Whether you’re building a log cabin or just trying to take control of your lumberjack beard, having the right tools is essential. Some guys like to use the same razor on their beard and the rest of their body, but this can be less than ideal. This is where body groomers come into play.
If you wince at the idea of using a straight razor in your more intimate and sensitive areas, or even one of those electric razors that pulls on the hair a bit before slicing it, you’re not alone. Getting your hands on one of the best body groomers is going to be a game-changer.
What to Look for in a Body Groomer:
What will you be using it for?
Start by thinking about what you’re buying it for in the first place. If you want a groomer that’s meant for your face, or above the waist, that’s one option. If you want one for your groin area, you’ll be looking at some other choices. If you want something versatile that does a great (But not incredible) job everywhere, there’s options for that, too.
Generally speaking, the more versatile of a groomer you choose, the less effective it’s going to be for any one area. Some people don’t mind that trade-off since they only want one shaver to deal with, whereas other people are looking to get peak performance, no matter where on their body they are grooming.
Is it wet or dry? Waterproof?
Some groomers are meant to be used on dry skin, others are meant to be used on wet skin like when you’ve just gotten out of the shower.
If you want to use your trimmer in the shower, look for something that’s waterproof but keep in mind that those hairs will clog your drain if they aren’t cleaned up.
Your best bet might be to look for something that can handle both wet and dry shaving, otherwise you’ll have to choose one or the other, and it ultimately comes down to preference.
Price, Value, Quality…?
Value is where price and quality intersect. If you aren’t going to be using this groomer every day, it might not be necessary to get one with all of the bells and whistles. On the other hand, if you plan to use it all the time, then you’ll be glad to have something that works a lot better, even if you have to pay extra.
We’ve hand-picked an impressive selection of the best body groomers, to fit a variety of uses and budgets, so all that’s left for you to do is find the one that fits how much you’re looking to spend, and has the features you’re looking for, and then you’re off to the races.
Best Overall: Philips Norelco Bodygroomer Series 7000
Brand: Philips
Weight: 1 lb
Function: Trim, shave, wet and dry
This is the newer version of the former leader in this category. The Philips Nocelco Bodygroomer line of products have been the go-to for many years, and this is the latest one to bring even more improvements to the table.
The Philips Norelco line of products basically dominate this category, and this one hits the perfect balance between price, quality, and versatility.
It has two ends, one with a shaver and one with a trimmer. The trimmer is useful for a beard, but it’s also good for other areas with thicker hair. You can do an initial pass with the trimmer, which will make things a lot easier if you want to get a closer cut with the shaver on the other end.
You can use it wet or dry, and it’s water resistant enough to work just fine in the shower.
The Philips Norelco BG7000 comes with a stand that also charges, so you don’t need to keep track of an extra charging cord, or mess around with plugging the cable in and out of the razor all the time. There are two little metal contact points that allow this bodygroomer to charge while it sits in its stand.
PROS:
Versatile: Has multiple ends, giving you the ability to groom your entire body, from head to toe.
Durable: It’s well-made but still light to hold, and it can handle getting wet.
Value: It’s not the cheapest option we’ll be looking at, but as far as “bang for your buck” is concerned, it’s right up there.
Latest: This revision replaces the previous model that had been popular for years, and offers numerous improvements.
CONS:
Closeness: If you’re looking for a SUPER close shave, you won’t find that here, especially on your face. It’s meant for trimming beards, but isn’t designed to get a super close shave on your face, the shaver end is better suited to your body.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an all-in-one unit that can shave, trim, and groom your entire body, that’s cordless and easy to use, this is the one.
Best for Back Hair: BAKblade 2.0 PLUS – Back Hair Removal and Body Shaver
Brand: baKblade
Weight: 7.2 oz
Function: Back shaving, wet or dry
For some guys, shaving their backs is an important part of their grooming process. You’d have a really tough time trying to use any of the other groomers we’re looking at today on your back, unless you have someone around to help you out. With the BAKblade 2.0 Plus, you can easily shave your own back.
There are a handful of similar back-shavers out there to choose from, but the curved handle of this one makes a huge difference. The wide blade makes the whole process a lot quicker, too.
This is a surprisingly well thought-out product, and the best option if you need to shave your back.
PROS:
Ease: It’s very easy to use.
Ergonomics: This product is very ergonomic and well-designed, it’s worth the premium price compared to some of the cheaper options out there.
Versatile: Works wet or dry.
CONS:
There’s really not much to say about this that isn’t positive. If you need a back shaver, this is a great option.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a body groomer that can handle anything from your chest, to trimming your beard, to intimate areas… this isn’t it. This one is for your back, so if you need that, pick one up. If you don’t shave your back, you have no reason to buy this.
Best Budget Option: Philips Norelco Bodygroomer Series 1000
Brand: Philips
Weight: 5.3 oz
Function: Best suited to sensitive areas
This is the entry-level of the Norelco Bodygroomer line by Philips. It’s very simple, but if that’s what you’re looking for – then it will be perfect.
It doesn’t have as many features at the 7000 series that we featured as our overall top choice, but it’s also quite a bit less expensive. If you’re not shaving often, or you’re just not too picky, this could be a solid choice – but first you have to know what you’re giving up in terms of features…
The first thing you’ll miss having is the shaving/trimming combination that the 7000 series has. With the GB1026, it just has a bi-directional trimmer. It’s electric and wireless too, but uses a battery instead of being rechargeable. It doesn’t come with a stand, either.
It comes with one comb for one additional trimming length, which is meant to help protect you when you’re grooming in your most sensitive areas.
The quality of the shave itself isn’t as good as you would get from a higher-end unit, and it takes longer to use.
Make no mistake, this is a budget product. You’re making sacrifices by getting this one instead of the higher-end option. Having said that, this body groomer is surprisingly good considering how inexpensive it is.
PROS:
Price: You won’t find anything better in this price range, and it competes with more expensive models in some cases.
Useability: It’s light, doesn’t have any cords to get in the way, you can just toss it in the drawer when you’re done, it’s small…
CONS:
Efficiency: It takes longer to get the job done, compared to more powerful trimmer and shaver options out there.
Options: With just one option for keeping a bit of length, compared to other models that offer 4, 5, or even more length options, this one is limited.
The Bottom Line
It’s not going to give you the best shave in the world, but if you just need something to trim those sensitive areas every now and then, this is a lot better than trying to use a straight razor or even a safety razor.
It leaves enough length to the hair that you can avoid that uncomfortable itch when it starts to grow back in, so it’s kind of a positive that it doesn’t give you a super close shave.
Final Thoughts: Which Should you Choose?
Making the final decision comes down to choosing a groomer that will suit your lifestyle, and your body type. If you’re an extra hairy guy, you’ll need to spend a bit more on a shaver, that’s just a fact of life.
If you’re specifically looking for something to shave your pubic hair and to keep things trim down there, there’s no need to go all-out on a super versatile bodygroomer when something simple and designed for this particular purpose will work much better.
These three body groomers were chosen because each one of them is the leader in its own category. Let’s go over them once more very quickly…
Philips Norelco Bodygroomer Series 7000: The latest and greatest, while still being an excellent value. It’s versatile, can trim and shave your whole body, and is ultra-convenient to use.
The BAKblade: If you need to shave your back, this is the way to do it.
Philips Norelco Series 1000: If you’re looking to shave your pubic hair, or armpits, or other sensitive areas, and you aren’t going to be using it for facial hair, and you aren’t going to be using it super often, this is what you need.