The external components usually consist of high-grade plastic, which is not susceptible to rust or corrosion like many metals. Though it comes in only two finishes (chrome and brushed nickel), we appreciate the sizable 5-inch face and easy-to-mount design. This design is also ideal for households with shower safety concerns, allowing users to bathe from a chair to limit injury. Installation of this handheld shower head, The 5 Best Bathroom Cleaners (2022 Review), Best Products for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels. A convenient off button lets the operator turn the shower off from the head, while silicone jets keep this shower head functioning properly by resisting buildup from hard water. If you purchase a combo pack, make sure to also get a diverter valve so that the water can reach both heads. A long, stretchable 70-inch stainless steel hose gives this fixture plenty of length to massage hard-to-reach muscles and clean shower corners. When using both simultaneously, the water pressure drops, especially in the handheld. For example, if you have an oval shower thats small in size, opt for a circular shower head with a four-inch diameter. Installing a shower head normally requires only a crescent wrench. Its attractive round face can be rotated to access six spray settings, most of which are devoted to massage, including power massage, rainfall plus power massage, massage, and rainfall plus circular massage. Purchase a diverter valve if you have two or more heads in your shower. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall bracket | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Steady stream, intense massage, rinse. We're also fans of the Waterpik 6-Spray Twin Turbo Handheld Showerhead, an easy-to-install, water-saving option that also offers six spray modes. With a 1.8-GPM flow rate, it's also WaterSense-certified, and Glacier Bay backs it with a lifetime warranty. However, we also found that the setting was slightly too strong for a comfortable shower, with the other settings more preferable. A shower head filter protects skin and hair from chemicals and minerals that can cause damage and dryness, including chlorine and chloramines. The handheld shower head attaches to the main head via a five-foot flexible steel hose, which can be disconnected for easy cleaning of your body. Get the Lokby handheld shower head on Amazon. The regulator is built-in and not intended to be removed, so some users may crave more spray pressure. The five best handheld shower heads included in this article are available at various stores and online retailers, including Amazon. If we could change anything about this showerhead, we'd make the face slightly bigger. What's more, the Smart Showerhead syncs to your mobile device through Bluetooth to track your usage, and the handle lights up to notify you when the water is warm. She has a Moen showerhead at home in matte black to match the rest of her bathroom fixtures. Shower heads come in a variety of finishes, so choose a finish that matches your bathrooms faucets, towel bars, and other fixtures. Handheld shower head sprayers are attached to a hose for mobility. It is made from high-grade plastic and comes in a brushed-nickel finish. A handheld shower head lets you wash hard-to-reach places on your body. On the other hand, a smaller shower may not require an 80-inch hose. All rights reserved. The Best ShowerheadsA Worthwhile Upgrade, The Best Kitchen Faucets With Special Features and Standout Design, The Best Hose Nozzles of 2022 for Any Garden, Learn How to Increase Your Low Shower Pressure With These Simple Steps, The Best Doorknobs to Upgrade Any Door in Your Home, The Best Cordless Lamps for Outlet-Free Lighting, The Best Closet Kits to Organize Your Home and Belongings, The Best Garden Hoses, Tested by The Spruce, The Best Curtain Rods for Your Window Treatments, The Best Whole-house Water Filters for a Clean Water Supply, Learn How to Install a Handheld Showerhead, The 8 Best Paint Sprayers of 2022 for Every Project. Leave the handheld shower head attached for maximum water coverage from both heads, or detach it and use it as a handheld. An adjustable dial allows you to choose between six spray settings, including high-pressure massage and low-pressure misting. She also consulted with Richard Epstein, licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. To elevate your showering experience, consider splurging on the Hai Smart Showerhead. For dual shower heads, we observed how they functioned while used separately and simultaneously. Easy installation and 48 self-cleaning rubber nozzles to prevent mineral buildup add to the value of this shower head. The National Energy Act of 1992 requires all shower heads to include flow restrictors limiting water flow to a maximum of 2.5 GPM. The best handheld shower head features simple and seamless functionality, multiple spray settings for massaging or rinsing, and a kink-free shower hose. Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Thermoplastic, steel | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Bubbling rain, bubbling water, power rain, rinse, pulsating massage. The spray offers great pressure without being too strong or too soft, while six optional settings work well to suit different user preferences. The Waterpik showerhead can be angled up, down, and side-to-side. Our testing found the water pressure on the 2.5 GPM version to be light to medium when used with a regulator and medium to high without. Heres what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. The size of the shower head can play a role in design and style. I liked that each of us could angle the showerhead to our preferences. By submitting your email, you agree to our. We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. We wish it came in more finishes, but all in all, this is an excellent