Introduction
When it comes to grooming your furry friend, one of the most important tools you’ll need is a good quality dog clipper. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right one can be quite overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about dog clippers, from the types available to the features you should look for when making your purchase. Here are our 5 top choices for the best dog clippers for grooming:
- Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clipper – Top Pick
- Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper – Best for Thick Coats
- Wahl KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper – Runner Up
- Andis ProClip AGC Super 2-Speed Plus Detachable Blade Clipper – Best Budget (Tie)
- Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper – Best Budget (Tie)
Understanding the Different Types of Clippers
As we mentioned in our previous guide, there are three main types of dog clippers: corded, cordless, and manual. However, there are also hybrid clippers that combine the features of corded and cordless clippers, giving you the best of both worlds.
Corded Clippers
Corded clippers are designed for professional groomers or pet owners who need to groom multiple dogs in a single session. They’re generally more powerful than cordless clippers, with a constant and reliable source of energy. However, the cord can be restrictive and may limit your mobility.
When choosing a corded clipper, look for one with a long cord that can give you ample space to move around. Additionally, consider the weight of the clipper, as a heavy clipper can cause fatigue and strain in your hands and arms.
Cordless Clippers
Cordless clippers are perfect for pet owners who prefer to groom their dogs at home. They offer greater mobility, as they don’t have a cord, and are usually lightweight and compact. However, they do require regular charging and may not be as powerful as corded clippers.
When choosing a cordless clipper, look for one with a long battery life that can last throughout the grooming session. Additionally, consider the charging time, as some clippers may take a long time to recharge. A clipper with a quick charging time can save you time and hassle.
Manual Clippers
Manual clippers are best suited for dogs with short or fine hair. They’re easy to use, quiet, and affordable. However, they’re not as powerful as electric clippers and may require more effort and time to groom your dog.
When choosing a manual clipper, look for one with sharp and durable blades that can provide a smooth and even cut. Additionally, consider the size of the clipper, as a larger clipper may be difficult to maneuver around smaller areas of your dog’s body.
Hybrid Clippers
Hybrid clippers combine the features of corded and cordless clippers, giving you the best of both worlds. They have a cord for unlimited power, but also have a battery that can be charged and used for cordless operation.
When choosing a hybrid clipper, look for one that has a long battery life and a powerful motor. Additionally, consider the weight and size of the clipper, as a heavy or bulky clipper may cause fatigue and strain during use.
Blades: Material and Size
The blade is the most important part of a clipper, as it determines the quality and precision of the cut. There are two main types of blades: stainless steel and ceramic. Stainless steel blades are durable and affordable, but may require frequent sharpening. Ceramic blades, on the other hand, are more expensive but stay sharp for longer and don’t require as much maintenance.
Blades also come in different sizes, indicated by the blade number. The higher the number, the longer the cut. For example, a #10 blade will leave hair 1.6mm long, while a #30 blade will leave hair 0.5mm long.
When choosing a blade, consider the thickness and length of your dog’s hair. A thicker coat may require a larger blade, while a thinner coat may require a smaller blade. Additionally, consider the length of the hair you want to leave behind, as this will determine the blade number you need.
Motor Power and Speed
The motor power and speed of a clipper are also important factors to consider when choosing a clipper for your dog. The motor power determines the clipper’s cutting ability, while the speed determines how quickly the blade oscillates.
Clipper motors are generally categorized as either magnetic, rotary, or pivot. Magnetic motors are the most common and are suitable for most dog coats. Rotary motors are more powerful and suitable for thicker or coarser coats. Pivot motors are the most powerful and suitable for professional grooming or dogs with heavy coats.
The speed of a clipper is measured in strokes per minute (SPM). The higher the SPM, the faster the blade oscillates and the quicker the clipper cuts. However, a high SPM doesn’t necessarily mean a better cut. The SPM should be appropriate for your dog’s coat type and thickness.
Noise Level
The noise level of a clipper may also be a consideration, especially if you have a dog that is easily frightened or anxious. Some clippers may produce a loud and intimidating noise, while others may be quiet and gentle. If your dog is particularly sensitive to noise, consider purchasing a clipper with a low noise level.
Accessories
Finally, consider the accessories that come with the clipper. Some clippers may come with a variety of blades for different coat lengths, while others may come with grooming combs, cleaning brushes, or lubricating oil. Additionally, some clippers may come with a carrying case or storage pouch for easy transport and storage.
Mini Reviews
Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clipper (Cordless)
The Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clipper is our top option for grooming your dog. Although it is on the pricier end of hair clippers, it certainly makes it worth your while. It has a 5-in-1 blade meaning it comes with 5 different adjustable blade sizes. This helps with using the same clipper to trim face, feet, and other difficult areas meaning you won’t have to spend on additional tools.
