Thread: Keeping lather warm - an alternative to scuttle

Well...like most bowl latherers out there, I had been struggling to find that perfect something that would keep my nice uberlather warm for the duration of my shave. The scuttle seemed to offer the solution until I realized that I needed my lather to stay warm for longer than 15 minutes without the need to refresh the hot water in it.

Then about 1.5 months ago, I stumbled onto the solution

The "Sunbeam Hot Pot Express" (see picture below):



This thing offered many advantages (at least to me):

1. Cheap - $10-$12 at Target. Can't go wrong
2. Keeps water warm and has variable temperature control
3. I can put my mug/brush inside and fill both mug and pot with water and heat while I take my shower...I will have nice warm brush in under 3 minutes
4. I can build lather and put it back in the pot...the warm water in pot will keep the lather warm during each pass.

It is plain AWESOME ...and consistent temperatures all through my shaves, every time. Now, I love my lather even more.


Anyone else tried this?...If so, do share your experiences...good, bad and ugly

PS: I am sure that I have seen a video of someone (not sure if it was Joel or maybe I saw it on YouTube) using this technique too some time ago.

I used to cook with one of those when I was in a dorm. I must say, the variable temp really sets this apart from the other cheep water boilers.

Hello, Bladerunner:

I have seen those hot pots and have been told they work quite well. Good buy, that one.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks Obie

It is remarkable how a small and cheap little thing can lead to such satisfaction

Cheers,
Robert

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Bladerunner:

I have seen those hot pots and have been told they work quite well. Good buy, that one.

Regards,
Obie

I think his name is Pastor... But he uses a Chocolate melter thing I believe with success.

You are right...a quick search revealed the name. It's "The_Pastor", but wasn't able to narrow down which post has the chocolate melter thingy you mentioned (too many posts to go through).

I'd be curious

Thanks

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I think his name is Pastor... But he uses a Chocolate melter thing I believe with success.

Well, I took the plunge and got a RIVAL Hot pot. Mostly, I love it. Now I'm finding that even on the lowest setting, the water boils. I love the fact that I don't have to run the water for minutes on end to get it up to heat: I'm only using a small amount in the hot pot and boom, it gets hot. Problem is, it gets the water so hot, and the mug, that I can barely pick it up.

What is the best proposed method of using the hot pot. I'm using SRPs scented soaps, and they melt right away, which I like, and makes lather in no time. I just need to regulate the heat better. HELP!

Originally Posted by Gracecab

Well, I took the plunge and got a RIVAL Hot pot. Mostly, I love it. Now I'm finding that even on the lowest setting, the water boils. I love the fact that I don't have to run the water for minutes on end to get it up to heat: I'm only using a small amount in the hot pot and boom, it gets hot. Problem is, it gets the water so hot, and the mug, that I can barely pick it up.

What is the best proposed method of using the hot pot. I'm using SRPs scented soaps, and they melt right away, which I like, and makes lather in no time. I just need to regulate the heat better. HELP!

At the lowest setting, the water should be very warm, not boiling hot (at least with the Sunbeam). What I do is fill the pot with water (almost to top). I put my bowl (5-6" opening at the mouth) which fits at the rim of the pot (with the bowl ~60% immersed and touching the warm water inside the pot). I make lather and it keeps it warm. Often I just unplug the pot so as to keep the water inside the pot from heating up again...very effective. It does the same thing as a scuttle, except with much more water, hence keeping the temp warmer for longer, I think.

Try it, see what happens. The RIVAL may get hotter...maybe get it filled, heated and unplug while your mug/bowl (with lather) is inside feeling warm and cozy . You have to experiment a bit to find what works the best with your lather.

In addition to that, if nothing else I'm sure there is something you can get to reduce the voltage input into the pot, essentially some kind of resistor I suppose.

wow.very creative!

pcdad