I was thinking about buying a Sharper Image hot gel/lather machine. Anybody ever use one, any comments. Thanks.
Welcome to the forum. I used one religiously before I got "into" shaving. Mine wasn't from SI, though- Conair made mine. I still use it quite a bit for a nice, warm, pre-shave lather with my left over canned stuff. Let it sit for a bit and then wash it off and lather up with "traditional" soaps or creams. Whichever way you use it, they work pretty well.
Sharper Image is a total rip-off but if you want to spend the money, go for it. As noted, Con-Air makes, though I've never tried it. ... If you switch to a small shaving brush, most notably a boar, dip the bristles in incredibly hot water, don't shake any off, then whip up a lather, you not only get hot lather but better-quality cream.
my post is close to the bottom..i trashed that turd months ago. http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10130
Honestly I have pretty incredible hot lather results just using a nice insulated porcelain or glass bowl. My lather stays nice and warm throughout my 3 pass shave. And even the nicest glass or porcelain bowl is cheaper than any hot lather machine.
I used one for awhile but threw it away after a bit. Just wasn't the same as what my barber used. He had a true machine of some kind. Not just a can warmer.
Welcome! I used the Conair for a little bit. I was never impressed with the results - I just think the canned stuff wasn't made to be heated and doesn't really have the body for it. The lather was noticeably thinner than without using the machine. Also, it doesn't stay warm for very long after coming out of the machine. I've had 2 machines, neither lasted beyond 4-5 months. YMMV.
