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Philips Norelco 2100 Review
The Philips Norelco 2100 Electric Shaver is an economical men’s shaver that was formerly called the Philips Norelco 6948XL/41. Made specifically for dry shaving, the shaver is a very popular model, and we recently picked one up for a few test shaves to see how it performs. Without further ado, let’s dive into the Philips Norelco 2100 review and go through the benefits and drawbacks of this rotary shaver.
The Basics/In the Box
The Philips Norelco 2100 Electric Shaver has a pretty classic build with a tapered handle and three rotating heads. While it doesn’t have the weighty feel of a more expensive men’s shaver, we were impressed with the quality of the build, considering the price point of the model. The shaver has a suggested retail price of $39.99, and it can usually be purchased at a discount that makes it even more affordable. Accompanying the shaver is a protective cap to cover the blades between uses, the power cord needed for recharging and a brush to assist with cleaning. The accessories are basic but sufficient for a razor of this price.
Operation and Ease of Use
If you read a Philips Norelco 2100 review for the older version of this electric shaver, you may see some complaints about the performance of the model; however, the engineers at Phillips Norelco have added a new technology to the latest version of the shaver that reportedly allows the blades to shave 25 per cent closer to the skin. This new feature is called CloseCut technology, and it allows hairs to be pulled further in to the head, so that they can be cut deeper in. In addition, the shaver includes a Flex & Float head design, meaning that the head is adjustable. As the shaver moves, the head will turn in whatever direction is needed to maintain maximum contact with the facial contours. Overall, we found the Phillips Norelco 2100 to be relatively easy to use. While the shaver doesn’t have any specially designed grips to help you keep hold of it, the shape is ergonomic, and we didn’t find it difficult to maneuver. Even on trickier spots like under the nose and along the jaw, we found the razor easy to wield.
Results After Shaving
Based on our testing, it seems that the Philips Norelco 2100 is most efficient for shaving light to slightly thick beards. While the electric shaver is capable of taking on a thicker beard, you will have to move slowly and precisely to get great results. If you’ve gone without a shave for a long time, you may want to use the pop-up trimmer attachment all over before your first shave with the Philips Norelco 2100 to avoid pulling and get the best possible results.
Sensitive Skin?
The Philips Norelco 2100 does not have any of the advanced features for preventing ingrown hairs that you’ll find in a high-end shaver like the Braun Series 7 799cc-6 Wet and Dry Electric Foil Shaver. This men’s shaver isn’t likely to irritate sensitive skin. You are limited only to dry shaving with the model, though, so you can’t get the benefits of a lubricated to protect a more delicate complexion.
Battery Life
Like many features of the Philips Norelco 2100 Electric Shaver, the battery life of the razor is about average for a model of its price. The shaver can provide 35 minutes of continuous shaving, but its recharge time of 8 hours is a little long. One nice feature is that you can shave while it is charging–you don’t have to wait to shave if you forget to repower. You can also use the shaver with the cord plugged in for regular shaving at any time.
Cleaning and Care
Because the Philips Norelco 2100 Electric Shaver isn’t waterproof, it must be cleaned only with the included brush. The shaver does have a hair collector chamber that works very well to keep things tidy. Every year, the head of the shaver needs to be replaced, but aside from that, the shaver doesn’t require any maintenance. The CloseCut rotary blades are self-sharpening, which is a nice feature for a shaver of this price.
Special Features
As mentioned before, the Philips Norelco 2100 Electric Shaver has a pop-up trimmer for facial hair and sideburns. It works rather well and is easy to raise into place
Final Thoughts
To summarise this Philips Norelco 2100 review, this electric shaver is a good buy for its price. Most men will be able to get a close shave with little to no risk for irritation with the model. With its 2-year warranty and quality build, the shaver should be able to stand the test of time when properly cleaned and serviced as recommended. Features like the CloseCut technology, the hair collector chamber and the ability to shave while plugged in, do give this shaver advantages over other models that are similarly priced.
