I had no plans of purchasing an electric razor, any time soon. I’ve used a manual blade and shaving cream for my entire life, before this, but this method had been wearing on me. I just happened to have a 40% off coupon on any item from CVS, and while walking around the store, saw the electric shavers.
I did some quick calculations, and figured it was worth a shot to save money on shaving, if I could get an initial 40% discount and it lasted for even less than a year.
I ended up picking out the Philips Norelco 3100 Shaver from the Series 3000 of razors. It seemed to meet the most requirements, while still being at a good price point (I paid $33), and promised to be a comfortable solution to using a manual razor.
Is it? In this post, I’m going to share my experiences with the Norelco 3100, answer some common questions, and whether or not this was actually a worthwhile purchase.
Philips Norelco 3100 Shaver Review
Features and What the 3100 Comes With
The main selling points for me with this razor, were:
- The cord and cordless feature
- This had the upgraded ComfortCut Blades versus the cheaper models
- The price. Not a super expensive unit, but had enough features to make it worthwhile.
- Time savings and saving on future shaving expenses.
If I could get a good shave with this Norelco model, I would be super happy, with only shelling out $33. So, this model comes with a protective cap for the blades, the actual shaver, and the charging cord. There aren’t a bunch of accessories, that come with the 3100.
The 3100 features 3 individual floating shaving heads, which flex and move in four directions. This allows it to contour to one’s face and get a smooth shave. The ComfortCut Blade System has rounded shaving heads to help keep it comfortable while getting close. It really has been a extremely comfortable shaver to use and I don’t get cut or pinched.
Beyond that, there is an LED display which indicates the battery charge. It even tells you when you should replace the blades, with a symbol.
Does it Cut as Close as a Manual Blade?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: They actually say in the product manual, that you need to give it three weeks of use at least, and the shave gets closer and closer. The skin and your beard need to adapt to the shaving system. The first shave is close, but it does get better with some time. It sounds dumb, but it is actually true.
Is it the same as a blade? Not exactly. However, you can get it pretty close to that, once you’ve used it for a little while and figured out how to use it properly. For a daily shaver, it’s really good. Not perfect, but gets the job done, to a level close to approximating a blade.
It isn’t as absolutely close shaving as with using a manual blade or straight edge. That’s also, not really the point, as this is more about comfort and convenience. The Norelco 3100 is way more comfortable and less of a hassle than having to lather up and go through the whole process of using a blade.
Also, bear in mind, that they have their more expensive shavers which supposedly go even closer. This one will probably work for most guys purposes, however.
Does the 3100 Pinch or Pull the Hair while Shaving?
It hasn’t for me. The first time using it, I had about 4 days worth of facial hair growth (I grow a pretty thick beard), and had no issues. With a manual blade, certain areas of my face would’ve for sure, given a good old painful pull. However, the Norelco 3100, was super smooth and comfortable. This was a huge selling point for me, after using manual blades, my whole life.
Does it Have a Pop Up Trimmer?
This model does. Really helpful with the sideburns or mustache. Update: After having this for a year-plus, the pop up trimmer isn’t all that great. It doesn’t cut particularly well and can be difficult to angle right. Not terrible, but not nearly what I was hoping for.
Can You Use it with Shave Oil, Foam, or Gel?
Yes, you can. I don’t personally and don’t really see a reason to. If you do, you should probably clean it every use, so it doesn’t get clogged with gunk.
Can You Use it Plugged In?
Yes. You can use it both with or without the cord. That’s one of the reasons, I purchased this unit versus the others, as those were strictly cordless. The 3100 can do either.
Can You Use it in The Shower?
No. This model doesn’t have the wet feature. It’s a dry shaver. There are other Philips Norelco shavers, that can.
Is the Norelco 3100 Shaver Good for Teenagers?
This would have been amazing to have when I was that age. I remember the first time that I had to shave, it was with a disposable BIC leg razor. Then, I had crummy single blade plastic razors, for a long while after. This dry shaver, is much easier to use, and with less irritation.
When I was a teenager, the manual shaving was tough on my skin, just trying to keep the blades clean and not encourage more acne. Lots of razor burn, while figuring out how to properly shave.
Also, most guys that age don’t yet need to shave on a daily basis, so this is a really quick way to keep them well groomed without the hassle. Make things easier, and they’re more likely to do it, in general.
Can You Use It for Other Areas of the Body?
It’s designed for the face and neck. Technically, you probably could use it for other body parts, but it really isn’t the best option. It’s well worth getting an actual body hair trimmer, instead of trying to use the 3100, for an unintended purpose. It’d be much easier.
It would take ages to trim large swaths of the body.
How Long Is the Battery Life?
On an 8 hour charge, you can get over 45 minutes of use. Plenty of time to shave, as it only takes a few minutes, each time you shave.
Is It Easy to Clean?
Yes, it is pretty simple. You unplug it and turn it off. You pop open the chamber, that collects the hair, and rinse it out with hot tap water. You also run the water over the blades.
In the manual for the 3100, it also details, an ‘extra-thorough’ cleaning method. I guess, do that every once in a while. I do the basic rinse after every use, just to keep it clean, anyway.
Does it Come with a Stand?
No, it doesn’t. It charges with a power cord that plugs into the wall, but it doesn’t have a stand. You can get a case for it, but that’s a separate purchase.
Does it Trim to Different Lengths?
No, it doesn’t adjust for different lengths. It is designed to deliver a close shave, not for maintaining a stubble look.
What Replacement Blades does the 3100 Use?
SH30 Philips Norelco shaver heads only. They say you should replace them once a year. There’s actually a warning light on the 3100 that will indicate when it is time to replace. How often you replace, will be based on your own shaving patterns, but they say once per year. Replacement blades aren’t too pricey, either.
Update: I’ve had to replace the blades once. The warning light came on and the replacements were easy to install. Right around a year after purchase, give or take.
Overall, is it Worth a Purchase?
For me? Absolutely. I’m so happy with this shaver and that I don’t have to use manual blades anymore. I noticed that I was shaving less often with my old blades, just because I was tired of doing it, for the past few decades.
Once I had fewer requirements for work, I would go days without shaving, a lot of the time. Even though, I like my clean shaven look, much better.
With the Norelco 3100, it’s really simple, fast, and comfortable. The shave is smooth and close enough, for a daily routine. 3 minutes or so to shave, with no real prep? Sign me up.
It doesn’t have a bunch of extra features and you can’t use it in the shower. I’m sure there are much better options at higher price points, if you want a shaver that does more.
It doesn’t strike me as a massive difference, and at this price point, this shaver does a great job. The fact that I don’t have to buy new blades or shaving cream, all of the time, is outstanding. It’ll pay for itself within months. Plus, when well maintained, the unit should last for years. Just get replacement blades, once per year.
If you want that super close shave you can get with a blade, you’ll need to use a blade, there’s really no getting around that. Heck, I may still break out the manual blade, for certain occasions. If you’re just a guy like me, who wants a very good shave, quickly and painlessly each day; the Philips Norelco 3100 is well worth a try.
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