Andis Dog Clippers in 2023 – Reviews & Best Pet Grooming Models

Are you thinking of buying Andis dog clippers but are confused by the huge range of models? In this article, Richard Cross untangles the Andis product range and provides his top three recommendations.

While the “best” brand is fiercely debated amongst groomers, there’s no doubt Andis produces some of the highest quality pet clippers. The company is also known for their excellent customer service and durable machines.

One of the great things about Andis is they produce clippers for every purpose. Whether you just want to touch-up your dog’s coat between grooms, or are a professional who needs a heavy-duty clipper, they have an option that meets your requirements.

This range of choice can make deciding on a clipper confusing though. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve put together a list of the best Andis dog grooming clippers along with a mini review of each.

Note: If you’re looking for the best dog clippers from any brand, check out our full guide at https://www.thedogclinic.com/best-clippers.

Why Choose Andis Clippers?

When it comes to professional-standard grooming tools, Andis are almost unmatched.

The company’s machines are designed for heavy usage on a variety of coat types, so they are popular amongst professional groomers. Andis also has plenty of experience producing machines that clip hair effectively and with minimum discomfort.

Andis clippers tend to have detachable blades rather than adjustable. While the company produces a few with adjustable blades, such as the Pulse Ion, Li and Whisper, these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Similarly, the majority of Andis clippers are corded. While they produce a few cordless options, they probably aren’t the best choice in this category.

As you would expect from professional clippers, many Andis models are expensive – although they produce cheaper models such as the Pro-Animal Kit and Easy Clip Groom. Don’t let the price put you off though. Clippers should be considered an investment, and Andis models are highly durable so they last a long time.

This heavy-duty focus has downsides though. Andis clippers aren’t the slimmest, although they are rarely heavy and are usually comfortable to hold. Some people prefer the freedom of cordless models, for which Wahl and Oster are better options, although this comes at the expense of limited run-time.

For corded clippers, however, Andis are an excellent choice. The company produces powerful models that glide through thick hair, mats and tangles with ease. They also provide fast customer service and wide range of replacement blades (more on that in a moment).

Quick Overview of the Different Types

I’m a big fan of Andis dog clippers. But one of my biggest complaints is the quantity of models they have on the market. It’s great to have choice, but with nearly 40 Andis pet clippers currently in production (including color variations) it can be confusing to choose the right option for your needs.

Fortunately, the company’s clippers are divided into categories depending on their strength and purpose. Here’s an overview of the main categories:

• MC-3 – The MC3 range is designed for light body grooming and quick touchups. The clippers have adjustable blades and a magnetic motor. While they are useful for maintaining a coat between grooms, they don’t have the same durability or strength as more expensive Andis models.
  Example: Easy Clip Multi-Style
• RACD – The RACD model range is a step up from MC3. These clippers are designed for grooming medium coats and have a detachable blade. While they aren’t as durable as more expensive Andis clippers, they are lightweight and a decent choice for light grooming tasks.
  Example: Easy Clip Versa
• RBC – The RBC range is Andis’ primary cordless series with adjustable blades. The clippers are capable of handling any coat and last around two hours before needing to be recharged. They aren’t as durable as the AGC or SMC ranges, so probably aren’t suitable for professional groomers, but are useful for the occasional home groom.
  Example: ProClip Pulse Ion
• MBG2 – The MBG2 range is similar to the RACD, but with a heavy-duty exterior for extra durability. MBG2 clippers are powered by a rotary motor and are suitable for medium coats. Models in this range also come with either an UltraEdge or CeramicEdge blade.
  Examples: Pro-Animal 7-Piece Clipper Kit, Easy Clip Groom
• SMC – The SMC is a step up from the MBG2 and RACD ranges. This series contains super heavy-duty clippers that are suitable for clipping any coat or breed. The models also come with a detachable CeramicEdge blade.
  Example: Excel 5-Speed
• AGC2 – The AGC2 series is probably Andis’ most popular. These clippers are super heavy duty and often have a two-speed design. While they are a bit heavier than the SMC range, AGC2 clippers provide great performance and are available in a range of colors. The AGC range is similar but doesn’t have two speeds.
  Examples: ProClip Super, UltraEdge Super

Which series is the “best” though?

