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Whether you're a new groomer just setting up your first mobile grooming business or an experienced groomer looking for a new grooming kit, you'll know that choosing the correct clippers for the job is vital.
Choosing the perfect clipper can help reduce grooming time and improve the finish, giving your client complete customer satisfaction.
Before investing in new clippers, consider many variables, such as the number of dogs you'll expect to groom in a day, whether you'll need a clipper tailored to a specific coat type, and the speed and precision the clipper will offer.
In this guide, we've compiled the top consideration points for investing in a new clipper alongside our top five professional clipper recommendations tailored to different needs.
Read on to find your perfect clipper!
Table of contents:
Top consideration points before investing in a new dog clipper
Our top 5 clipper recommendations
Discover your perfect professional dog clippers at Groomers
Top consideration points before investing in a new dog clipper
Several things should be considered before choosing a new clipper. In addition to general considerations, such as battery life, you may need to contemplate the popularity of your grooming salon and your grooming experience level before investing in the perfect clipper.
Here are the top points to address before deciding on your clipper of choice:
Grooming needs
Start by thinking about the most popular dog breeds you encounter in your salon. Do you generally clip similar coat types or require a heavy-duty clipper suited to various coat types?
If investing in just one clipper, you'll likely need something versatile enough to cut most coats. In this case, you may want to look at clippers with a brushless motor.
Brushless motor clippers are lightweight by design but provide more power efficiency than a clipper with a brushed motor and have increased torque, which is ideal for dealing with heavy, dense or severely matted coats. These clippers also run smoother, with reduced friction and less heat output, for safer, more comfortable grooming.
The business of your salon
If your salon is busy all day, you'll need a clipper (or multiple clippers) to cope with this demand. Opt for a clipper with a long battery life and, more importantly, a quick charging time so you aren't left waiting for it to charge when needed.
Busy groomers should invest in a clipper with a Lithium-Ion battery for an extended battery life and more efficient charging time. Choose a clipper with multiple batteries so you can always have one charging while you use the other.
Budget
When choosing a clipper, you want to invest in a high-quality, professional tool that can do the job expected of it. For example, a clipper tailored to pet owners won't be cost-effective for a busy salon setting.
A good quality clipper should reward you with long-lasting durability, shorter grooming times, and a precise finish.
When investing, bear in mind that the price of your dog grooming clipper will be impacted by several factors, including motor power, build quality, the quality of the blades, and additional features such as low vibration settings.
Heavy-duty cordless clippers also tend to be more expensive than most corded clippers due to their convenience and mobility and the expense involved in making their rechargeable battery systems.
Before purchasing a clipper, look at its specifications to avoid paying for equipment that cannot perform daily tasks.
Power, speed and heat management
The power and speed of your chosen clipper will impact how quickly you can finish a groom and the precision of the finish. The clipper you choose should be one you can rely on to perform to a high standard for long periods every day.
Faster clippers may seem an obvious choice. However, whilst they perform well on short, clean coats, they usually heat up quickly, requiring frequent blade changes and coolant, which could slow the grooming time.
Slower clippers generally have increased power and torque, working better for breeds with heavier coats. They also don't heat up as quickly, minimising the risk of clipper burn.
If in doubt, choose a clipper with various speed options, such as a two-speed or five-speed clipper, as this will allow different speeds to be tailored to different jobs. High speeds are ideal for grooming large coat areas, thick undercoats, and through knots, whereas lower speeds are a good choice for grooming more delicate areas, such as the face and feet.
Cordless vs corded clippers
There's no correct answer when it comes to choosing between a corded or cordless clipper. Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference, and each type has advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of choosing a corded clipper is that you can rely on a constant flow of power, allowing you to groom continually without worrying that the power could drop during a groom. With no batteries to concern you, you'll avoid any charging-related downtime.
However, corded clippers restrict movement, which is the main benefit of choosing a cordless option. You also run the risk of cord damage, which isn't usually covered by warranty.
Today, most cordless clippers are as effective as their corded counterparts, offering comparable speed and power. There's the obvious worry that the clippers' power could drop towards the end of the battery's life and the inevitable time taken to recharge them, but as most come with a replacement battery, this is easily addressed.
Blade type
Another consideration when choosing a new clipper is clipper blades.
If you opt for a universal blade system clipper compatible with A5 snap-on blades, you can add and remove your clipper blades as required. Remember that in this case, the blades you choose must be A5 snap-on blades, but they can be from any brand, making replacing them easier.
Other clipper types require brand-specific blades, so consider this when shopping for yours.
When choosing your clipper blades, remember that the higher the number, the shorter the cut. Each blade should be labelled detailing the length of the cut, but numbers can vary between brands. Always check the details of your blades when purchasing.
