If you’ve ever had a good hot lather shave, you know that there’s no replacement. Warm lather opens your pores and relaxes your skin, giving you a much closer and more relaxing shave. Not to mention it just feels good.
But, a good warm lather at home can be hard to achieve. If you have the time, you can use an old-fashioned shave bar and whip up your own lather with a boar-bristle brush. But that takes time, know-how, and a way of warming up your scuttle.
That takes a lot more time than the more convenient canned shaving creams. There is a solution though. Shaving cream warmers will let you get the benefits of a hot lather with the convenience of pre-mixed canned shaving creams.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best shaving cream warmers. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each model, and also talk about which system is best for different men.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Conair HGL1NR/HGL1R Lather Heating System |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Heating Time: 2-5 minutes |
| Compatible Shaving Cream: Canned Shaving Creams (almost all) |
| Likely to work with your preferred brand of canned shaving cream. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| BaBylissPRO Barberology LatherFX Hot Machine |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Heating Time: 5-10 minutes |
| Compatible Shaving Cream: Canned shaving creams, both foaming and gels |
| Works with almost all canned shaving creams, and heats quickly. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Conair HLM11CH Chrome Hot Lather Machine |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Heating Time: 1 minute |
| Compatible Shaving Cream: Lathering products only |
| Works with almost all standard and large sizes of canned shaving creams, lots of temperature control. |
| Check Amazon |
What are the Advantages of a Hot Lather?
We all know that a hot lather while you shave feels good. But you may be wondering if that pleasant feeling is worth the cost of your very own shaving cream warmer. In addition to the comfort, hot lather can have significant benefits for your skin.
Works for Any Shaving
One of the biggest myths about hot lather shaving is that it’s meant for your face specifically. Anywhere you shave, you can apply a hot lather and receive benefits. That means your chest, your back, your legs, whatever you shave regularly.
Start with cooler temperatures any time you try a hot lather shave and work your way up. You may find that your face, chest, arms, and more all prefer a different lather temperature.
Moisturizing Your Skin
One of the biggest benefits you can expect from a hot lather is better moisturization. The heat in the lather increases circulation in your skin. It also helps the cells relax and your pores open. That means that the moisturizing ingredients are absorbed more easily at the same time.
The extra moisture you get from a hot lather can be particularly effective for men with sensitive skin. Choosing a good shaving cream and pairing it with a warmer is a good way to make sure your skin is getting the nutrition it needs.
Softening Your Hair
Another benefit of a hot lather is that it softens your facial hair as you get ready to shave. That does a couple of things for your hair and skin.
For one thing, your hair will dull blades more slowly when its softer and more relaxed. You’ll be able to go longer without sharpening or replacing your blades while using a hot lather.
It’s also more comfortable. Softening your hair allows for a closer shave. It’s particularly important for men with coarse hair types. Well-hydrated hair is also less prickly and less likely to itch.
That means you (and your partners) will be more comfortable as your stubble grows in. The hair will be smoother and softer, and less prickly and itchy.
Lift the Hair for a Closer Shave
The last benefit is that you can get a significantly closer shave with a hot lather. As your skin relaxes, the lather can lift hairs so that they orient away from the skin instead of next to it. That means that you’re more likely to get every hair on the first pass and that you’re able to get closer to the skin.
That way, you can go longer between shaves. The more often you have to shave, the more likely you are to irritate the skin underneath. By shaving less often, you give your skin more time to heal and less reason to be irritated or inflamed afterward.
6 Best Shaving Cream Warmers Comparison Table
If you already know you want a shaving cream warmer, this quick list will help you decide which model is best for you. For more details, read on.
