11 Best Shaving Bowls to Upgrade Your Shaving Experience

First impressions go a long way and, for men, a well-kept beard speaks volumes. There are so many ways of achieving this and it all starts with a quality shave with a shavette.

Beard grooming has come a long way and long before shaving creams were ever invented, the best shaving bowl was a must-have and this trend has remained up to now.

Best Shaving Bowls (Summary)

These are unbiased opinions based on using products in our homes or barbershops. None of the reviews are sponsored or paid to be promoted. Beardoholic is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. Thank you.

Image	Product	Details
	Most DurableBeardoholic	Non-Slip Grip Makes lathering easier and faster Hood heat retaining ability	Check on Amazon
	Easiest to UsePerfecto	Resistant to damage Heat insulated Designed to provide excellent performance	Check on Amazon
	LightestViking Revolution	Double insulation wall Long Lasting Can be used with any kind of shaving soap	Check on Amazon
	CHARMMAN	Made of natural granite stone Strong heat preservation qualities Fine texture including small ridges enhance the formation of lather	Check on Amazon
	AKStore	Bottom surface has an anti-skid design Can warm up the shaving lather very quickly Made of high-grade stainless steel	Check on Amazon

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

Today best shaving bowls are used as part of the grooming process as more and more men opt to own them. 

12 Best Shaving Bowls – Pros, Cons and Reviews

1. Best Shaving Bowl Overall

With the Beardoholic Shaving Bowl, you never have to bother about it accidentally falling and getting cracked because it was crafted from unbreakable stainless-steel. The material used in producing this bowl makes it capable of withstanding prolonged contact with shaving soap and water without getting damaged.

This shaving bowl features a rough surface with thick edges and an anti-skid ability. It allows for a solid grip and ensures that the bowl is always in place firmly and safely.

How the bottom of the bowl was crafted prevents it from moving, thereby preventing spills. You wouldn’t have to worry about dropping it when you want to place it on your palms.

Getting this bowl means that you might just be getting the last bowl you’ll ever use for shaving. That’s because you can use it for years and it will remain free from rust, scratches or crack.

 

2. Best Shaving Bowl For Soap

Vikings Blade Shaving Bowl is made to provide the best quality and optimum performance. It is designed with the luxury of its users in mind.

This bowl is made of high-grade stainless steel and it is not prone to damage by rust. It will serve its purpose for a long time.

This bowl has a unique technology that allows extra lather to be generated quickly. Its frosted microscopic finish also enhances this feature.

The surface on the back of the bowl is rough, designed to maintain a strong grip. The bowl will also stay firmly and securely in your hands while you shave.

 

3. Best Shaving Mug

Henry Cavendish Shaving Bowl is great for anyone who wants to have a good shave at all times. It is designed to fit nicely into your everyday morning routine.

The cup is made of ceramic and is very durable. This material makes it non-porous and it is able to withstand prolonged contact with shaving soap and water without getting damaged.

It can also be placed in the microwave to heat up shaving soap and melt it. Up to three shaving soap packs can fit into this bowl after they have been melted.

It has a small handle that makes it easy to hold and lift, especially when your hands are wet. The base of the bowl maintains a strong grip on any surface.

 

4. Best Shaving Boal For Cream

Perfecto Shaving Bowl is designed to provide excellent performance that will remove the stress out of shaving. It works well for wet shaving and can be used anywhere.

This bowl is made of highly durable stainless steel. You can move it and use it however you want as it can’t crack, chip or break.

This item is heat insulated, allowing you to have warm lather at all times. It also has good heat retention ability so that the lather will not become cool before you finish shaving.

It is weightless and can easily fit into the palm. It can also be placed on any surface without skidding or sliding.

 

5. Most Lightweight Shaving Bowl

Viking Revolution Shaving Bowl is made with the aim of improving men’s grooming routine. It was created for anyone that takes shaving seriously.

It is constructed with high-quality stainless steel in a double layer that ensures its durability. The bowl will remain the same even after years of use.

A double insulation wall keeps the lather warm for a long time. Shaving will always be a smooth and seamless experience when using this bowl.

It can be used with any kind of shaving soap. With a weight of 1.6 ounces, you can easily hold it while shaving.

