We’ve all been there at some point or another in regards to new fangled gadgets. Are they really necessary or are they just something extra that you can latch onto and possibly never truly use? An electric shoe polisher, at first glance, might seem like the latter to you, but in reality it’s a fine investment for a number of reasons. Today, we are going to be taking a look at some of those reasons in our buying guide. On top of that, we’ll be working to make sure that you know all that you need to about these devices. Furthermore, we will have reviews for you as well, all in a bid to help you pick out which is the best for you and to give you a nice jumping off point. So, let’s get started cleaning those shoes then!
Top Electric Shoe Polishers Comparison Chart
Product | Feature | Price | Where to Buy? |
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1. Sunpentown UC-989 Dual Buffer Shoe Polisher | Dual-Buffer | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
2. ViiWuu Electric Shoe Polisher Kit | Portable Design | $$ | Check Price On Amazon |
3. TruePower Electric Shoe Shine Polisher | Lamb Wool Buffers | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
4. FunToyWorld Electric Shoe Shine Kit | Portable Design | $$ | Check Price On Amazon |
5. Hitti Electric Shoe Polisher Kit | High-speed Cleaning Motor | $$ | Check Price On Amazon |
6. Beck Shoe Polisher Diplomat | Push Button Controls | $$$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
7. ZRB Automatic Induction Electric Shoe Polisher Machine | Quiet and powerful | $$$$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
Electric Shoe Polishers Buying Guide
Why an Electric Shoe Polisher?
The first question we have to answer before we move on is why you would want to consider an electric shoe polisher. To answer that, we first have to think about the value of a pair of shoes. For many of us, shoes come a dime a dozen. Times are fairly good for most of us, allowing us to have multiple pairs of shoes at a time. In fact, we have so many, most of us, that we don’t have room for them sometimes. At any rate, there are always going to be one or two pairs that do require extra attention and care. Leather shoes are one such kind. These shoes cost more, in general, than any pairs do, and they also require extra TLC- tender, love, and care.
In order to dress well and impress your boss, customers, potential romantic suitors or family members, your leather shoes need to look like they are in tip top shape when you wear them. Wearing them out when they look raggedy is a sure fire way of having someone look down upon you. You’re whole goal in wearing them is to look a nice as possible, not to have someone staring and putting you down, essentially. For many people, it becomes very much necessary to dive into the world of shoe polishing. Most people are going to determine that doing it themselves is the right call. Doing it by hand can be rewarding, but it’s also got it’s own drawbacks to be aware of.
For one, it’s quite time consuming, to say the least. You may not realize it, but polishing your shoes can take up a fairly sizable chunk of time. We aren’t talking hours here, but we are talking minutes. In fact, on average it takes a person 12 minutes to polish a pair of shoes. That’s got to, you’d have to believe, take into account that you know your way around polishing a pair, too. If not, you could be in for even more time doing it. So, to cut out time, many people have discovered that an electric shoe polisher in a good, handy way to go.
Another reason for considering the purchase of an electric shoe polisher is going to have to do with the mess that polishing shoes makes. Like it or not, it’s not the prettiest thing to do. Creams and waxes are not easy to clean up, and they can end up all over your hands and the general area you are in. It takes a huge amount of effort to clean this stuff off of your hands following the polishing of your shoes, and for many that’s just a no-go. Rather than going through that, you can let an electric polisher do the work, thus limiting the clean up time, which is only going to add to the 12 minutes we mentioned earlier, by the way.
A third reason we will mention here is that it can actually be very cost effective to buy a shoe polisher. For many, this might seem oxymoronic and that it would not be a good idea to spend a lot of money on one, but it’s actually the opposite to you. It’s a good idea, for many, to go with an electric shoe polisher because it will save you money. If you don’t have the time, as we talked about above, then you’re going to not end up cleaning your shoes. Eventually, you’ll have to replace them because they look awful. Some shoes just aren’t all that affordable, meaning you’ve punted the responsibility and that you end up spending more. Rather than doing that, buying an electric shoe polisher looks more and more like a good possibility!
Lastly, you may not be as capable as you once were with your hands. If you have gotten older and have lost some dexterity in your hands, for whatever reason, then you will be a prime candidate for an electric shoe polisher. This is a great route to go into if you are in desperate need of relief from the pain it takes to clean shoes, yet you still want them to look like they are brand new again.
