Picture: Kristen Mosier
On the subject of massaging aching muscular tissues, bathing younger youngsters, or giving the household canine his month-to-month tub, a handheld bathe head generally is a helpful improve to your lavatory. A handheld bathe head incorporates a lengthy hose that permits you to take away it from its mount and goal the stream of water from the top. This design can be preferrred for households with bathe security considerations, permitting customers to wash from a chair to restrict harm.
The perfect handheld bathe head options easy and seamless performance, a number of spray settings for massaging or rinsing, and a kink-free bathe hose. In case you are hoping to buy certainly one of these versatile bathe heads however want some assist deciding which mannequin is best for you, you’re in luck. Along with our buying suggestions, we’ve taken the time to check a few of the hottest handheld fixtures in the marketplace. Learn on to be taught in regards to the numerous options of every and the way they stood as much as our requirements.
- BEST OVERALL: Couradric Handheld Bathe Head
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: AquaDance Excessive Strain 6-Setting Handheld Bathe
- BEST LUXURY: Delta Faucet H2Okinetic In2ition Twin Bathe Head
- BEST WITH RAIN SHOWER: American Normal Spectra+ Duo
- BEST FOR LOW PRESSURE: LOKBY Excessive-Strain Handheld Bathe Head
- BEST FOR MODERN BATHROOMS: Shiny Showers Rain Bathe Head with Handheld Spray
- BEST DUAL SHOWER HEAD: AquaDance 7″ Excessive-Strain 3-Method Rainfall Combo
- BEST MASSAGING SHOWER HEAD: G-Promise Excessive-Strain Bathe Head
Picture: Kristen Mosier
How We Examined the Greatest Handheld Bathe Heads
We examined all the handheld bathe heads on our awards record by wall-mounting every, being attentive to the instruments wanted for set up and the extent of issue. Every fixture was examined for its weight, really feel, and sturdiness. We examined every bathe head a minimal of two instances, adjusting spray patterns and bathe head course and being attentive to the hose size and suppleness. We noticed whether or not there was any leaking or sputtering, adjustments in water stress, uncommon sounds, and scorching water longevity.
We logged what number of spray settings there have been and whether or not they all functioned equally nicely, being attentive to the water stress, protection, and skill to distribute water evenly. For twin bathe heads, we noticed how they functioned whereas used individually and concurrently. We thought of the options for the value level in addition to the bathe head’s total attractiveness and a variety of end choices out there. Our high picks had been chosen for ease of set up, sturdiness, good design, even and ample water stress, and spray choices to go well with differing wants.
Our High Picks
This curated record highlights a few of the finest handheld bathe head choices out there, in response to our personal cautious set up and testing. From conventional fashions to modern rain bathe head combos, these dependable picks can improve your lavatory and bathing expertise.
Picture: amazon.com
Making the highest of our record for its high-pressure output, sturdy steel and plastic development, and easy-to-adjust spray settings, the Coruadric handheld bathe is more likely to please most customers. The 5-inch-diameter spray head has six simply adjustable settings, together with effervescent rain, effervescent water, shampoo rinsing, pulsating therapeutic massage, and water-saving mode. All of the modes labored successfully, with sprays to go well with totally different person preferences. The fixture comes normal with a 2.5 GPM however is out there in 1.8 GPM for California customers.
Straightforward set up and 48 self-cleaning rubber nozzles to forestall mineral buildup add to the worth of this bathe head. A 70-inch chrome steel hose offers this mannequin a larger vary of movement and mobility, whereas a copper wall-mounting bracket provides stability. Its rounded options and brushed-nickel end make it a gorgeous addition to any lavatory.
Product Specs
- GPM: 2.5, out there in 1.8 for California customers
- Variety of spray settings: 6
- Finishes out there: Brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, and matte black
Execs
- Good worth
- 6 simply adjustable spray varieties
- 48 self-cleaning nozzles
Cons
- Not as water-saving as different bathe heads
Get the Couradric handheld bathe head on Amazon.