 

6. Best Environmentally Friendly Shaving Bowl

Anself Shaving Bowl is a unique product that provides quality service. It is designed to remove the stress out of the process of shaving.

This bowl is made entirely of solid wood. It has a nice texture and features an elegant design. The wood has a natural and delicate shine that will remain the same even after several washings.

The bowl is sturdy and extremely lightweight at just 3.2 ounces. It is environmentally friendly as it does not contain any harmful chemicals.

The wood is of high quality and resistant to damage by corrosion. It is anti-adhering, making it easy to clean.

 

7. Best Shaving Bowl With A Lid

Qshave Shaving Bowl works well with any form of shaving soap or cream. It is made to last a long while without losing any of its shine or getting damaged.

The bowl is made of high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to rust. It also comes with a steel lid that fits loosely on the top of it.

It has an interior space of up to four diameters, providing enough room to form a lather without spilling anything. It has a chrome-plated finish that will not come off.

The lid enhances cleanliness by keeping dirt and debris from your shaving soap. Both the lid and the bowl can be easily cleaned or wiped down.

 

8. Best Granite Stone Shaving Bowl

Charmman combines good performance and an elegant appearance to form a high-quality bowl. It is suitable for anyone that uses the wet form of shaving.

It is constructed from materials made from natural granite stone. The bowl is formed by hand grinding and has a smooth and seamless look.

A fine texture and the inner part and small ridges and grooves on the surface enhance foaming. You will be able to make more amount of lather with this bowl.

The stone has strong heat retention features. It will keep your shaving soap or cream warm throughout your shaving routine.

 

9. Schone

Schone Shaving Bowl is a good product that makes shaving easy and quick. It comes with a lid that fits tightly on top of the bowl.

The item is made of stainless steel and will surely stand the test of time. It has a durable finish that will not peel, flake or become discolored.

It has a polished appearance that will remain the same even after some time. A 4-inch wide base will you enough space to fit any size of shaving soap.

The bowl, combined with the lid, will keep the shaving soap from drying out after use. It is easy to wash and clean.

 

10. Best Stainless Steel Shave Bowl

AKStore Shaving Bowl is made of high-quality stainless steel. The 2.4 ounces bowl is designed to be very durable and compact.

The bottom of the cup has an anti-skid feature, preventing the bowl from moving around while it is being used. This feature also helps to reduce spills and other accidents.

This bowl has an elegant design, with the stainless steel fashioned into an aesthetically pleasing shape. It is brightly polished and has a shiny surface.

The edge is thick and blunt and it’s carefully polished to remove sharp edges. This bowl provides insulation, which can warm up your shaving lather fairly quickly.

 

11. Best Marble Shaving Bowl

Shash Shaving Bowl is designed with a large opening, giving you easy access to the contents. You can move your brush freely and easily control the shaving soap to water ratio.

It is made of solid marble and is resistant to cracks, scratches or chipping. This material is also very easy to clean, just rinse it out or wipe down with a wet cloth.

Interior ridges and grooves allow you to whip up a thick and foamy lather quickly. It has a compact look and fits comfortably in the palm.

It can retain heat for a long period of time. It occupies minimal counter space and makes an elegant addition to any bathroom.

 

12. Best Porcelain Shaving Bowl

Edwin Jagger Shaving Bowl is a suitable product for wet shavers. It is optimized to be used with a shaving brush.

The Edwin Jagger shaving bowl is made of porcelain, a durable material that can withstand a lot of impacts. It has small ridges at the bottom that allow you to form lather easily.

The Edwin Jagger can be used with different types of shaving, soaps or creams. It has a fairly deep interior that can adequately fit and provides extra space for forming a lather.

Edwin Jagger can be heated up to make lather warm. It also has sufficient heat preservation ability that lasts for a while.

 

What Is Shaving Bowl

Best shaving bowls are an essential part of the shaving process and they exist to ensure that lather stays warm throughout the shaving process providing a luxurious experience. 

Some of them are built to help make lather quickly while others are just there to show off a few aspects of the shave or the shaver. They exist in a variety of styles but the major ones are vintage and new. 

