also comparatively large and heavy (176 g). The scope of delivery includes three attachment combs (for beard 1-10 mm, head hair: 10-20 mm, body hair: 1.5 mm) and a cleaning brush, which is a bit too small. The length is adjusted with a precise dial, the battery lasts almost an hour.
As with almost all hair clippers, you often have to shake out the comb attachment (or remove and empty it) when cutting long hair, as the tufts of hair accumulate here. The problem does not exist with already short hair and short cut lengths, here the cut off pieces of hair simply fall down when cutting.
After trimming/shaving, the Panasonic ER-GB80 can be quickly cleaned under the tap – but it is advisable to take it apart and oil it properly each time. The case may look like brushed aluminum, but it’s actually just plain plastic. However, this is absolutely fine for a model in the double-digit price range. I can also use the Panasonic ER-GB80 use when chargingi.e. with the cable plugged in – this is not the case with all hair clippers.
A serious disadvantage is also after us months of use not noticed in the weekly rhythm, it is all in all a solid and recommendable purchase.
Quality test winner: Panasonic ER-SC60
advantages
- Professional level performance
Disadvantages
Almost professional quality: According to the magazine “Haus und Garten Test” (issue 05/2019, also available from Readly), the best hair trimmer with a total of 39 length settings is the Panasonic ER-SC60, who was able to secure the test grade “very good” (1.2). With a price of around 120 euros, the hair clipper is one of the more expensive representatives, but according to the testers it plays in things cutting quality and operating noise in a “different league” and can relegate cheaper competitors to the lower places. The battery lasts one hour and the device weighs 185 grams. The manufacturer’s video shows that even sophisticated short hairstyles are no problem:
Amazon customers also praise the Panasonic ER-SC60, which currently shines with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars (however, the ratings for the cheaper ER-SC40 model are counted here). “With the attachment, the machine virtually glides through the hair and cuts very finely and, above all, without jerking or clogging,” writes one of the buyers. Individual reports deviate from this and say that you often have to remove the hair from the attachment before you can continue.
Cheap bestseller on Amazon: Hatteker hair clipper
advantages
- A lot of equipment for little money
Disadvantages
- China manufacturer that offers little information/support for the product
The affordable “Hatteker professional hair clipper” for around 41 euros is often at the top of the list of Amazon bestsellers. Of the Hatteker hair clipper has an extremely good rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars and, given its moderate price, scores with comprehensive equipment. “The cutting result is clean, does not clog and does not pinch,” summarizes one of the buyers of his experience.
However, there is also criticism: Mains operation is not possible (only battery operation) and the operating noise is a bit loud. In addition, behind the “Hatteker” brand there is apparently a rather unknown Chinese manufacturer (Yiwu Kehan Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd.), which specializes in Amazon direct sales. It was not possible for us to find an online user manual or information about spare parts – in these points one is better off with well-known brands such as Braun or Philips.
Hair clippers: you should pay attention to this
Fashionable hairstyles come and go – the pragmatic short haircut will always exist. Be it because it is simply practical (think athletes), because it is the best solution for thinning hair (think Bruce Willis) or because no hair salons are open at the moment (think global pandemics).
The most important rule in hair clippers is you have to to note the purchase: Clean and maintain the device regularly. In particular, the comb attachment and the cutting unit with the clipping blades should be cleaned after each use according to the manufacturer’s instructions (see e.g. Instruction manual Philips p.27) to be rinsed off. A small brush is usually also included to help remove hair residue after use. The cutting unit must be oiled with suitable shaving head oil after each use. This keeps the hair clipper in good condition and allows it to perform at its best for many years.
Cutting hair yourself with a machine: Think of the accessories!
Rarely found in bachelor households, but extremely useful: The hand mirror, also known as a vanity mirror. This allows you to control the process during the machine cut and afterwards whether you really got every hair:
After the haircut, the vacuum cleaner is used. In order to catch the worst during this, we recommend a specially shaped one barber cape. Looks strange, but saves a lot of cleaning work:
What are your experiences with electric hair clippers and homemade hairstyles? Does it have to be a top-of-the-range device or is a budget-friendly model enough? Write your tips and assessment in the comments.