Compare this Shaver to others below:
| Review | Foil or Rotary? | Wet or Dry? | Charging Time | Battery Life | Special Features | Price check (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braun 340s/3040 | Foil | Both | 1h+ | 45m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Panasonic ES-RF31 | Foil | Both | 1h | 65m | Trimmer | Here |
| Philips AT890/20 | Rotary | Both | 1h | 50m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Remington F7800 | Foil | Dry | 2h | 60m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Braun 799cc-6 | Foil | Both | 1h | 50m | 120v/240v plug | Here |
| Philips Norelco 2100 | Rotary | Dry | 8h | 35m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Remington F5-5800 | Foil | Dry | 1h+ | 60m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Panasonic ES8103S | Foil | Both | 1h | 50m | 120v/240v plug | Here |
| Philips Norelco 3500 | Rotary | Dry | 8h | 45m | Pop-up Trimmer 120v/240v plug | Here |
| Philips Norelco 6100 | Rotary | Both | 1h | 40m | Pop-up Trimmer 120v/240v plug | Here |
| Braun 5030s | Foil | Dry | 1h | 45m | Pop-up Trimmer 120v/240v plug | Here |
| Panasonic ES-LA63-S | Foil | Both | 1h | 45m | Pop-up Trimmer 120/240v plug | Here |
| Braun 9095cc | Foil | Both | 1h | 50m | Pop-up Trimmer 120 /240v plug | Here |
| Braun Waterflex WF2s | Foil | Both | 1h | 45m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Philips S5420/06 | Rotary | Both | 1h | 60m | Trimmer | Here |
| Remington XR1330 | Rotary | Both | 4h | 50m | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Panasonic ES-LV95-S811 Arc5 | Foil | Both | 1h | 45m | Cleaning/Charging Station Pop-Up Trimmer | Here |
| Philips Series 9000 S9031/26 | Rotary | Both | 1hr | 50m | Cleaning /Charging Station Pop-Up Trimmer | Here |
| Remington Black Diamond-X | Rotary | Dry | 90m | 60m | Pop-up Trimmer | N/A |
| Braun CoolTec CT2s | Foil | Both | 1hr | 45m | Cooling Technology Cleaning/Charging Station | Here |
| Philips SensoTouch 3D | Rotary | Both | 1hr | 50m+ | Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Braun Series 3 3080s | Foil | Both | 1hr | 45m | Precision Mode Pop-up Trimmer | Here |
| Review | Build Quality | Ease of use | Closeness of Shave | Gentleness on skin | Overall ‘Shaverhaven’ Rating | Price check (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braun 340s/3040 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5/5 | Here |
| Panasonic ES-RF31 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.4/5 | Here |
| Philips AT890/20 | 4 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.6/5 | Here |
| Remington F7800 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.1/5 | Here |
| Braun 799cc-6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8/5 | Here |
| Philips Norelco 2100 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.8/5 | Here |
| Remington F5-5800 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.7/5 | Here |
| Panasonic ES8103S | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.5/5 | Here |
| Philips Norelco 3500 | 4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.2/5 | Here |
| Philips Norelco 6100 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.2/5 | Here |
| Braun 5030s | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.6/5 | Here |
| Panasonic ES-LA63-S | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5/5 | Here |
| Braun 9095cc | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 | 5 | 4.9/5 | Here |
| Braun Waterflex WF2s | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8/5 | Here |
| Philips S5420/06 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8/5 | Here |
| Remington XR1330 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3/5 | Here |
| Panasonic ES-LV95-S811 Arc5 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5 | 5 | 4.9/5 | Here |
| Philips Series 9000 S9031/26 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5 | 4.9 | 4.9/5 | Here |
| Remington Black Diamond-X | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.6/5 | N/A |
| Braun CoolTec CT2s | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 5 | 4.7/5 | Here |
| Philips SensoTouch 3D | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8/5 | Here |
| Braun Series 3 3080s | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 5 | 4.5 | Here |
| Philips SensoTouch 2D | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7/5 | Here |
*All ratings out of 5 (/5)
*Ratings may be refined as we continually use the shaver, for more accurate results.
We only review the very best and most popular shavers on the market. We can recommend all shavers listed above as great purchases.