Customer Reviews

Philips Norelco G480 All-in-One Premium Grooming Kit

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(76)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

I'm hairy. I don't deny that whatsoever. With that in mind, I decided that my body would be an excellent testing ground for the Philips Norelco G480 All-In-One Grooming Kit. I personally tested each and every accessory that came in this kit. After allowing for the ten hour charge period (I actually gave it about fifteen hours), I entered my bathroom and started my hair removal process with the nose, ear and eyebrow trimmer. Although it does an excellent job of removing the hair, it did pull a tad bit at my nose hairs. My second victim was the mini shaver, which is exactly that: a mini version of a real electric shaver. As with the big version of these blades, it gave a "close enough to last till five o'clock" shave but still can't beat an actual razor. Next was the precision trimmer, which worked excellently. It gave me some wonderful looking sideburns. I used all three of the combs next, with the hair clipper comb working the best. The beard and moustache comb did a decent job, but had more curves to deal with than the hair comb. The eyebrow comb, much like its beard/moustache compadre, didn't fare quite as well as the others. The fine detailing blade works well, especially around the ears, which is an oft-neglected area on my body. The final test was reserved for the full-sized trimmer blade without any type of guard on it. I used it to shave my head, neck, back and chest. While it gets exceptionally close, I didn't look anything like Captain Picard or Charles Barkley when I was finished. That job is still reserved for my old razor and shaving cream, which I did utilize to finish the job.

While I'm still ugly, I am a lot cleaner looking than before using the Philips Norelco grooming kit. The best performers in the lot were the detailing blade, precision trimmer and the full-sized trimmer blade without the guard on it. The mini shaver garnered the poorest results, but is a good tool to use between real shaves. As for the battery life, I did all of the above clipping and trimming in one sitting without having to recharge.

If you're a guy (or girl) who likes a very neat and clean look (and not necessarily bald), this grooming kit is well worth it's price. It's one of the best electric kits I've used and I've gone through quite a few in my lifetime. Give this kit a try. You're skull (and back, and nose, and chest, and better half) will thank you for it.

This is a great little set, and the price can't be beat. It's not as powerful as some of the trimmers out there, and it's not going to replace a shaver, but for most people it should be able to handle everything you throw at it. I'll review each component here.

The trimmer - This is what you onto. It's decently powered, but battery life is short (only about 30 minutes!). It was better than expected for the price.

Mini Shaver - I can't really say I recommend shaving with this. If you need a quick light shave at the last minute, it's ok. I wouldn't recommend using it regularly to shave or for a haircut.

Mustache, eyebrow, and clipper combs - While they're labeled for separate parts of your face, these are basically like the combs you see on haircutters or beard and mustache groomers. They attach to the trimmer and can be used to trim your beard, mustache, eyebrows, whatever. You could even give yourself an impromptu haircut if you wanted, but I wouldn't recommend it. They work fine but feel a bit flimsy when attached.

nose/ear trimmer - Works great for removing random hairs that show up in the wrong places, needed a new one after my old one died.

precision trimmer - This is the tool for your sideburns. Easy to use and works great at catching all the hairs in a couple of swipes.

"fine detailing" blade - I think this is what you use for the "pencil thin beard" or shaving a logo onto the back of your head. I probably won't use it.

The Stand - This neatly holds each attachment and even charges the trimmer. It doesn't look bad in a bathroom at all, and keeps you from losing track of everything.

Conclusion: A nice little set at a decent price. Considering a dedicated unit for any single item here would cost at least twenty bucks, I can handle the fact that I may only use half of the attachments. Battery life is a bit short, but if you're using this for more than 30 minutes at a time you may have a problem to begin with. Overall I think the set is a great buy and should be able to tackle most grooming issues in conjunction with a separate shaver.

I am sorry for taking so long to write the review for the Philips Norelco G480 All-In-One Grooming Kit, but it takes time to grow hair with which to evaluate it.

