WhichOneToGet
Updated 3 Nov 2026

Is the Philips Satinelle Essential worth it?

Yes β€” if you want a cheap, simple epilator.

It's one of the cheapest epilators from a big brand: compact, corded, two speeds and a head you can rinse. It's dry-only and slower than the cordless models, but owners rate it as good value and many have bought it again.

Philips Satinelle Essential hair removal device
90%of 99 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
  • Very cheap
  • Small and light
  • Rinsable head

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What owners say

Most owners call it good value and effective, and several bought it again. The main complaint is hairs it breaks.

Good to know

  • Coarse hair can break instead of coming out.
  • It's corded, so you stay near a socket.

From 99 buyer ratings at Elgiganten (Nordics), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this

What they love

  • Good valueMentioned a lot
  • Effective, leaves skin smoothMentioned often
  • Bought it againMentioned often
  • Less painful than expectedAlso mentioned

What they complain about

  • Weak or breaks hairsRare

Get it if…

  • You want the cheapest decent epilator.
  • You want something small for legs.
  • You have light hair IPL can't treat.

Skip it if…

  • You want to epilate in the shower.
  • You want fewer passes over coarse hair.
  • You want long-term reduction instead.

More on the Satinelle Essential

How we reached this verdict

Which? tested a sibling Satinelle Essential (BRE285), and Philips lists it as a compact corded epilator with two speeds and a washable head. Verified owners at Elgiganten mostly call it good value and effective, and several bought it again; the common complaint is hairs that break.

We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.

Sources: Which?, Philips Satinelle Essential, Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Which?, T3, Tom's Guide, Philips Lumea 9900, Braun Pro 5, manufacturer specifications.

Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide