This may have been tried by someone already but as a NOOB I wouldn't know. I found a miniture electric crockpot that came with our full size one, forgot I had it. I plugged it in on my vanity where I shave and let it warm up. I placed a small dollop of Pinauds shave cream in and then worked it with a fairly wet badger brush. The lather produced was nice and warm. I lathered just one side of my face and placed the brush back in the pot after rewetting just the tips of it. The brush will stand upright if you push it down a little. Repeated for the other side and then same process for second ATG passes. Very comforting. Just need to find an insert for the crockpot that will fit and transfer heat because cleanup is a PITA.
I've used a coffee mug warmer. Need to use it more now that the weather getting cooler. Similar Idea to a scuttle, so I think the mini-crock would work well. Good thinking.
I've been kicking around the idea of getting a coffee mug warmer for keeping the lather warm as well. I might have to give it a go soon.
There is actually a thread here where a bunch of people found mini crock pots and posted their finds from target and what not. Most of them around 20 USD which is cheaper then most scuttles. I couldn't find the thread but I will keep looking. C. S. Budzi
it happens every now and then. the barber shop I visit uses mug warmers to keep the lather warm. I've never gotten a shave there since they use cartridges *but* they do shave the back of the neck with a shavette. so the pros even use mug warmers. thought of trying it myself but I don't have enough counter space.
My routine is to fill the sink part way with HOT water, to the point that it's just below the rim of my mug. Keeps the mug and lather adequately warm. When done, drain the water, dry the mug. No cords, no hassle and NO ELECTRICITY concerns.
Guess it depends on your budget , your bathroom, and how 'traditional' you like things ... If you have a newer home that has GFI outlets (e.g. outlets with built in circuit breakers which greatly reduces the chance for electrocusion and is actually a building code requirement in my localities) .... have the space for another corded item on your vanity top... and don't want/can't afford to spend $40-65 for a new ceramic scuttle then a little $8 crock pot sounds like a GREAT option for the luxury of a hot lather shave. If you don't want another corded item in your bathroom... or just prefer a feeling of tradition or simplicity then the scuttle is the way to go... Personally, I'd say so long as it gets you the warm lather you enjoy, go with whatever option works best for you because in the end it's about the point of either is the pleasure and joy the warm lather gives you. Either path will get you there so it's just a matter of which journey your prefer to reach that warm, luxurious destination.
I know it would be better lather for me heated, I just get good shaves already, and would have to find the money and the space for the extra piece of gear.
I picked up a little mug warmer at a goodwill in my area. It was $3 brand new. I should have bought a spare for that price.
I read on another forum about people using a self watering planter from the gardening section at WalMart for $3.00 to act as a scuttle. You can also search ebay for violet planter or violet pot to get an idea of what it looks like. This method supposedly works really well.
