While the “best” clipper brand is fiercely debated amongst groomers, Andis undoubtedly makes some of the highest quality pet clippers. The company is also known for its excellent customer service and durable models.
One of the great things about Andis is they produce clippers for every purpose. Whether you 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 choices can make deciding on a clipper confusing, though. So, to help you make an informed decision, here are three of the best Andis dog clippers.
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3 Best Andis Dog Grooming Clippers
We think the three models below all provide outstanding performance and durability. They might not be the cheapest Andis clippers, but they provide excellent value for money.
Our top pick for an Andis dog grooming clipper is the excellent UltraEdge Super 2-Speed. In fact, we think 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 Super is a professional-standard clipper. The powerful rotary motor can cut through the hair of any breed or coat (with the right blade), while we found that the dual-speed feature provides great versatility. For example, the slower 3400 SPM is great for sensitive areas, while the 4400 SPM mode is brilliant for getting a smooth cut.
Like most SMC and AGC models, the Super 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, we found that switching blades is simple and quick. We also like that it has a relatively long 14″ cord and is quiet when in use.
Despite being our #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. We also don’t like that it gets hot quite quickly – although it’s not the worst clipper in this regard.
The Andis UltraEdge Super is our favorite dog clipper. We love the powerful motor that glides through any coat, while the 2-speed feature provides extra versatility. If it’s within your budget, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this clipper.
- Type: Corded
- Blade Type: Detachable
- Speeds: 3400 & 4400 SPM
- Price Range: $$$$
- Two-speed motor that can handle any coat
- Relatively quiet when in operation
- Available in several colors
- Blade heats up when used for extended periods
If you don’t need the two-speed feature of the Andis AGC2 series, then the AGC 1-Speed is a cheaper alternative. We like that it has many of the same features as the ACG2 but for a lower price, including a strong exterior, 14″ heavy-duty cord, and detachable blades.
One thing to note about the AGC 1-Speed is that it runs at 2700 SPM. This is slower than even the “low” setting of the AGC2 Super, so it may not cut as quickly. We found that the rotary motor still provides plenty of power though, so it’s great for cutting almost any coat.
Despite the powerful cutting, the lower SPM means it’s a quiet clipper. This is important when grooming dogs that might be scared by loud noises. We also like that it doesn’t overheat as quickly as lower-quality clippers.
We have a couple of issues with this model though. The first is that it’s a relatively chunky clipper. This is to be expected from a powerful model, but makes it less convenient to use than a smaller cordless model (the Wahl Bravura is a good example). It’s also heavy, so if you want a lighter model, look at the SMC range.
The Andis AGC 1-Speed doesn’t have the variable SPM settings of the AGC2 Super, but it’s cheaper and still cuts any coat with ease. It’s also quiet when in use, so it’s great for dogs that are wary of being groomed.
- Type: Corded
- Blade Type: Detachable
- Speeds: 2700 SPM
- Price Range: $$$
- Quiet when operating
- Powerful motor that glides through hair
- 14″ heavy duty cord
- Relatively bulky and heavy
- Only one speed option
When it comes to versatility, we think it’s hard to beat the Andis Excel 5-Speed+. It’s a powerful clipper with detachable blades and a soft-grip outer casing. We also love that the five speeds allow you to adjust the noise, heat, and cutting speed depending on your requirements.
Like the other models on this list, the Andis Excel is powered by a rotary motor. We found that 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, we’ve found that many professional groomers love the extra speed options. The slower speeds are great for sensitive areas or to prevent the blade from 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, we like that the CeramicEdge blades maintain lower temperatures during long grooming sessions.
The first drawback 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, we recommend saving money and buying one of the AGC models.
We also found that it 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 grooming for long periods.
The Andis Excel 5-Speed+ isn’t cheap, but it’s an excellent clipper for groomers. While pet owners probably don’t need the various speed settings, professionals will love the extra control. It’s also powerful and easy to use – although we found it heats up quickly when on higher settings.
