The cost of living has sky-rocketed and we are all searching for ways to cut back. Getting your dog groomed professionally may be one expenditure you stop. We did. However, dogs still need to be clipped because fur will keep growing, get matted, harbour debris, create health issues, and trap body heat with excess fur, which may lead to health issues. Is it worth investing in professional clippers to groom your dog at home?
What are the recommended clippers for pet owners and salons?
- Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2 Speed Brushless Clippers: home, students, salon, beginners
- Wahl KM5 2 Speed Clipper: home and salon
- Heiniger Saphir Cord G/W 10 Blade Clipper: salon, home, tough coats, cattle and horses
The reason for buying dog clippers isn’t just to save money. During high temperatures, a dog needs to be groomed because of heatstroke. Heat is life-threatening for Dogs, so grooming your canine can help reduce body heat. Of course, avoiding dog walking at peak times is very important. Our dog Teddy has more energy during his early morning Summer walk.
Why buy professional dog grooming clippers
Professional salons buy dog grooming gear from suppliers selling quality products and, depending on which company, will sell to homeowners buying a one-off item. Yes, the product will cost you more initially.
A friend gave us grooming clippers. They were unbranded and did not cut through Teddy’s course two-inch fur so we decided to invest in professional clippers that we knew would. We contacted the supplier first because we needed advice on which clipper was the most suitable for Teddy.
Teddy is 63kg and the groomer’s price is about £70 (2022 price), so annually £840. A year on, we have covered the purchase price of £145 if you offset it against salon prices.
So to save money, I recommend buying from a supplier selling professional gear, and we shall look at why.
1 – Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2 Speed Brushless Clippers
“This sturdy clipper is a must-have for students and beginners looking to kit themselves out with a versatile clipper that can handle just about any job you throw at it!”
Christie’s Direct
Key Points:
- Price range: £147 to £167
- Professional grooming clipper
- Ideal for students, beginners and pet owners
- Versatile for different coats
- Dimension: 17 x 5 x 5 cm
- Weight: 320g
- Brushless Motor
- 3m cord
- Size 10 ceramic size blade
- It takes A5 snap-on blades
- 2-speed detachable blade
- 3000 / 3800 strokes per minute
- Plus, for Europe, Australia, the UK, Brazil and Argentina
- 15ml lubricating oil
- Cleaning brush
- 12-month limited warranty
The Andis UltraEdge AGC 2 Speed Brushless Clippers are easy to use and effortless for grooming and a professional clipper we took a chance of buying. Teddy’s coarse fur was two inches then, and we filmed the session proving how easy grooming was.
We paid £145 and after two grooms we covered the cost of buying these. The clippers have increased by £2.95 to £21 depending on whether you want black or coloured, but all three are the same.
- Andis Black Clipper – £147.95
- Andis Blue Clipper – £154.95
- Andis Fuschia Clipper – £166.95
If you are a student, a beginner, a salon grooming or a pet owner buying for home clipping, the Andis UltraEdge AGC 2 Speed Brushless Clippers is a great first buy. It comes with a size 10 chrome-plated blade leaving 1.5mm to 1.6mm of fur. There is a small brush to clean the blade and beneath when performing a deep clean. A note of caution – it can be easily lost, so keep it safe. I recommend buying a soft toothbrush if you do lose it! You can remove fur from the side of the blade and clipper section with a toothpick too!
The clipper has two-speed settings with a lower speed better for a nervous dog. Normal speed accommodates most cutting, and the higher speed is for thicker coats. However, there is adequate noise still and it doesn’t quieten to depths as you would imagine. When grooming, you must remember to stop now and then to lubricate the blades.
The Andis clipper comes with a 15ml tube of oil, which should be used on the blade teeth, and sides when the blade has been removed. The blades should also be oiled before, during and after each grooming session. We oil the teeth every few minutes of grooming Teddy. I will make a video showing this but for now, you click on the website below for further information.
A 118ml bottle of Clipper Oil is available for £3.50 (August 2022) and the oil can be used for other makes too.
To the top reverse of the clipper are three raised ribbed lengths that allow for grip but don’t offer a slip-resistant rubber grip that the Wahl Km5 has. But Dave and I handled it okay, but we use it at home, not a salon. It weighs 320g, doesn’t affect the handling of the product either, and makes it lighter than the Heiniger Saphir.