| Product Name | Heating Time | Compatible Shaving Cream | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conair HGL1NR/HGL1R Conair Gel and Lather Heating System | 2-5 minutes | Canned Shaving Creams (almost all) | Check Price |
| Wahl Professional ’19 Hot Lather Machine #68908 | 50 minutes | Liquid Shaving cream, particularly Wahl brand | Check Price |
| BaBylissPRO Barberology LatherFX Hot Lather Gel Machine | 5-10 minutes | Canned shaving creams, both foaming and gels | Check Price |
| Lather Time Professional Hot Lather Machine | 10 minutes | Liquid Shaving Cream | Check Price |
| Conair HLM11CH Chrome Hot Lather Machine | 1 minute | Lathering products only | Check Price |
| Common Wealth Professional Deluxe Hot Lather Machine Barber Latherizer | 30 minutes | Liquid shaving cream concentrate | Check Price |
6 Best Shaving Cream Warmers: Detailed Reviews
1. Conair HGL1NR/HGL1R Conair Gel and Lather Heating System (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
This model is one of the most popular options for men who want a heating system that isn’t much bigger than a can of shaving cream on its own. While canned shaving cream is usually a lower quality than shaving bars, you can still enjoy the feeling and benefit of a hot lather.
This warmer also has the advantage of versatility. Instead of requiring a proprietary shaving cream blend, it’s designed to work with almost any canned shaving cream. That means you can stick with the brand and scent you prefer, instead of making the switch.
It’s also a little more allergy-friendly if you have to use a specific product to avoid certain ingredients.
A dial on top of the heating system gives you a lot of control over how much lather you produce. This warmer is also compatible with gel alternatives. Gel has its own control on the dial, so you can make sure your product is properly prepared.
The on/off/ and ready buttons also make it easy to tell when the system is ready for operation. It only takes a minute or two for the warmer to heat up, saving you time and effort every morning.
It also provides temperature control, ranging from a lightly warmed lather to comfortably hot. The temperature control is also fully adjustable, so you can change the temperature day to day.
This warmer gets our best bargain rating not simply because it’s one of the most affordable options, but because it’s also a flexible and effective tool. If you’re looking for superior shaving comfort, a hot lather is a good way to get one.
This tool provides an affordable option for men who prefer the convenience of canned shaving creams. It’s suitable for a single user and has enough options to meet almost any preference.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 1.4 lbs |
| Dimensions: 4 x 7.1 x 8 inches |
| Temperature: Variable temperature control |
| Compatibility: Suitable for lather and gel shaving creams |
| Contains: Ready indicator light, on/off button, 120V plug |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Likely to work with your preferred brand of canned shaving cream |
| Heats quickly |
| Compact and easy to store |
| Easy to use design |
| Lots of settings and control |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Only works with canned shaving cream |
| Best for 1 user, not multiple |
2. Wahl Professional ’19 Hot Lather Machine #68908
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0
Wahl is one of the companies that balances consumer products and professional products best. While this warmer is designed with the professional side in mind more than consumer use, it’s still a good option for men who don’t mind waiting on the machine to heat up a little.
We’d also recommend this shaving cream warmer as a good option for houses with multiple people shaving regularly. Because this is a professional warmer, it’s designed to work over a long period of time and produce a lot of lather.
However, that also means that it takes longer for this warmer to heat up or cool off. It requires a little more energy than some alternatives.
This being a professional machine, it also requires liquid shaving cream vs. canned or bar shaving cream. That limits your brand choices, but you do still have some options.
You’ll also get a bottle of Wahl liquid lather so you can see if it’s texture and scent work well for you. Since Wahl’s products tend to be designed for coarser hair types, it’s liquid shaving cream is also highly moisturizing and works particularly well for thick coarse facial hair.
Lather comes you thick and ready to use. The warmer itself is relatively compact, but you may still want to make sure you have the space for it.
After all, this warmer is designed for a barbershop counter instead of next to the bathroom sink.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 1 lb |
| Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches |
| Heating Time: 50 minutes |
| Compatibility: Liquid Shaving cream, particularly Wahl brand |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Heats a lot of lather and maintains heat longer |
| Liquid shaving cream produces rich lather texture |
| Includes a bottle of Wahl brand liquid shaving cream |
| Compact compared to similar machines |
| Ready light and other indicators for ease of use |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Takes 50 minutes to heat lather to full temperature |
| Liquid shaving cream harder to find than canned varieties |
| Less suitable for households with only one person shaving |
3. BaBylissPRO Barberology LatherFX Hot Lather Gel Machine (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
Another smaller shaving cream warmer, the LatherFX is designed to work with all universal shaving cream cans and provides a high-quality warm shave quickly. While it doesn’t have as much control over the lathering texture as some other machines, you can stick to the brand and scents you prefer.