If you’re looking for the highest quality clippers, you’ll probably want to stick with the SMC, AGC and AGC2 ranges. These models are highly durable, easy to use and come with a high-quality blade. They are also suitable for grooming any coat due to the powerful rotary motor.

Keep in mind that Andis grooming clippers don’t always include the product category in the name. The model type should be listed though.

3 Best Andis Grooming Clippers and Mini Reviews

Now you know the top Andis clipper series, it’s time to get to my recommendations. The three models below all provide outstanding performance and are highly durable. They might not be the cheapest Andis clippers, but I think they provide the best value for money.

1. Andis UltraEdge AGC Super Two-Speed

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My top pick for an Andis grooming clipper is the excellent UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed. In fact, it’s one of the best clippers on the market from any brand, mainly due to its two-speed design, excellent cutting performance and durable construction.

The first thing to note about the AGC Super is that it’s a professional-standard clipper. The powerful rotary motor can cut through the hair of any breed or coat (with the right blade), while the dual speed feature provides great versatility. Whether you’re grooming a poodle, Golden Retriever or any other breed, this model can handle it.

What’s the advantage of two speeds though? It’s easier to groom sensitive areas with a lower speed, which is why the 3400 SPM mode is a useful feature. For a faster and smoother cut, the 4400 SPM mode is fantastic.

Like all SMC and AGC models, the clipper comes with a single 10 blade. You’ll probably want to buy extra blades or a stainless steel comb kit so you can vary length though. It’s compatible with UltraEdge, CeramicEdge and ShowEdge blades so you’ll have plenty of choice – and it can even fit Oster A5 blades.

While the lack of an adjustable blade may put some people off, switching blades is simple so this won’t slow you down. It also has a relatively long 14″ cord and is quiet when in use.

Despite being my #1 pick for a dog clipper, there are some drawbacks to this model. It’s heavier than the SMC range, which might be an issue if you groom for long periods. It also gets hot quite quickly – although it’s not the worst clipper in this regard.

Even with these issues, this is a fantastic clipper for both professionals and pet owners. It’s also available in a variety of colors. These include blue, purple, pink, burgundy, green and orange.

Note: If you want a slightly cheaper alternative, the Andis ProClip 2-Speed is an option to consider. It’s also part of the AGC2 range and has many of the same features – although the ProClip has a lower maximum SPM.

2. Andis AGC 1-Speed Detachable Blade

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If you don’t need the two-speed feature of the Andis AGC2 Super, the AGC 1-Speed is a cheaper alternative. It has many of the same features, including a strong exterior and 14′ heavy-duty cord, and still provides a professional-standard groom.

Like the AGC2, the AGC 1-Speed has a detachable blade and a highly durable design. It comes with an UltraEdge size 10 blade, along with a locking switch and cool-running “smart” design.

One thing to note about the AGC 1-Speed is that it runs at 2700 SPM. This is slower than even the “low” setting of the AGC2 Super, so it may not cut as quickly. The rotary motor still provides plenty of power though, so it’s great for cutting almost any coat.

Despite the powerful cutting, it’s a quiet clipper. This is important when grooming dogs that might be scared by loud noises. It also doesn’t overheat as quickly as lower quality clippers.

There are a couple of issues with this model though. The first is that it’s a relatively chunky clipper. This is to be expected from a powerful machine, but may make it less convenient to use than a smaller cordless model (the Wahl Bravura is a good example). It’s also heavy, so if you want a lighter model look at the SMC range.

There’s no doubt the Andis AGC 1-Speed is an outstanding pet clipper though. It glides through most coats without breaking a sweat, and the detachable blades make it easy to adjust the cutting length. If you don’t need the higher SPM mode of the AGC2 Super, this is a great alternative.