First, about me and my intended use. I am an adult male with male pattern baldness. I do not wear facial hair (intentionally). Some years ago, I realized that I was paying a barber $9 plus tip to run clippers over what remains of my hair, not to mention that the trip to the barbershop ruined an otherwise free day. I went in search of clippers and bought a Remington model. Recently, my wife has commented that the aging Remington was not cutting so well, so when Amazon Vine offered me this grooming kit, I jumped on it.

My first impression taking it out of the box was, "This is small." The width of the widest clipper blade is 1-1/4 in (22 mm) while that of my Remington is 1-3/4 in (45 mm), so I'm going to need more passes to cut my hair with the Norelco. One that was hard to tell from the description was that the G480 comes not only with several attachments, but with interchangeable heads. There are three clipper heads, a razor head and a nose/ear trimmer head. In a similar vein, the razor head on the G480 is only 11/16 in (17 mm) while a "regular" electric razor that I have is 1-3/4 in (45 mm) wide. So it is probably not the best thing for regular shaving. Although the manual mentions using the G480 for cutting hair, I quickly formed the impression that this outfit was intended primarily for maintenance of facial hair. I'd given up electric razors years ago for straight blades, so I won't use the razor (not that it's very usable anyway). One item that I may find useful is the nose/ear hair clipper, although it takes some practice guiding the tool around in an effective manner, and I found that it kind of yanks the hairs when it finds one. Not always pleasant.

In addition to the multiple heads, the G480 comes with three adjustable-length clipper combs. My first impression was that they seemed somewhat flimsy. They shouldn't see a lot of force, however (unless you drop them). They also do not have the hair length marked in familiar units - just arbitrary numbers. Not too bad once you figure out that "6" gives you a similar cut as a ½ in guide on other clippers. One behavior that may be viewed as either a feature or an annoyance is that most of the cut hair collects in the comb. The hair doesn't fall on the floor, but you may have to stop frequently to empty it out.

The main feature of the Norelco that sets this apart from my previous clippers is that it is cordless. The G480 was light and had plenty of power for any job that I threw at it. I have cut my hair with it three or four times and used it a few times for other trimming before it died and required recharging. On the downside, the instructions tell you to completely drain the battery before recharging to avoid memory problems with the battery. I thought modern batteries had all gotten past this need. This could be somewhat annoying when the battery dies halfway through shaving off your beard. The charger is a "wall wart" transformer, cord and small plug that plugs into the base of the clippers. The plug fits into the storage base in such a way that placing the clippers in the base automatically plugs in the charger. Of course, since you're not supposed to leave it on the charger except when it is completely dead, this feature is somewhat dubious. It might be better to just leave the charger in a drawer until needed.

The Philips Norelco G480 thoughtfully comes with a plastic storage base that holds the clippers, as mentioned, as well as all of the heads and combs. If your bathroom sink is anything like mine (and my current bathroom has a large his and hers double sink), it quickly clutters up with things, and this base takes quite some space. Also, the heads are not secured into their shallow recesses at all, so the lightest jarring of the base knocks them out of the base. The user might find it better to dump all of the parts in a drawer.

I will summarize in the fashion of a Bicycle magazine review: Buy it if: You maintain a beard and moustache. Forget it if: You're looking for clippers to cut your hair.

The Philips Norelco G480 All in One Premium Grooming Kit is a wonderful, jam-packed kit for the men in our life! (Okay, so I used it too!) It includes a full-sized trimmer, charger/storage stand, mini-shaver, moustache comb, clipper comb, nose trimmer, precision trimmer, fine detailing blade, and eyebrow comb. And everything rinses clean with no oiling!! (A huge plus for this gal's man!)

I have been cutting my husband's hair for quite some time now - and this was so very simple to use and got the job done effectively and neatly! I loved it! And with just a rinse under the sink it was clean! Loved that too!!

Hubby tested it on eyebrows, goatee (sp), mustache, etc - and gave it 2 thumbs up! (I may have also tested on my legs - but don't tell him!!)

I highly recommend this kit! It's got everything you can need and does an excellent job!

- 1smileycat :-)

I have a goatee and have used several different grooming kits over the past 10 or so years. This is by far my favorite. Just a quick list of features I like:

1. there are 5 different tools, and they are easy to switch back and forth -- a full sized trimmer, an ear and nose groomer, a shaver, and two smaller sized trimmers for precision detailing.

