Since the eclipse of electric hair clipping, Andis has always been a prominent name in the grooming industry because of the brand’s reliability and innovation.
There are tons of Andis devices out there on the market, some are better than the other due to technological progression as well as limitation.
Today, I feel honor-bound to introduce you to the best Andis clippers of the current era that can be widely used by consumers for diverse grooming needs.
If you really know what you’re looking for, then one of these Andis devices will most certainly grab your attention and make you spend some well-worth money!
Contents
Best Andis Clippers in the Present Market
In this section, I’ll individually discuss the Andis devices from my top 4 list so that you can gain a basic understanding of what we’ll be dealing with later on.
- Andis 01815 Professional Master – Best Overall
- Andis 01820 Professional Fade Master – Best for Fades
- Andis 73130 Envy Li – Best Portable Clipper
- Andis 33640 BG-Series outliner – Best for Outlining
Andis 01815 Professional Master Hair Trimmer
There are quite a few different versions of Andis Master, but the one I’m discussing here today is the Andis Master 01815 variant that’s permanently attached to a cord.
This unique hair clipper is indeed a dream come true for many grooming enthusiasts for its neat results, durability and unmatched performance!
Starting off with the housing, it’s made with robust aluminum and the general outer shell is almost damage-proof, dropping doesn’t do anything but minor dents.
You’ll realize its robustness through its weight – 20 ounces tells a lot about the quality Andis had ensured behind the engineering of this electric clipper.
As per the blade system, a 000-1 Carbon Steel Blade is attached to the device with screws. The sharpness is definitely unmatched and it can even be quite threatening in the wrong hands!
I definitely wouldn’t call Andis Master a cheap clipper because it’s definitely quite pricey and one of the major reasons behind is this sophisticated blade unit.
One of the strongest suits for the Andis Master is its versatility without having to alter the blades. The factory settings are good enough to sketch out a wide array of hairdos.
There’s nothing that can halt the 14,000 cutting strokes per minute of Magnetic Motor, not even the coarsest, thickest black men’s hair. It just chops through like a knife through butter!
Despite the hefty weight and smooth aluminum finish on the handle, the grip levels are ensured by its compact shape.
But there are some downsides to this one-handed design. You see, without much familiarity with this hair clipper, you may accidentally set it off in the middle of a grooming session, which is quite troublesome I must say. The power knob placement could definitely have been better.
Also, due to the material of the housing, it tends to heat up in the hand if you run it relentlessly for around 10 minutes, therefore you must let the Master breathe frequently.
I personally adore the adjustment lever Andis has installed on the Master. Not only is it made of metal, but also there are five increment points for a precision in haircuts.
Therefore, applying a particular haircut number or general grooming will be much more precise than hair clippers from different brands.
With the 2.4 meter long cable, you have the liberty to move around while grooming someone else. My variant is from the US market and it requires 120V / 60 Hz specifically, otherwise it won’t function properly.
Yes, the loud, high pitch noise can be a bit overwhelming to deal with, the heavy weight can tire out your fingers sooner, but the quality of the hairdos and the product itself outweighs all the downsides without any second thought!
Additional Blade Options for Andis Master: 01556, 01591 33645, 33660, 33665, 01410, 01415, 01900, 01420, 01380.
Score: ⭐ 4.72 / 5
What I Like
- Robust housing design ensured durability
- Blade sharpness is graded for professional use
- Motor power is good enough for every hair type or density
What Could be Better
- Heats up due to metal handle
- Power knob placement could’ve been better
Andis 01820 Professional Fade Master Hair Clipper
Again, Andis Fade Master too can confuse you with its older and newer versions, therefore I’m clarifying that my focus today is on the Andis Fade Master 01820 model.
This corded edition is the newer generation of this iconic hair clipper and widely adored by professionals due to its performance and quality.
Its housing design is almost identical to the Andis Master, except for the text that reads their unique title across the chest sets apart the initial differences.
I’m not entirely certain why, but the Fade Master weighs quite a bit more than the Master – 23 ounces with the cable on.
The shiny aluminum finish up front with the brushed silver all around gives the Fade Master a trademark look from Andis.
Let’s discuss the most important element of this hair clipper and that is the blade department. A Precision Fade blade comes pre-installed with thinner teeth for refined fade cuts.
This particular blade system allows you greater control over your hair craft and adds a certain edge to sophisticated grooming outcomes.
