Get Hot and Foamy with the 5 Best Shaving Cream Warmers
If you’re looking for a way to make your shave a more luxurious experience, a shaving cream warmer is a great option. Shaving cream warmers are about more than just “not slapping yourself in the face with cold foam every morning.” Warmer foam is easier to distribute evenly and softens your whiskers—making them easier to shave. You get better lather, a closer shave, and less irritation and razor burn. The drawback? They can be pretty unreliable, and the number of personal-use models available is pretty limited.
Conair HGL1NR/HGL1R Gel and Lather Heating System
Conair has a heavy presence in the world of shaving cream warmers. As far as home use goes, they’re generally the most well-liked and reliable company. This Conair model is a little more versatile than some others. A variable temperature control makes it suitable for gel in addition to regular shaving cream—though some customers say they wish it had a little more heat to it.
Conair HLM10
Conair’s HLM10 is maybe the most well-loved shaving cream warmer out there, which is why it’s a shame that it’s harder to find. It’s a fair bit pricier than the newer Conair warmer. And while it doesn’t work with gel, it does fit a wider variety of can sizes than the newer model. It heats up in about a minute and dispenses a nice, warm lather.
Conair HLM5CS
This compact Conair lather heater is smaller and more convenient in some ways. Most Conair shaving cream warmers basically come down to this top piece. You don’t necessarily need the plastic tube for the shaving cream can to sit in. So why not just buy the part that does the work? This heater fits over the top of a regular- or travel-sized shaving cream can, replacing the dispenser cap. It heats up in less than a minute, and it costs less than the HLM10. (Though it’s still a fair bit more than the newer Conair warmer model.)
Lather Time Professional Hot Lather Machine
The good news about Lather Time’s offering is that it’s very well-loved and well-rated by a ton of people. The bad news is that it’s a professional-grade machine. You’ll get a fantastic lather, for sure. But it takes about an hour for the machine to crank up and get going. Some users even say they just leave theirs on 24/7. In terms of price and size this is probably more heavy-duty than most home users want. But it also seems to be one of the most reliable warmers out there. If warm shaving cream is important enough to you to justify the time, money, and space, you could do a lot worse.
Common Wealth Professional Deluxe Hot Lather Machine
Common Wealth’s lather machine offers a middle ground between the inexpensive Conair model and the higher-end warmers. It heats up in about 30 minutes—longer than most home models but faster than most professional ones. It comes with a range of temperature options, a large refillable bottle, and a badger shaving brush. The problem is that it’s extremely hit or miss. Online reviews split between people who love it and people who say it broke down within months. When it works, it works well. But that seems like a pretty iffy proposition