Any shaving cream that comes in a 7oz or 10oz can is compatible with this system.
A temperature dial provides a great deal of flexibility as well. Its warming system will allow you to go between lukewarm and hot temperatures.
This system also features a ready light, which indicates that the lather is fully heated.
The system works with both lathers and gels. Watch to make sure you don’t overheat gels since that can cause them to break down and change the texture.
The 12-month limited warranty that comes with the LatherFX also protects you in case of any manufacturer errors or shorts along the way.
That added peace of mind is important, especially if this is your first time trying a shaving cream warmer. The warranty means that you’re protected if anything goes wrong. It also means that you have access to extra support if you need it while you’re learning to use your new shaving tool.
The included lather bowl is also a handy addition. Instead of dispensing the hot lather onto your hand, the bowl will help it maintain heat longer and let you take your time to apply the shaving cream.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 1.6 lbs |
| Dimensions: 4 x 7.1 x 8.5 inches |
| Temperature: Heats gels hotter than lathers, temperature varies somewhat with different products |
| Compatibility: Compatible with most cans with a neck |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Works with almost all canned shaving creams |
| Heats quickly |
| Allows for temperature control |
| Comes with a shaving cream bowl |
| Ready indicator for easy use |
| Comes with a 12-month limited warranty |
| Different nozzles for gels and lather |
| Automatic Shutoff |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not much control over texture and thickness |
| Cans need to have a neck to be compatible |
| Need to read instructions for differences between gels and lathers |
4. Lather Time Professional Hot Lather Machine
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
If you’re looking for a larger lather machine, like if you have two more people who would appreciate a hot lather shave, this may be the tool for you. It’s designed to heat your lather a little faster than some commercial models while preserving a small enough profile to fit on most countertops.
It’s also easy to keep this machine clean and safe. The warmer comes with a rubber sheet to make sure it doesn’t slip around. Even if your counter constantly gets wet during your morning routine, your shaving cream warmer will be safe and stationary.
You’ll also receive a cleaning brush. One of the most common problems with shaving cream warmers is that the later can clog the pumps and internal tubing. The cleaning brush will help you keep everything in working order and sanitary.
That’s a big plus for men who don’t like replacing tools every few years. It’s also a bonus for men with sensitive skin since it can help make sure you’re not getting bacteria or dirt from the machine on your skin.
The pump is also powered by a long-lasting motor. You won’t have to worry about the motor giving out or having to replace your pumps for a long time.
That said, there are some downsides. The Lather Time machine is sensitive to the water level in its tank and slows down the lower the water gets. Unlike most shaving cream warmers, where the main complaint is that the lather doesn’t get warm enough, you should be careful with this warmer. It can get far too warm.
However, if you’re looking for a genuinely hot lather experience, this might be the machine for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 5lbs |
| Dimensions: 9 x 4.5 x 5.7 inches |
| Compatibility: Compatible with most liquid shaving creams |
| Comes with: Comes with an 8ox bottle of shaving cream, DC motor, cleaning brush, rubber pad |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Very hot lather |
| Long-lasting design |
| Powerful motor |
| Comes with a cleaning brush |
| Less likely to clog |
| Compact design |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Sensitive to water levels in its tank |
| Heating and dispensing time somewhat variable |
| Only compatible with liquid shaving creams |
5. Conair HLM11CH Chrome Hot Lather Machine (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
This is one model of shaving cream warmer you know you can count on. Initially released as a budget option, the price on this Conair has gradually increased. That’s because it performs well above its weight class when it comes to producing a good, rich, hot lather.
The biggest downside to this design is that it doesn’t work with shaving gels. However, by losing the gel functionality they’ve been able to perfect the design for hot lather.
Compatible with most shaving cream cans (but not gel cans), you can keep your same brand and scent, just like the other Conair shaving cream warmer on this list. That means you don’t have to experiment with other brands and can count on having the same texture and moisturizing benefits you’re used to.
This warmer also operates impressively quickly, heating in only a minute. You have some temperature control. There isn’t a significant time difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures.
This warmer is a little larger and designed to work with any standard or large shaving cream cans. It won’t, however, work with small, sample, or travel-sized shaving cream options.