You may even apply different lengths of buzz cuts using this hair clipper among many other haircuts once you’ve mastered its usage to the fullest extent!
Another factor that’s different in Fade Master from the Master is its voltage settings – 115V / 60 Hz if you’re purchasing from the USA.
Otherwise, the rest of the features are almost identical. The same 14,000 cutting strokes per minute ensured by a Magnetic Motor is the powerhouse in this tool.
Also, the grip levels feel the same from my end, but the extra 3 ounces of weight can indeed strain you out if you’re working long hours with the Fade Master.
Same grand adjustment lever style with increment points, one-handed design with oddly placed power knob and a housing that heats up quite fast – it’s all there.
It doesn’t come with any guide combs inside the pack, so you’ll have to make separate purchases for that if you’re a buzz cut enthusiast.
Otherwise, Andis Fade Master is the definite king of fade cuts along with lots of other hairdos that mostly cater to professionals inside a barber shop!
Additional Blade Options for Andis Fade Master: 01591, 01556 33645, 33660, 33665, 01410, 01415, 01900, 01420, 01380.
Score: ⭐ 4.68 / 5
What I Like
- Thin blade teeth generate sophisticated fade cuts
- Heavier housing renders a higher degree of precision
- Blades are sharp enough for diverse hair
What Could be Better
- Housing heat up issue
- Odd power knob placement
Andis 73130 Envy Li Cordless Clipper
This time round, we’re going cordless with Andis as their new and improved Envy model gets an upgrade in the battery department.
There’s an easy way to distinguish between the NiMH model and the recent lithium-ion battery model – all you need is to locate the ‘Li’ at the end of the name – Andis Envy Li 73130.
If you compare the Envy Li with the previously discussed corded hair clippers, you’ll find a significant difference between the build materials.
While this difference has been noticeable in the price differences, the actual variation can be sensed as soon as you touch or lift the Envy Li.
The handle is made with average plastic, nothing premium to be honest and far off from matching the build quality of Wahl’s cordless clippers.
Apart from being 10 ounces in weight, the Envy Li brings you quite an average blade made with carbon-steel and it’s not one that barbers will use widely and frequently.
This blade unit isn’t zero-overlapped but that can be achieved manually (although I’d recommend against it if you’re new to it).
For the most part, Envy Li is a home grooming tool for self-cuts or doing different hairdos on your kids without the risk of cuts.
Its cordless design does liberate you in many ways with a battery that lasts for almost 90 minutes with a full charge! This is quite impressive I must say.
The reason behind Envy Li’s long-lasting battery is its rotary motor clocking at 5,500 cutting strokes per minute – not ideal for coarse hair.
However, as a balding hair maintenance tool, even barbers might take an interest in this device since it’s otherwise very pleasant to hold on to – thanks to the weight and ergonomic crevices ensuring great grip levels.
Also, there’s an adjustment lever made with plastic and it does get the job done. For the price I’m having to pay, I’m very much satisfied with the performance of Envy Li.
For those who are looking into diverse haircuts at different lengths, Andis Envy Li has you covered. Unlike the Master or Fade Master, Envy Li does bring you 11 guide combs for each standard size.
The dual voltage charging adapter is capable of handling 100-240V / 50-60 Hz, so you’re free to use it anywhere in the world.
As per durability, I believe Envy Li has the potential to last a long time if treated with care and stored safely inside a solid case after use.
Overall, I find Envy Li to be a jack of all trades within a limited price and mostly, consumers grooming at home will find it to be more alluring than professional barbers.
Additional Blade Options for Andis Envy Li: 66240, #66255 (00000-000), 66565, 66590, 66345, 66320, 66560, 33645, 33660, 33665.
Score: ⭐ 4.67 / 5
What I Like
- Sleek design with very light handle
- Generic blade is kinder on skin
- Different guard sizes allow variety in haircuts
What Could be Better
- Build quality is quite average
Andis 33640 BG-Series Premium Metal Clip Comb Set
One of the most underrated yet ginormous powerhouse in the Andis line is their T-Outliner, model number 33640 from their BG series.
It’s tiny and looks like there’s not much to do with it except for lining up your beard or hairline, but trust me – this device can do tons more that it shows!
The housing design for the T-Outliner seems very basic and compact due to its handy size. Its outer material is made of plastic but in my opinion, it’s very robust and durable.
