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The best shower heads you can buy
The best rain-style shower head
If you’ve hesitated to purchase a rain-style shower head in the past because of concerns over high water usage, the WaterPoint 8-inch Rain Shower Head contains a flow restrictor that limits the shower head to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. You can remove the restrictor if you’d like more water flow as well.
Depending on how you use the shower, removing the flow restrictor may actually help you spend less time in the shower, reviewers say. EBCL Mommy's reviewer was impressed with the coverage area of the WaterPoint rain shower head, which allowed her family to save money with shorter showers. One Amazon customer agreed, saying the ability to use the strong water flow of this shower head to reduce the amount of time spent in the shower is impressive.
The Lucks List appreciated the look and design of the WaterPoint shower head, as well as its ability to deliver a steady water flow. Buyers on Amazon are largely satisfied by their purchase, and the shower head has a 4.7-star rating. Perhaps the best thing about the WaterPoint Shower Head is its low price.
Pros: Delivers a large volume of water, very low price, good water pressure for rain-style shower head, large 8-inch shower head, restrictor inside shower head cuts water usage to 2.5 gallons per minute
Cons: Air intake yields noisy shower head, some plastic in construction
Buy the WaterPoint 8-Inch Rain Shower Head on Amazon for $25 (originally $39.95)The best high-pressure shower head
If you’re someone who doesn’t like the gentle rain-style shower heads, the Speakman S-2252 Signature Anystream High-Pressure Shower Head will be more your style.
This high-pressure shower head delivers either 2 or 2.5 gallons of water per minute using six adjustable jets that produce 48 individual sprays. Even those with low water pressure at home will receive high-quality results with the Speakman Anystream model. It delivers just the right amount of pressure – not enough, let’s say, to put an eye out, but enough to massage some tired shoulder and back muscles.
The Shower Remedy review says the self-cleaning nozzles in the Speakman shower head are a great feature. Meanwhile, the Best Shower Heads review highlighted the longevity of the S-2252 high-pressure shower head, thanks to its brass construction. Finally, the CanaVP review liked the patented Anystream 360 design of this shower head, which lets it deliver strong water pressure.
One Amazon buyer liked the water pressure the Speakman S-2252 delivers and says it’s easy to remove the water restrictor from the shower head for even greater water flow. However, another Amazon reviewer didn’t like that the shower head has no jets in the center, which left a cold spot in the jet spray.
Pros: High-pressure jet spray even in low water pressure households, adjustable jet sprays, self-cleaning nozzles, six finishes available, both 2.5 and 2 gallons per minute water flow shower heads available
Cons: Higher than average price, no jets in center of shower head
Buy the Speakman S-2252 Signature Anystream High-Pressure Shower Head on Amazon for $66.13 to $152.90 (price varies based on color)The best high-efficiency shower head
Most shower heads offer a water flow setting of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Some even conserve more water, reducing the flow to 2 GPM. But if you’re truly serious about saving water – and saving money on your water and water heating bills in the process – the High Sierra All Metal Low Flow Shower Head is the answer. This High Sierra shower head reduces water use to an impressive 1.5 GPM.
Tririg's reviewer was extremely impressed with the High Sierra low flow shower head, as it delivers just the right amount of water pressure. One Amazon customer agreed, saying the difference between the spray generated by an older 2.5 GPM shower head and the High Sierra 1.5 GMP shower head was not noticeable.
The Shower Champ review highlighted the primarily metal construction in the shower head as well as a high-quality plastic in the spray restrictor area, which ensure longevity. The List of Best Stuff reviewer was extremely impressed with the affordable price point of the High Sierra.
However, low flow shower heads aren’t for everyone. One Amazon reviewer harshly compared the High Sierra shower head’s performance to the types of unpleasant shower heads prisons use to conserve water. If you like a luxurious shower, you won't want a low-flow model like this one.
Pros: Delivers good water pressure for an extremely low flow shower head, saves money on your water bill, four finish colors available, great price point, primarily metal construction
Cons: Low flow shower head uses small water stream, extremely small shower head nozzle area
Buy the High Sierra All Metal Low Flow Shower Head on Amazon for $39.95 to $49.95 (price varies based on color)The best handheld shower head
The ShowerMaxx 6-Spray Detachable Handheld Shower Head can double as both a fixed shower head and a handheld one that you can use to direct water where you need it most.
As an added benefit, the ShowerMaxx handheld shower head offers six different spray settings along with a 4.92-foot stainless steel hose that stretches to more than 6.5 feet, providing plenty of versatility. It also has a 4.5-inch diameter shower head to offer plenty of water coverage with a 2.5 GPM water flow. You can remove the water restrictor ring for more water flow, too.
The Shower Pro was impressed with the premium quality construction and design of this shower head, especially considering the reasonable price point. Additionally, the Best Brand Reviews mentioned that the handheld shower head with the flexible hose works great for bathing pets. One Amazon reviewer agreed, saying this handheld shower head is perfect for both pets and small children.