Benefits of Using One

If you have been thinking about getting the best shaving bowl, here are a few benefits that you should be aware of:

Helps Create a Nice Lather

Normally, when shaving, most men just wet their brush and face and then put lather on the face. With the best shaving bowl, rather than putting lather on the face, you create lather in the bowl which helps you use the right amount of best shaving cream.  

Keeps Lather Warm

If you have the best shaving bowl, it can keep your lather hot during the entire shave rather than smearing the entire thing on your face at a go.

Prevents Irritation

One of the main benefits of a shaving bowl is that it makes wet shaving possible which in turn reduces irritation and saves you from using razors you can dispose of after shaving.

How Does Shaving Bowl Work

Before shaving creams hit the market, a majority of men used to own best shaving bowls, mugs and scuttles. 

This is because there was only one option when it came to grooming and that was the shaving soap which is why a shaving bowl was a must-have. 

Today, a shaving bowl, just like a shaver with a foil is not necessary but it doesn’t mean that you can’t own one. This product helps you create a lather when you are shaving rather than lathering up on the face. 

This way, with your best shaving brush, you can scoop the lather straight from the bowl and spread it over your beard before shaving. 

Types of Shaving Bowls

While best shaving bowls are not as common as they used to be in the past, they still exist and there are a variety of vintage bowls to choose from. 

Bowls

The traditional shaving bowl is the most common for building up a lather. Just like with best shaving mugs, you can turn any bowl into a shaving one, but there are certain benefits that a shaving bowl offers. 

There are two types of best shaving bowls – one that you lather with and one that you use to store your shaving soap. 

Ideally, most shaving soaps that come pre-packaged in a shaving bowl are not necessarily ideal to lather with. Most of them are just designed to present the shaving soap so that the bowl can entice you into making a purchase. 

The bowls are usually perfectly fitted to the shaving soap such that they sit at the top of the bowl leaving very little room to build rather. 

A lathering bowl, on the other hand, just as the name suggests, is used to build lather in. With such a bowl, the best shaving soap is not kept inside when you are building lather. Instead, you need to load the brush with shaving cream with perfect lather beforehand. 

Best shaving bowls normally come in all manner of sizes and are made of different materials such that you can buy one that matches the décor of your bathroom and one that you are comfortable holding when you are building lather. 

A majority of them are designed such that they can easily fit in your palm allowing you to work your brush well.

There are small bowls that fit in your hand but then your lather is easily lost over the sides. The other bowls are big ensuring that you can vigorously work your brush without losing any shaving soap in the process. 

The best shaving bowls, however, feature a textured surface and can float in hot water so that your lather remains warm when you are shaving. 

Mugs

Mugs are also part of the grooming process. Unlike best shaving bowls, they have high sides to ensure that no lather is lost when you are whipping it up. 

The fact that they have a handle makes them easy to hold on to even when you are working your shaving brush vigorously. 

A majority of people turn their old coffee or tea mugs into shaving mugs which is okay as long as it keeps the lather warm. 

However, if you want something unique, you can get yourself a proper shaving mug. The disadvantage of using regular mugs is that they are usually not wide enough and you end up continuously clinking against the rim of the mug which can damage the brush or the mug itself.

Specific shaving mugs are a bit wider giving you more freedom to swirl your bush around without hitting the rim. Most of them also have bumps and ridges on the inside to increase the friction so that you can build later quickly. 

Scuttles

Scuttles include the original scuttle or the bowl one. The original shaving scuttle resembles a teapot with a handle and spout while the bowl one looks like a bowl that has a hole on the side and a thick base. 

The spout on the original scuttles was filled with warm water and used to dip the shaving brush when working the sap in the past.

The bowl scuttle is designed with a thick base that is filled with water so that the lather remains warm during the shave which is usually the main selling point of this shaving accessory. 

Like best shaving mugs, scuttles have ridges on the inside to help build lather quickly and they have a rustic style that a majority of people are attracted to. 

Materials

Best shaving bowls are made of different materials that include metal, plastic, wood and ceramic. Others are made of less common materials, but, at the end of it all, they all have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to lathering. 

Ceramic

Sometimes referred to as stoneware, this material is used in a variety of household items including team mugs and shaving scuttles. The material holds color well and can be customized with any artwork to fit personal preferences. 

With ceramic, the best quality lies in its ability to hold heat efficiently which is why most shaving scuttles are made of it. 

