The Braun Series 3 men’s shaver is one of the best lines of shavers on the market.

But it isn’t easy figuring out which Braun Series 3 you need. There’s the 340, the 350cc, the 360, the 370, the 370cc, and the 390cc.

So what’s the difference between all these Braun Series 3 shavers. Well that’s what we’re here to help you figure out. Let’s get started:

Overview

Each Braun Series 3 shaver has:

1. “Triple Action Free Float System” – In layman’s terms this means that each 3 series shaver has 3 different flexible heads that shave various lengths of hair (short, long, and stuble) and contour to your face for a very close shave


Braun Series 3 390cc

2. “Smart Foil” – An aspect of the shaver heads that allows each model to capture and cut hairs that are growing in various directions
3. “3 Stage Cutting” – Exactly what it implies – the shaver heads progressively give you a closer shave through 3 cutting stages
4. Washable – You can run all the models under a tap to clean them
5. Long Hair Trimmer – A special side trimmer that helps you capture and shave extra long hairs
6. Charging & Cordless Operation – Each model needs 60 minutes to charge and can be operated cordlessly for 45 minutes
7. Quick Single Shave Charge – If you forget to charge the shaver each model can be charged very quickly (~5min) so that it can be used for a single shave

Major Differences within the Braun Series 3 models are:

1. “Clean & Renew” – The models that have a “cc” attached to the end of their number (e.g., the 390cc, 370cc, and the 350cc) all come with a special base unit that “cleans, lubricates, and charges” the shaver each day


Braun Series 3 370

2. “Wet&Dry” – This means that the shaver can be used in the shower (although Braun still recommends shaving before getting your face wet). This feature is only available on the Braun Series 3 340.
3. Shave While Shaver is Plugged In – This feature enables you to shave with the shaver plugged into an outlet. (as opposed to having to wait 5 minutes for a quick charge and then do a cordless shave). It’s available on the Braun Series 3 360 and up.
4. Case – The 370 and 390 come with a zippered hard case that the shaver fits in. The 360 has no case, but has a snap on foil protector that prevents the on/off switch from being hit during travel.
5. Cutter “Lock” Switch – This feature allows you to lower one foil and the middle cutter and “lock” them in place… making it easier to shave the below the nose area and some other hard to reach spots. It’s only available on the Braun Series 3 370 and up.

Other Important Notes:

1. Potential Defect in the 340

There hasn’t been an official recall, but several online reviewers have noted that the Braun Series 3 340 appeared to have a defect where the shaver head would pop off during shaving.

Our Recommendation:

Purchase a Braun Series 3 370 ($90.39 as of 11/18/2010) or a Braun Series 3 390cc ($109.94 as of 11/18/2010).

The Braun Series 3 370 is cheaper than the Braun Series 3 360. The reviewers on Amazon rate it very highly. It comes with a nice carry case, has the locking switch for tough to get below the nose areas, and it has overcome any defects that earlier models like the 340 had.

The Braun Series 3 390cc is a great option for those that want the base unit cleaning, lubricating, and charging station. This model is the newest version out there and is actually cheaper than the 370cc.