It has a small indicator light that tells you as soon as the lather is ready. Between that and the temperature control, it’s easy to use.
We do also want to note that this is another product that can heat your lather a little too much. Gradually increase the temperature until you find a setting you like. Unlike most other warmers, this offering from Conair gets hot enough to be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.
This machine gets our top pick for a few reasons. While there are other shaving cream warmers on our list that meet the same basic standards as this model, this is the only one that’s designed for consumer use. The other shaving cream warmers of similar quality are all professional machines.
This one is more compact making it better for most bathroom counters. It’s also easier to use 1-handed and heats faster than its commercial competitors.
That said, it’s also more expensive than most of the consumer models. This Conair shaving cream warmer is a good option for men who enjoy a hot lather and don’t mind paying a little extra for the luxury.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 1.35 lbs |
| Compatibility: Compatible with standard and large size containers, only compatible with foaming products |
| Contains: Readiness indicator light, temperature dial, chrome finish |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Lots of temperature control |
| Heats incredibly quickly |
| Works with almost all standard and large sizes of canned shaving creams |
| Ready light for easy use |
| Small and designed for consumer use |
| Portable |
| Designed to operate with 1 hand |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can produce uncomfortably hot lather |
| Doesn’t work with shaving gels |
| Not designed for repeated back to back use |
6. Common Wealth Professional Deluxe Hot Lather Machine Barber Latherizer
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
If you’re looking for a consumer product that balances professional and consumer needs and design features, this may be it. A little smaller than most professional shaving cream warmers, it can heat and maintain heat longer than most consumer models.
Designed to look a bit like a standard soap dispenser on a larger size, this shaving cream warmer is a reasonable addition to most bathroom counters.
However, like the other professional-style warmers on this list, it requires liquid shaving cream. Specifically, this shaving cream warmer works best with liquid concentrates. It comes with an 8oz bottle of concentrate to get you started.
The internal thermostat gives you control over the temperature, over a wide range of options. Regardless of the temperature setting, you should give this unit about 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
It comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which is good protection against lemon machines or damage caused in transit.
This machine also comes with a boar bristle brush. The brush is perfect for applying the hot lather to your face and adds to the vintage experience.
Overall, this is a good fit for men who are looking for more versatility but don’t want the long wait-times or large body plans of a professional warmer.
It’s also a good medium between function and price. A little more expensive than the budget consumer models, but less expensive than most professional models, you’ll get exactly what you paid for with this shaving cream warmer.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Weight: 2.3 lbs |
| Warranty: 1-year warranty |
| Comes with: Comes with a boar bristle brush, 8oz sample liquid lather, detailed thermostat control |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Heats a larger quantity of lather at once |
| Works well with liquid concentrates |
| Wide range of temperature control |
| Comes with a 1-year warranty |
| Boar bristle brush included |
| The Cons |
|---|
| 30 minutes to heat the lather |
| Only works with liquid concentrates |
Conclusion
You don’t have to go to a barbershop for a good hot lather shave, anymore. Hopefully, after reading this article, you not only know some of the best shaving cream warmers on the market but which features and benefits are most important to you.
Keep in mind whether you need a warmer that will work with your preferred shaving cream, or whether you would be open to switching to a new product. How hot do you want your hot lather to be? Some warmers will only produce a warm lather, while others will produce a hot, and even uncomfortable, lather if you want it to.
Most importantly, we trust that each of these products is a high-quality and reliable option. While none of them are perfect, we’re sure you’ll be able to find an effective and helpful shaving cream warmer on our list.
Contents
- What are the Advantages of a Hot Lather?
- 6 Best Shaving Cream Warmers Comparison Table
- 6 Best Shaving Cream Warmers: Detailed Reviews
- 1. Conair HGL1NR/HGL1R Conair Gel and Lather Heating System (Best Budget)
- 2. Wahl Professional ’19 Hot Lather Machine #68908
- 3. BaBylissPRO Barberology LatherFX Hot Lather Gel Machine (Best Value)
- 4. Lather Time Professional Hot Lather Machine
- 5. Conair HLM11CH Chrome Hot Lather Machine (Top Pick)
- 6. Common Wealth Professional Deluxe Hot Lather Machine Barber Latherizer