Additionally, it’s a great option for dogs that are easily frightened by loud noises. It operates quietly with low vibrations, making grooming a more pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend. Dogs can sometimes be frightened when you’re doing work around their paws or face–our pittie hates getting his nails clipped–so this feature can be key in relaxing them.
The Lithium Ion battery allows for cordless use for up to 90 minutes, and its lightweight design reduces hand fatigue during use.
Customers on Amazon are incredibly happy with their purchase when it comes to the Wahl Clippers. Anyone who’s owned a breed with long hair or fur knows that getting them groomed can be a hassle and cost a fortune. Getting a nice pair of clippers and learning to do it yourself can be a great investment.
Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper (Corded)
The Oster A5 Turbo 2-Speed Professional Animal Clipper is a heavy-duty clipper that is ideal for grooming dogs with thick, coarse fur. Its powerful motor offers a high-speed setting of 4,000 strokes per minute and a low-speed setting of 3,000 strokes per minute, allowing for greater control over grooming.
It is very powerful compared to some of its competitors and the professional series of the Oster clippers will be able to deal with dogs that have double coats, like huskies. It you do have a dog with an especially thick coat, make sure you double check that whatever clipper you go with will be able to deal with their coat.
The detachable blade design makes it easy to switch between blades, and the included #10 Cryogen-X blade stays sharper for longer, making it ideal for heavy use. Its durable, break-resistant housing can withstand heavy use, and its ergonomic design provides comfort during extended use.
The price of the Oster clippers isn’t too bad, and is one of the cheaper options on your list. If your pup has some thick fur, we’d recommend going with these
Wahl KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper (Corded)
The Wahl KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper is an impressive option for dog grooming, with a range of unique features that set it apart from other clippers on the market. One of the standout features of this clipper is its brushless motor, which provides a more powerful and efficient performance than traditional clippers. This allows for smoother and faster cutting, making grooming easier and more efficient.
The KM10 Clipper also has a unique Constant Speed Control feature, which maintains a consistent speed even when cutting through thicker sections of fur. This ensures that you achieve an even and precise cut every time, without having to slow down or adjust the clipper.
The clipper also comes with a detachable blade, making it easy to switch between different blade sizes for a range of grooming tasks. Additionally, the blade is made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring it remains sharp for longer and providing a clean, precise cut.
Andis ProClip AGC Super 2-Speed Plus Detachable Blade Clipper (Corded)
The Andis ProClip AGC Super 2-Speed Plus Detachable Blade Clipper is a reliable and durable option for dog grooming. This clipper boasts a powerful motor that can easily cut through thick and matted fur, making it ideal for breeds with long hair or heavy coats. Its two-speed settings allow you to adjust the clipper to your desired speed, making it easier to groom your dog efficiently.
One of the unique features of this clipper is its detachable blade system. The detachable blade allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, which is especially important when working with multiple dogs or if you’re grooming professionally. Additionally, it allows you to switch between different blade sizes quickly, making it a versatile option for a range of grooming tasks.
Customers on Amazon praise the Andis ProClip AGC Super 2-Speed Plus Detachable Blade Clipper for its reliability and durability, with many stating that it has lasted them for years of use. They also appreciate the detachable blade system, which makes maintenance and cleaning a breeze.
Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper (Corded)
The Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Clipper is a professional-grade grooming tool for pets that boasts many impressive features. First off, the clipper has a powerful motor that can handle even the thickest coats with ease. The motor is also designed to run quietly, which is perfect for pets that are easily startled or anxious during grooming sessions.
The blade is made from high-quality carbon steel, which is durable and long-lasting. Additionally, the blade is detachable, which makes it easy to switch out with other blades if you need a different cutting length. This also makes it easier to clean and maintain the blade.
The clipper has two speed settings, allowing you to choose the speed that is most appropriate for your pet’s coat. The lower speed setting is great for trimming delicate areas, while the higher speed setting can handle thicker hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right dog clipper is crucial for maintaining your furry friend’s appearance and overall health. Before purchasing a dog clipper, consider the type of coat your dog has, its thickness and texture, and how often you plan to use the clipper. Depending on these factors, you may need to choose between corded or cordless clippers, and different types of blades.
We have presented five of the best dog clippers for grooming available on Amazon, each with its unique features and benefits. The Oster A5 Two-Speed Animal Clipper, Andis ProClip AGC2, and Wahl KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper are all great options for dogs with thick, coarse fur. The Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clipper is perfect for dogs that are easily frightened by loud noises.
When choosing a dog clipper, always make sure to consider the safety and comfort of your dog. Take your time, read reviews, and make an informed decision that will benefit both you and your furry friend. With the right dog clipper, you can save money and time by grooming your dog at home while providing them with a comfortable and healthy coat. If you want some information on dog care, check out our guide to the basics!
