Wahl is one of my favorite brands of trimmers for dealing with difficult-to-cut beards. I have a thicker beard, and I’ve been frustrated in the past with trimmers that get caught and fail in my facial hair. Fortunately, Wahl beard trimmers offers a line of products that seems to be built with my type of beard in mind.
The Wahl brand actually has two unique lines of trimmers, the Pro and the Sterling line. Each line has its own unique features and each provides a top notch shave.
So, how does each work?
Wahl’s lines of clippers go all the way back to the early 1900s, and since that time, the brand has made clippers for the use of barbershops and clippers that are more suited for personal use. The Pro series is designed to be of great use to professional barbers and stylists, but also have a very approachable price point for people that want to do their own lines, beard work, and shape ups.
This line has options like detailers, the classic peanut clipper, and high-tech clipper options as well. This line is perfect for someone that is looking to achieve a high level of styling for their beards, either in a shop or in the home.
The line also has combos, which I find to be very useful for nuanced parts of the face like the brows and the mustache, and things like kits, which are great for using guides to get the right type of cut that you’re seeking for longer beards.
The Sterling series, as you might expect is designed with the barbershop firmly in mind. That being said, this line of professional-grade clippers can be used in the home, but these types of clippers will require more maintenance than you might expect for a day-to-day shaver.
They are each designed with a silver or metallic silver coloration that simply looks more barber-friendly than the other series. Additionally, the Sterling line also features more premium materials and has things like more powerful motors for a more reliable cut.
The Sterling line includes products like the Sterling 4 Bullet Combo and other 5-Star clippers, and this line of clippers has several packed-in features that work well for edging your beard so that it looks neat. I’ll be going into some of the specific types of clippers and shavers in the Pro and Sterling series later on in the comparison section of this guide.
Comparison Table
| Model | Runtime | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wahl Pro Chromini T-Cut #8549 | 100 minutes | Cordless | Check Price |
| Wahl Pro Beret Lithium Trimmer | 2 Hours | Cordless | Check Price |
| Wahl Pro Peanut #8655-200 | Unlimited | Cord | Check Price |
| Wahl Pro Series Detailer #8081 | Unlimited | Cord | Check Price |
| Wahl Sterling Mag Trimmer | 2 Hours | Cordless | Check Price |
Wahl Professional Chromini T-Cut #8549 Cordless Trimmers
As the first beard trimmer from Wahl in this guide, the Wahl Chromini T-Cut has quite a few features that set it aside from many of the trimmers/clippers on the market. One of its strongest features is its cordless operation; the Chromini T-Cut can go completely cord-free for 100 minutes. Having cord-free operation for this amount of time is very convenient; I find that this is a perfect solution when I need to quickly shape up my beard when I’m nowhere near an electrical outlet.
Aesthetic Design and Feel
This cordless trimmer has a great visual aesthetic that actually makes it look somewhat futuristic. The Chromini T-Cut is designed to be compact, simple in usage, and have a very easy-to-grip form factor.
Performance
This thing performs. With 100 minutes of runtime, this series of Wahl beard trimmers is excellent for travel usage; simply take your T-Cut with you on your trips and its small size and large NiMH battery should cover you for your trims throughout your excursion.
It’s also compatible with more than one wall outlet voltage; in fact, for those that need a versatile trimmer, the Chromini T-Cut can work with voltages ranging from 100 to 240 volts and 50 to 60Hz.
Charging Features
The Wahl Chromini T-Cut clearly has a great runtime, and to charge it, you simply place the trimmer onto its Chromini recharge stand. This makes this cordless trimmer very convenient to recharge between cuts. The charging stand has a detachable cord that plugs in at the base and then into the wall.
Accessories and Attachments
The Chromini T-Cut comes with a cleaning brush, blade oil, the aforementioned recharge stand, and replaceable blades. All in all, I find this product a fairly easy to upkeep trimmer. Remember, for a product of this type, it’s always a good idea to oil it after each use; this will make it last longer.
Maintenance Required
Like many of the professional-grade trimmers on the market, this product does need some maintenance. When it’s time to clean, the head pops right off, and since the Chromini comes with brushes, you can simply brush away any remaining loose hairs within the head of the product. Also, as long as you oil the blades after each use, you shouldn’t have too many maintenance problems with the Chromini.