3. Andis Excel 5-Speed+

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When it comes to versatility, it’s hard to beat the Andis Excel 5-Speed+. It’s a powerful clipper with detachable blades and a soft-grip outer casing. The five speeds also allow you to adjust the noise, heat and cutting speed.

Like the other models on this list, the Andis Excel is powered by a rotary motor. This provides powerful cutting performance that can handle any coat or breed. It’s also relatively lightweight and has a durable exterior.

The stand-out feature is the five adjustable speed settings. While this might be overkill for home grooming, many professional groomers love the extra control they have compared to a dual or single-speed clipper. The slower speeds are great for sensitive areas or to prevent the blade getting hot, while the higher speeds are perfect for a smoother finish and fast clipping.

The Excel is part of the SMC range. This means it comes with a #10 CeramicEdge blade, which is more durable and cooler than UltraEdge alternatives. While the difference might not be huge, CeramicEdge blades are great for maintaining lower temperatures during long grooming sessions.

As with all clippers, however, there are a few drawbacks to the Excel.

The first is the price. This is an expensive clipper that costs considerably more than the AGC2 Super. If you’re just buying a clipper for grooming your pet at home, I recommend saving money and buying one of the AGC models.

It also heats up quickly on the higher speed settings. This is to be expected with a powerful motor, but you may want a replacement blade if you’re going to be grooming for long periods.

With that said, the Andis Excel is still a fantastic clipper. It’s durable, relatively lightweight and highly versatile – not to mention great at cutting any coat. If you’re a professional groomer, it’s definitely a clipper to consider.

What’s the Difference Between UltraEdge and CeramicEdge Blades?

Unless you’re buying a clipper with an adjustable blade, most Andis clippers come with either UltraEdge or CeramicEdge detachable blades. The included blade is usually a 10, so you’ll probably want to buy different length blades and guards depending on the cut. Andis sells a huge range of blade lengths and attachment comb sets, so you won’t have trouble finding one with the right length.

The “standard” Andis blade is UltraEdge. These blades go through a hardening process and have a chrome finish for extra durability. For most purposes, UltraEdge does a great job.

If you want the ultimate blade technology, however, then CeramicEdge blades are a great choice. They have the same benefits as UltraEdge but are designed with zirconium oxide ceramic. This means they should last longer before blunting and also run cooler. If you’re a pro who needs to groom for extended periods, CeramicEdge blades could make your job easier.

Andis also produces EGT UltraEdge blades. EGT stands for “electro-glide” and means the blades are coated for a faster cut. Andis claims EGT blades provide a smoother finish.

Note: If you need to sharpen a blade, Andis provides this service at their factory repair center or via an Andis Authorized Service Station.

Where to Buy Andis Clippers and trimmers?

All Andis grooming clippers are for sale on the Andis official website – but this probably isn’t the best place to buy them. Andis clippers, blades and combs seem to be available for much cheaper on shopping sites. I recommend checking Petco, Amazon, Walmart and other retailers before buying from the official website.

You can also buy used or second-hand Andis clippers. Make sure these are still in good condition when you buy though – particularly if they’ve been heavily used by a professional groomer.

Once you buy Andis clippers, it’s important to use and maintain them correctly. Make sure you read the manual closely – especially regarding oiling the blades and head maintenance. There are also some excellent YouTube videos showing you how to make the most of Andis dog clippers.

Summary

Andis is one of the best brands for dog clippers. They produce a wide range of machines that are suitable for almost any purpose or budget, so the company’s popularity isn’t surprising.

This wide range can make choosing the best Andis dog clippers confusing though. If you’re struggling to find the right model for your requirements, the three clippers in this article are a great place to start. Make sure you read each review carefully to find out whether a clipper meets your needs though.

Do you have any questions about choosing an Andis dog clipper? Or do you want to leave a review of one of these models? Let me know in the comments section!