How to choose the best dog grooming clippers
If you want to make sure your four-legged friend gets the best quality trim, you’ll need to be sure you’re buying the best dog grooming equipment kit for them. Perhaps you want to save a little money on dog grooming services or you’re looking to start your very own business? Whatever your situation, this review of the best dog clippers will make sure you have the best tool for the job.
There are many different types of dog clippers with all sorts of features and varying prices. The style of clippers you need will depend on different things such as the type of grooming you’ll be doing, the type of dog you have and your budget. To help you figure out exactly what the best clippers for you are, our helpful guide will look at several criteria and give an overall summary of each set of clippers featured.
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What to look for in your clippers
Motor power
To make the trimming process smooth and painless for your pooch, it’s important to buy dog grooming clippers that have a motor powerful enough for your needs. There are different levels of power which will be suitable for different types of hair. If you have a dog with really thick hair you’ll need to look for clippers with a higher RPM. The rotations per minute decide how quickly the motor spins around, so a higher number will be more suitable for a dog with a thicker coat. Motor power is definitely something to consider if you’re running a grooming service as you may need to invest in multiple clippers with varying RPM levels.
Heat, noise, vibration
Although power is important, you need to make sure you get the right balance because there are a number of issues that come with more powerful clippers. Dog hair clippers with a higher RPM will heat up quicker, give off more noise and create more heavy vibrations. This can be an issue if you’re grooming a particular shy or nervous pooch. It’s important to make sure your furry friend is comfortable when they get their hair cut so be sure to choose clippers that are powerful enough to trim them without causing any discomfort.
Weight and size
The size of your clippers is often down to personal preference however it also depends to some extend on the type of dogs you’ll be grooming. You want to make sure that the clippers you use are comfortable to hold, aren’t too heavy and have an ergonomic design that won’t cause you any discomfort. Depending on the size of the dogs you’ll be giving a haircut, you may require different sized clippers. Smaller dogs may require smaller clippers to trim those hard-to-reach places. There are all kinds of shapes and sizes on the market so be sure to shop around and find the best design to meet your needs.
Corded vs cordless
You have the option to choose from mains-powered or battery-powered dog hair clippers, each of which come with different benefits. Cordless clippers offer a lot more manoeuvrability and convenience when cutting your dog’s hair but they are often less powerful, more expensive and need replacing sooner when the battery becomes worn out due to excessive charging. Mains-powered clippers offer more power and don’t need to be recharged, however they can be a lot more restrictive when it comes to where you can give your pooch a haircut because you will need to be near a power outlet. There are benefits on both sides that you need to weigh up before deciding on the best option for your needs.
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The top clippers
Andis AGC Super 2-Speed (mains powered)
These professional-grade clippers are some of the most popular on the market thanks to their extremely low noise level and comfortable design. The balance between power and comfort with these clippers is what makes them popular amongst professional groomers. The blade that comes standard with the clipper is a size 10, which will cut to a length of 1.6mm.
Power- Despite being super quiet, these clippers pack a punch with two different speed settings. You can choose between 4,000 and 3,300 RPM, making the Andis AGC Super ideal for a variety of different dogs.
Price- These clippers can be found at a number of retailers and online stores, priced anywhere between £100 and £150. This is a reasonable price considering the high quality of the clippers and the diversity of them.
Extras- The great thing about this clipper is that it’s compatible with any a5 type blades, which means you have a lot of options when it comes to the length of hair you want to cut. They also come in a variety of colours.
Ideal for- These clippers are great all-rounders and are suitable for the home or professional use. If you’re just looking for something to trim your pup at home every once in a while then there are cheaper options that may be more suitable for you, but these are definitely worth it if you don’t mind spending a little extra money. Professional groomers will benefit from the high quality, low noise and wide blade compatibility of the Andis AGC Super trimmer.
Wahl Multi Cut (mains powered)
These budget clippers are very affordable and are perfect for those groomers working to a budget. The low power means that they are limited to the type of dogs they can be used on but are perfect for those with small dogs who don’t to spend a lot of money.
Power- The power of these clippers is relatively low compared to more high-grade equipment but they are still capable of giving a very close shave. The motor runs quietly which makes them perfect for use on small dogs that may get nervous or scared easily.
Price- Costing just £30, the Wahl Multi Cut is one of the cheapest clippers on the market. If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful to give your canine friend a quick trim every month, this is ideal. For start-up groomers these may be a sensible option to go for until your business has grown and you can invest in more high-grade equipment.
Extras- It’s great the amount of accessories you get along with the clipper for such a low price. The set comes housed in a handy carry case, complete with a variety of different sized guards, a comb, scissors and even an instructional DVD to help you out if it’s your first time giving a dog haircut.
Ideal for- The lower power makes this clipper more suited for smaller dogs or dogs with thinner and shorter hair. The price makes it ideal for first time groomers or dog owners looking for something inexpensive that will still do a good job.
Moser Arco Cordless (battery powered)
These are some of the most favoured cordless clippers on the market and have been bought and used by thousands of groomers and dog owners around the world. The sleek design and reliable motor power them ideal for most grooming situations, whether you’re a professional groomer or a caring dog owner.
Power- Despite being battery powered, this clipper packs a lot of juice into such a small, sleek package. It only takes 30 minutes to fully charge, which means they are ideal for professional use as you won’t be waiting around too long for them to charge. You’ll get around an hour of constant use out of a full charge so if you have multiple clippers you can use one while you wait for the other to charge.
Price- These clippers are reasonably priced considering the amazing build quality. With prices starting around £100 you won’t have to break the bank to buy a quality clipper that will do a great job. If you’re starting up your own grooming business, these are worth investing in so you can provide the best quality service.
Extras- The clipper is lightweight and ergonomically friendly, which makes it very easy to use no matter the type of dog you’re giving a trim to. It features an integrated blade which offers a wide range of cutting lengths from 0.7mm to 3mm.
Ideal for- If you’re a professional groomer this is an ideal clipper thanks to its ease of use, reasonable price and practicality. If you work in a grooming shop it may be a good idea to have one or two of the Moser Arco clippers on hand to use for tricky areas. The fact it’s battery powered makes it an ideal clipper for travelling groomers who specialise in home visits because you can easily carry them along with you and there’s no need to worry about accessing a mains socket.
Oster Golden A5
The Oster Golden A5 clipper has been one of the go-to pieces of equipment for professional groomers for years, thanks to its incredible build quality and reliability. The life-span of this clipper is much higher than most others which means that you will definitely get your money’s worth if you decide to invest.
Power- This 2-speed clipper offers a 2,200 and a 3,200 RPM mode, which means it can handle any job and any dog. Although the motor is one of the most powerful on the market, the cooling technology inside the clipper means that it never gets too hot even after excessive use.
Price- With a starting price of around £140, these are some of the more expensive clippers on the market. If you’re on a budget it may be worth looking at some less expensive models and perhaps investing in just one Oster Golden A5 for when you come across bigger dogs with thicker hair. If you can afford to pay a bit extra this clipper is absolutely worth investing in.
Extras- Along with this high-end clipper you get a variety of different sized guards and combs to ensure you give the best custom cut to your four-legged friend. You’re also able to use many other sizes of clipper combs with the Oster Golden A5, which means you can cater to a wide variety of different dogs. Maintenance is important with this clipper and you are provided with a complimentary bottle of oil in order to keep it clean and functioning properly. Ideal for- The shear quality of this clipper makes it perfect for all occasions and all types of dogs. If you’re a professional looking to invest in a good quality clipper this is the best option as it will make your job easier and create a professional image.