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Our Rating: 9/10
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
- Awarded a 2017 GQ magazine grooming award
- Adjustable beard trimmer dial: The quick-adjust trimmer dial and comb attachment provides 19 precision settings for personalized sculpting, trimming, cutting and detailing
- High-performance motor with a linear drive which delivers 9,800 cuts per minute and maintains peak power up to the end of every battery charge
- Ergonomic, rubberized grip provides for comfort and control. Rinses clean in seconds under warm running water
- Cordless/corded operation
- Precision wide tip blades: Panasonic beard trimmer for men uses durable, ultra-sharp stainless-steel, hypoallergenic wide tip blades to capture and cut neatly through the unruliest hair, including whiskers that lie flat on the skin
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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
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
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
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
