A few years ago Amazon started selling a version of the Norelco electric shaver that does NOT feature the Lift & Cut technology which makes for an out-of-the-box kosher shaver without any modifications. Our post from then appears below with a number of important links to learn more about the the various halachic approaches, and different models available.
UPDATED FOR 2017 – 2 Recommended Models
Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Rechargeable Cordless Razor – kosher as-is, without Lift & Cut technology,rechargeable and has beard trimmer, a great deal (~$34)
Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 1100, S1150/81 – basically same as above but is corded. Costs less (~$24). From my experience, a corded unit, while a little inconvenient is better as inevitably the batteries on these units stop holding a charge after a few years of use and with a cord you always have 100% power.
But this week, just in time, Amazon has dropped the price on thePhilips Norelco HQ6900/41 to just $24.95. This shaver clearly features the “Closecut” technology which despite its name does not have any extra features that make it a halachic issue. It is not a Lift & Cut shaver. This is a very bare bones shaver – corded and it has no rear beard trimmer. For $10 more you could buy thePhilips Norelco 6948XL/41 which is cordless and has a beard trimmer. The price will not stay this low for long.
In 2014we did a post on a new shaver by Norelco that is the first model in a long while that does NOT have the Lift & Cut technology. Why does this matter? Based upon information from KosherShaver.org (brought below) and the psak of HaRav Dovid Feinstein and other poskim, this shaver is indeed a kosher shaver out-of-the-box. Also please note that KosherShaver.org offers a free service to “kasher” other models of Norelco shavers that do have the Lift & Cut that need to be removed.
Right now Amazon has a great deal on this shaver again – just $25 (just be sure to clip the coupon located just below the price)
Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Rechargeable Cordless Razor – rechargeable and has beard trimmer
Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Rechargeable Cordless Razor – kosher as-is, without Lift & Cut technology,rechargeable and has beard trimmer, a great deal (~$34)
Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 1100, S1150/81– basically same as above but is corded. Costs less (~$24). From my experience, a corded unit, while a little inconvenient is better as inevitably the batteries on these units stop holding a charge after a few years of use and with a cord you always have 100% power.
More detailed information form KosherShaver.org:
NORELCO NOW MAKES TRIPLE HEAD ROTARY SHAVERS WITHOUT LIFTS!!
GREAT NEWS: Norelco Has recently stated making shavers without “lifts”, that are KOSHER TO USE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!! (with the Psak of Harav Hagoan R’ Dovid Feinstein Shlit”a) and DO NOT NEED TO BE “KOSHERED”
The rule of thumb is: any Shaver that the outside of the head/comb it says either:
COMFORTCUT or CLOSECUT (click on for a picture) is considered “kosher” out of the box!
We recommend the Norelco 6945XL model shaver, as the best Norelco “Kosher Shaver” available on the market as of this posting.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THE NEW “KOSHER” NORELCO SHAVERS: Although any shaver having the “COMFORTCUT” or “CLOSECUT” printed on the head is OK to use out of the box, PLEASE BEWARE; when purchasing REPLACEMENT HEADS for these shavers; that the words “Comfortcut” or Closecut” is printed on the replacement head as well.
(Previous Update from FEB. 2011 / ADAR I 5771)
After much advanced research & consultation with leading Poskim, we have clarified the Rabonims positions on today’s shavers in Halacha.
We have compiled, and simplified the various “psokim” in regard to today’s electric shavers, & present our finding below.
AS WITH ALL MATTERS OF HALACHA, ESPECIALLY SHAVING WHICH IS A TORAH PROHIBITION FOR EACH HAIR, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR ROV FOR A FINAL “PSAK”.
● Harav Hagoan R’ Dovid Feinstein Shlit”a (eldest son of Harav Hagoan Rav Moshe ZT”L) rules that the BEST option for shaving today is to use a Philips Norelco Lift & Cut shavers ONLY AFTER REMOVAL OF THE LIFTS (click here for more info)
Rav Dovid is of the opinion NOT to use any other shaver, including the Remington rotary shavers & the Braun Microscreen (foil) shavers.
● Harav Yisroel Belsky Shlit”a also permits the Philips Norelco Lift & Cut shavers (ONLY WITH THE LIFTS REMOVED), however Rav Belsky ALSO permits use of the Remington triple head -ROTARY shavers out of the box.
Rav Belsky is opinion NOT to use any other shaver, including the Remington microscreen (foil) & the Braun Microscreen (foil) shavers.
● Harav Moshe Heinaman Shlit”a (Star K / Baltimore) DOES permit* the use of the BRAUN microscreen (foil) shavers for use straight out of the box. However, this heter (leniency) does NOT include the Remington Microscreen (foil) shavers.
* Please note: Rav Heinaman is of the opinion that the most preferred method of shaving is using a trimmer, as per the psak (Halachic verdict) of his rebbi, Hagoan Reb Ahron Kotler ZT”L