For more information on clipper blade numbers, consult our blog on 'How To Choose The Best Dog Grooming Clippers For Your Dog'.
If you choose a clipper with adjustable blades, you can alter it to different cutting lengths, removing the need for multiple blades. The advantage of these clippers is that the blades tend to run cooler. However, they require extra care when cleaning, as dander and debris can get caught.
Comfort
If grooming is your full-time job, consider investing in a clipper that's not only practical but also comfortable. Its ergonomic design should fit your hand well to avoid repetitive strain injury.
A clipper that's too heavy could tire or damage your wrist, so always choose a lighter option that will improve your quality of life at work.
Noise Level
Do you often groom anxious dogs? If yes, choose a quiet clipper with a lower vibration that won't upset or stress them out while grooming.
Grooming salons are noisy places, so choosing a quiet clipper will also benefit you, eliminating another loud noise from the equation and protecting your hearing.
Most clipper specifications offer volume-level guidance, so always consult this before purchasing.
Our top 5 clipper recommendations
At Groomers, we know a thing or two about clippers. Now that we’ve covered all the important consideration points, here are our top five recommendations to help you find your perfect clipper.
- Wahl Arco Rechargeable Cordless Clipper - The best all-rounder
The Wahl Arco Rechargeable Cordless Clipper is a must for anyone looking for a cordless clipper that’s perfect for all small and medium breeds. It’s easy and comfortable to hold and manoeuvre, and its cordless design makes it stylish and versatile.
The Arco’s five-in-on adjustable blade system leaves fur even and smooth, giving coats, faces, and feet a precision finish. It provides 100 minutes of charge (50 minutes from each battery) and is fully charged in 75 minutes.
This well-made model is quiet enough to be used on even the most noise-sensitive dogs, delivering minimal vibration and maximum cutting.
With a Wahl one-year guarantee included, the Arco is well-made and easy to clean—a perfect addition to any busy grooming salon!
- Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed Brushless Clipper - The best corded
If you’re looking to invest in an exceptional corded clipper, the Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Brushless Clipper is the one for you.
It is suitable for heavy-duty use and offers constant speed technology for even grooming on all coat types. Its brushless power motor runs cool and quiet, offering torque for the toughest grooms and more power for thick or matted coats.
With its universal snap-on blade and attachment comb capabilities, the UltraEdge is the reliable workhorse your grooming salon has been missing.
- Andis Pulse ZR II Cordless Clipper - The best cordless
Available in a range of finishes, including classic black, Flora (pictured), and Wild, the Andis Pulse ZR II is an exceptional option if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty cordless clipper.
It offers a superior Lithium-Ion battery, which gives a 3-hour run time on a 2-hour charge and comes with a spare battery, so you’re guaranteed seamless grooming without losing power.
Cutting through both dense and fine hair with ease, the Andis Pulse ZR II is compatible with universal snap-on blades, has a 5-speed rotary motor for coping with the thickest of fur and its CeramicEdge blade runs cool preventing clipping burn, and stays sharp for a precise and effective finish.
With an ergonomic design, enjoy hours of comfortable grooming when you invest in this cordless hero!
- Heiniger Opal Cordless Clipper Set - The best kit
The Heiniger Opal Cordless Clipper Twin Battery and Carry Case comes with everything you require from a reliable cordless clipper.
This powerful heavy-duty clipper offers two speeds, a brushless motor for improved efficiency and torque, two Lithium-Ion batteries offering 4 hours of run time on each battery from just a 60-minute charge, and a dual-port charging stand and carry case.
The perfect tool for busy salons and mobile groomers, the Opal is built to cut through thick, dense hair easily. Noise-sensitive dogs needn't worry, either; the Opal runs quiet.
The Opal's kit comes with a #10 blade, clipper oil and a cleaning brush for perfect clipper maintenance.
- Groomers Simply G Clipper - The best value for money
If your main clipper requirement is a long battery life, then the Groomers Simply G Clipper is the perfect option. Its superior Lithium-Ion battery runs for 6 hours on a 3-hour charge, and it can be used corded and cordless, so you never have to worry about running out of power.
Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable even when used over long periods, which is ideal for long days in the salon.
The Simply G Clipper has an adjustable, durable steel blade that handles any grooming job with a superior finish. It also comes with four attachment combs to help you easily control any groom length.
With a charging dock, battery level indicator for peace of mind, and lubrication reminder so you never have to worry about forgetting to maintain it, invest in your Simply G Clipper today for a purse-friendly clipper that packs a punch.
Discover your perfect professional dog clipper at Groomers
Find the perfect clipper to suit your requirements at Groomers. Available in a selection of styles and speeds and in corded and cordless options, it’s never been easier to find the ideal clipper for your professional grooming needs. Or, why not browse our trimmers for more intricate, precision grooming?
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