Shower Sets Buying Guide

Everyone loves a great shower. They are a wonderful way to either wake you up and get you moving in the morning, or to help you relax and unwind in the evening after a particularly hard day. Having the right shower set not only ensures that you will have the best experience possible, but can also provide a quick and affordable way to change the look and feel of your bathroom.

Types of Shower Sets

Shower sets come in a variety of styles and finishes with many of the popular models selling for less than $100. On the other hand, you can easily spend up to $1,000 or more for some of the elaborate, higher-end fixtures and finishes. When choosing a shower set, there are many factors to consider. Some consumers may prefer sets based on functionality, where characteristics such as adjustable spray settings and water pressure are important. Others may prefer sets that provide a variety of other features such as shower heads that have bendable and movable arms, height settings that are adjustable, or valves that are pressure-balanced. Finally, some consumers may simply be attracted to a particular style and finish such as brass, chrome, gold or brushed nickel.

How to Choose

While style and finish will surely influence your final buying decision, performance and functionality will play a larger role in choosing the perfect shower set. Factors you should consider when selecting a shower set include:

Adjustability

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, as well as several settings in between. The ability and ease with which you are able to vary the settings should be another factor to consider. 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.

Water Pressure

While U.S. regulations require a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute when the water pressure is 80 pounds per square inch (psi), many homes operating on a municipal water supply typically have lower pressure. This means that the stream of water coming from your shower may be considerably weaker. By using an adjustable showerhead, you may be able to compensate for the loss of water pressure by selecting a stronger setting.

Easy-to-use

Ease of use and functionality are always important factors to consider. If possible, take the time to test the knobs, handles and shower heads while shopping. Do the knobs and/or handles turn easily? Would you be able to adjust the knobs easily with soap on your hands and in your eyes? Does the shower head turn to other settings easily?

Water Hardness

Hard water is a common occurrence in many households. Unfortunately, hard water contains a high-level of calcium carbonate which can leave a chalky buildup on your shower fixtures and surround and clog up the nozzle of your showerhead. If you have hard water, make sure you select a shower set that performs well with hard water. Sets that have plastic faces or rubbery nozzles will typically clean up better and not clog as easily as all-metal shower sets.

Water Temperature

If you like your shower hot, be sure to choose your shower set wisely. Some shower heads on the market aerate the spray in order to give it a more generous feel, but that can cool the water up to 15 degrees before it even gets to you. While you can compensate by adjusting the mix of hot and cold water at the shower's controls, you may want to look for a shower set that receives high marks for regulating hot-water temperature.

Finishes

There are a multitude of finishes available today. In addition to the standard chrome and brass finishes, consumers can now select fixtures in bronze, nickel, gold, copper and more. Trying to decide which finish is right for you can seem daunting, but answering a few simple questions may help you to narrow down your choices.

• Is the finish durable?
• Will it tarnish over time?
• Does the finish have a warranty? If so, how long is the warranty period?
• How much upkeep will this finish require? Do I need to purchase special cleaning products?
• Will fingerprints, smudges and dirt show up easily?
• Does the finish match the style I want in my bathroom?

As you explore your options, be sure to take notes and to compare the different materials and the costs associated with each. While polished nickel may not be what you are looking for, a brushed or satin nickel may fit the bill. There's nothing wrong with mixing and matching bathroom finishes, so don't be afraid to experiment. With the variety out there, you will surely find a look and style that meets your needs.

Adjustable Handheld Shower Sets

Adjustable hand-held shower heads have increased in popularity over the last few years, especially among the Baby Boomers. Swiveling mounts are standard with most hand-held adjustable models, and most handheld units are easy to use and install. A few manufacturers and their products are listed below.

Jado is passionate about performance and it shows in their products. If you are looking for an adjustable shower set that is the ultimate in versatility and individual style, this is a great brand.

Adjustable, Pressure-Balanced & Thermostatic Shower Sets

The Hansgrohe name has been synonymous with excellence in kitchen and bath products since 1901. For them, the shower is not just part of a busy day. It is quality time to be savored and enjoyed, and their products reflect this idea. If you are looking for performance and functionality at an affordable price, they have lots to offer.

Several manufacturers offer shower sets that provide pressure-balanced valve features that ensure comfortable water temperatures. This comes in handy if you are in the shower and someone inadvertently flushes the toilet. With the pressure-balanced feature, you luckily won't experience a change in shower water pressure. A shower set with thermostatic valves provides shower users with more refined temperature control. In other words, you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing shower without experiencing any wild temperature fluctuations. Gone will be the days of manually adjusting your hot and cold knobs during your shower.

Kohler has a full line of shower sets in dozens of colors, shapes and sizes to suit your style and lifestyle. You can choose from bathtub/shower combination modules, or separate recessed or corner modules that can accommodate faucets on either side. One model worth a closer look is the Finial Traditional Bath & Shower Faucet Set. The convenient single lever handle requires only a quarter turn to start and stop the flow and the push-button diverter switches easily between the shower and bath function. Kohler's Pinstripe Pure Rite-Temp® pressure-balanced shower utilizes Rite-Temp® pressure-balancing technology to maintain water temperature within +/-3 degrees Fahrenheit. A high-temperature limit stop even allows you to preset a comfortable maximum temperature to eliminate scalding.

Delta prides itself on delivering truly well-made, stylish faucets and bath accessories that are beautiful both inside and out. Delta's product lines feature a unique combination of trendy looks and excellent quality, and are available in a wide variety of finishes. For a truly enhanced shower experience, the Monitor 1800 Jetted Shower is hard to beat. The two adjustable spray jets were specifically designed to blanket you with 40% more water to provide a more relaxing shower experience.

Rain Shower Heads

Rain Showers, also referred to as downpours, provide consumers with a soft, gentle rain-like shower. These shower heads come in a variety of sizes and styles. Downpour shower heads are much larger than conventional shower heads, and have several spray nozzles. If you are looking for an adjustable one, then be sure to check the manufacturer specifications carefully. Typically, these models are not adjustable and tend to be pricier overall.

Price Range

Most manufacturers produce a variety of styles and models to fit all price ranges. Depending on the style and features selected, consumers can find a basic shower set starting as low as $20. Most top-rated products sell in the price range of $85-100. Higher-end customized options can actually climb into the $6,000 range, but are not representative of the types of shower sets the general public purchases. Prices are dictated to a large extent by the type of finish selected and required features. For example, moveable showerheads generally cost more than their non-moveable counterparts, and thermostatic models typically cost more than their pressure-balanced ones.

If you are on a tight budget, and prefer a basic, adjustable standard shower set with no-frills, you'll have a decent selection to choose from with prices starting as low as $20, with the average cost being around $45. This price typically includes the standard shower head and one or two handles in a chrome finish. An adjustable shower set with multiple settings that lets you go from a gentle flow to a strong massage can range anywhere from $65 up to $150, with the average price being around $85. If you prefer the higher-end styles, such as designer, decorative, or period pieces with finishes like no-tarnish brass or brushed nickel, plan on paying as much as $500.

Do not despair if you find a fixture that you really like, but is outside of your budget. If you find a particular shower set that you want, but is out of your price range, ask yourself what you specifically like about it. Once you've narrowed it down, you may be able to research a few options along similar lines that may not only fit your needs, but that also fit your budget.