Picture: amazon.com
Quite a few spray patterns and an reasonably priced worth make this bathe head a terrific choice for these trying to improve their current fixture to a handheld mannequin with out breaking the financial institution. This small bathe head packs a punch with loads of water stress. Six totally different settings vary from energy rain to mist, providing a pleasant array of choices from a softer spray to an intense therapeutic massage. One disadvantage we discovered was that the bathe head started to buzz when it was switched to the pulsating therapeutic massage setting. Nonetheless, we additionally discovered that the setting was barely too robust for a cushty bathe, with the opposite settings extra preferable.
A 5-foot hose offers sufficient size for bathing younger youngsters and even pets, whereas a mounting clip permits it to perform as a typical bathe head. It was easy to put in with none instruments and is out there in chrome, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze.
Product Specs
- GPM: 2.5
- Variety of spray settings: 6
- Finishes out there: Chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze
Execs
- Good worth
- 6 spray settings
- 5-foot hose
Cons
- Buzzing on therapeutic massage setting
Get the AquaDance handheld bathe head on Amazon or at Wayfair.
Picture: amazon.com
Delta’s H2Okinetic bathe combo has loads to love, together with its enticing look and strong construct. We love the modern design that permits this fixture to perform as each an overhead rainfall bathe head and a handheld choice, the latter of which is fitted inside utilizing a easy magnetic connection, which felt cosy and safe throughout our testing. The hand held works successfully with 5 highly effective spray patterns, together with kinetic energy drench, full physique, massaging, and full-body spray with therapeutic massage.
The hose will be stretched to over 6 ft, making it excellent for cleansing youngsters and pets. When the outer overhead spray is turned on together with the hand-held, protection will increase to a 7-inch diameter. The overhead spray offers off medium water stress, attribute of a rain bathe. The regulator is built-in and never supposed to be eliminated, so some customers could crave extra spray stress. We thought the general stress was a bit of gentle however recognize its water-saving qualities.
This bathe head makes use of the corporate’s H2Okinetic expertise, which permits its nozzles to create bigger water droplets than a typical bathe, designed to imitate a drenching rain forest bathe. The expertise offers ample protection at 1.75 GPMs and earns a WaterSense certification.
The H2Okinetic was easy to put in and is available in seven finishes, together with chrome, bronze, polished nickel, and black stainless.
Product Specs
- GPM: 1.75
- Variety of spray settings: 5
- Finishes out there: Chrome, black stainless, champagne bronze, stainless, matte black, polished nickel, and Venetian bronze
Execs
- Twin performance—fastened and handheld sprays
- WaterSense licensed
- Accessible in a number of finishes
Cons
- Decrease stress when each sprays are turned on
Get the Delta H2Okinetic In2ition on Amazon.
Picture: amazon.com
For consumers who benefit from the really feel of a rain bathe, the American Normal Spectra+ Duo offers this expertise together with the bonus of a handheld bathe head built-in into the middle of the fixture. The distinctive design features a 9.5-inch diameter that gives loads of protection with a cushty, even spray. Our testing discovered the water stress on the two.5 GPM model to be gentle to medium when used with a regulator and medium to excessive with out. There’s additionally a 1.8 mannequin out there for these trying to save water.
The bathe head was easy to put in to our current piping with simply using a wrench. A magnet retains the hand-held securely hooked up however simply detachable. Every of the 4 spray settings—drench, delicate, therapeutic massage, and energy wash—had been simply adjustable and cozy, providing choices for the totally different preferences of members of the family. At about 5 ft, the hose is lots lengthy for cleansing youngsters and pets.
We didn’t love the sample of the overhead spray as soon as we eliminated the hand-held. Whereas we recognize that it might probably perform with each sprays on concurrently, the overhead has a large hole within the rain bathe with out the hand-held in place, leaving us craving higher protection. You possibly can flip off the outer spray when utilizing the hand-held, which often is the higher choice.
Product Specs
- GPM: 2.5, 1.8 out there
- Variety of spray settings: 5
- End choices: Chrome, brushed nickel, legacy bronze, and polished nickel
Execs
- Overhead rain bathe choice
- Huge protection
- 5 simply adjustable settings
Cons
- Hole in spray when handheld is eliminated
- Gentle stress when used with regulator
Get the American Normal Spectra+ Duo on Amazon, at The Dwelling Depot, or on AmericanStandard-US.com.