You can submerge the bowl in hot water before shaving so that the lather remains warm throughout the shaving process. 

Ceramic is also stain-resistant, easy to clean and doesn’t retain smell when you are done with the shaving. 

However, it is susceptible to breaking should you accidentally drop your bowl. The smooth surface also makes it hard to create friction during the lathering process but lather will still form although it will take time. 

Some manufacturers get around this problem by adding ridges and bumps on the inside to help create that friction needed to build lather quickly. 

Metal

Metal is a common material used to make grooming products. This is because it is cheaper than ceramic but more expensive than plastic. 

When you are buying the best shaving bowl, ensure that it is metal that is resistant to rusting like stainless steel so that it can serve you longer.

The other advantage that metal has over ceramic, is that you don’t have to worry about dropping bowl when you are shaving. Metal will not break but some bowls will dent depending on the metal quality. 

Like ceramic, most metal bowls have a smooth surface which doesn’t help in the lathering process. However, unlike ceramic, metal bowls aren’t the best retainers of heat in which case maintain warm lather becomes a point of concern. 

Wood

The grains in wooden bowls tend to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom which is why they are often used in the presentation of good quality soap. 

Finding a good wooden bowl specifically for shaving is tricky but they exist. The rough finish of wood makes the lathering process quite simple.

Wood also does a good job of retaining heat such that you can pre-soak your bowl in water to have warm lather throughout the shaving process. 

Wood will also not break easily when dropped. The only downside is that wood absorbs water if not allowed to fully dry and with time it can warp and develop a musty smell. 

When it comes to pricing, it’s hard to find a wooden bowl that doesn’t come with the best shaving soap which forces you to spend even more. 

Stainless Steel

If you are thinking about buying a metal bowl, you should go for a stainless steel one. Stainless steel bowls will never crack or break when they are dropped.

They also don’t rust which makes them durable. However, like other metals, stainless steel doesn’t retain heat for long and you may need to keep your bowl in hot water several times just to have warm lather. 

Rubber

If you are out of options, you can still opt to get a shaving bowl made of rubber. Rubber, unlike ceramic, does not break and also tends to be cheaper.

They also don’t absorb water like wood. Rubber, just like any other insulator, doesn’t allow heat to pass through which means that your lather will remain warm throughout the shaving process. 

Plastic

Plastic is the most affordable option when it comes to best shaving bowls and is readily available in a variety of colors. 

It is also light in weight and highly durable. It will not break no matter how many times you drop the bowl and is perfect for traveling. 

However, plastic shaving bowls are hard to find, especially in the right size and the best option is to use any kitchen bowl. 

Like ceramic, plastic bowls have a smooth surface that makes lathering take a bit longer. They, however, do not retain heat and are therefore not the best option for those who prefer to shave with warm lather. 

Tools Needed for Wet Shaving

Just as an electric shaver for head removes all hairs, wet shaving is important as it not only reduces irritation but is necessary to achieve a close neat shave. Here are a few tools that you need for wet shaving:

Safety Razor

The first tool you need for wet shaving is a long-lasting safety razor blade which is different from any cartridge razor that ensures safe shaving in terms of the number of blades. Cartridge razors have as many as five blades while a safety razor only packs one. 

This design ends up minimizing irritation and the good news is that you can easily switch blades but you can still use a straight razor with a comfortable grip.

You can start with a sharp blade if you have sensitive skin and then use a less aggressive blade next. 

Shaving Brush

The shaving brush is important in helping build lather when you are using traditional shaving cream or soap. However, it is not necessary if you are using latherless soap. 

Shaving Cream or Soap

Before shaving creams and premium pre-shave oil were invented, the only option that men had was shaving soaps. Both of the products are widely used today to provide lubrication and protect the skin from direct contact with a blade. 

The good thing about shaving soaps and creams is that they don’t contain propellants and alcohol that can dry the skin but instead have ingredients that help the skin. 

Shaving Bowls vs Mugs vs Scuttles

When latherless soaps and gels were not an option, shaving soap was widely used which meant that most men had to own best shaving bowls, mugs or scuttles. So, how are the three different and what are the pros and cons of each?

Shaving Mugs

Shaving mugs are easily available and they have high sides that ensure that lather is not lost. They are also easy to hold since they have a handle on the side like a traditional coffee or tea mug. 