Warranty
This trimmer has a fairly robust warranty; Wahl will cover it for a year after purchase through its limited manufacturer’s warranty. Also, like all Wahl products, I find that the Chromini T-Cut has built-in durability and quality; this means that, as long as you’re maintaining your trimmer, you shouldn’t have to contact the company.
Pros
- A full charge lasts for 100 minutes.
- The blades snap on.
- It comes with a brush for cleaning.
- It’s compact for travel use.
- It shaves precisely.
- The charging stand is very convenient.
- The Chromini T-Cut has a very futuristic aesthetic.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the fastest cutting action.
- It has a tendency to tug on a beard.
- The T-Cut doesn’t come with a guard.
- It doesn’t include guides for a varied trimming experience.
- The Chromini T-Cut isn’t really designed to be used on wet faces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this run while plugged in?
A: Unfortunately, the Chromini T-Cut only charges through its charging stand. This means that you won’t be able to use it while charging.
Q: Does this trimmer have a quick charge ability?
A: The Chromini T-Cut by Wahl does have a quick charge feature. This means that you can spend less time charging in order to achieve the 100-minute runtime.
Q: How long does the quick charge feature take to provide a full battery?
A: For a full charge, you’ll need to charge the Chromini for 120 minutes.
Q: What voltages can the charger work with?
A: The charge is capable of managing 100 to 240 volts.
Q: Is it possible to purchase clip-on combs and guides?
A: Unfortunately, the Chromini T-Cut isn’t compatible with any of these types of accessories.
Q: Are the blades sharp enough for tougher-to-trim beards?
A: While the blades are somewhat slow, they cut excellently. This is because they are crafted in Germany to be strong and sharp, and they are also replaceable so that you can always have a keen shave.
Wahl Professional Sidekick #8792 Cordless Trimmers
Ergonomics and ease of use are clearly what Wahl was considering for their Wahl Sidekick. Like all of the devices in their Pro series, the Sidekick has been specifically designed for barbers and stylists, but this is also a product that you can use for your home use as well. In my opinion, this product shines when it comes to sideburn line-ups; it has a sharp cutting surface and a steady grip for near-perfection.
Aesthetic Design and Feel
Wahl describes its Pro series Sidekick as having a “utilitarian look and feel.” In my opinion, this is a fairly apt description because the Sidekick has a gunmetal gray coloration and has slick lines that make it look fairly attractive. When it comes to feel, this is a trimmer that’s designed for comfortable use; the handle is rounded at the grip point so that you can hold it comfortably when you’re trimming your beard.
Performance
This is a very customizable trimmer. It has a 5-in-1 adjustable trimming guide that allows you to select the length at which you want to trim your beard. Detailing is one of the reasons why people like myself love beard trimmers like the ones in this guide, and this feature really adds to the value of the Sidekick as a detailer.
Charging Features
As a cordless trimmer, the Wahl Sidekick has a lot of conveniences, especially if you don’t want to be encumbered as you’re shaping up a beard. While it doesn’t have a dedicated stand, the Sidekick does have a port for you to plug in the included cord. You can use the Sidekick while it’s charging, which also adds some inherent convenience.
Accessories and Attachments
For Wahl beard trimmers, I’m often impressed by the number of great accessories that are included with their products. The Sidekick is a perfect example of this as it has a red blade guard for safe transport, a good amount of oil for lubrication, a guide so that you can adjust your beard trimming, and a cleaning brush for cleaning hairs from the head. All in all, this is a very well kitted-out trimmer that gives you all you need for upkeep.
Maintenance Required
Like most professional-grade clippers, you should definitely clean and lubricate the Sidekick after every usage. For the most part, simply spray it with alcohol and drop a few drops of the included oil onto the blade, and you’ll be done. It’s a fairly easy to maintain product; you can even use the brush for clearing out excess hairs that may accumulate between trims.
Warranty
Like most Wahl products in the Pro line, the Sidekick has a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the product if it fails to operate satisfactorily. This covers the trimmer for a year of usage.
