Showerhead Buying Guide
Few everyday items affect your morning as much as your shower. When choosing a showerhead, you’ll need to look at design, water flow and spray patterns. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an old showerhead or turn your bathroom into in-home spa, Pronto’s Showerhead Buying Guide will help you find the showerhead that meets your needs, budget and taste so you can start every day clean and refreshed.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Water flow
To save water and energy, choose a low-flow showerhead (less than the standard 2.5 gpm). Showerheads with water-flow regulators are best for areas with lower water pressure. If you have extremely low water pressure, consider a maximum flow showerhead which features multiple heads or a removable water restrictor.
Showerhead types
Wall-mounted showerheads are the most affordable and easiest to install, but have limited height adjustability. Handheld showerheads are height adjustable and are the best choice for households with children, seniors and those with disabilities. Select a handheld showerhead with a cushioned or textured handle for easy gripping. Choose ceiling-mounted showerheads only if you have a large shower that can contain the wide spray of water and your existing plumbing (or plumbing renovation plans) can handle it.
Spray patterns
Purchase a showerhead that offers a minimum of two wide, even spray patterns for washing and rinsing. Make sure changing between spray patterns is easy; choose large dials over small and dials in general if you don’t like to fuss with controls.
Finishes
Make sure a showerhead’s finish won’t be ruined by the minerals in your water. Plastic showerheads are best for hard-water areas. Brushed or satin finishes hide water spots and fingerprints. The finish you choose contributes to the price of your showerhead, so if you’re investing in a high-end finish, look for PVD antitarnish coatings to extend the life and looks of your showerhead.
Showerhead extras
If you have an older home, consider a showerhead with antiscald protection. Shower arm extenders allow the showerhead to be raised or lowered for small and tall alike. Showerhead water filters work to remove chlorine, contaminants and irritants to soothe sensitive skin and ease allergies.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like Kohler’s Mastershower Showerhead K8506-G for its three-way, wide-strong, wide-pulse and concentrated-pulse sprays. The Mastershower Showerhead is available in a variety of Kohler finishes that resist hard-water buildup. The Mastershower Showerhead has a wide outside ring that easily turns to switch sprays, a standard ½ " NPT (National Pipe Thread) fitting and a flow of 2.5 gallons per minute.
experts say
HomeClick—“Shower heads typically have two or more adjustable settings. Many shower sets will include a variety of settings that range from a soft gentle misting effect to a hard pulsating style massage, and several settings in between. The ability and ease at which you are able to vary the settings should be another important factor to consider when shopping for a shower set. After all, no one wants to struggle with the settings of their shower head while in the midst of a shower. If you are looking for the ultimate in adjustability and flexibility, then a handheld shower set may be your best option.” Source: Homeclick.com
Showerheads r us—“Traditionally shower heads were forged out of metal, namely brass. And while brass makes for great shower heads, it's not the only material that can last a lifetime. In fact, if not engineered correctly, metals may have a tendency to collect mineral deposits that can clog the shower head's jets and shorten its lifespan. Simply put, brass is not always best.” Source: Showerheadsrus.com
Allergy Buyers Club Shopping.com—“The High-Flow Shower Head provides massaging relief, while removing chlorine, sediment, rust and odors from your water. This low maintenance shower filter includes a reversible filter that only needs replacing once a year.” Source: Allergybuyersclub.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of showerheads?
Form has become as important as function for showerheads, and rainshower models lead the market in delivering both. These ceiling-mounted showerheads require built-in installation and their controls can be hidden behind a wall panel. With their wide water coverage area, seemingly endless design options and the ability to shower you with colored water, you’ll be bathing like the stars in no time (but you’ll probably need their budget too).
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Showerheads) |
| $ | Most budget-priced showerheads are traditional wall-mounted models with fixed heads and chrome finishes. You’ll also find a few basic handheld showerheads. Make sure that these showerheads won’t be damaged by the water in your home and look for simple, reliable adjustments. |
Compare prices at 3 stores $19 - $28 |
| $$ | In the midrange, you’ll find wall-mounted and handheld showerheads with adjustable spray patterns, a continuous range of sprays and a variety of finishes to choose from. |
Compare prices at 2 stores $48 - $49 |
| $$$ | High-end showerheads feature larger diameters, contemporary designs, a variety of spray patterns, multiple nozzles, luxury finishes and antitarnish coatings |
Compare prices at 2 stores $237 - $276 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Flow rate
The velocity of water delivered by a showerhead, measured in gallons per minute (gpm). Velocity is affected by the water pressure in your home. U.S. government regulations mandate a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gpm.
Low-flow showerhead
Showerheads with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. Some feature water-flow regulators that will adjust the flow up to 2.5 gpm for homes with low water pressure.
PVD
Physical vapor deposition, a method of applying antitarnish coatings to a variety of objects.
Push button control
A showerhead that uses levers or buttons to regulate flow and temperature.
Spray pattern
The direction, range and velocity of water leaving a showerhead. Spray patterns range from gentle “rainfall” patterns to wide, high-velocity patterns.
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