Braun Series 3 3040 Review: Wet and Dry Shaving Option

by Garrick Dee | Last Updated: July 18th, 2020

The previous two Braun reviews I’ve written were about top-of-the-line razors that cost over $200.

Now that’s a lot of money for an electric razor, and not a lot of men would be willing to invest in such.

Fortunately, Braun also has products that aren’t as expensive as their newer razors.

The Series 3 3040 is one such product that has similar 3 piece flexible cutting elements (and a MicroComb – more on that later). But minus the pivoting head.

Braun says that this razor is capable of doing a wet or a dry shave, depending on your preference.

This is cordless, and a full charge will give you around 45 minutes for shaving, but you cannot use this plugged in. It is excellent for traveling, though.

A quick look at the features

• The shaving head has three independently floating elements that follow the contours of your face (this is virtually the same as in the Series 7 and Series 9 minus the pivoting head)
• MicroComb technology helps this shaver cut three-day beard growth with minimal irritation
• SenseFoil feature allows the razor to cut smoothly and give you a close shave
• Wet and dry shaving functionality (you can use shaving cream or gel)
• Has a trimmer that you can use on your sideburns or goatee
• 100% washable
• The grooved body will give you great ergonomics and will not slip easily
• Takes on 1 hour to recharge (with an optional 5 min. quick charge)
• 45 minute run time
• 2-year warranty

Pros

• Great price
• You can shave wet or dry depending on your preference
• Short recharge time with an even shorter quick charge feature
• Very ergonomic and the handle has tiny circular debossed patterns that help in terms of grip
• Easy to clean

Cons

• No pivoting head
• You may need several passes to get a really close shave
• No traveling pouch included

What to expect from the Series 3 3040

In typical Braun fashion, the Series 3 3040 is well designed ergonomically. This razor is flanked by a rubberized blue handle with debossed circular patterns that give you added grip.

The head does not pivot as with newer Braun shavers, but it has a similar 3 piece fully flexible blade system the follows the contours of your face.

Triple action cutting system

Braun calls this the triple action cutting system that floats independently. The middle trimmer has a built-in MicroComb that catches hair and holds it place for the blades to cut it.

If your beard growth is all over the place, you may want to look at this product.

Wet and Dry Functionality

As I’ve said in the intro, this product has both wet and dry functionality. You can use it without any shaving cream, or if you prefer wet shaving, then, by all means, apply shaving cream.

You can use this after you shower or even you’re in the shower.

100% Waterproof

You can wash this under running water. This particular variant does not come with the cleaning station, but consumers say it was easy to clean.

Braun says that they’ve submerged this as deep as 500 meters, and it didn’t have any issues.

45 Minute Run Time

A full charge will give you 45 minutes of run time, and charging only takes an hour with an optional 5-minute quick charge if you’re in a hurry, which is pretty surprising since this product uses a Ni-MH battery.

Built-in Trimmer

If you like your goatee, then this is an excellent option for you because it has a built-in trimmer to keep your sideburns even and your goatee looking sharp and neat. You may not need a beard trimmer with this in hand.

What comes inside the box?

You’ll get the 3040 razor, charging plug, and cleaning brush.

See it in Action

It isn’t in English, but here’s a side by test on the dry and wet shaving features of this shaver.

Now, this is a dense beard growth, and the guy in the video is using it to shape his beard. You’ll notice that he needed quite a lot of passes to shave off excess facial hair.

Here’s an unboxing video…

Product Specifications

Consumer Reviews

Most of the men who’ve used this razor were pretty happy with the results they got. A number of them said that the 3040 gave them a close shave despite having their doubts minus the irritation.

Braun apparently did an excellent job in designing the head because men did notice that it was able to capture all of the hair, and cleanup is pretty straightforward. Just use running water from the sink.

Good performer

This razor will provide excellent results, regardless of whether it is used for wet or dry shaving.

Again, everyone has a preference, and the beauty of having a wet/dry shaver like this is the flexibility it gives you.

But remember before you shave, whether an electric or a safety razor, you should make sure to take a hot shower. Or at least wash your face with facial soap to get rid of excess oil and dead skin.

This gives the razor a clear path to mow down all the facial hair in its path.

But I found one thing interesting, some men say that this performed better when dry shaving. Others say it performs better for wet shaving.

You still need to do your part.

There are a lot of variables involved that includes technique, prep done, and facial hair type. So remember your mileage may vary.

Men who didn’t like this said that it pulled and tugged, but there were a lot more satisfied consumers than unsatisfied. Again, your mileage may vary.

Check out the consumer photos in Amazon. I must say for an electric razor, the results are pretty good, no safety razor close, but if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to do a traditional wet shave – this is a great option.

Where can I buy this?

The Braun Series 3 3040S is available on Amazon. It’s one of the cheapest Braun shavers available right now. And it’s eligible for the 2-day free shipping if you join Prime.

Another reason to buy in Amazon would be the extended warranty they offer, up to 3 years.

Please note that if you make a purchase using the link above, I will earn a commission, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win-win for both of us.

To Wrap Up

For a budget electric razor, this product is pretty good. It has the same three-piece cutting system found in the more expensive 7 and 9 series but at a price that will not break the wallet.

You won’t get the pivoting head, but I’d for only a quarter of the price of the top of the line Braun, I’d pick this unless I have $300 to spend.

Overall a great budget option that will give you a close shave, not as close as a safety razor but reasonable enough for you to look professional just in case you have a date, business meeting, or you just need to clear off a 3-day growth.