Pros
- This is a very small and compact trimmer.
- It has a nice looking carbon steel coloration.
- It’s very light in the hands.
- The Sidekick also has a guide for more versatility.
- It’s very precise, especially when lining up.
- It has a quiet motor.
Cons
- There is some memory loss when charging.
- It can be a little too light for users that want a weighty clipper.
- Its materials aren’t the most high-quality.
- These are good for day-to-day use but aren’t the most reliable for a professional.
- It doesn’t have a dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most unique feature of the Sidekick?
A: Its most definitive feature; in my opinion, is its unique guide. It allows for some truly unique cutting angles and lengths.
Q: What kind of battery does it have?
A: The Sidekick uses a NiMH battery. While this is very useful for having a good amount of charge, there is a little memory loss over time.
Q: How many options are available with the trimming guide?
A: There are five settings available for the uniquely shaped trimming guide.
Q: Can you remove the head in order to clean out the inside of the trimmer?
A: Unfortunately, there is no removable head assembly with the Sidekick, though the brush has some good reach; you should be able to clean out the excess hairs with relative ease.
Q: What is the battery runtime on a single charge?
A: The Sidekick has a 60-minute runtime, though there does seem to be some charge loss over time.
Wahl Professional Peanut Clipper/Trimmer #8655-200 Black/White
While the uninitiated might see a trimmer called “the peanut” and laugh it off, true barbers and those that know their clippers will immediately understand that the Wahl Peanut is one of the classics that deserves a heap of respect. This set of clippers has a powerful motor that can cut even thicker hair with ease.
To the point:
Aesthetic Design and Feel
Well, I’ll be honest, if you’re expecting anything other than a peanut shape, then you may end up slightly disappointed. The Peanut is a relatively unique trimmer that has a white or black casing and a thicker grip that provides ergonomics and makes this trimmer appear similar to a peanut in shape. Feel-wise, the Peanut is super comfortable in the hands and is nice and lightweight.
Performance
This wired trimmer has the ability to double as either a clipper or a trimmer; in fact, this specific product is often considered a jack-of-all-trades by many barbers and stylists. Its lightweight form factor makes it easy to trim your beard or even cut your hair, and it has detachable blades that make it very easy to maintain.
Charging Features
This is a corded trimmer, so while this will require you to plug into an outlet, the Peanut has more than enough cord length to allow you to enjoy a high level of overall freedom as you trim and clip. In fact, the Peanut comes with seven feet of cord for maximum maneuverability, and it even has chemical resistance and is very durable as well.
This is crazy:
Accessories and Attachments
The Peanut comes loaded with an excellent amount of accessories; in fact, it’s obvious that Wahl really wanted to ensure that you have a lot of options when you select the peanut. The guides that are included range from 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches, which means that if you select the Peanut, you will have several lengths hair to select from. It comes with oil, a cleaning brush, and a blade protector as well.
Maintenance Required
One of the major draws of the Peanut is its relatively low maintenance requirement. While you should oil up your blades between uses, with the Peanut, you’ll be able to get away with a missed oiling or two. Also, this clipper/trimmer is very easy to clean; simply disinfect with alcohol or another disinfectant after use and apply about three drops of oil.
Warranty
Like other Wahl products, the Peanut is covered by a relatively robust warranty. Wahl will replace any faulty parts for one year after the initial purchase. This warranty covers the cost of parts and labor.
Pros
- This is a four inch long clipper.
- It only weighs about four ounces.
- It has very respectable cutting power.
- The motor is amazingly powerful and uses a rotary system.
- It has several attachment comb guides.
- It is very ergonomic.
Cons
- It can feel a bit too light for some people.
- The front assembly can detach over time.
- There is a tendency for this trimmer to fail over time.
- It’s a little loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best feature of the Wahl Peanut?
A: The best feature of these clippers is its small size.
Q: How are the ergonomics of the Peanut?
A: In my opinion, the Peanut is one of the easiest to grip trimmers on the market.
Q: Is there a wireless version of the Peanut?
A: Yes, there is. This version actually uses batteries, but it can be a power hog.
Q: How effective are the guides that come with this product?
A: The peanut has a very customizable cutting experience. With four included combs, you can definitely cut your hair to different lengths, which adds a lot of versatility to this device.
Wahl Professional Series Detailer #8081
If you are looking for a beard trimmer that can give you a five star cut like you can get at a professional shop, then this Wahl Detailer is a great option for you to consider. It is actually one of the more popular options on the market today.
To the point:
Aesthetic Design and Feel
I love the appealing white and red exterior of this trimmer. It is a lightweight model that is easy to hold in the palm of your hand. It has a contoured shape that makes it easy to maneuver with ease. In fact, you will be able to use it with incredible accuracy from almost any angle.
Performance
Since this is a professional grade device, you can expect that it will have a great performance level that will not disappoint. I personally love the T-shaped blade that is on this unit because it gives you the ability to make more accurate cuts that are high in detail.
Even though this is a more compact model that is easy to use, it delivers all of the power that you would get from a full sized professional beard trimmer.
Charging Features
This is one of the Wahl beard trimmers that is designed with a cord. It does not operate wirelessly, so there is not a need to charge the device at all.
One thing’s for certain:
With this Wahl Detailer, you will never have to worry about not getting a good trim before work. In addition, the cord is about eight feet long, so you can reach an outlet, even when there is not one directly near the vanity. It is also a chemical proof cord to make sure that nothing damaging happens to the only source of power.
Accessories and Attachments
This trimmer comes with three different sized comb cutting guides that can be attached to the blade to give you a longer length when you trim your beard. The attachments are 1/16 of an inch, 1/8 of an inch, ¼ of an inch, so you will have a few options when it comes to trimming your beard. It also comes with a cleaning brush, a blade guard, and oil to help you keep the trimmer in the best condition possible.
Maintenance Required
As with all Wahl beard trimmers, this device is incredibly simple to maintain. Loose hairs can be brushed away and when it proves to be too difficult, the blade can be removed to help remove the hair that is caught in the inner workings of the trimmer.
Don’t forget, you will need to oil the blades from time to time as well.
Warranty
Like many of the products on this list, this trimmer comes with a limited warranty. This specific one comes with a one year warranty that is designed to cover the parts and the labor if repairs are required.
There is also an extended warranty available that lasts for a period of three years.
Pros
- It is a very powerful trimmer.
- The motor does not get hot when it is used for a long time.
- It is a lightweight unit that is easy to use.
- It has a long cord.
- It has a very quiet motor.
- It is very easy to edge with this trimmer.
Cons
- It can cause irritation on sensitive skin.
- It cannot be used with water.
- The shape is not designed ideally for larger hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How wide is the T-blade?
A: It is exactly 1 11/16 inches wide, which means that it will accommodate most trimming needs.
Q: Though this is a beard trimmer, can it be used for a complete haircut?
A: It can, but you should know that this device will not give you a really close cut, so it may not be ideal for your scalp.
Q: Are replacement blades available for this beard trimmer?
A: Yes, they can be purchased separately when they become dull.
Q: Can you put a different sized blade on this trimmer?
A: No, if you are not fond of the T-shaped blade, then this may not be the trimmer for you because it is not interchangeable.
Comparison Table for the Wahl Sterling Products
| Size | Weight | Runtime | Cord or Cordless | Best Feature | |
| Wahl Professional Sterling Mag Trimmer #8779 | 5.5 inches | Four ounces | 120 minutes | Both | It has an automatic recharging stand that does not take up a lot of space. |
| Wahl Professional Sterling Li Pro Clipper #8546 | Seven inches | 9.6 ounces | 75 minutes | Both | It features one-piece housing for a more comfortable design. |
Wahl Professional Sterling Mag Trimmer #8779
The Wahl Sterling Mag is a great trimmer for anyone who wants the precision of a barber with the comforts of home. It is a small, lightweight model that is great for trimming your beard.
Here’s the deal:
Aesthetic Design and Feel
The first thing that you will notice about this trimmer is the fact that it has a metallic design that looks amazing. Most of the design is this silver coloration, but there are black aspects of the product that are designed to help you grip the trimmer with ease. I love how sleek and stylish this trimmer looks on the vanity.