While you may opt to run and old tea mug into shaving mugs, most of them are not wide enough and you may end up damaging the mug or the shaving brush in the process. 

Specific shaving mugs are, however, wider and they give you more room to build lather and most have bumps on the inside to help speed up the lathering process. 

Pros

• High sides so that the lather is not lost.
• Have a handle hence easy to use when you are swirling the brush vigorously.

Cons

• You still run the risk of hitting the shaving brush against the sides of the mug which could either damage the cup or the brush.
• A majority of them are made of ceramic which can easily break when dropped.

Shaving Scuttles

The difference between a shaving mug and a shaving scuttle is that the latter has a thick base to retain warm lather. 

The shaving scuttle has a hole on the side and base that is dipped in hot water. They also have a textured inside to speed up the lathering process and come in rustic designs. 

Pros

• The design helps in retaining the warmth of the lather when you are shaving. 

Cons

• It can be bulky considering the thick base.
• Most of them are only sold in ceramic which breaks easily.
• The rustic style doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Shaving Bowl

This is the traditional receptacle for building lather. Just like with mugs, you can easily turn any bowl in the house into a shaving bowl but there are certain benefits that you can only enjoy with a specific shaving bowl. 

Shaving bowls fall under two categories – those used to present shaving soap and those that are meant to lather with. 

The first ones are just designed to sell the soap since it fits perfectly on the bowl leaving very little room for creating lather. A lathering bowl, on the other hand, is built for that purpose only. 

They exist in different sizes and are made of different materials from ceramic, wood, rubber, plastic and metal.

Pros

• It looks stylish which appeals to most people.
• It comes in various shapes hence it’s easy to get one that is in line with your personal preferences.

Cons

• Depending on the size of the bowl lather van still, fall out.
• Some materials like ceramic break easily while wood absorbs moisture and can warp in the end.

How to Choose the Best Shaving Bowl

If you have decided to buy a shaving bowl, there are certain factors that you should consider so that you can get value for your money:

Warm vs Cold Lather

Do you prefer warm lather or cold one on your face when you are shaving? Most people prefer warm lather which comes down to the material of the shaving bowl. 

Ceramic and wood retain heat the longest and therefore are assured of warm lather when you are shaving although you can still warm-up your shaving cream in a dispenser. 

Plastic rubber and metal are poor retainers of heat hence not a good option if you want to have warm lather. 

Bowl Size

This comes down to a matter of personal preference. Larger bowls, however, give you enough room to swirl the brush around without losing any lather but a majority of them don’t fit in the palm of your hand which can be rather annoying. 

A shaving mug, on the other hand, is small enough such that you can hold it in your hand but you may lose some lather in the process. 

Material

Manufacturers of best shaving bowls use different materials from wood, plastic, metal to ceramic. The most durable material and also the least fragile is stainless steel since it doesn’t crack or break when dropped. 

Ceramic provides the best heat retention but breaks easily if you are clumsy. Wood, on the other hand, retains heat better than stainless steel but is not durable since it absorbs moisture easily. 

Texture

The texture of the shaving bowl affects the lathering process. Materials like plastic, ceramic and metal have smooth surfaces such that it takes you longer to build lather than when you are using wood or stoneware shaving bowls. 

Manufacturers, however, have found ways of going around this problem by adding ridges on the inside of the bowl to increase the surface area for easier and faster lathering. 

Heat Performance

The heat performance of the bowl is very important in the lathering process. For one, heat insulates the shave for a couple of minutes and ensures a close shave with a shaving soap free of irritations. 

It also helps in knowing whether the cream or soap needs more water to thicken the lather. At the end of the day, if you want warm lather then you need to buy a bowl made of materials like wood and ceramic. 

Solid Grip/Handle

The importance of a solid grip or handle in a shaving bowl cannot be overemphasized. When you are buying a shaving bowl, ensure that the product you get can easily be contained in the palm. 

This is because some materials like ceramic break easily when dropped and the last thing you want is to have to go back to the shop in a couple of months for a new bowl. 

Ridged Interior

A rigid interior in a shaving bowl serves a very important purpose of keeping off unwanted air in the mixture to ensure a thick and high lather concentration. The ridges also help build lather quickly. 

