Philips Beard Trimmer 1000 series - BT1230/18

The Philips BT1230/18 is the entry point into the Beard Trimmer Series 1000 — a simple, honest cordless trimmer for keeping a beard tidy, without features you would not use.

It covers 0.5 to 7 mm across four length settings. Fit the 5 mm comb for a trimmed beard, or use the SkinProtect comb for a close zero-trim look. That comb is the part worth understanding: it sits between the blade and your skin and lifts the skin clear, so trimming close does not mean running a bare blade over your face. The blade tips are rounded for the same reason.

The blades are self-sharpening stainless steel, so they keep their edge as they work rather than going blunt after a few months, and the 32 mm cutter width means broad areas like the cheeks clear in a couple of passes.

On power, be realistic about what this tier gives you: a full charge takes 8 hours and returns 30 minutes of cordless use. That is several trims for most people, but it is not a trimmer to leave flat and expect to use in a hurry. Philips' DuraPower management is rated at up to four times the battery life of a standard equivalent.

Cleaning is the easy part — the head detaches and rinses straight under the tap, and a cleaning brush is included for the handle. Note that the box contains the USB-A cable but not a plug adapter, so use a certified USB supply or a spare phone charger.