Review by David Pearlman for Philips Norelco Speed 8240XL Men’s Shaving System
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Before obtaining this shaver (through a promotion) I had been using the Philips Spectra 8890XL shaver (the so-called “James Bond” shaver), which was the top of the Philips line a few years ago, which at the time was widely reviewed as the best available electric shaver, and which retailed for around $200. I had doubts that this shaver, which retails for about half that, could best the one I already had.

In terms of shave, I was wrong. This 8240XL (which is identical is shave to sister models 8250XL and 8251XL) is a TERRIFIC shaver. With this new shaver, I can shave much more quickly, and it handles the hard to shave areas (e.g. my neck) with more aplomb. In addition, it’s a lot quieter than my old shaver, and it’s lighter!

Outside of the shaving ability, this is a somewhat bare bones model. That means no shaving height adjustment, no digital readout of battery life remaining (just a light which lights only when you’re charging and blinks when the charge is done), and no stand. But the shaver itself is excellent. What a surprise.

Now I’m left in the strange position of considering relegating my old expensive Spectra to my travel kit!

Review by iansomniak for Philips Norelco Speed 8240XL Men’s Shaving System
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The new Philips Norelco (formerly known as just Norelco) 8240 comes to you in a box with a window that allows the shaver to be seen within its clear plastic packaging. You will need a sharp pair of scissors and/or a Rambo-style Bowie knife to hack thru this hard plastic covering and remove the shaver. Use extreme caution when doing so. Once you’ve defeated the packaging, you will find the sleek, gunmetal gray shaver; a protective cap; a small cleaning brush; a curly AC power cord; English/Spanish instruction booklet and a basic black zippered nylon case.

The manual says you should plug the shaver in and let it charge for a full 12 hours before using it for the first time. The light on mine started blinking within the first hour, but I left it plugged in overnight anyway. When I tried the 8240 out the next morning, I was amazed at how quiet it is. My old Braun buzzes like a lawnmower, but this thing just whispers! The Norelco will supposedly go for up to 17 shaves before it needs recharging, and you’re not supposed to recharge it until the battery is nearly depleted. Note that this model lacks the LOW BATTERY indicator light available on the 8250 and 8251 models.

The overall design of this razor is quite impressive. The three shaver heads rock all around individually and the entire head assembly pivots on side bolts. This allows the cutters to hug your face while you shave for better results. Best of all, there’s a latch on the front that allows the hinged top to be popped open for easy cleaning. After shaving, you just push this button and run hot water inside the hair collection chamber and under the blades. Then you just leave it open to air dry. On the back of the 8240 is the standard spring release trimmer for mustaches and sideburns.

You can try the Philips Norelco 8240 risk-free for 45 days. If you’re not fully satisfied after using this shaver exclusively for three weeks, you can send it back to Philips Norelco for a refund–but it must be shipped prepaid by insured mail. So you really have nothing to lose but the cost of shipping. As far as I’m concerned, this is the best electric razor I’ve ever used. But, if you’ve got the extra cash, you might want to go for the higher grade 8250 or 8251 model.

“WARNING: Close supervision is necessary when this razor is used by children.”

Review by Weatherman for Philips Norelco Speed 8240XL Men’s Shaving System
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Once again I’m giving a shaver review, and once again I have to say that I’ve yet to find an electric shaver that can either beat or come close to the “good ole water razor” brand. If you want or need a very close “baby” shave (say the military or such where your face will be closely looked at a few times a day, then do yourself a favor and don’t look at electric shavers, but go with the water/razor brands). With that out of the way, lets get on with this review.

This is a good middle line Norelco shaver. There are no thrills in that you cannot adjust the cut height, it’s not one of those more expensive “cool” looking ones that Norelco sells (if that appeals to you) and most important is that there is no low battery indicator. So that if you’re like me and just keep on using it not thinking that it’s not been charged, it’ll just go out while shaving.

However I’ve found that I was able to get around 12-15 shaves out of one charge. So that’s not bad.

It’s easy to clean.

Not loud at all, compared to many others I’ve tried (even more expensive)! If you have someone sleeping right close, they won’t even hear it!

You do need to give it a good charge before using (overnight or such), so don’t expect to open it and charge it for five minutes then use it.

I’ll say that if you have any acne, be CAREFUL as this will give you a good cut! Boy did I bleed after being careless and running right over a pimple that must of had skin or such sticking out.

IMHO this shaver would make a good gift for that gentleman needing a first shaver or someone who does not like a lot of “extras” to fool around with on the razor. It’s basic, does a good job, not a lot to fiddle around with.

I’ll say that if you take care of it, keep it clean, and charged it will last you many years.