There is a selection of ceramic carbon edge blades available but if you are a pet owner, I think you can stick with the current size 10 with 1.5mm to 1.6mm of fur depending on coat thickness, especially as the clipper has a 2-speed option.
Different-sized blades vary in price. If you own a salon, you would look at costs for alternative blades to suit your client’s needs. The cost range is between £22.96 to £40.45.
| Blade Size Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Description | Extra Information |
| No 2F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 16mm hair |
| No 3¾ | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 13mm hair |
| No 3¾ F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 13mm hair |
| No 4 | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 9mm hair |
| No 4F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 9mm hair |
| No 4.5F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 7.9mm hair |
| No 5 | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 6.3mm hair |
| No 5F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 6.3mm hair |
| No 6F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 4.8mm hair |
| No 7 | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 3.4mm hair |
| No 7F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 3.4mm hair |
| No 8½ | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 2mm hair |
| No 9 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 2mm hair |
| No 10 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 1.6 mm hair |
| No 15 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 1.2mm hair |
| No 30 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 0.5mm hair |
| No 40 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 0.2mm hair |
| No 35 | Full Tooth Blade | Cuts between 30 & 40 |
| No ⅝ | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 16mm hair (⅝”) |
| No ¾ | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 19mm hair (¾”) |
| Toe Blade | Narrow Head Blade | Suitable for paws & design work |
| To be used as a guide only. Exact lengths may differ slightly between manufacturers. |
Blade maintenance is important. Before removing the blade, switch off the main power supply. Flip the clipper over to the reverse side. There is a long black blade mechanism release below the blade hinge. Hold the release mechanism and gently push down the blade, then carefully pull the blade forward and slide off the hinge.
To put a blade back onto the clippers, slide the blade bracket onto the hinge of the clipper. With the clippers turned ‘on’ (without mains power), push the blade towards the clippers. This will lock the blade.
Fur will have gathered in areas, so remove it with a soft bristle toothbrush or a nail brush. Until I have made another video, you can refer to Groomer to Groomer about oiling the blade.
Who is the Andis UltraEdge AGC 2 Speed Clipper right for?
So again, if you are a beginner, a student, or looking to groom your dog at home, this starter clipper is a good investment, and Christie’s Direct, the home for professional grooming supplies, is the place to buy it from. If you have any questions about a suitable blade or different clipper, call Christie’s Direct helpline.
Buy from Christie’s Direct.
Buy from Amazon.
2 – Wahl Km5 2 Speed Clipper
“Rounded casting at the front ofthe clipper facilitates optimum hair flow.”
Christie’s Direct
Key Points
- Average price £141.75
- Professional grooming clipper
- Suitable for pet owners
- Ideal for everyday use and intensive grooming
- Dimensions: not supplied
- Weight: 360g
- Powerful cool-running DC motor
- 3m cord
- Size 10 Wahl blade
- Compatible with all A5 snap-on blades
- 2-speed detachable blade
- 3000 / 3500 strokes per minute
- U.K. 230 volts
- Lubricating oil sample
- Cleaning brush
- Case
- 12-month warranty
The Wahl Km5 2 Speed Clipper comes in a hard case box, giving you ultimate protection when not used.
This clipper is for salon users and home use. Similar to the Andis UltraEdge and Heiniger Saphir, it comes with a size 10 blade. The clippers weigh slightly more Than the Andis at 360g. As the Wahl is ideal for intensive daily grooming, it is ideal for a busy salon.
The size 10 blade will leave a depth of 1.5mm to 1.6mm.
| Blade Size Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Description | Extra Information |
| No 2F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 16mm hair |
| No 3¾ | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 13mm hair |
| No 3¾ F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 13mm hair |
| No 4 | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 9mm hair |
| No 4F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 9mm hair |
| No 4.5F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 7.9mm hair |
| No 5 | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 6.3mm hair |
| No 5F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 6.3mm hair |
| No 6F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 4.8mm hair |
| No 7 | Skip Tooth Blade | Leaves 3.4mm hair |
| No 7F | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 3.4mm hair |
| No 8½ | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 2mm hair |
| No 9 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 2mm hair |
| No 10 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 1.6 mm hair |
| No 15 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 1.2mm hair |
| No 30 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 0.5mm hair |
| No 40 | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 0.2mm hair |
| No 35 | Full Tooth Blade | Cuts between 30 & 40 |
| No ⅝ | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 16mm hair (⅝”) |
| No ¾ | Full Tooth Blade | Leaves 19mm hair (¾”) |
| Toe Blade | Narrow Head Blade |
Furthermore, a brush is supplied to clean the blade from fur remanents, which the Andis doesn’t offer. It is important to clean the clippers after use.
