Product Description

Panasonic has the only non-alcohol based detergent in the industry. The detergent based solution is free of harsh chemicals and cleans/disinfects which keeps the blades lubricated and the blades sharp. Since alcohol is not used, these is no danger of flammability, and even if spilled, it will nor deform or discolor furniture or appliances. The detergent is highly biagradeable, so the cleaning liquid can be poured down the drain without treatment. The disposable cartridge can be discarded as plastic waste.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1324 in Health and Beauty
• Color: Silver/Black
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: ES8078S
• Released on: 2006-06-19
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 9.00" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• Water-infused hygienic solution cleans stubble and debris from the shaver and refreshes the blades
• Long-lasting cartridge provides superior cleaning power and keeps the blades lubricated
• 13,000 RPM linear motor delivers the fastest shave for a smooth clean shave
• Adjustable pivoting head for a comfortable shave
• Three stage battery monitor with a long lasting rechargeable battery

Customer Reviews

Outstanding features and capabilities
I'm not sure what the difference is between this model and the ES8077 (new model-year perhaps?) but they both appear to be exceptional razors. I've had it for over two weeks and the battery isn't even close to needing a re-charge. I replaced an older Panasonic razor with this one and found it to provide a superior shave. One of the great things about this razor is the ability to charge it in it's cleaner/charger stand OR with the charger adapter alone. This enables the razor to be used (and charged) practically anywhere in the world and you don't have to drag the cleaner assembly around with it, just the razor and its relatively small plug-in adapter. This was a big plus for me as I travel to Europe periodically. Then again, given the battery life on this thing, it may not even be necessary to charge it while I'm in Europe!

Since it's a wet/dry razor, it gives the user an option to clean the razor with soap and water without using the stand and buying cleaning cartridges--something Braun apparently doesn't do and one of the major reasons I abandoned Braun back when they started selling razors that required cleaning cartridges. The cleaning cartridges were a good idea for razor manufacturer profits, dumb idea for a consumer who just wants a razor that works without the monthly fee for cleaning cartridge refills. Braun lost a customer because of that philosophy. I simply don't buy the idea that after decades of razor manufacturer they suddenly need regular special cleanings to work properly.

I really haven't found any points of complaint regarding this razor. The manual says your face may need up to 30 days to adjust but the 8078 caused no problems from day 1 (maybe because I was already using an older Panasonic?). You have the option of using the included cleaner base if you want, but you at least have the option of alternate cleaning methods of you don't want to spend that money every month.

Top notch shaver
I have bought many razors in my lifetime, 72+ years, and have never experienced a better shave than this little beauty. It is just perfect for the every other day shave when one is retired and could replace my four blade razor that gives a very close shave, but this does not leave tender areas that you know you have to put up with for that day. This is the best product that I have seen on the market. Kudos for Panasonic. J. Foley, San Jose, Ca.

good wet shaver, mediocre dry shaver
I purchased the Panasonic ES8078S Vortex HydraClean Wet/Dry shaver to replace an old Norelco Spectra shaver rather than buy replacement shaving heads. Since my Norelco shaver was several years old, I figured a newer shaver might offer a better shave.

The Vortex HydraClean shaver is quite versatile. You can dry-shave with it or, for a closer, more comfortable shave, you can wet-shave with some shaving cream. The shaver is waterproof, so it can be used in the bath or shower. There is a switch that enables you to adjust the shaving head so it will either be rigid or move up and down as it is pressed against your face. I found this feature to be pretty useless. There are no adjustments for closeness of shave. Compared with my old Spectra, dry-shaving with the Panasonic Vortex was a big disappointment. The shave was mediocre at best, which I found most surprising after reading all of the glowing reviews about this shaver. My Spectra dry-shaves closer with dull blades. But the wet-shave with the Panasonic Vortex is as close as a razor. I honestly did not believe any shaver could shave as close as a razor, but this one can if you use shaving cream. Which begs the question: why would you want to use a shaver instead of a razor (which would be far less expensive and easier to clean and maintain) if you are going to use shaving cream?

The shaver can be charged with the AC adapter separately or you can place the shaver in an included holder that will clean, dry, and charge your shaver automatically. A single charge is estimated to last for 2 weeks of shaving, so travel is possible without taking the charger. The holder can be programmed to perform different automatic functions: charge only; dry only; clean & dry only; dry & charge only; and clean, dry, & charge. The full cycle of clean, dry, and charge takes about 3 hours to complete. It is also quite noisy -- you do not want to do this while someone is trying to sleep nearby. The cleaning system uses a special cleaning cartridge that must be purchased separately (the shaving system comes with one cartridge). Each cartridge will last about 30 days before it must be replaced. Oddly, the cleaning cartridge will not last any longer if you don't clean your shaver every day -- it will last only the same amount of time. So you may as well clean your shaver every day. You won't save any money by doing otherwise. Replacement cartridges sell in packs of three for around $12-15 (they are hard to find -- it seems they are perpetually out of stock at most online retailers, including Amazon). So it costs about $50/year to use this shaving system to its full potential. If you prefer not to spend your money on cleaning cartridges, you can clean the shaver with liquid hand soap and water. Obviously, this is not as handy as simply sticking the shaver in its holder for automatic cleaning. A replacement foil and blade set for the Panasonic Vortex shaver currently costs about $50.

If you like to shave in the shower or, for some inexplicable reason, want to use a shaver with shaving cream, you will likely be very happy with the Panasonic Vortex shaver. It will shave as close as a razor. If you are planning to shave dry, however, compared with other premium shavers like the Norelco Spectra you will likely be disappointed with the Panasonic Vortex shaver. It remains to be seen whether or not the Panasonic Vortex will be worth $100/year added cost in cleaning solution and new foil/blades. I suspect it will not.