Panasonic ER-SB40-K Beard Trimmer Review – Best In Class For Stubble And Short Beards

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Our Rating: 9/10

Panasonic ER-SB0-K Beard Trimmer

Review Summary

The Panasonic ER-SB40-K Beard Trimmer is Panasonic’s most successful beard trimmer – and for good reason.

It is designed to do one thing, and one thing only – trim your beard.

And it does an excellent job.

The blade is sharp enough not to snag your hair, and the guide comb fits securely in place.

The length setting dial is robust and has a reassuring “click” in-between settings to prevent accidental movement.

I would have liked a charging stand – because.. well, I like charging stands!

For stubble and short beards, the ER-SB40-K is a well-designed, easy-to-use beard trimmer that doesn’t disappoint.

Pros

  • Sharp, hypoallergenic cutting blade
  • Decent motor
  • Cord or cordless operation
  • Automatic universal power charger
  • Lockable – to stop it activating when traveling

Cons

  • No charging stand
  • Cheap storage pouch

Learn more about the Panasonic ER-SB40-K on Amazon

In this review, I will tell you why I like this beard trimmer so much, and why a dedicated beard trimmer such as the ER-SB40-K can be a better option than a multi-groom tool.

Sure there are more expensive beard trimmers that have a better spec, but pound-for-pound the Panasonic ER-SB40-K is right up there as one of the best beard trimmers for stubble and short beards.

Features

Adjustable Beard Trimmer Dial

The fewer combs, guards, guides, and bits of plastic I have to deal with, the better.

The ER-SB40-K has a dial that adjusts the cutting length of the blade.

You get just 1 guide comb that snaps onto the cutting blade, and 19 settings on the quick-adjust trimmer dial.

The closest setting is 0.5mm and the highest you can go is 10mm.

So stubble to short length beard is a good fit with these settings.

There’s a reassuring click when you move the cutting head between the settings, which prevents accidental slipping.

Linear Drive Motor

Like most hair-cutting tools, it’s the motor that makes the difference.

The Panasonic ER-SB40-K uses a powerful, high-speed linear motor.

Unlike conventional motors, linear motors have no moving parts and so produce virtually no friction.

This means less heat and less vibration from the beard trimmer.

The motor drives the cutting blade at 9,800 cuts per minute – that’s quick!

The power also remains constant, right up to the end of every battery charge.

So no loss of power mid-trim.

Hypoallergenic Wide-Tipped Blade

Panasonic ER-SB40-K cutting blade

The Panasonic ER-SB40-K features a super-sharp, stainless steel blade.

The blade has wider tips which means more hair can be lifted and cut – even flat-lying hair or curly hair.

Not sure how true the last part is, but it certainly a sharp blade, and being hypoallergenic means less skin irritation.

Cord/Cordless Operation

There’s absolutely no point in having a corded beard trimmer.

All good trimmers today have a cordless operation.

The ER-SB40-K is the same and can be used cordless or whilst plugged in.

It has a charge time of 60 minutes and a run time of 60 minutes also.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a charge station.

Ergonomic Handle

ergonomic handle

The ergonomic handle makes it easier to control and position the trimmer for a more precise and comfortable trim.

It looks very stylish and has a solid feel to it.

The grip is made from rubber, so it fits securely into the palm of your hand.

Not too weighty, but certainly not like dozens of the cheap light-weight plastic models out there.

Waterproof

Simply wash the cutting head under running water to clean the trimmer.

I prefer to use a cleaning brush first to get rid of most of the hairs and then rinse under running water.

Battery Charging Indicator

The front of the beard trimmer has an LED display – Low, Medium, and High letting you know how much juice is left.

It also lights up with a red charging symbol when it’s plugged in and charging.

Universal Voltage For International Travel

There’s no need to worry about what voltage you can use the ER-SB40-K on, as it automatically adjusts to whatever voltage it is plugged into.

This is great for international travel and is a question that often gets asked.

I’ve got the UK model with the 3-pin plug

What Is In The Box?

The Panasonic ER-SB40-K comes shipped with the following:

  • Storage pouch
  • Comb attachment
  • Cleaning brush
  • Blade oil
  • AC adapter/charger
  • Instruction manual
  • Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Sharp, hypoallergenic cutting blade
  • Decent motor
  • Cord or cordless operation
  • Automatic universal power charger
  • Lockable – to stop it activating when traveling

Cons

  • No charging stand
  • Cheap storage pouch

Who Is It Suitable For?

  • Anyone who wants to trim their stubble or short beard
  • Best for home use, rather than a professional barbers
  • Experienced or beginner beard shaver

Alternative Beard Trimmers To Consider

There are some excellent beard trimmers in the same ball-park as the Panasonic ER-SB40-K.

Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer Series 5000

The Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer Series 5000 is another cordless beard trimmer that delivers in terms of cutting quality and ease of use.

It has 40 adjustable length settings, is washable, and can run for 90 minutes after just 1 hour of charging.

Remington PG6171 The Crafter

The Remington PG6171 The Crafter is a great beard trimmer you can use in the shower – 100% waterproof.

It has an incredible 3 hour run time, 10 trimming lengths, and 11 attachments including a useful nose trimmer.

FAQs

Q. How do you oil the beard trimmer and how often?

A. Always oil the cutting blade before and after every use. Just put 2 or 3 drops on the blade and let it run for a few seconds. Adjust the dial settings up and down to ensure a complete coating.

Q. What is the difference between the Panasonic ER-SB40-K and ER-SB40?

A. It simply means the K-model is for the US and Canada markets. In the UK the model is ER-SB40 and in the rest of Europe, it is ER-SC40.

Q. Can you buy replacement guide combs? Mine broke when I dropped it.

A. Yes you can buy a replacement guide comb for the ER-SB40-K from Ebay or from the online Panasonic store. I recommend you buy a spare when you purchase the trimmer.

Q. Can I use it to shave my chest and groin area?

A. Yes you could, because it’s a trimmer. However, there are better tools for the job. See Best Body Trimmer/Groomer For Men.

Q. How loud is the ER-SB40-K?

A. It’s not whisper-quiet by any means, but certainly not too noisy. Here’s a quick video I made so you can hear it in action..

Video Review of the Panasonic SB40

Final Thoughts

The reason I like this dedicated beard trimmer is that it is designed to trim facial and head hair only.

The motor, cutting blade, ergonomic handle, and overall design lend themselves to being the best tool for the job.

As much as I like the Philips Multigroomer Series I prefer this Panasonic beard trimmer for its single-minded purpose.

The powerful linear motor and super-sharp cutting blade means it will trim every beard type up to 10mm, quickly and with great precision.

I use mine whenever I get the chance to grow my beard out, and it gives me a sharp, smart, stubble look.

For stubble and short beards, it is a great trimmer and I highly recommend the Panasonic ER-SB40-K.

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