Wired Or Cordless
One of the first decisions you’re going to want to make when purchasing your new dog clippers is whether they’re wired or wireless, and each option has its own set of advantages. The best part about wired dog grooming clippers is that they tend to be more affordable than their cordless alternatives.
The inclusion of a powerful lithium-ion battery will usually result in a cost bump, and you also won’t have to worry about the battery dying out when using a wired model. On the other hand, wireless dog clippers will provide you with much more freedom of movement, making it easier to trim your dog’s coat.
Beyond ensuring that you can move around without the cord getting in your way, you can also use these dog grooming clippers nearly anywhere, since you won’t need a power outlet to be in range. As for the issue of the battery dying, plenty of newer wireless models can be used while they recharge.
Related: Best Dog Grooming Tables
Look Out For Guide Combs
The next thing to look for when buying the best dog grooming clippers for your dog is whether or not they come included with guide combs. These parts will attach to the front of the clipper, and they will allow you to control the length of the hair that gets cut, making them essential for precise grooming.
Once you’ve ensured that guide combs come included with your new clipper, you should take a look at how many of them there are and if their length is suitable for your needs. The quality of the guide combs that come with a set of dog grooming clippers will determine whether they last for a lifetime or break after a single-use.
When choosing the right dog clippers, also take a look at how you remove and attach guide combs, as it should be a relatively simple process. If you’re doing a complex grooming job, then you may have to switch between guide combs several times over the course of a single session.
Related: Best Dog Grooming Tools
Loudness – Ideally Lesser Than 60 dB
While dog clippers have a reputation for being much louder than other grooming tools, plenty of progress has been made in reducing the amount of sound their electric motors produce. A quieter, low noise clipper will help keep a dog more comfortable while being groomed, as the whine of the motor may disturb them.
Most mid-range dog grooming clippers will produce between 50 and 60 dB of sound, but there are high-end products that are even quieter than that. Keep in mind that a lower volume will usually mean that a clipper vibrates less too, meaning that it will be more comfortable throughout longer grooming sessions.
Speeds – Variable Speed Works Best
The speed at which your clipper runs can determine how effective it is at cutting through a certain type of fur, and there are two primary kinds of dog grooming clippers. The first variety is the fixed-speed clipper, and the second is the variable-speed clipper, and each has its pros and cons.
Variable dog clippers are ideal for owners with multiple pets or dogs that have a variety of fur types across their coats, though they are also more expensive. If you just need a basic set of affordable dog grooming clippers, then you likely won't need to pay extra for a variable-speed model.
Blade Quality – Ceramic Or Stainless Steel Are Usually The Best
The next feature to look at in a new set of grooming clippers is the blade itself, as that will be the part that's directly responsible for clipping your dog's fur. The blade can determine how well the coat is cut, and it can also affect how hot the clipper gets, as some materials will retain more heat than others.
The most common material that blades are made out of is stainless steel, which is an excellent choice thanks to its resistance to corrosion. You won’t have to worry about the blade rusting if it is used to cut damp fur, and stainless steel is also relatively affordable when compared to other choices.
High-end dog clippers will usually do away with stainless steel blades in favor of ones that are made out of ceramic. These blades will usually absorb only 25% as much heat as stainless-steel ones of comparable thickness, and they feature no reduction in cutting ability.
Accessories – The More The Merrier!
Many accessories can come with a set of dog clippers, and their inclusion may be essential if you're getting grooming clippers for the first time. Of course, beyond the mere addition of extras, you'll want to see whether they feature sufficient build quality, as a lot of accessories are poorly and hastily assembled.
Some of the most common extras include combs so that you can straighten out your dog’s hair while it’s being trimmed, brushes to help clean out the grooming clippers, and more. Some dog clippers will even come with replacement blades that you can use once the included one has worn out.
Other models come with essentials that can help you maintain your clipper, like grease that will help keep the blades from degrading. Whether you’re looking for a set of accessories with your new grooming clippers, or if you want to save some money because you already have your own, be sure to see if they’re present.
Related: Find Dog Groomers Near You
