A few years ago Amazon started selling a version of the Norelco electric shaver that does NOT feature the Lift & Cut technology which makes for an out-of-the-box kosher shaver without any modifications. Our post from then appears below with a number of important links to learn more about the the various halachic approaches, and different models available.
UPDATED FOR 2017 – 2 Recommended Models
Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Rechargeable Cordless Razor – kosher as-is, without Lift & Cut technology, rechargeable and has beard trimmer, a great deal (~$34)
Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 1100, S1150/81 – basically same as above but is corded. Costs less (~$24). From my experience, a corded unit, while a little inconvenient is better as inevitably the batteries on these units stop holding a charge after a few years of use and with a cord you always have 100% power.
But this week, just in time, Amazon has dropped the price on the Philips Norelco HQ6900/41 to just $24.95. This shaver clearly features the “Closecut” technology which despite its name does not have any extra features that make it a halachic issue. It is not a Lift & Cut shaver. This is a very bare bones shaver – corded and it has no rear beard trimmer. For $10 more you could buy the Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 which is cordless and has a beard trimmer. The price will not stay this low for long.
Last year we did a post on a new shaver by Norelco that is the first model in a long while that does NOT have the Lift & Cut technology. Why does this matter? Based upon information from KosherShaver.org (brought below) and the psak of HaRav Dovid Feinstein and other poskim, this shaver is indeed a kosher shaver out-of-the-box. Also please note that KosherShaver.org offers a free service to “kasher” other models of Norelco shavers that do have the Lift & Cut that need to be removed.