It only weighs four ounces, which is great for precision cuts and details. This allows you to take the trimmer with you on vacation when you think that you will need a trim.
Performance
This Wahl Sterling Mag is designed with detachable blades that make it convenient to change as well as add precision to your cut. This trimmer is very versatile. It has a narrow blade that can be used on any type of facial hair, and it is designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.
It gets better:
This trimmer is designed so that it is capable of performing without issue in professional situations. It is quiet, there are no excessive vibrations, and it will never overheat on you, no matter what type of facial hair you have.
This beard trimmer has an amazing run time of two hours, which is much longer than many of the other beard trimmers on the market.
Charging Features
I have not found a trimmer for my beard that holds a better charge than this one, but if you do happen to let the two hours of battery life run low, there is always the option to use this trimmer as a corded model as well.
The best part is:
If you are looking to charge the unit, there is also a charging stand that is convenient for smaller vanities. It gives you an upright area where you can place the trimmers as well as the accessories and attachments so that they are all in one location.
Accessories and Attachments
There are four trimming guides that come with this model. They range in size from 1/8 of an inch to ½ of an inch, which gives you plenty of options when it comes to determining the length that you need. It also comes with oil to keep your blades in shape, a cleaning brush, and a blade cover to help protect the device. It also comes complete with a power cord and a recharge stand for storage.
Maintenance Required
This is not a trimmer that can be used with water. That being said, there are also not a lot of small spaces for hair to get caught. All you need to do to maintain this trimmer is to brush or blow the hair from the device and keep the blades oiled.
Warranty
This Wahl Sterling Mag comes with a limited warranty that is designed to cover the costs of repairs or replacement if anything malfunctions on the trimmer. This warranty is only available through authorized sellers, so make sure to check for the warranty details before making a purchase.
Pros
- It is comfortable to hold.
- It has a very silent motor.
- It cuts with precision.
- This trimmer is very simple to clean
- The run time on the lithium ion batteries in this trimmer is amazing.
- It works great on sensitive skin.
- This trimmer features a compact design that is great for travel.
Cons
- It does not have an attachment for a really close trim.
- You cannot use this trimmer with wet shaving because the parts are not waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the battery in this trimmer be replaced?
A: Unfortunately, the battery cannot be replaced at this time. If you find that you are having trouble keeping a charge, then you should try using it while it is plugged in.
Q: How long is the cord for this trimmer?
A: It is about three feet in length, which should give you plenty of length to reach an outlet.
Q: Can you change the blade on this model?
A: Yes, you can! All you need to do is slide the old blade out of position and snap the new one onto the trimmer.
Q: How can I clean the hair from behind the blade?
A: Simply remove the guard and the blade with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Wahl Professional Sterling Li Pro Clipper #8546
Taking a look at the Wahl Professional Sterling Li, you will find a great trimmer that is sure to suit your needs. It is the first cordless clipper that was created, so it is a bit of a classic when compared to some of the other clippers on this list, though it still offers more power and battery life than any of the models available to date.
Aesthetic Design and Feel
This Wahl cordless trimmer is designed with a slim look that is sleek and stylish. It is all black, with a sheen that shines when the light hits it just right. The slim design makes it more comfortable to hold for many, especially considering the practicality of the design when it comes to having a comfortable angle.
Performance
When it comes to Wahl beard trimmers, these heavy duty clippers are designed to easily cut through any type of hair. Whether your hair is thick or thin, these trimmers will cut through your beard hair without issue.
But, here’s the best part:
These clippers are designed with a rotary motor that will not slow down when the batteries become low. The lithium ion battery technology that is utilizes will keep running at a powerful speed until the blades become dull, and when that occurs, they can easily be changed.
Charging Features
This Wahl cordless trimmer has a runtime of 75 minutes, which means that with a single charge, you will easily be able to keep your beard in tip top shape. However, if you do happen to run low while you are shaving, you can always plug in this device to keep shaving.
Here’s the kicker:
You should never run out of battery life because there is a four-point LED display on the unit that is designed to let you know how much juice you have remaining. The more of the green lights that are displayed, the more battery life you have remaining.