To ensure grip at all times, the handle has extruded textures all around so that the fingers are able to remain in place, added to the corn shape of the device.
You should be able to call the T-Outliner both a trimmer and a clipper since it shares properties with both of these categories.
Starting with the blade unit, the device features a carbon-steel T-blade which is zero-gapped and is fully capable of edging up different parts of hair.
As you can see it’s a T-bladed tool, no need to look for an adjustment lever here. With the help from the 7200 SPM magnetic motor, Andis T-Outliner can pretty much line out any and every type of hair!
The versatility adds on since T-Outliner performs significantly in creating zero fades, bald fades or complete zero cuts on top of trimming out facial hair.
I believe the weight class is simply perfect on T-Outliner, 11.2 ounces without the cord and it’s a perfect balance between maneuverability and precision.
You should know that the powerful motor does create some noise and that automatically categorizes T-Outliner to be a tool for the professionals.
Also, the housing tends to heat up from time to time due to its corded use, but that’s nothing unnerving compared to the Master or Fade Master.
The cord length is a standard 2.4 meters with a voltage setting obligation of 120 V / 60 H for the US consumers.
A zero-gapped clipper unit from a brand like Andis with the capability of belonging to a barbershop – T-Outliner is quite affordable if you consider these factors.
With some experience and spending grooming hours using this device, even home groomers can rely on it for their regular grooming needs due to its versatility!
Note: The T-Outliner comes with the Original T-Blade and you have the option to purchase the Deep-Tooth T-Blade for faster haircuts.
Score: ⭐ 4.65 / 5
What I Like
- Zero-gapped blades set from factory
- Tiny yet robust and ergonomic
- Versatile and meant for any hair type
What Could be Better
- Quite loud
Why Trust My Verdict?
Since I spent a significant amount of time using grooming products from different brands, I have a comparative understanding of which hair clippers are better than the others.
That said, I’ve personally tested the four Andis products mentioned in this best Andis clippers article to reach a point of objective verdict.
These tests range between durability assessment to practical usage on different hair types, drawing out diverse hairdos to see the contrast.
Opinions from professionals I know to first-hand users in the community have been taken into consideration as the final pieces of information that contributed to this entire article!
Test Results for the Best Andis Clippers
Here you’ll find out the test results in the contest of best Andis clippers. The four prime devices have been put side by side to be analyzed in six different categories.
Clipping Quality
To test out the quality of clipping, three parameters have been set out that include bulk removal, seamless cuts and the evenness of each clipping session.
Based on this assessment, Andis Master has come out on top with its unique blade system that never fails to disappoint!
As Master is the most efficient one in this category, Fade Master isn’t a long way behind! However, Fade Master is mostly a specialized device that excels at particular haircuts where Master comes a little shy at times.
Envy Li outranks T-Outliner simply because of its versatility across different hair bodies and the ability of performing more dynamic haircuts.
T-Outliner is mostly restricted to shorter hair grooming as it underperforms over longer hair due to the narrow blade teeth.
Motor Power
All four of the Andis clippers come with a single-speed motor unit. From the lot, Master and Fade Master seem to share identical motors.
These are the most powerful with their 14,000 cross cutting actions per minute and such magnetic motors do outscale other motor types.
T-Outliner would be a certain way behind if raw motor power is measured but that gap isn’t highly significant in my opinion.
Lastly, Envy Li has the least powerful motor in this comparison and likely so, since the device is battery-operated and it’s deprived the opportunity of clocking up with relentless corded power.
Blade Sharpness
You’d be quite surprised to find that the T-Outliner is the sharpest of them all with its serrated yet compact T-Blade unit.
However, the sharpness doesn’t reach its peak due to the limitation of its motor power, and due to such a factor, Master and Fade Master have almost caught up to it.
These two aluminum-bodied hair clippers do show signs of sharpness across hair types and in the wrong hands can cause your scalp significant pain.
Envy Li is the least sharp with its generic blade and this is due to both of its limited power sources backed by an average motor unit.
Maneuverability
Tables have turned in this assessment with Envy Li topping the score as it’s the most light and portable hair clipper from the Andis set.
Weighing almost half of what Master or Fade Master do, you’ll never get fatigued upon using Envy Li for longer hours.
T-Outliner shows similar results with its compact size and manageable weight class. It’s worth noting that the T-Outliner weighs a little extra over the Envy Li despite being a corded device.
