The new generation beard and hair trimmer Panasonic ER-SB40-K won the “GQ Grooming Award 2017”. It comes with a digital interface for user-friendly grooming facilities for hair and beards. This popular trimming machine has been made for cordless and corded use, which makes it more compelling to versatile users. In this article, I’ll share all the facilities and technologies of the Panasonic ER-SB40-K trimmer, including the device’s cons. So, read through this article before you buy this trimmer.
Pros
- Very fast performance
- User-friendly functions
- Good built-quality
- Cordless + corded operation
- Universal voltage
- Easy to clean
- Digital LED display
Cons
- Expensive
- Precision trimming is a bit difficult with this wide head.
- Should have more trimming lengths
- The comb doesn’t feel sturdy.
Insights
Hypoallergenic Blades: Panasonic used their best Japanese Hypoallergenic blades in the Panasonic ER-SB40 beard trimmer. On the other hand, Panasonic engineered the blades with wider teeth to catch more hair than usual trimmer blades. I observed the trimming result become charming without any spare. While discussing with the professional users, they said the blades are very durable and provide unchanged sharpness for a long time. I have to admit that these Panasonic blades are the main compelling feature of this trimmer for being too popular.
Precision Dial: The Panasonic ER-SB40 trimmer has a precision dial that lets you adjust the trimming length easily and quickly. You can move the attachment comb up and down and rotate the dialing wheel to change the trimming lengths. The dial and the comb give you 19 options for beard trimming, from 1mm to 10mm in 0.5mm increments. The trimmer also has a 0.5mm setting without the comb for precise trimming and detailing.
Powerful Motor: Another compelling feature of the Panasonic ER-SB40-K trimmer is the serving motor. Panasonic used a Japanese linear motor in this trimmer for high-end performance and to make the trimming result more efficient. With its high torque, the powerful motor can make 9,800 trimming cuts per minute. Consequently, the trimmer doesn’t compromise with any coarse hair or long hair and makes the trim without dropping the torque until the battery power ends.
Cordless + Corded Trimmer: The Panasonic ER-SB40-K is a trimmer that works both corded and cordless. It is ideal for men who need professional and long-lasting trimming. It has a universal charging adapter that works in any country (110v – 240v). You can also use it with the cord if the battery runs out and you need a quick trim. The trimmer has a Lithium-ion battery that can be recharged. It lasts for 60 minutes of cordless use after a 1-hour charge.
Waterproof Device:
Panasonic made this shaver fully washable with direct running water, which makes the cleaning process easier and faster. After making a trim, you just need to put the shaver head under the tap for a thorough cleaning. There is a washable signed logo at the lower front side of the shaver that ensures a secure wet cleaning facility. The manufacturer provides a small cleaning brush with this trimmer that is also used to clean the debris from the blades quickly, but the cleaning with the brush is not very thorough. Therefore, the wet cleaning option is really very useful for a trimmer, I think.
Wet/dry Trim: Since the trimmer is 100% waterproof, it’s allowed to trim wet beards/hairs without any risk. Therefore, you can trim your wet beard even under the shower, and the trimmer will not face any water-causing issues. But it’s not recommended to use it with water while operating with the cord since it may cause accidental electrical shock.
What’s in the Box?
I got the following items in the Panasonic ER-SB40’s package: –
- The trimmer itself
- Charging adapter (universal).
- Cleaning brush.
- Blade oil.
- Attachment comb.
- A zipper storage bag.
- User manual.
Personal Experience
The Panasonic ER-SB40 is a trimmer that showcases the innovative craftsmanship of Panasonic. It has a sleek black plastic body with a dotted grip on the back that prevents slipping. It has a slight curve that fits comfortably and securely in your hand. The ergonomics of the Panasonic ER-SB40-K are impressive. The trimmer also features the highest-quality hypoallergenic blades that Panasonic offers. The blades are wide and sharp, and they remain sharp for a long time until they wear out. This makes the trimming more effective and smooth. The trimmer has an attachment comb that works with the precision dial to give you different trimming lengths. You can easily and quickly change the length by turning the dial. However, the trimmer only has 20-length settings with and without the comb, and the longest one is 10mm, which I think is too short. The comb also feels flimsy and could be more durable. I have not heard any complaints about the comb breaking or malfunctioning, though. The trimmer has a power button that is located after the dial, which is easy to find. Under the power button, there is an LED display that shows the battery level, the setting lock, and the charging indicator. The battery level is shown in three segments: high, medium, and low. The trimmer has a power port at the bottom that is used for charging and corded use. In conclusion, I am very impressed with the trimmer for its sturdy build quality and excellent trimming performance, but the limited trimming length may be a disadvantage for users who like long beards.
Comparison with Alternatives
Panasonic ER-GB96-K: This is another high-end beard trimmer by Panasonic that comes at a close budget to the ER-SB40. Panasonic engineered this trimmer with an advanced stainless steel blade system to cut all kinds of beards without any compromise. The Panasonic ER-GB96 trimmer comes with 4 trimming combs that let you choose different lengths for your hair and beard. You can get up to 58 length settings with this trimmer, from 0.5mm to 30mm. But the ER-SB40 comes with only one trimming comb, and the trimmer can provide only 19 trimming lengths, and the maximum trimming length is 10mm. So, the ER-GB96 is the best choice for those who want lots of trimming lengths and want to maintain comparably longer beard/hair. It’s also a cordless and corded beard trimmer that provides 50 minutes of cordless performance with a 1-hour charge, whereas the ER-SB40 provides 60 minutes of cordless performance with a 1-hour full charge. However, it’s not such a significant difference between them since both allow use while charging. One way that the Panasonic ER-SB40-K stands out from the ER-GB96-K is its superior LED display. The SB40 has a more attractive and user-friendly interface than the GB80. Therefore, both trimmers are great in their own way, and you need to choose them according to your preferences and requirements.
See ER-GB96-K’s Price on Amazon
Verdict
The Panasonic ER-SB40-K is a strong and durable trimmer that can handle personal grooming. It can last for a long time and suit users who prefer short and long stubble. However, it is not good for men who want long beards. It is best for those who keep their beard under 10mm. However, using a separate barber comb may help you maintain your long beard and hair with this trimmer.
Should You Buy the Panasonic ER-SB40-K Trimmer?
Yes, if you want a reliable trimmer for efficient trimming of your short and long stubble.
Yes, if you want a trimmer in robust built-quality and are ready to pay a little high.
No, if you want to have a long beard and maintain it without using a barber comb.