- Type: Corded
- Blade Type: Detachable
- Speeds: 2500 SPM – 4500 SPM
- Price Range: $$$$$
- Five speed settings for greater versatility
- Powerful motor that cuts fur effectively
- Comes with a CeramicEdge blade
- Heats up fast when on higher speeds
- Expensive
Why You Should (And Shouldn’t) Choose Andis Clippers
What makes Andis dog clippers such a popular choice amongst groomers? Firstly, we’ve found that Andis professional-standard clippers (such as the SMC and AGC2 ranges) are brilliant for cutting dog hair effectively and without pulling. These models are also durable, reliable, and suitable for any coat type.
Most Andis models have detachable blades and a corded design. This is one of the reasons why the company’s clippers are so reliable and versatile, which is vital for professionals.
As you would expect from professional clippers, many Andis models are expensive – although they also produce cheaper models such as the Pro-Animal Kit and Easy Clip Groom. Don’t let the price put you off though. Clippers are an investment, and Andis models last a long time.
With that said, we think there are some downsides to Andis dog clippers. For example, we don’t think they are the best brand for cordless clippers. If you prefer the freedom of cordless, then we recommend looking at Wahl or Oster instead.
The heavy-duty focus also means that Andis clippers can be quite bulky. However, we’ve found that they are not overly heavy and still comfortable to hold.
Even with these drawbacks, we think Andis is an excellent choice for corded clippers. We’ve found that the company produces powerful models that glide through thick hair, mats, and tangles with ease. They also provide fast customer service and range of replacement blades.
Overview of Andis Clipper Model Types
We’re big fans of Andis dog clippers, but they have a lot of models on the market. Fortunately, Andis clippers are divided into several model types for different budgets and purposes. Here’s an overview of the most important model types:
- MC-3 (Example: Easy Clip Multi-Style) – 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.
- RACD (Example: Easy Clip Versa) – 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.
- DBLC-2 (Example: Pulse ZR2) – The DBLC-2 is an Andis cordless clipper series with detachable blades. They come with a lithium-ion battery, which generates full power down to 0% charge, and can handle almost any coat.
- SMC (Example: Excel 5-Speed) – The SMC series contains heavy-duty clippers suitable for clipping any coat or breed. The models also come with a detachable CeramicEdge blade as standard and can generate power up to 4500 strokes per minute.
- AGC2 (Example: UltraEdge Super)– The AGC2 series is probably Andis’ most popular. These clippers are heavy-duty and have a two-speed design. While they are a bit heavier than the SMC range, AGC2 clippers provide great performance and are available in various colors. The AGC range is similar but doesn’t have two speeds.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The “standard” Andis blade is UltraEdge. These are excellent blades that go through a hardening process and have a chrome finish for extra durability.
For most purposes, UltraEdge blades do a great job. But CeramicEdge blades are a step up in terms of longevity and heat, due to the zirconium oxide ceramic material. This means they should last longer before blunting and also run cooler, making them a great choice for professionals.
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.
All Andis clippers are for sale on the company’s official website, but we recommend checking Petco, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers for the best price. Used Andis clippers also come up on Facebook Marketplace fairly often, but make sure these are in good condition when you buy (particularly if a professional groomer has used them.)
Andis detachable clippers usually come with a 10 blade, but 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.
Note: If you need to sharpen a blade, Andis provides this service at their factory repair center or via an Andis Authorized Service Station.
Summary
We’re big fans of Andis dog clippers. But with so many models on the market, choosing the right clippers from this brand can be confusing!
So, if you’re struggling to find the best Andis dog clippers for your requirements, we think the three models in this article are a great place to start. They aren’t the cheapest on the market, but we’ve found that they’re powerful, reliable, and provide excellent value for money.
Do you have any questions about choosing the best Andis dog clippers? Let us know in the comments section! You may also want to read our guide to the best dog clippers for home grooming.
