I can’t grow a nice beard like my AWT compadre, Steve Sande. Which is just as well, since I love the feel of a clean shave. I shave every morning, which is why I was intrigued to test out the Gillette Heated Razor.
First of all, let me point out that this is not a razor for everyone — mainly due to its $230 price tag. That said, I’ve never had closer, smoother, more enjoyable shaves than the ones I have with the Heated Razor.
Touted to “deliver the comfort of a hot towel with every stroke,” the razor comes with a heated strip that touches your skin as you shave. Don’t expect to get an experience as fine as a hot towel shave in a barber shop, but, as Gillette promises, the added heat increases glide and reduces the tugging feel.
The Gillette Heated Razor looks like most other razors that have disposable blades. However, it comes with its a dock, where you place it to wirelessly charge the built-in lithium battery when not in use. You get six days’ worth of shaves on a full charge (assuming you shave once a day). This makes it convenient to carry on a short-ish vacation or business trip. However, note that it contains magnets, so keep it away from any tech items that don’t like magnetism.
To use, remove the Heated Razor from the dock, press the power button to start it up (it takes about two seconds to power up), and choose your desired heat level (either 109 degrees or 122 degrees Fahrenheit). I like the higher setting, and the warm blade makes for a comfortable, smooth shave. Four intelligent heat sensors consistently maintain an even warmth at your preferred temperature through each shaving stroke.
The Heated Razor uses Gillette’s FlexDisc. This adjusts the blade’s angle to the contour of your face, so there are no missed spots. The razor is fully waterproof so you can use it in the sink or the shower.
I like the feel and heft of the Heated Razor handle. Its premium-grade aluminum zinc adds a touch of sophistication.
The Heated Razor Starter Kit comes with the Heated Razor, magnetic charging dock and plug, and two GilleteLabs blade cartridges. Since price is the main drawback to the Heated Razer, you should also note that it only works with GilletteLabs blade cartridges designed exclusively for it. They’re $25 for a pack of four.
However, I’ve never had razor blades last as long as those for the Heated Razor. With previous disposable razors, I had to replace the blade at least every 30 days. With the new Gillette razor, I’ve been using it for almost six weeks. It looks like it will make it an entire 60 days without having to be replaced. That doesn’t make the Heated Razor any less pricey, but it doesn’t help mitigate the sting of the initial outlay of moolah.
If you only shave occasionally or don’t wrestle with a lot of stubble, the Gillette Heated Razor isn’t for you. However, if you’re a daily shaver who wants the best shaving tool money can buy, this razor is a cut above the competition.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
