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A wet shaving set is not complete without a shaving bowl. While the use of shaving bowls is a personal preference, they do make shaving and creating a lather easier and more convenient. Plus, most of these bowls are aesthetically pleasing and make a great enhancement to any bathroom countertop or vanity area.
Below we have found some great shaving bowls and mugs that come in a variety of materials including ceramic, metal, and wood and we have even found a luxurious marble bowl that is solid and heavy.
We have also included a bowl with a side handle that may make for easy handling for those first-time wet shavers and one with a top that can be used as a storage container in addition to making a great lather. These shaving bowls work with any of your favorite shaving creams or soap and are durably made to last for years to come.
Comparing the Finest Shaving Bowls of 2024
VIKINGS BLADE The Chairman Luxury Shaving Bowl — Best Overall
This heavyweight steel shaving bowl has a specialty finish that is intended to produce more lather in a much faster way. Made from heavy-weight stainless steel, this bowl has a rough and tactile surface which creates a solid, comfortable grip while shaving and gives the bowl a rugged look and feel.
Pros
- This bowl comes in both standard and large sizes
Cons
- This bowl cannot be placed in the microwave to heat your lather
Perfecto Stainless Steel Shaving Bowl — Runner Up
This shaving bowl is a great addition to any wet shaving kit. It has a finely polished and smooth design that is virtually non-breakable and is completely heat insulated. This bowl will accommodate virtually any size or shape of shaving soap and has room for your brush to build a rich, thick lather.
Pros
- This bowl is light in weight and durable for holding whether you are at the sink or in the shower
Cons
- If not cleaned out regularly, this bowl will start to accumulate build-up
Viking Revolution Stainless Steel Shaving Soap Bowl — Honorable Mention
Another great stainless steel shaving bowl is this sleek-looking option. This bowl includes double-wall insulation to keep your water and soap warm and can be used with any shaving cream or soap to obtain the perfect lather for the smoothest shave. Ideal use for this bowl is to apply your shaving cream or soap on a badger brush, create a lather by swirling it up in the bowl and apply it to your face for an easy, comfortable shave.
Pros
- This bowl easily rinses out between shavings
Cons
- This bowl is on the smaller side
Anself Wooden Shaving Soap Bowl — Contender
Made from high-quality wood that is resistant to corrosion, this durable wooden shave bowl is a great alternative if you are not a huge fan of stainless steel. It has a fine texture, seamless workmanship and is light in weight yet feels firm to the touch and makes a great shaving dish for your creams and soaps. This bowl is also easy-to-clean, anti-residue, and will not get damaged by water or soap.
Pros
- This bowl has a fine texture inside and out giving it a delicate appearance
Cons
- This bowl should not be exposed to sunlight or left in a damp place for a long time
Henry Cavendish Gentleman's Ceramic Shaving Bowl — Also Consider
For those who prefer a handle on their shaving dish, this ceramic bowl or mug is a great option. Made in classic black, this bowl is unique in that it has a handle on the side, allowing for a tight grip, and is a great addition for wet shavers to help improve their daily shaving routine. This mug is large enough for holding two or three shaving pucks and is also wide enough to produce a rich cloud of foam for an incredibly satisfying shaving experience.
Pros
- This bowl is extra wide and provides enough room to properly and comfortably swirl the brush around
Cons
- The ceramic material may be easily chipped if not careful
SUPPLY Marble Shaving Bowl — Editor's Pick
For a stylish and sturdy addition to any bathroom or vanity area, this handcrafted white marble shaving bowl fits the bill. Made from a solid block of authentic white marble, this shaving dish has micro-ridges on the interior surface of the bowl to help whip up a soft, pillowy lather in just seconds. Additionally, as marble is a superior retainer of heat, this bowl is perfect for keeping your lather warm for up to three times longer than ceramic materials.
Pros
- Tiny ridges inside the bowl provide a textured surface, making lathering fast and easy
Cons
- Do not leave any soap in the bowl over time
Schöne Stainless Steel Shaving Bowl — Another Option
Another unique shaving bowl option is this stainless steel one with a lid. Made from durable, polished steel, this shaving bowl will hold any of your favorite brands of shaving soap and is easy to clean. This bowl is not chrome plated so the finish will not peel, flake, or become discolored and it also makes a great container to use and house your soap.