choice with lots of customization options. When shopping around, pay attention to the face size (usually between 3.5 and 5 inches in diameter), hose length, and finish. The fixed shower head attaches directly to the wall or ceiling of your shower and is generally larger than the handheld shower head. This allows you to use the head in a fixed position if you want to give your arms a break. The H2Okinetic was simple to install and comes in seven finishes, including chrome, bronze, polished nickel, and black stainless. We didnt love the pattern of the overhead spray once we removed the handheld. Its modes include drenching spray, soft drench with full spray, massaging drench, slow massage, shampoo rinse, and soft rain. EPA estimates that replacing a conventional shower head with a WaterSense shower head can save nearly 3,000 gallons of water each year. Deltas H2Okinetic shower combo has a lot to like, including its attractive appearance and robust build. Each has three spray settings, including massage, saturating, and combination sprays, as well as an on/off switch, making it suitable for bathing pets and children. The technology provides ample coverage at 1.75 GPMs and earns a WaterSense certification. The technology has come a long way.". The click-lever dial makes it easy to toggle between modes, and the ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold. Most handheld showerheads can be cleaned using distilled white vinegar. Our top choice is the Waterpik Twin Turbo Showerhead, which earned high marks from our tester. With a 5-inch face, this showerhead offers substantial water pressure and impressive coverage. Read on to learn about the various features of each and how they stood up to our standards. A 5-foot hose provides enough length for bathing young children or even pets, while a mounting clip allows it to function as a standard shower head. G-Promise gets a special mention for its excellent water pressure and multiple massage settings. In these cases, you may need to remove the flow restrictor from the shower head. When the outer overhead spray is turned on along with the handheld, coverage increases to a 7-inch diameter. Most handheld shower heads use silicone nozzles, which are clog-resistant and require little maintenance. Some nice extras that you can look for when purchasing a shower head include: Most handheld shower heads are easy to install. In general, flow patterns can be distilled into the following types: Handheld shower heads lack the sleek, minimal look of standard shower heads because of their long hoses, which give them a more utilitarian look. We tested all of the handheld shower heads on our awards list by wall-mounting each, taking note of the tools needed for installation and the level of difficulty. Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Massage, full, steady, rinse, drench, rain. The This Old House Reviews Team has picked the best handheld shower heads on Amazon to meet every customers needs. This handheld model has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM (the highest allowed in the United States). This small shower head packs a punch with plenty of water pressure. AquaDance High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head. The two heads snap together securely using patented MagnaTite locking technology. One will connect to the handheld unit through its hose, and the other will reconnect to your existing head. Available in three finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze), it has a flexible 5-foot stainless steel hose and a plated thermoplastic face measuring 3.5 inches in diameter. Energy consumption is directly related to the flow rate. Keep in mind that shiny finishes may show water spots, while matte finishes resist staining. When turned on, the massage mode made a brief whining noise and didnt produce the spray described in the manual. Most will be between 1.8 and 2.5 GPM, and higher usually means more water pressure. Numerous spray patterns and an affordable price make this shower head a great option for those looking to upgrade their existing fixture to a handheld model without breaking the bank. This choice is well suited for those who want to save water or like a gentler spray. Thats not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. High-end shower heads are made of brass or stainless steel, which also resist rust and corrosion. On this list, Deltas H2Okinetic shower combo earned a WaterSense certification, which is an easy way to take note of a fixtures water efficiency. Our final picks stand out in terms of settings, design, and overall quality. This curated list highlights some of the best handheld shower head options available, according to our own careful installation and testing. For those who prefer high-pressure showers, we recommend Couradric. It features 39 self-cleaning silicone nozzles and 15 ABS nozzles for full-body coverage. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The filter in this handheld shower head softens hard water, raises water pH, and removes dirt and bacteria. Users will enjoy five spray options, a lengthy hose, and easy installation. In addition to powerful massaging jets, its advanced spray settings include full coverage, relaxing rinse, two combo modes, and a pause setting for when you want to save water. Choose a shape and size that matches your space. We thought the overall pressure was a little light but appreciate its water-saving qualities. Many models also have a pause or water-saving mode. The setup includes two separate shower heads, a 7-inch broad rainfall shower head, and a 4-inch handheld shower head that mounts alongside it. This 3.5-inch handheld shower head works best in small showers that have less area to cover. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and bedding. The hose can be stretched to over 6 feet, making it perfect for cleaning children and pets. Not only that, but Kohler backs it with a lifetime warranty. Oversize rain-style shower heads offer maximum coverage while simulating the feel of rain. We observed whether there was any leaking or sputtering, changes in water pressure, unusual sounds, and hot water longevity. Delta Faucet H2OKinetic Handheld Shower Head. Some handheld shower heads feature multiple spray settings that can be changed using a button or switch. This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. Bright Showers Rain Shower Head with Handheld Spray, AquaDance 7 High-Pressure 3-Way Rainfall Combo, AquaDance 7" High-Pressure 3-Way Rainfall Combo, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best High-Pressure Shower Heads of 2022, The Best Water Saving Shower Heads of 2022. A water-efficient shower head that uses just 1.6 gallons per minute saves more than 26 liters of water for the average seven-minute shower. This shower head uses the companys H2Okinetic technology, which allows its nozzles to create larger water droplets than a standard shower, designed to mimic a drenching rain forest shower. They tend to be smaller than fixed shower heads to allow for greater maneuverability, with the average diameter being six inches. This buying guide will help you pick the best handheld shower head for your bathroom. Tired of running out of hot water? The dock should be placed between 70 and 80 inches above the floor so that its above the average persons head. Six different settings range from power rain to mist, offering a nice array of options from a softer spray to an intense massage. Keep reading for more information on our top five recommendations and for a buying guide on how to choose the right head for your shower. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. From traditional models to sleek rain shower head combinations, these reliable picks can upgrade your bathroom and bathing experience. At about 5 feet, the hose is plenty long for cleaning children and pets. When in doubt, consult with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Broad spray patterns allow for maximum coverage. Fully dry your handheld shower head before reattaching it. Several flow options allow you to run water through either head or both. These heads often use air to create the feeling of high pressure with less water. And as Epstein explains, many newer models feature "stationary showerheads that come off and become handhelds.". A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. The overhead spray gives off medium water pressure, characteristic of a rain shower. We tested each shower head a minimum of two times, adjusting spray patterns and shower head direction and taking note of the hose length and flexibility. Our number one pick is the Moen Attract with Magnetix, a six-mode shower head with magnetic docking and a water-conserving design. "Most are plastic these days," says Richard Epstein, licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, though some showerheads are made of stainless steel and other metals. The fixture comes standard with a 2.5 GPM but is available in 1.8 GPM for California users. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. The shower head was simple to install to our existing piping with just the use of a wrench. Add to this moisture warm temperatures and mold spores (which are always in the air), and its the perfect storm for a mold infestation. Some of the most popular finishes are chrome, polished brass, brushed nickel, and stainless steel. As mentioned above, you'll need a cross-tee fitting with two outlets if you're adding a handheld model to an existing stationary head. Thanks to the magnetic docking, it detaches easily from the hook and reattaches without a fuss. Hoses typically range from 60 to 80 inches long. These shower heads have been tested and approved for their ability to save water and energy and provide a shower of equal or better quality. While she wished it was available in more than one finish, the Twin Turbo was an overall hit with our tester. This wallet-friendly handheld showerhead has just three modes: full stream, pulse, and a full stream/pulse combo. One drawback we found was that the shower head began to buzz when it was switched to the pulsating massage setting. With its narrow nozzles that increase the velocity of water, the Lokby High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head is one of the top models for improving low water pressure. While we appreciate that it can function with both sprays on simultaneously, the overhead has a wide gap in the rain shower without the handheld in place, leaving us craving better coverage. Some of the most common settings include full/steady stream, pulse, massage, high-pressure jets, rain, bubbling stream, drench, and rinse. Diameter: 3.75 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, jet, massage, mist, soft, wide. Get the AquaDance handheld shower head on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Wayfair. To prevent the buildup of lime and other grime: Handheld shower heads attach to the shower via a piece called a dock. We logged how many spray settings there were and whether they all functioned equally well, taking note of the water pressure, coverage, and ability to distribute water evenly. It can add a modern look and provide a relaxing shower experience. A three-way diverter control, which is located on the overhead fixture, allows you to direct water flow from the faucet to the handheld shower head, the rain shower head, or both. Not as water-saving as other shower heads, Dual functionalityfixed and handheld sprays, Lower pressure when both sprays are turned on, May be too little pressure for some users, Mounted and handheld shower head included, Effective when using overhead and handheld simultaneously, Diverter might be out of reach in taller showers, Not suitable for mounting on textured tiles, frosted glass, or wood, Diverter may be out of reach for some users, Low water pressure when both sprays are used simultaneously. You can't go wrong with Glacier Bay. Moen Engage Magnetix Six-Function Handheld Showerhead, Best Massaging: The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. If you live in a drought-prone area like California or just want to cut down on your water usage, check out the Moen Attract with Magnetix (model 26100). Though the face is somewhat small (3.5 inches), it gets the job done, and the 5-foot no-kink hose allows you to reach around at any angle. AquaDance High Pressure 6-Setting Handheld Shower, Delta Faucet H2Okinetic In2ition Dual Shower Head. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and reattach it to the hose. Get the AquaDance combo shower head on Amazon, at The Home Depot, or on Wayfair. The average head uses around two gallons of water per minute, resulting in a 15-to-20-gallon shower. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. Its spray modes include bubbling rain, bubbling water, power rain, rinse, and pulsating massage. The G-Promise feels durable and is easy to install using an included mini wrench tool. She shares her favorite life hacks on her blog The Taboo Textbook. Installation of this handheld shower head is easy because it doesnt require special tools. Additionally, handheld showerheads with a maximum flow rate of 1.8 GPM meet the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for water conservation and may carry the agency's WaterSense certification. Thanks to its 1.8-GPM flow rate, this WaterSense-certified showerhead meets the EPA's standards for water conservation. If you want something with a massage mode to help relieve muscle tension, we highly recommend the Kohler Daisyfield. The 2.5-GPM model offers a little more water pressure, and the 1.8-GPM one meets WaterSense conservation standards. We found both sprays to have ample water pressure, even with the regulator in place. We also appreciate the extra-long 6-foot hose and lifetime warranty. While you might think this high-pressure showerhead isn't EPA-approved, the 1.8-GPM flow rate actually meets the agency's WaterSense conservation standards. This combo pack features a large overhead shower head that mimics the feeling of falling rain and a smaller handheld shower head attachment. Epstein says to check the flow rate of a showerhead before buying it, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Couradric High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head, Best Settings: This handheld shower head is available in multiple metallic finishes. It was easy to install and features a bracket that attaches to the spigot with a 60-degree pivot, allowing this handheld also to function as a standard mounted shower head. Since virtually all shower spigots are a standard -inch size, you dont need to worry about compatibility. This showerhead is made of metal and plastic and comes in three finishes (matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel). Waterpik 6-Spray Twin Turbo Handheld Showerhead. Unlike many other showerheads, this one comes in four finishes (matte black, chrome, oiled bronze, and brushed nickel) to match any bathroom fixtures or design scheme. A 70-inch stainless steel hose gives this model a greater range of motion and mobility, while a copper wall-mounting bracket adds stability. Each mode offers a different spray pattern, but all work equally well and, in our opinion, with the perfect amount of water pressure. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. With a flow rate of 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute), it meets the WaterSense conservation guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) without sacrificing pressure or performance. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Some shower heads can increase water pressure by circulating air into the shower head, which results in a more intense flow of water from the head. Our number one pick is the Moen Engage Magnetix 6-Spray Showerhead, a thoughtfully designed showerhead with customizable settings and a lifetime warranty. Popular finishes include: Most handheld shower heads are circular. Delta 7-Spray Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head, Best Basic: This handheld shower head attaches to the wall of your shower with a sturdy chrome bracket. However, Epstein notes, "Many low-flow showerheads, both handheld and stationary, can deliver a nice spray. The lower the flow rate, the less water the shower head uses, and the more you save on your water bill. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com. Read our guide to learn how to easily remove mold from wood. our process. An adjusting lever makes switching between the spray settings with wet hands easy. For shoppers who enjoy the feel of a rain shower, the American Standard Spectra+ Duo provides this experience along with the bonus of a handheld shower head integrated into the center of the fixture. When choosing the best options for this article, she looked at insights from tested products and considered dozens of models from various manufacturers and brands. There are a few different ways to install a handheld showerhead: You can attach the hose with a standard fitting, connecting it to an included base or a wall-mounted bracket. In areas with low water pressure, a flow restrictor can reduce your water pressure to well below 2.5 GPM. productslearn more about This two-in-one offering features a handheld shower head nestled inside a larger fixed shower head with a seven-inch diameter. For rinsing hair or bathing pets, get a shower head with ample pressure for removing soap. Pulsating and targeting spray settings create a narrow, intermittent stream of hot water for massaging sore back and neck muscles.