Similar to the Andis brand, a small lubricating oil sample is supplied, which should be used frequently to keep blades lubricated.
This product has 2 speeds, with the lowest offering little vibration and an ultra-quiet noise level of 63dB, making it suitable for anxious dogs. The noise level is similar to a washing machine.
The Wahl Km5 2 Speed clippers have a slip-resistant rubber casing so the grip is better. This may be a good point for constant use in a salon.
Who is the Wahl Km5 2 Speed Clipper right for?
The Wahl Km5 is suitable for pet owners and busy salons. Its maximum strokes per minute are slightly less than the Andis UltraEdge. As a home groomer, you may need to purchase a different blade so please call Christie’s Direct helpline to discuss the most suitable. Based on our 63kg dog and a two-inch fur length, I can only advise.
Buy from Christie’s Direct.
Buy from Amazon.
3 – Heiniger Saphir Cord G/W 10 Blade
“The clever Hybrid system allows the mains powered plug to be switched out for a Saphir battery and used wirelessly for added versatility (battery sold separately).”
Christie’s Direct
Key Points:
- Average price £267
- Professional grooming clipper
- Suitable for pet owners but a more robust clipper
- Ideal for tough coats, all-sized dogs
- Will maintain coats for large animals such as cattle and horses
- Dimensions: 20 x 5 x 4 cm
- Weight: 350g
- Rotary Motor
- Corded hydride for wireless use
- 3m cord
- Size 10 Heiniger blade
- Compatible A5 snap-on blades (excludes the Wahl Competition blades)
- 1-speed
- 3000 / 3500 strokes per minute
- 3200 dbs / min, which makes grooming tough coats easy
- U.K. 240 volts
- Lubricating oil sample
- Cleaning brush
- 12-month motor warranty
The Heiniger Saphir Cord G/W has a size 10 blade and again, because we use the Andis UltraEdge with a similar blade, I recommend the clipper if you are happy for your dog’s fur length to be 1.5mm to 1.6mm.
To remove the blade, push the red button release. You will find this below the clipper blade. Then carefully pull the blade away – it will pop out and slide free. To reattach the blade, return it to the same position and gently push it down on the tooth side. Do this carefully. The blade will clip back into place.
The clipper is suitable for home use and busy salons but what makes the Heiniger different to the Wahl Km5 and Andis UltraEdge is its ability to cope with maintaining coats on large animals; that includes horses and cattle.
Unlike the Wahl Km5 and Andis UltraEdge, the Heiniger Saphir has 1 speed, but similar to the Wahl, its noise level equals a washing machine.
The 3200 dbs per minute gives the power to clip through tough coats easily, making it more versatile for professionals. Of course, it may even expand your customer base!
Who is the Heiniger Saphir Cord G/W right for?
Comparing the three clippers, the Heiniger Saphir Cord G/W is the most expensive but if you are grooming a dog with a thick and tough coat, or larger pets, this would be the better option. Like us, telephone Christie’s Direct who can advise you on suitable clippers if in doubt and blades required.
Heiniger range.
Buy from Christie’s Direct.
Buy from Amazon.
Related questions:
I’m a pet owner and do not know how to groom
Practice makes perfect. The first few times you groom, your dog won’t look perfect. And you will feel nervous grooming around the eyes. You’ll learn to understand your dog and which body part to begin grooming. Eventually, you will get better at grooming. At first, we groomed Teddy together but now I groom him alone. Each time I groom, we miss fewer sections!!
How do I secure my dog when grooming?
Dave fixed a handle to an outside wall, looped a short lead through it, and clipped it to Teddy’s collar. Dave will show you in this short video.
I’m an amateur, will it take long to groom my pet?
Professional clippers will make the job easier, quicker and less frustrating.
It will be quicker and easier because you are using professional clippers.
It will be less frustrating because you have purchased clippers designed to glide through a pet’s fur.
Don’t waste your money buying off eBay.
Key takeaways:
- Invest in a professional clipper will save money eventually
- Keeps your dog happy and healthy
- Value for professional money
- Longer lasting life
- Quick grooming
- Choices for experienced groomers, beginners, students and pet owners
- Heiniger Saphir is suitable for everyone in one
I write for the Withernsea District and Community news