Price

At the end of the day, your budget will determine the kind of shaving bowl that you get. Prices of best shaving bowls range from $2 to as much as $30 with the cheapest ones being made from low-grade stainless steel. 

As much as you want to spend as little as possible, to be on the safe side, go for mid-range shaving bowls that will cost you between $11 and $25 since they are of good quality and will last you longer.

How to Use Shaving Bowl

If you have never used a shaving bowl before or just got one and are finding it hard to use it, here is a simple guide on how to use this grooming tool:

Step 1 – Pour hot water

Pour hot water on the inside and outside of the shaving bowl. 

Step 2 – Dip the brush

Dip the shaving brush in the hot water.

Step 3 – Pour out the water

When the shave has been fully drenched, pour out the hot water and replace the bottom bowl with another one. 

Step 4 – Pour cream

Pour enough shaving cream on the top bowl layer and add water as needed.

Step 5 – Allow the solution to thicken

Allow the solution in the bowl to thicken to the right consistency, apply it to your face and repeat the process when the lather dries up. 

Depending on the heat retention, you can use the solution for more than one pass and ensure that you get a fogless shaving mirror when you are shaving. 

How to Clean a Shaving Bowl

Step 1 – Pay attention to the instructions of the manufacturer

Shaving bowls are made of different materials hence why you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean one.

Step 2 – Pour out any solution in the bowl

Before you begin cleaning, empty any solution still left in the bowl. 

Step 3 – Wipe with a wet towel

Rather than soak a shaving bowl in water, wipe it with a wet towel since most materials are easy to clean. 

Step 4 – Leave to dry

When you’re done cleaning, ensure that you allow the bowl to dry completely before storing it. Some materials like wood absorb water and may warp at the end of they are not allowed to dry well. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When you are buying a shaving bowl, more spending does mean more quality. This is because most cheap bowls are made of low-quality material that will either rust in case of metal or break easily in case of porcelain or ceramic. 

Instead, go for a modest shaving bowl that costs between $11 to $25 since these are made of durable materials. 

At the end of the day, however, with latherless soaps and shaving gel, shaving bowls are not necessary and therefore may not be worth spending so much on. 

Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t drop your shaving bowl especially those made of materials like ceramic.
• Don’t be too fixated on the price but go for a bowl made of high quality and durable materials.
• Do pour the right amount of shaving cream to prevent wastage.
• Do allow the shaving bowl to dry completely before storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the shaving bowl necessary?

With the existent of lather less shaving creams and gels, best shaving bowls are not necessary as nowadays you can just put lather directly on your face. 

How do you get a good lather with shaving cream?

The best way to get a good lather with shaving cream is to add the cream directly to the brush or mix it up in your hand. 

Why should I use a shaving bowl?

A shaving bowl, while it’s not necessary, helps in keeping the lather warm for those who prefer warm lather on their faces. The warm lather is also important for a close and smooth shave. 

How do you lather shaving soap in a mug?

Allow the soap to soak for a couple of minutes in a shaving bowl with warm water and then soak the brush in warm water as well in a sink or mug. Wash your skin with warm water to soften the hair. Squeeze out the water in the brush and then rub it in a circular motion on the shaving cream until you get the right lather. 

What will I do if the soap doesn’t fit my bowl size?

If the soap doesn’t fit in your bowl, melt it in the microwave if the bowl is heat resistant. If not, just cut the soap into halves that can fit. 

Is it advisable to reuse stainless steel shave bowls that have dents?

This is no problem as long as the color of the stainless steel has not changed since this may be an indication of a possible chemical reaction. Usually, dents only pose a problem when it comes to the handling of the bowl. 

Do all shave bowls come with added accessories?

No. Whether a shaving bowl will have additional accessories will depend on the brand. 

How often should I clean the shaving bowl? Does it need washing or wiping is enough?

Clean your shaving bowl after every use. It is recommended that you wipe it with a dry towel rather than soaking in water. 

Conclusion

While a shaving bowl is not really needed when it comes to grooming, these bowls still serve their purposes. When you are buying one ensure that it meets criteria like warm or cold shaving, heat performance, rigid grip, texture and that it is made of high-quality materials.