Philips Norelco BeardTrimmer 7100, Vacuum Trimmer (Model # QT4050)

I searched far and wide to find a beard trimmer that ran off of a cord alone. I'd already gone through two other trimmers when the batteries wore out on them, even though the rest of the trimmer was functioning just fine. There are plenty of HAIR clippers that run off of cords but they are too bulky to comfortably use to trim a beard. I was surprised to find that this Philips Norelco trimmer fit the bill. YES it DOES have a battery and one that lasts for a long time (both between charges due to my experience and the length of the battery itself according to things I've read about the lithium ion batteries). BUT it also can run on just the cord without the power having to go through the battery and then to the motor like most other rechargeable trimmers. So when the battery kicks the bucket on this one I'll still have a functioning trimmer. Though I have a feeling the battery is going to last a long time on this one. I've charged this trimmer only once in the month and a half I've had and used it (about 1-2 times a week) The vacuum feature on this trimmer is a bonus but not the reason I purchased it. It certainly helps and does suck up some of the hairs that you cut while trimming but be warned that it won't get them all unless you are doing a small touch up. You'll still have hairs on the sink to clean up, just far fewer than with any other trimmer. The adjustable length guard on the trimmer is fantastic, comfortable to use and accurate. I hate having to keep track of a million different pieces (read a ton of different sized blade guards) so this is awesome. It also easily slips on and off so that you can use it to cut really close and clean up the edges of your beard. In fact, after getting this trimmer I never shave with a razor, I just take the guard off of this trimmer and get as close to the skin as I can on the edges of my beard. Overall a fantastic product. It earns maybe a 4.5 since the vacuum doesn't quite work to contain the mess, but everything else is stellar. I bought this trimmer to last me a long time, and it looks like it will do just that.

I spent a week researching beard trimmers as well as all the permutations within the Norelco offerings and settled on this one -- I had never heard of a vacuum trimmer and this intrigued me. Despite all the negatives from those who wrongfully expected a pristine no-hair-in-the-sink experience -- it you want that, trim your beard outside like I used to! This little critter has amazed me! The vacuum actually works! What an idea! Sure, there's a couple of strays that escape, but who cares. What I sought was a trimmer for beards, not hair, that didn't grab at snag my whiskers like hair trimmers do. The adjustability is convenient and STAYS PUT when you set it! Used to be I would wait until my beard was getting shaggy before I got around to cutting back -- now I can literally trim about every fortnight to maintain my civilized length as opposed to tickling my chest with a 'mountain man' beard like a former father-in-law sported (yes, he lived in the higher mountains, too!). I have no illusions about battery life -- they do wear out, gang, just like anything else -- so I made sure to purchase this baby which can function with its cord plugged in! Something a lot of cordless critters can't do! I hate to think how many rechargeables I purchased over the years that simply died and would not work despite their charging cords. Remington burned me on that one -- switch died and it wouldn't work at all after a year and a half (just past the warranty); and some older Norelcos. Seems they found the correct design for this consumer -- when the battery croaks (and it will, someday), I can simply PLUG IT IN! Wow! Old school low tech always rules, gang. The blade-height adjuster -- a wheel (I discovered) is great -- stays put (as mentioned above); the blade-guard is also nice; I have noted the comments about the little door one opens to empty out the vacuumed whiskers -- handle gently as it is plastic (what isn't these days?) and is not meant for hairy gorillas to yank off and toss around, then complain about fragility. (This ain't Samsonite luggage, men!). It opens easily, then you shake out and blow out your discard. My only caveat, frankly, is the TINY LITTLE BRUSH provided for cleaning -- I can barely get my big paws to keep a grip on it, but, meh! It's better than nothing. I'm not buying a brush, I'm buying a beard trimmer! Some purchasers complained about noise level -- haven't noticed anything other than the usual buzz of a shaver. (If you want quiet, use scissors!). Fits my hand nicely and easy to control. I hate sounding like a scripted commercial, but, this is the very best beard trimmer I've used! Sure there are more expensive varieties out there, but, why be flamboyant when this one functions beautifully? Thank you to all the previous reviewers for all your comments -- this helped me to decide on this winner!

I will actually start with what I did not like about this trimmer...not much really. It is a bit loud and the vacuum could be a bit stronger. The good stuff far outweighs the bad. Firstly it is a pretty good price as I compared several models and prices, and this one has a great value. Secondly, the vacuum is not bad, it just could be better. It still certainly keeps a lot of hair from going everywhere. It helps to empty it midway during a beard trim to keep suction strong. It has a good battery that lasts for about 8 trims for me before charging is needed. It is also easily adjustable for lengths via a small dial that lifts the guard by millimeters. This allows for precise trimming. Word of warning. I have had trimmers that work without the guard, meaning you will not be nicked by an open trimmer blade. This one was sharp so if you try to use it without the guard you could get nicked. It is no barber's clippers but it will get you if you aren't careful. If you are considering buying a trimmer that is not just a drugstore throwaway I would go with this one for sure. Good price, decent vacuum feature, and easily and precisely adjustable. Definite good buy.