How To Use a Shoe Polisher
While we don’t want to get too far into the weeds here by going over the mechanical processes of these shoe polishing devices, we’d be remiss to not give you some idea as to how they are supposed to work. It’s a fairly simple process, but here’s a look at it.
- Apply your shoe polish, wax or cream to the shoes. This part is the part that’s going to, perhaps, be the toughest and most time consuming to you. Polish, wax, and cream are essential parts of this process, and you should take your time to carefully consider and mull over which kind you want to use. Each have their own pluses and minuses, so please don’t forget to think them over.
- Press the button on the machine to start the buffing process. This will be a little bit different from machine to machine, but the idea is the same regardless of which one you decide to go with ultimately. You’ll still be using electric means to clean your shoes, so you should definitely look over any and all info that came with your device to learn the intricacies that might come along with it.
- Put your shoes in and then allow the machine to buff them until your shoes are up to your desired standards. This part is pretty self explanatory. You’ll just want to let the buffer do its job for you until you are happy with what you see from them. If you don’t like how it looks, then keep going. It shouldn’t take anywhere near the 12 minutes we mentioned earlier, even if you have to go for some additional time!
If you’re unsure of how to usual a particular machine, you can always consult any materials that came along with it or you can use Google or YouTube to find out more. You might even find videos that allow you to see said machine in action, which would be especially helpful to your cause for sure!
Features to Look For
There are a few things you should look for with an electric shoe polisher. So, here’s a look into some of the features that you are going to want to to see in order to ensure that you’ve made the right choice!
Noise
One thing that some people just cannot stand is a lot of noise being made. If you’re one of those people, then you will want to find a machine that runs quietly. This may not be a big deal for you, but it might also be a make or break factor in your ultimate purchasing decision, so it’s worth noting.
Power
The level of power, or wattage, is also something you’ll want to look over. While you don’t need a NASCAR that has tons of firepower to it to get the job done, you’ll also want to find a polisher that has a decent range of wattage. Look for somewhere in the 100 and 120 range. That way you don’t see the machine coming up short taking way too much time to do its job. One thing to take note of and point out is that you would never electric (plug in, that is) is preferable when compared to battery powered. Batteries tend to diminish in terms of strength very quickly, so you should definitely look for a machine that plugs into the wall. You’ll have a much more consistently high level of usage by doing so! However, you can get some great deals out of battery charged items, so it’s not always black and white in this area to portray them as poor choices.
Maintenance
If you want to get the utmost out of your shoe polisher, you’re going to have to make sure to maintain it. It’s not the most fun thing to do, read, or think about, but it’s very much necessary. With all shoe polishers, you need to make sure that you are cleaning them out regularly after using wax, paste, or cream. This way there is no clogging up of the machines, which can be caused if you leave wax in and let it buildup over time. This can create a ‘film’ of sorts, which makes it nearly impossible for you to clean the shoes later on. Obviously no one wants or needs for this to happen.
The parts and pieces of the machine also need to be treated with care. Overworking them unnecessarily can lead to them breaking down, so when you are not in use, you should not fool around with them. It’s also wise to let your machine have an occasional rest if you are going at it super hard continuously. This way it won’t get overworked and you’ll be able to see much more durability out of it.
In terms of brushes, you also need to be taking extra care with them. If you are unable, or unwilling, to clean them out every now and then, you’ll be setting yourself up for some big problems. All you need to do to clean brushes is to soak them in warm water and let them dry out. If you use soap or other detergents, it could harm them, so it’s best to leave them and just use good old elbow grease. While there is a lot to be said for electric shoe polishers saving your time, you still have to keep in mind that it’s not all fun and games. You do have some commitment after all, if you want to see your shoes continue to shine like the first time you took them out of their box.
Price
One of the great things that should be noted about electric shoe polishers is that they are, generally, very, very affordable pieces of equipment. This means that they can be bought for a very reasonable price that is going to save you a lot of money. Many devices can be found in the lower double digits, while some do go into the mid double digits. There are even some that come in the triple digits, but those are super heavy duty machines and are a rarity for most people to purchase. The thing to keep in mind, above and beyond the mere price of the shoes, is that this is a way to keep your shoes looking great and saving you money overall. While it may seem too good to be true, spending even $200 to maintain a $300 pair of shoes is better than having to spend that money all over again on a new pair. That’s an extreme example, to be fair, but it drives home the point that price isn’t just about the sticker on the device.