To top it off:
There is even a quick charge mode that is designed to help you shave without issue even when the battery is dead. A quick 15-minute charge in this mode will get you out the door quickly in the morning.
Accessories and Attachments
As with most beard trimmers, you should expect to have a number of accessories and attachments that you will need to properly use the product. This unit has a detachable blade and an automatic recharging stand that makes it easy for you to use. It also comes with oil to keep your blades in good condition, a blade guard, and a cleaning brush to help you get all of the small hairs out of the blade.
Now:
Since not everyone wants to have their beard trimmed to the exact same length all of the time, this Wahl cordless trimmer has six different cutting guides that slide right over the blade. They come in sizes that include 1/8 of an inch, ¼ of an inch, 3/8 of an inch, ½ of an inch, ¾ of an inch, and a full inch so you have plenty of options with this trimmer.
Maintenance Required
Maintenance is not a hassle with this trimmer. Since it is there are not small spaces where your hair can get trapped in this device, it is likely that you will be able to simply blow the hair from the trimmers or brush it away.
Warranty
This product does come with a three-year warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty only applies when the trimmer is purchased by an authorized seller.
Pros
- The motor is very quiet.
- It is very efficient and powerful.
- It is made from durable stainless steel material.
- It is very simple to clean.
- The battery life of this trimmer is quite respectable.
- It recharges very quickly.
Cons
- The price is a bit high.
- It may seem a little outdated to those looking for technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a good tool for shaving?
A: Trimmers are not shavers, which means that they are not designed to give you a smooth shave. They will cut very close to your skin, but you will not be able to get a smooth shave.
Q: Can you use other attachments with this trimmer?
A: No, there are six attachments that come with this trimmer when you purchase it, but unfortunately, other attachments will not fit this unit.
Q: Can I use this in the shower?
A: No! This is not a waterproof device, which means that using it in the shower or attempting to wash it with water could be dangerous.
Q: How long should I charge this trimmer before using it for the first time?
A: It really depends on the amount of charge that is left on the device when you make your purchase. Typically, you will have a bit of juice, so charging it for about an hour should be sufficient.
Wahl Pro Vs Wahl Sterling: Which One is for You?
The Wahl Pro and the Wahl Sterling series have a great level of function that makes each type of clipper very unique and versatile. That being said, each one is designed for different uses; with the Pro being good for professionals but also priced low enough for the average consumer and the Sterling being designed for professional haircutters and stylists.
To the point:
Between the Pro and Sterling series’ of products, which one of these clipper lines is best for your day-to-day use? Well, as I mentioned previously, each is designed with professional use in mind, the Sterling series tends to feature more high-grade components, but the Pro series can easily be used by a barber with a lot of clients in need of a good beard trim.
If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly option, then I recommend the Pro series of clippers; they are precise, are easy to grip, and still pack in features like long cords and somewhat powerful motors. These clippers are also adjustable for the most part, which means that you’ll be able to cut at the length that you desire so that you can vary up your style from time to time.
One of the biggest selling points for the pro line is that it’s become the industry standard for pros, which means that bringing it home to manage your beard is a great way to ensure a quality cut when you need it. For the most part, these clippers have blades that are keen and provide the shaping that you can come to expect from a good Wahl detailer.
Sterling clippers have a professional look that, quite honestly, trumps the look of the Pro series. These are all metallic or silver looking, which reminds me of the shavers that barbers used to cut hair in my youth. While this list of products is designed with the stylist in mind, these can work well for those looking for a stronger cut from their beard trimmer.
The Sterling product line has some of the best materials for clippers on the market, which makes them a durable choice for someone that needs this type of feature. As a person that uses these for beard trimming, I think that the edges on the Sterling series last a bit longer than the Pro series, but at the same time, the Pro series is oftentimes much cheaper and can definitely serve to shape and cut your beard for years.
Final Thoughts
Each of the clippers that I’ve featured here can serve your beard trimming needs for a long time. Whether you’ve decided to pick one of the four Pro clippers or the two Sterling that I’ve selected, you will find that you’ll always have a professional-looking trim with these products. If you are having trouble deciding which beard trimmer is best for you, revisit the products that I have included in this guide to help you make your decision.