Maybe my standards are too high for a $40 device (is that a bad thing?), but after using the QT4050 for a while, I can honestly say that I wouldn't buy it again. Here's why 1 - It does a good job of trimming at a variety of heights, but there's no way to shave all the way - which means you need a separate shaver device just for that! (making the effective cost of this at least $60, plus having to deal with charging two shavers...) 2 - The vacuum part only does a half-decent job. Sure, it sucks up a fair amount of the hair - but not all of it, so you still have to clean your sink either way. Plus, it's pretty noisy. On the bright side, I'm quite pleased with the battery life and overall build quality. Still wouldn't recommend, though. Currently on the hunt for another shaver that solves 1 (2 doesn't matter a lot, probably won't get a vacuum next time). Will update when I've found a better shaver!

This is my third trimmer in five years. The other two were a different brand, the first having NiCad batteries that finally would no longer hold a charge. I replaced it with another, with Lithium Ion batteries from the same manufacturer, but they had changed the plastic comb that sets the beard length and I found it would not give me a good stubble-cut. I tried modifying the comb, but with less than satisfactory results. I am very happy with this Philips Norelco trimmer. The comb pivots so it follows the contours of my chin very nicely, making for quick trimming. The length adjustments are very precise and easily made. I thought that the vacuum feature was just a frill - all I was looking for was a Lithium Ion trimmer with good beard height adjustment. After using it I find that the vacuum is one of the best features. I was so accustomed to having to clean up both the sink and my face. The vacuum completely eliminates this nuisance, again saving time and irritation. A small brush comes with the trimmer for cleaning out the compartment where the whiskers are held. I recommend using it to clean that little compartment after every trim (and so does the manufacturer). Pay special attention to the filter at the end of the compartment; if you don't get that clean the vacuum will not be able to do its work as well. Lastly, I also found that the trimmer works very well on my eyebrows. If you plan to use it for eyebrows be sure to start out long and work your way shorter to get the length you desire. A great tool, highly recommended and from a company that knows a bit about electric shavers and trimmers, having been in the business for decades.

Overall the trimmer is ok. There's nothing really special about it, Pros: - Charging indicator is nice. It blinks while charging and seems to blink faster as it gets full and then turns off when fully charged. - Charging adaptor will work on 110 or 220vac and is light weight. Cons: - The vacuum "feature" is not even worth consideration. Really, this shouldn't have passed product testing. Sure, it will catch some hair, but your sink won't be anywhere close to hair free. I feel that I throughly tested this on different lengths (with and without guard attached) and have found it constantly poor on capturing. The whole "keep the trap and pathway clear" guidance doesn't help either. - The hair trap isn't very durable. I've carried this trimmer around in my carry-on and the trap broke, and now won't stay closed. Can't imagine if I had put in my checked bag... Overall, I'd recommend considering this against any basic trimmer. I wouldn't add any consideration on account of the vacuum. I've owned cheaper models that have traveled more, and held better charges.

I tried a few trimmers I got from walmart, but they were pretty crappy. You couldn't use it while plugged in, and had to wait for the battery to charge for 10hrs and it would last for like 30mins. Even the other Philips models they had there too. This one is much a better quality. Vacuum is a great bonus. It sucks up most of the hairs, I still get some that fall obviously, but not nearly as much. Makes cleaning the sink much quicker and easier for me. I can plug it in, and use it when the battery is low, and not worry if it is going to die on me mid trim. Still takes a while to fully charge, but it's much better than other models I've tried. And the battery life lasts a lot longer than the other models I got from walmart. Adjustments are nice and just what I was looking for as well. Definitely recommend this. Good price, works well. I'll buy it again if I break my current one or it dies n me.

I got this trimmer to maintain the perfect stubble on my face with minimal cleanup. Its a great trimmer for a number of reasons: * Easy to clean - the guard, blade and hair chamber all come out with ease and can be put back together with ease * Effective - creates the perfect stubble (around .5mm) on my face without the guard. I can't comment about performance with the guard but it should be fine if you want longer "stubble" * No mess - the vacuum captures 80-90% of the trimmed hair which can then be released from the chamber and washed down the drain in a controlled manner * Long battery - this device uses the same battery tech in modern laptops which means it has a really long battery life. I trim my stubble every other day and I probably charge this thing every 3 weeks. I highly recommend this model.

Nice Trimmer highly recommend.

Very practical. Good build quality. Good battery life.

Great