The Top 7 Electric Shoe Polishers of 2019 Reviews
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Sunpentown UC-989 Dual Buffer Shoe Polisher
Beginning our list today is an offering that is going to be in the mid range in terms of price, which is going to suit a ton of folks for sure. Capable of polishing and cleaning all sorts of shoes, this machine has one button, making it super easy to turn off and on. There are no elaborate parts and pieces to it, it’s quiet, and best of all it’s convenient to use as it won’t take up a ton of unnecessary room. At seven pounds, the weight is manageable, giving you a lot of options to move it around however you may choose to do so. Some have noted how incredibly powerful it is despite the quiet nature of its operation. That’s a major plus you’ll be happy about, as you should be. Some folks have found that it’s more effective to be used as a quick touch up between ‘official’ polishings, but even if that’s the case, it’s still saving you some time, money, and will save you from looking like a fool as well!
Pros:
- Cleans all kinds of shoes
- Very quiet but powerful
- Small and easy to move
Cons:
- Not always best for ‘hardcore’ usage
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ViiWuu Electric Shoe Polisher Kit
If you’re looking for something that is super affordable, then you might want to consider this offer heavily. This one comes to you with bonuses as well, all of which are sure to make you smile. The polisher itself is a handheld one that is made to be taken on the go. You can go all over, from the office to home and the hotel, making it a great choice to throw in a bag and run. This does mean you have to do slightly more than with the previous offering and some others, but it’s still less than doing it all by yourself if you didn’t have a machine. Coming with a 12 month warranty, they do a good job at backing you up and giving you confidence in their product. The package comes with two brushes, four total heads, the polisher, and a charging cable. Charge time is relatively nice, too, with 5 hours of charging getting you an hour and a half of polishing. That’s enough to do the whole army, we think!
Pros:
- Super portable
- Lots of goodies come with it
- Varied uses in addition to just shoes
Cons:
- Takes a little more work than other polishers
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TruePower Electric Shoe Shine Polisher
Up next is the more traditional shoe only type of polisher here, with one that is almost identical to the first offering we saw from Sunpentown. This polisher has two buffers on it, each made out of lamb’s wool to help get the most out of your shine without hurting the integrity of the shoes. The motor has 100 watts to it, right in the range you want, but more importantly than that is quiet enough to be used well without being a nuisance to yourself or others nearby. It’s got one button to start and stop it, and it’s also small enough to be moved around pretty easily, though nowhere as easily as the second listing we took a look at. One thing you have to say about this machine is that it’s shown remarkable durability for many people, which is going to be a plus, to say the least, for those that are stumping up the cash for such a device. There are some occasional quality control issues to be looked at (or over), but generally it’s a good, mid range priced polisher.
Pros:
- Strong but quiet
- Extremely durable
- Lamb’s wool for softness and a proper buff
Cons:
- Can come with some QC problems attached
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FunToyWorld Electric Shoe Shine Kit
The kit method is quite popular out there right now, and it’s easy to see why with FunToyWorld’s offering here. Like our second option above, this one comes with more equipment than just the polisher. Coming with four brush heads, two brushes, and a charging cable as well, you have all the tools needed to shine up those shoes. In addition to that, though, you’re also able to use it for a number of other things as well, since it’s not just made for shoes and is highly portable. This portability, if you will, lets you take it virtually anywhere that you may end up going, ensuring that you are looking spic and span no matter whose company you might find yourself in. Most have stated that they use it for mainly touching up spots, but that’s just fine given that it’s quite a low cost relatively speaking to pay to cut out a step. For some that want the whole thing done, they might expect more, but this is not the same kind of setup. So just be aware of that, and you’ll be good to go.
Pros:
- Small and portable
- Comes with lots of extras
- Shoes and other usage
Cons:
- Not the best for everyone at giving a ‘total’ clean
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Hitti Electric Shoe Polisher Kit
Up next is a third kit that will help you clean your shoes on top of a number of other accessories as well. This kit comes with the same as the other we’ve seen so far, with the polisher coming along with a rechargeable battery, charger multiple heads, brushes, and the works. This is the type of low priced item that is great for carrying around with you on trips, especially when you have little time to do a fully cleaning process. This cuts down on your time drastically and helps you mitigate that bad look when you simply haven’t got the time to do the full thing over and over again. With a full one year warranty, this kit is going to bring you a little bit of confidence in them. Remember, this is the sort of tool that is best served for a more casual user, so you will need to go back and do a bit of work later. Still yet, it’s a great use of money!