2. there are 3 different comb attachments -- and they are all transparent, which makes it easy to see where the blade is cutting, plus each has 8 different numbered settings so it is easy to control the distance between the comb guard and the blade.

3. the carrying case is very solid and has spots for each of the attachments, so it is easy to store.

4. the blades cut nicely -- I've tried each one and each seems to do just what it is supposed to. I probably won't give up my other shaver for the shaver attachment on this one, but it does work fine.

5. it is simple to adjust, so I can cut my goatee and moustache and sideburns to just the right length.

6. the attachments can be washed in running water -- no need for oil.

7. does everything I need and more -- I never thought I'd use a nose hair trimmer, but it sure beats plucking the hairs out with tweezers.

A few minor complaints:

1. it would be nicer if the recharge plug fit directly into the storage unit -- as it stands you have to take the groomer out in order to plug it in and then it won't stand in the storage unit until it is unplugged.

2. I can't send email or navigate road maps or listen to mp3s with the all-in-one premium grooming kit.

3. otherwise, for the quality of design at this price it would be hard to beat.

We know there's a well-groomed thoroughbred hiding somewhere under all that stubble...the Philips Norelco Grooming Kit, G-480 makes it easy to find him.

The Philips Norelco Grooming Kit, G-480, has a handy storage and charging stand. It is versatile with it's 3-trimmer pieces, 3-combs, a fine detailing blade and a mini shaver.

Dad: "The Full Size Trimmer Blade trimmed my beard and moustache evenly using it with the easy to attach 9-position comb. The Precision Trimmer was excellent for closer beard and moustache hair detailing with the 4-position comb. The Ear, Nose and Eyebrow Trimmer, Mini Shaver and Fine Detailing Blade worked well around my other face and neck areas. The pieces are easily interchangeable from the Trimmer Handle by just pulling them off and putting them on for quick attention to the needy areas of the face, neck and head. I didn't use the hair comb, yet, as I didn't need a trim. It's a confidence builder, as I can "Do It Myself!" Think of the Money I will Save!"

and, You Look Like a $Million$, Dad! --Katharena Eiermann, 2008

I'm used to using a Conair hair trimmer to cut my own hair, so when the Vine program offered this, I was really excited. On first receiving it, I had my doubts--it's narrower than your average hair trimmer, the battery life is only 35 minutes, and it can't be used plugged into the wall. However, after a full charge, this thing cut my hair in half the time my Conair does!

I think the secret is the tiny blades--they don't get catch the hair awkwardly like others do, and they are really sharp! Although the attachments look fragile and cheap, the size adjustment apparatus works well and easily, and changing the heads is also easy. The only thing that's really cheap is the stand, which does little to hold the attachments in place, but it's a pretty minor problem. Both of the smaller heads and attachments work well for sculpting lines and trimming eyebrows/sideburns/beards, and I tried the nosehair trimmer for fun (don't really have nosehair problems) and it seemed to do the job, although it tickled a bit. The only warning I have for potential users is that the tiny blades CAN cut your skin if you're not careful non-level areas--I got "bit" on the ear accidentally, so you have to avoid pushing very hard at all. Other than that, this is a zippy little kit and one that I would definitely pay the rather modest price to own.

