Wahl Peanut 8655

It ranks #3 (B tier) on our consolidated beard trimmers board, drawn from 3 independent outlets.

Someone with a thick beard who values a simple, tough tool over features. On our board it sits in B tier on a high torque motor, consistent performance on thick beards, a metal housing and a two year warranty. It has no recorded cons. If you want the longest lived trimmer with a cordless battery and firmware support, the Braun Series 9 Pro Beard Trimmer in S tier is the better buy. If you want a kit with attachments for more than the beard, look at the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 Series.

The board rates it as a durable choice. Its metal housing and simple design reduce failure points, and the two year warranty plus Wahl's excellent support reputation back that up. Fewer moving parts and no app or firmware layer mean fewer things to break. Expect years of service if the blade is kept oiled.

Yes, it is the board's clearest thick beard trimmer. The high torque motor delivers consistent performance on thick beards, which is exactly where weaker motors on cheaper trimmers slow down or pull. The metal housing adds weight that helps it feel planted in the hand. It is the reason a compact trimmer ranks third on the board.

Because the board found that the corded version costs more and is less convenient with no performance gain. The Wahl Peanut 8655 Corded Beard Trimmer cuts just as sharply and handles thick beards just as well, but the cord restricts movement and reviewers saw no benefit for the extra cost, so it sits in F tier. The Wahl Peanut 8655 is the version to buy.

Brush the hair out of the blade after every use and put a drop of clipper oil across the teeth every few uses while it is running for a second or two. Do not rinse the blade under the tap, because the Wahl Peanut 8655 is not listed as waterproof on our board. Wipe the metal housing with a dry cloth. If the blade starts pulling hair after oiling, it is time to replace the blade set, which Wahl sells separately.