Pros:
- Portable as can be
- All kinds of accessories come with
- Good, low price
Cons:
- Good general polish but needs some additional work, too
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Beck Shoe Polisher Diplomat
Up next is an upscale version of the first and third offerings that we saw on the list. This polisher, known as the ‘Diplomat,’ from Beck certainly lives up to that name. With free shipping offered on all of their items, it helps offset some of the high cost with the machine. With dual heads, both made out of the finest lamb’s wool and a very easy push button that turns it on and off, you’ll never have an easier time while getting your shoes clean as can be. Made in the USA, a lot of attention to detail is paid to making each machine, all in a bid to make sure that you have the perfect look to go about your day at work or in the field, whatever it may be. At 120V, it goes above and beyond what most other good ones are able to offer you. It is a little bit louder than some of the others out there, and it’s also a little less powerful relative to the money spent, so those two things have disappointed some folks.
Pros:
- Made in USA by a trusted brand
- Lots of voltage
- Fine attention to detail
Cons:
- Not as powerful given the high price
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ZRB Automatic Induction Electric Shoe Polisher Machine
Rounding out our list today is by far the most expensive polisher we have seen today in the form of the ZRB. Unlike the others, too, it also has a very different construction. It’s made to look more like a box, like a sewing machine sort of deal almost. Despite how it may appear, it’s able to work well without a ton of noise, utilizing lots of power through the torque of the motor within. The brushes are soft and elastic to make sure there is no harm done to your shoes as you attempt to make them look like they are new all over again. It is a very, very high price to pay, to be fair, but if you plan on being a very frequent user of the machine, then this is probably one of the best ways to go. This is especially the case if you want to take care of your shoes and those of others as well, in a business or similar endeavor.
Pros:
- Great for heavy use
- Quiet and powerful
- Soft brushes
Cons:
- Extremely high cost to pay
Conclusion And Final Electric Shoe Polishers Recommendations
Finding products that will make your life easier has never been simpler. The same can be said, if you have the proper information, about buying electric shoe polishers as well. It might seem to be a gargantuan task, a step into the unknown at first, but with our buying guide you can rest assured that you have all of the tools you need at your disposal. You don’t just have reviews to consider now, and you don’t just have the ins and outs. Instead, you have the two things wedded together, all in a bid to help you reduce the trouble finding the perfect item for you to use. So, what you waiting for?!
FAQ’s About Electric Shoe Polishers
Is Polishing Really That Important?
It depends on who you are and what you are going to be wearing your shoes for. The answer, to us, is a clear yes, however. If you have spent any amount of money on your shoes, you will want to take care of them. Many, many pairs of genuine, high quality leather shoes cost a lot of money, therefore there is not a lot of room for you to be letting them fade and become all yucky. The best way to ensure they stay looking brand new is to polish them. Whether you do that via your hands or by electric means is up to you.
How Often Should I Polish My Shoes?
Again, this is a question that has many possible answers to it. For us, though, the answer has to be when needed. It’s easy to point toward someone and tell them that they need to polish their shoes daily or weekly- as many will do- but if they don’t need it, then what’s the point? With that said, many of us neglect to do so, and it ends up causing our shoes to look less than ideal on our feet. By coming up with a regular schedule, it also becomes a habit and will help us stay locked in for a longer period of time.
What Other Options Do I Have Besides Electric?
Besides going with an electric shoe polisher, you only really have a few options. One of them is to just forget about polishing your shoes, which is foolish if you really like them and want them to look nice. One possible idea is to have someone else do it for you. You can pay professional polishers to do it, but again that can take time to do and is not going to be cost effective at all to you. Lastly, you could always just do it yourself by hand, which is a fine option if you know what you are doing and actually have the time to do so!
Will I Have to Buff Or Polish, Too?
It depends on how meticulous you are and the machine you decide to go with. Some of the machines are going to be best for quick touch ups that still require you to do some work to make them look their best. Others will do most of the work for you. It really just depends upon how much you spend and what you’re looking to purchase.
Is Expensive Better?
This, like so many other things, just depends on you and what you are looking for. If you want to find a machine that is cheap and just for polishing in between harder cleaning, then you don’t need something expensive. But if you want the best of the best, then you will need to pay a little bit more to make sure you have it.