The Simple Toilet reviewer liked the ShowerMaxx handheld unit, but pointed out that the shower head is difficult to install. Additionally, one Amazon customer was disappointed with the mostly plastic materials in the ShowerMaxx handheld shower head’s construction, but for the price, it's hard to complain.
Pros: Good price point, hose stretches to more than 6.5 feet, plenty of water coverage for most people in 4.5-inch diameter shower head, easy to use handheld unit for pets and children
Cons: Mostly plastic construction materials, difficult to install
Buy the ShowerMaxx 6-Spray Detachable Handheld Shower Head on Amazon for $45.97 to $59.97 (price varies based on color)The best budget shower head
There’s nothing that particularly stands out about the Delta 75152 Single Function Shower Head, but it does provide a good all-around performance level at a really low price point. According to the Green Energy Helps review, the Delta 75152 can deliver water flow of between 1.85 GPM and 2.5 GPM, which is a good level for most people.
As The Wirecutter points out in its review, this low priced Delta shower head offers H2Okinetic engineering, which is a technology found in some of Delta’s more expensive shower heads that creates large water droplets. The Beyond Shower review says the 75152 shower head is easy to install, and this Amazon reviewer agrees, adding that it offers great water pressure, too.
One Amazon customer was disappointed in the all-plastic design of the Delta shower head, which ended up causing some leaks immediately after installation, but it seems to be a rare occurrence. At this price point, you really can't do better.
Pros: Extremely low price, good water flow level, extremely easy to install, two jet spray settings, two water flow settings, includes H2Okinetic water droplet technology
Cons: All-plastic construction materials affect longevity, some customers reported immediate leaks
Buy the Delta 75152 Single Function Shower Head on Amazon for $21.99The best LED shower head
If you think having a LED light in your shower head that causes the water to take on a colored tint is primarily for fun … well, you’d be right. But the DreamSpa AquaFan 12-Inch LED Shower Head also uses the LED lighting to provide a smart purpose, helping you see exactly what the water temperature is before you step into the shower stall. No longer do you have to suffer through stepping into an icy stream of shower water!
The LED light is blue when the water temperature is below 95 degrees, green when it’s below 109 degrees, red when it’s below 122 degrees, and flashing red when the water is above 122 degrees.
The Heavy review shows how a tiny LCD screen inside the LED area displays the exact water temperature, providing information in addition to the larger LED light system. The Armchair Arcade review points out that no batteries are needed to run the LED, as it runs completely from water pressure and should last about 100,000 hours.
The 12-inch shower head provides a rain-style water flow, which the Shower Tips review calls peaceful. One Amazon customer also appreciated the good water flow coverage area from the rain-style shower head.
However, a few different Amazon reviewers mentioned that the DreamSpa AquaFan shower head emits a whining noise when in operation, so be warned.
Pros: Fun LED lights tint the water color, changing LED lights indicate water temperature, 12-inch shower head provides rain-style water flow, good total water flow, no batteries required
Cons: Shower head emits a whining noise, price is a little above average
Buy the DreamSpa AquaFan 12-Inch LED Shower Head on Amazon for $42.49The best shower head for low-pressure households
There are few fates worse than suffering through a lifetime of weak showers. No one deserves to go to sleep with shampoo still in their hair and soap on their skin. Luckily, the folks behind the Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager agree, and their shower head is an easy workaround to the injustice of low water pressure.
The massaging shower head does more than up the ante on the pressure provided by your city or well water. Thanks to various spray patterns that actually offer a noticeable massage during your shower (the high pressure certainly helps with that), this shower head turns an anemic bathing experience into, well, a fire hydrant. And yes, that’s a good thing.
More than 200 customers have given this shower head an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and just about all of them have lauded the shower head’s ability to give them an actual shower. As one satisfied customer wrote, “If you want to use every ounce of water available, this is your showerhead. It isn't going to conserve a drop. Its design forces the available water into the strongest shower I've had outside of a hotel.”
Even folks living in houses with water pressure as low as 45 PSI noted that this unit made an enormous difference in their shower quality. It’s not entirely clear exactly what technology (or magic) the Fire Hydrant Spa team has employed in order to amplify pressure to such an impressive extent.
And with an increase in water pressure also comes an increase in the surface area that your streams of water are able to cover. That means no more standing right underneath the shower head hoping to catch the dribbles. — Lulu Chang
Pros: Improves water pressure tremendously; inexpensive; easy to install
Cons: If you’re looking for several settings or water stream options, look elsewhere
Buy the Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager Shower Head on Amazon for $39.99The best combination shower head
While there are plenty of convertible shower heads that combine the ease of a mounted shower head with the flexibility of a handheld unit, there aren’t quite as many options that actually offer you both at the same time. But the Hydroluxe Full-Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1 Combo does just that.