The 'Norelco G480' does what it's supposed to do, but don't expect much more out of it. I myself personally keep my facial hair neatly trimmed, yet stubbly at the same time, so something like this is a nice catch for someone like me. I like the fact that this Norelco comes with the little display/standy doohickey thingy for all the different attachments. It's nice to know where everything is & it displays everything nicely. The attachments all seem to work pretty well for the most part too. Here are a few of the cons that I've run across since using the G480. First off, if you're the kind of person who truely likes to have a clean shave (no stubble) you may wanna look elsewhere. Just for S's & G's I decided to see how close the G480 would get & unfortunately it didn't quite get right down to the skin. It left stubble & in some areas just completely missed hairs altogether. Another problem with this product is that it tends to pull a bit. It's not gonna kill ya by any means, but there's definately some pain involved (especially the nose trimmer, OUCH!). The other thing is right out of the box you need to charge the thing. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but in this case you can't just plug it in & start to wack away hair, no, you need to wait until the thing has a full charge before you can really get started. I learned this the hard way while trying to cut my actual hair one morning before work. I'd gotten a halfway around my head when the G480 ran outta juice. Luckily I had another hair trimmer to finish the job otherwise... well you get the picture, things coulda been bad. IN all I suppose I'd recommend this for traveling more than anything else (& don't know that I'd suggest cutting hair without a back-up). The G480 works for me okay, but it's definately not without it's flaws. Those looking for a daily razor clean shave may wanna look elsewhere.

This is my second beard trimmer as my last one would no longer hold a charge and required constant oiling. This trimmer from Phillips Norelco appears to solve both of these problems. First of all, the exterior packaging is attractive with lots of shiny blue and silver and a even a qualified claim that its blades are sharper than titanium. Opening up the box led to my first disappointment however. The trimmer was completely enclosed in that annoying packaging that requires cutting around the entire edge with scissors rather than being able to tear right into it. Nobody likes that packaging. Once I got the package open the components were pretty easy to put together. The base holds all of the attachments but rather loosely so it's not really portable. I left the trimmer to charge overnight which is easy to do once you run the wire into the base. There are 8 attachments and I will address each of them in turn.

Full size trimmer: The standard attachment, works well for my regular hair trimming applications. It has a strange concave shape that I'm not sure serves a purpose, but it certainly doesn't detract from its performance.

Nose, ear, and eyebrow trimmer: I don't really have unruly ear hair or eyebrows but I figured I give my nose a trim. This attachment worked well enough. Not much to say other than yes, it made my nose hair shorter.

Mini shaver: Worthless. I used it on 4 days growth with no effect. I took the full size trimmer to shorten it up and went at it again. After about 20 passes with the shaver, there were uneven patches of somewhat shorter hair, but nowhere near as nice as a dedicated electric shaver.

Detailing blade: I didn't use this. The box indicates that it can be used to shave lightning bolts into your hair. I'll take their word for it, I just don't have a use for a detailing blade, I guess.

Precision trimmer: Just like the full size trimmer, but smaller. I used this on my sideburn area, just like the full sized one. It worked just as well, so if I had a need for a smaller trimmer, I could see myself using this more often.

The 3 combs: I will address all of these at once because they are essentially the same. They attach to the trimmer (the eyebrow comb requires the precision trimmer) and adjust based on a system of arbitrary numbers for the desired length. I was able to quickly and evenly trim my very coarse beard. This is what I needed this trimmer for and it does the job perfectly. When I get older and my eyebrows get all bushy I guess I'll give the eyebrow comb a try, but as of now, I still don't need it. Also, my days of cutting my own hair are behind me, but if I ever feel the need, this trimmer appears to be up for the job.

Overall, this unit is a perfectly functional trimmer for all of my needs. It is not everything it claims to be, but if you can do without a shaver, you will be pleasantly surprised. The box claims a battery life of 35 minutes and that seems good enough as I was not able to run it down throughout all of these tests. Also, the manufacturer claims no oil is necessary so I'm curious to see how this holds up for the long haul. If you're in the market for a versatile hair trimmer, look no further than the Norelco All in 1 Grooming Kit.

I got this a Christmas present in 2009. It worked quite well until around Christmas of 2010 when the attachment I used most had the plastic cover break. There are 6 little plastic things on the plastic attachment that it used to select the length you wish to trim to. 1 of these broke so now I cannot use that attachment as any length I select will now trim unevenly and tugs at the hair.

I then began to use another attacment even though it did not work as well. The same thing happened to the plastic length guard for this attachment too and now I can no longer use 2 of the attachments!

These covers are incredibly cheap and probably would have broken sooner if I used the trimmer more than once every month. I have not been able to find any place that sells replacement attachment guards so now I must buy a whole new beard trimmer after only 1 year. The replacement will definitely not be a P-N.