Wahl Peanut Clipper/Trimmer Review – A Deceptively Good Machine

The Wahl Peanut Clipper/Trimmer is Wahl’s most successful and biggest-selling, hair clipper/trimmer. This professional use clipper has become somewhat of a ‘style icon’ among the top clipper models, with its small peanut shape, lightweight, and funky body design. It almost looks too gimmicky to be taken seriously. Despite its ‘quirkiness’, the Peanut Clipper is actually a very clever design and has been a long-term favorite among professional barbers. That’s not to say us mere mortals can’t, or shouldn’t own one, to use at home.

Wahl Peanut Clipper/Trimmer Models

When searching for the Wahl Peanut Clipper/Trimmer, you might be forgiven for being a little confused as to what model is what. Don’t worry..I’ve got you! There are in fact, up to 6 versions of the Wahl Peanut, if you include their limited edition. The good news is, there is very little to choose between any of them in terms of performance and specifications. All of the models are approx 4 inches long and weigh just 4 ounces. Despite the small size and lightweight, it sits perfectly in the palm of your hand giving you a lot of control, especially for detailed work. At 5,500 spins per minute, the powerful rotary motor emits a reassuring hum, and the stainless steel blade makes light work of coarse or black hair. Whichever Peanut Clipper you choose, they all come with the following:

• 4 attachment combs for trimming different hair lengths: 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″
• A detachable blade
• Blade guard
• Cleaning brush
• Oil
• Operating instructions

That’s it. Nice and simple – a tried and tested formula that works well.

Classic Peanut

Wahl Professional Peanut Classic Clipper/Trimmer #8685

View the Wahl Classic Peanut Clipper/Trimmer on Amazon

The Wahl ‘Classic’ Peanut Clipper was first introduced in 2003, and its popularity has grown over time, largely due to its size and weight. Wahl produced a miniature, commercial-grade clipper that has all the power of a full-size model. And because it has such an effective motor and cutting blade, the Peanut can be used to cut hair, trim beards, be used for detailed work, even as a shaver. This is the original design and is still selling well today. The saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is exactly what the Peanut Classic is about.

Wahl Peanut (Latest Model)

Wahl Professional Peanut Clipper/Trimmer #8655- 200 (Black)

View the Wahl Peanut Clipper #8655-200 (Black) on Amazon

In 2007 Wahl changed the look of its Classic Peanut to.. look more like a peanut! As you can see, the latest model has a distinctive peanut shape and funky body design. It comes as a black version (my favorite) and white –

Wahl Professional Peanut Clipper/Trimmer #8655 (White)

View the Wahl Peanut Clipper/Trimmer #8655 (White) on Amazon

Both the Peanut and the Classic Peanut come with a 7 foot, professional-grade cord, giving you plenty of travel distance.

Wahl Peanut Cordless

Wahl Professional Peanut Cordless Clipper/Trimmer #8663

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can buy the Peanut Clipper with an attached power cord, or as a cordless version.

View the Wahl Peanut Cordless Clipper/Trimmer on Amazon

Obviously, the cordless model makes life easier when cutting hair, and despite being cordless, it’s surprising how powerful the motor is. The Peanut Cordless comes with a battery recharging station and operates on just 1 AA battery. (2 rechargeable batteries are supplied). The Cordless Peanut is slightly more expensive than the corded version but well worth the money. I’m a big fan of cordless hair clippers and this little model is an absolute gem!

Wahl Peanut Limited Editions

Limited edition Peanut Clippers do come and go, so keep an eye out if you’re looking for one a bit different.

The Haute Tropix Peanut is Wahl’s latest limited edition, Peanut Clipper.

View the Wahl Haute Tropix Peanut Clipper on Amazon

The design isn’t different or funky enough for my liking, but you might think otherwise! They also do a Hot Pink version of the Classic. Again this is exactly the same as the Peanut Classic, except the writing is in Pink. Come on Wahl, be a bit more creative!

Peanut Clipper Accessories

Wahl Travel / Storage Case

If you travel a lot, or just have the odd weekends away, this is the perfect clipper to take with you. This Wahl Travel/Storage Case is perfect to store or transport your Peanut Clipper. It’s small and strong and will protect your clipper wherever you go. Dimensions: 7.87” X 7” X 3.11”. Please note: Whichever Peanut you have, it is intended for use in the USA/Canada only – at 120 volts. Outside of these countries, you’ll need a voltage transformer to use them.

WAHL Comb Set For Peanut Clipper/Trimmer

It’s always a good idea to keep a spare set of clipper guards. The day will come when you can’t find the size you want or you drop it and break it.

Wahl Peanut Clipper Guard Sizes:

This Comb Set contains 4 sizes: 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ and will fit all Wahl Peanut models.

Snap-On Replacement Blades

Replacing the blade in these clippers/trimmers is incredibly simple and quick to do. Have a spare set ready to go when you need them. If you have the Black Peanut, you’ll want the black replacement blade. My advice is to buy Wahl original replacement blades – not cheap imitations from China overseas. That way, if you have any issues, you have excellent customer support from Wahl – based in the US.

Pros And Cons

Pros

• Small and lightweight – Just 4 inches and 4 ounces.
• Good grip and easy handling.
• Easy to remove and clean the blade.
• Powerful motor for its size.
• Can be used to trim beards, cut hair, detailed work or as a shaver.
• Comes in a corded or cordless model.
• Perfect for traveling.
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Vibrates a bit due to its size and weight.
• Can only choose from 4 guard sizes.
• Heavy, bulky battery charging unit (cordless model).
• No carry/storage case.
• Corded models only work on 120v supply (transformer required for international use).

Videos

The Wahl Peanut In Action..Straight Out Of The Box

How To Oil A Wahl Peanut Blade

FAQs

Q. Are there any additional guards/comb guides other than the 4 lengths supplied? A. No, there are no other Peanut Clipper guides other than the 4 lengths that are supplied. You can buy replacement guides but only in the same sizes. Q. Can it be used to cut my kid’s hair? A. Despite the small size, these clippers emit quite a loud humming noise. If you have children with autism or children that can’t tolerate noise or vibrations around their head, I wouldn’t use these clippers. There are some very good quiet hair clippers for kids and toddlers that are more suitable. If you have children that are fine with the noise, then yes, these clippers are actually very well suited to cut their hair. Q. Can I use these clippers at home? A. All Wahl Peanut clippers are intended for commercial, professional use. But there’s no reason why they can’t be used at home. It just may take a little time to become proficient with them. Many reviewers have stated that these clippers are the easiest and safest they’ve used. Q. Is it good for trimming neck hair? A. Yes, it is ideal for cleaning up those short hairs around your neck and ears. Also great for eyebrows, sideburns, and mustache. Q. Is it good for buzz cuts? A. Yes. The buzz cut is one of the easiest hairstyles to achieve, and the peanut will help you create this look.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be fooled by the novelty look of these clippers, they have the power of a larger clipper but in miniature size. They are compact, lightweight, and powered by a decent motor. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for cutting longer or thicker hair, or wet hair. The Peanut’s strength lies in its close shaves/cuts, detailed work, and easy control. If you want the freedom to work intricately, the Wahl Peanut Clipper is a great choice. Peter