Pros
- This shaving bowl is attractive and will enhance any bathroom countertop
Cons
- This bowl is not very thick
Buying Guide: Shaving Bowls
Shaving bowls are something that you don’t realize you need until you actually get hold of them. Effectively producing foamy lather and providing an elated shaving experience is all in the hands of the shaving bowl you use.
Features of a Good Shaving Bowl
Material
Shaving bowls are manufactured in a variety of materials, the most popular being plastic, metal, wood, and ceramic. While plastic and metal take a long time to produce foamy lather due to their smooth surfaces, wooden shaving bowls are often disregarded due to their ability to absorb water over time, making your lather dry. Ceramic shaving bowls, however, not only feature a ridged surface for foamy lather but are also easy to clean and can be heated if you’re a fan of warm shaves. While the benefits of ceramic bowls tower over their counterparts, the only downside is that ceramic is easily breakable and can crack if not handled with extreme care.
Bowl size
To whip foamy and smooth lather, a large bowl is necessary to incorporate effective hand motions. The ideal bowl size should be at least 8 cm across and 5 cm in depth in order to whip your lather without hitting your knuckles on the side. A bowl that is too shallow would cause the soap to flow out of your bowl and ruin your shaving experience. Further, a bowl with a small opening wouldn’t allow effective hand motions, making it difficult to swirl the soap and increasing the time taken to generate the perfect foamy lather.
Design
The design of a good shaving bowl should be one that takes into consideration the practical aspect of using the bowl. It’s always advisable to get a bowl equipped with ridges at the bottom so that your shaving bowl doesn’t slide off the slippery counter space. Further, if you’re a clumsy shaver, maybe a shaving mug with an incorporated handle would be a better bet for you. Similarly, if you want to avoid making a mess, you can try to find a bowl that features a brush holder for your soapy shaving brush.
How to Use a Shaving Bowl
To use a shaving bowl, wet your brush with warm or cold water (as you prefer) and apply some shaving soap or cream onto your brush. Alternatively, if you’re using a shaving puck, just rub the brush over your puck and get a good amount of shaving soap on it. Next, swirl your brush around your shaving bowl and add in drops of water if needed until you get a rich foamy and smooth lather consistency.
Metal vs Ceramic Shaving Bowls
While there are some metal shaving bowls featuring ridges and bumps on the inside, the majority have a smooth surface as compared to ceramic, making it difficult to produce a good lather. Moreover, metal shaving bowls cannot be used for a warm shaving experience as they fail to retain heat as effectively as ceramic-made shaving bowls. However, the plus side to using a metal bowl is its unmatchable durability and its cheap price as compared to ceramic shaving bowls.
Shaving Mugs
Shaving mugs have been manufactured to keep your hands free from soap while lathering your soap or cream. These special shaving bowls resemble coffee mugs but feature a wide opening for easily whipping your soap. Shaving mugs also feature a handle and high sides to prevent you from making a mess during your lathering endeavors. The downside to a shaving mug is its material; ceramic, which can easily be broken or cracked if not handled with care.
Shaving Scuttle
A shaving scuttle is basically a weird-looking tea-pot ideal for those who prefer a warm shave. A shaving scuttle has two compartments stacked on top of each other, the bottom one is filled with hot water, and the top one is perfect for placing your shaving puck or soap. The hot water allows you to build a thick and warm lather on top of your shaving puck, keeping your soap warm for multiple passes. Further, your shaving brush can also be dipped in the warm water below to keep your lather and brush wet and hot during the whole shaving experience.
Benefits of a Warm Shave
Apart from the soothing sensation of warm lather gently rubbing your face, a hot shave can completely elevate your shaving experience. For starters, a warm shave allows you to open up the pores in your face, effectively cleaning out any dirt stuck inside them and making your face look cleaner. Warm water and lather also soften the beard, owing to a smoother and easier shave for those who tend to struggle with stiff stubbles etched in their skin. Further, a warm shave also aids in easily removing in-grown hairs without producing red spots all over your skin. This is due to the warm lather and water opening up your pores, allowing in-grown hairs to be easily plucked out and avoiding any possible skin irritation after your shave.