A top seller on Amazon, this shower head allows you to choose from a total of 24 full and combined water flow patterns, turning your daily shower into a veritable choose your own adventure.
On the main shower head, you’ll find a little knob that will allow you to direct water to one or the other head, or if you’re ready to get pampered, to both. Of course, you can continue to adjust the knob throughout your shower, offering yourself different water and setting combinations.
The heads each come with five settings, which include Power Rain, Massage, Stay-Warm Mist, Water-saving Economy Rain, as well as a Pause function. And thanks to this shower unit’s large four-inch face, you’ll be getting powerful jets of water throughout your shower — and better still, from two heads.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this particular Hydroluxe offering is how easy it is to install. While some other shower heads purport to be DIY but are, in fact, meant only for expert installation, I found that the Hydroluxe lived up to its easy installation promise.
Indeed, that seems to be a common opinion on Amazon, where over 7,000 satisfied customers have given the shower head a 4.2 out of 5-star review. Most have noted that they were able to install the shower head in less than five minutes, and thanks to the included tape, you won’t have to worry about leaks or other drippage.
Despite the relatively low price of this shower head, the water pressure is still quite decent, particularly if you take the step of removing the flow control device. If you do elect to have water coming out of both heads simultaneously, you may experience a drop in pressure, though this is to be expected. — Lulu Chang
Pros: Easy installation, great value for the price, two-for-one design makes for a luxurious shower
Cons: Plastic construction
Buy the Hydroluxe Full-Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1 Combo on Amazon for $24.99Check out our other guides for bathroom decor
The first thing you see when you enter your bathroom is probably the shower curtain, so why not buy a good one that complements your bathroom's design?
Shower curtains come in so many designs we strived to take all shower curtain aspects, such as functionality and longevity, into consideration, as well, of course, as looks and style.
Here are the best shower curtains you can buy:
- Best shower curtain overall: LiBa Mildew Resistant Fabric Shower Curtain
- Best shower curtain with pockets: Maytex Mesh Pockets PEVA Shower Curtain in Clear
- Best shower curtain for a hookless look: Goodbath Fabric Hookless Shower Curtain
- Best shower curtain for a classic or modern design scheme: InterDesign Chevron Shower Curtain
- Best shower curtain for a boring bathroom: Carnation Home Fashions The Starry Night Fabric Shower Curtain
Shower curtain hooks are pretty basic, but subtle differences between them make certain hooks stand out above the rest.
Shower curtain hooks come in several varieties, but are most commonly made of stainless steel or plastic. Some are classic circular rings and others are more elaborate hooks that let the curtain drop down farther from the rod.
Here are the best shower curtain hooks you can buy:
- Best shower curtain hooks overall: Maytex Metal Double Roller Glide Shower Curtain Ring
- Best rolling shower curtain hooks: Amazer Rust-Resistant Stainless Steel Shower Curtain Rings
- Best decorative shower curtain hooks: InterDesign Axis Shower Curtain Hooks with Ball Detail
- Best plastic shower curtain hooks: Room Essentials Plastic Shower Hooks
- Best wide shower curtain hooks: Amazer Wide Shower Curtain Hooks
Bath mats soak up any water from your wet feet and make sure you don't slip on any water when you leave the shower or tub.
We searched the web for user reviews and top-ranked selections in the bath mat category to bring you this Insider Picks guide to finding the perfect bath mat.
Here are the best bath mats you can buy:
- Best bath mat overall: West Elm Luxe Fibersoft Bath Mat
- Best microfiber bath mat: Vdomus Non-slip Microfiber Shag Bathroom Mat
- Best memory foam bath mat: Magnificent Large Non-Slip Memory Foam Bath Mat
- Best affordable cotton bath mat: Luxury Cotton Hotel-Spa Tub-Shower Bath Mat Set
- Best bamboo bath mat: InterDesign Bamboo Floor Mat
You step out of the shower, and happily reach for your favorite scratchy, thin, unabsorbent, and too-small bath towel: NOT. No one wants to end their clean routine on an unhappy note like that. It's a pleasure to dry off with a thick, thirsty, soft, and big-enough-to-cover-everywhere-that-counts bath towel.
That's why we've hunted down the best bath towels for your drying pleasure. Whether you like them overly large, made of organic cotton, in a waffle-weave, or just thick, soft, and luxurious; we've got your new favorite bath towel in our guide.
Here are the best towels you can buy:
- Best towel overall: Fieldcrest Spa Towel
- Best big towel: Utopia Bath Sheet
- Best lightweight towel: Crane & Canopy Fouta Towel
- Best waffle weave towel: Waffle Towel from Parachute
- Best organic cotton towel: Organic Bath Towel from Boll & Branch
- Best colorful towels: Wamsutta's Hygro Duet Bath Towels
- Best textured towel with a fun pattern: West Elm's Dashed Lines Sculpted Towels
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