Lastly, Master and Fade Master are least maneuverable in terms of weight, but the weight does add a certain degree of control over your cuts and it’s adored by barbers due to this fact.
Versatility
I can easily vouch for Andis Master to be the most versatile hair clipper of them all! From bulk hair removal to buzz, fade or other blend cuts using its 000 to 1 blade and the adjustment lever.
Envy Li is second to Master in terms of versatility. This device not only has an adjustable blade system, but also comes with a large library of cutting guides. On top of that, Envy Li can be manually zero gapped if needed.
Third in rank is the Andis Fade Master. It’s limited in versatility because the fade blades are mostly meant for blending cuts.
Finally, Andis T-Outliner seems like the least versatile for haircuts since its functionality is quite limited due to the T-Blade. However, the fact that you can use it for beard grooming expands its boundaries to some extent.
Ergonomics
If I only consider ergonomics and nothing else, I’ll have to side with Envy Li to be the top device from the lot.
This instrument is uniquely designed with curves at the right places and the arcs are strategically planted to ensure the most comforting grip.
T-Outliner follows after the Envy Li in terms of ergonomics with its harsh, plastic handle embedded with textures to retain grip levels.
I personally don’t like the smooth finish with slightly sharp edges on the Master and Fade Master, but professionals seem quite content with these ergonomics.
Buyer’s Guide for the Top Andis Clippers
I’ll break down these four Andis clippers into distinct categories so that you can easily pick one after doing your needs assessment.
Andis Master is overall the finest and most complete hair clipper in the list. You can craft a wide array of hairdos and even go on to creating some unique cuts that not a lot of tools can carry out.
If you’re a fading enthusiast, Andis Fade Master would be the most definite choice with the blade system that’s remarkable for applying trendiest of fade cuts!
The first two are mostly meant for professional groomers and from this point onward, the devices can be used at both home or a barber shop.
Andis T-Outliner is the king of edging or lining up in the neatest manner. It can also do the upkeep for receding hairline or shorter hair bodies, apart from beard grooming.
Those who prefer more liberty handling your hair clipper, Andis Envy Li would be the undoubted choice for you. Also it helps that this device is much affordable than the more premium clippers enlisted here!
About Andis
Andis is an American grooming tool manufacturing brand founded by Matthew Andis back in 1922, right when electric grooming started to become more common.
The brand has established relentless quality in their production and therefore have been favorites among professionals all across the globe.
Their innovation in hair clipper technology is still one of the leading and inspiring tales for newly formed brands.
Visiting the Andis official website will show you how far the brand has come so far with their huge library of state of the art grooming devices.
FAQ
Let’s learn a bit more about the best Andis clippers so that your knowledge on these devices become more refined and allow you to make an informed purchase out of the top four!
Q: What’s the difference between corded and cordless Andis clippers?
Ans: Corded Andis clippers are generally more powerful and cater to professionals due to their superior performance. Cordless clippers have limited motor power and are mostly meant for home grooming. However, these cordless Andis clippers are often kept in barber shops as secondary styling tools.
Q: How long do Andis clipper blades last?
Ans: There’s no definite timeline of how long Andis clipper blades can last. It depends on how regularly you’re using it, the type of hair you’re putting it to work and of course, the maintenance routine. Home groomers have their blades last for years without replacement. Professionals might need to replace the blades every 6-18 months.
Q: Can I replace Andis clipper blades myself?
Ans: In general, Andis clipper blades are quite easy to replace by yourself at home. Simply remove the screws on the existing blade and replace the unit with a new one. Note that keeping the screws loose or tightening them too much can affect the performance of the hair clipper.
Q: How do I prevent Andis clippers from overheating?
Ans: There are three ways to prevent Andis clippers from overheating. Firstly, you must regularly clean the device and oil both the motor and the blade unit. Secondly, you can apply cooling sprays like Andis Cool Care Plus if the housing heats up. Finally, give the clipper breaks frequently to let it cool down and then start again.
Concluding Remarks
My article on the best Andis clippers has reached its concluding point here. From the beginning, we’ve scoured through the details for each device.
In doing so, we were able to learn both the strong suits and shortcomings of each of the Andis devices in concern.
Then, we went on to compare the devices side by side to understand how the strengths are more dominant on some than the others.
One thing I can say as my last words – if you buy from Andis, you can most certainly buy with zero regrets for the coming years.