Picture: amazon.com
This handheld bathe head makes use of nozzles that compress the water because it passes by way of to extend velocity, enhancing low water stress. The circulation fee is 1.8 GPMs, permitting customers to avoid wasting water whereas nonetheless acquiring a cushty, even spray. This alternative is nicely suited for many who wish to save water or like a gentler spray. It additionally has 5 settings that increase the water stress, together with therapeutic massage, rain, energy rain, mist, and rain plus mist.
Between the mid-level stress and a prolonged 59-inch hose, this bathe head is a superb choice for bathing younger youngsters. A handy off button lets the operator flip the bathe off from the top, whereas silicone jets preserve this bathe head functioning correctly by resisting buildup from exhausting water. It was simple to put in and incorporates a bracket that attaches to the spigot with a 60-degree pivot, permitting this handheld additionally to perform as a typical mounted bathe head.
Product Specs
- GPM: 1.8
- Variety of spray settings: 6
- End choices: Chrome, matte black, brushed nickel
Execs
- Water-saving
- Comfortable, snug spray
Cons
- Could also be too little stress for some customers
Get the Lokby handheld bathe head on Amazon.
Picture: amazon.com
This fixture combo combines the enveloping really feel of a rainfall bathe head with the flexibility of a handheld one. This 8-inch-square bathe head options 200 nozzles and mounts above your head, offering a real rainfall expertise with a mild, even spray. The hand held mannequin, additionally with a square-shaped design, matches the trendy styling of the rainfall bathe head and will be hooked up to the wall with an included suction cup.
Every has three spray settings, together with therapeutic massage, saturating, and mixture sprays, in addition to an on/off swap, making it appropriate for bathing pets and kids. A 3-way diverter management, which is positioned on the overhead fixture, permits you to direct water circulation from the tap to the hand-held bathe head, the rain bathe head, or each. One factor we appreciated about this mannequin is the efficiency when utilizing each sprays concurrently. In contrast to different fashions, we discovered the bathe heads labored simply as nicely collectively as they did individually.
Product Specs
- GPM: 1.8 with restrictor and a couple of.5 with out
- Variety of spray settings: 3 on every bathe head
- Finishes out there: Chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze
Execs
- Mounted and handheld bathe head included
- Efficient when utilizing overhead and handheld concurrently
- Rain-shower expertise
Cons
- Diverter is perhaps out of attain in taller showers
- Not appropriate for mounting on textured tiles, frosted glass, or wooden
- Mount can’t be reattached if eliminated
Get the Shiny Showers bathe head on Amazon and Wayfair.
Picture: amazon.com
Out of the field, this AquaDance fixture appears enticing and installs simply. The setup consists of two separate bathe heads, a 7-inch broad rainfall bathe head, and a 4-inch handheld bathe head that mounts alongside it. Depart the hand-held bathe head hooked up for optimum water protection from each heads, or detach it and use it as a handheld. We discovered each sprays to have ample water stress, even with the regulator in place.
A number of circulation choices help you run water by way of both head or each. The diverter is on the overhead spray, making it tough to entry if mounted out of attain. Every bathe head options six efficient and cozy circulation settings for therapeutic massage, rainfall type, or normal. When utilizing each concurrently, the water stress drops, particularly within the handheld. The fixture is constructed of plastic with a chrome end.
Product Specs
- GPM: 2.5
- Variety of spray settings: 6 on every bathe head
- Finishes out there: Brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze
Execs
- Overhead and handheld combo
- A number of setting combos
- Good worth
Cons
- Diverter could also be out of attain for some customers
- Low water stress when each sprays are used concurrently
Get the AquaDance combo bathe head on Amazon, at The Dwelling Depot, or on Wayfair.
Picture: amazon.com
On the subject of therapeutic massage, it’s all a couple of bathe head’s spray settings, and this mannequin from G-Promise has loads of them. Its enticing spherical face will be rotated to entry six spray settings, most of that are dedicated to therapeutic massage, together with energy therapeutic massage, rainfall plus energy therapeutic massage, therapeutic massage, and rainfall plus round therapeutic massage. Every mode provides a unique spray sample, however all work equally nicely and, in our opinion, with the right quantity of water stress.
An adjusting lever makes switching between the spray settings with moist fingers simple. An extended, stretchable 70-inch chrome steel hose offers this fixture loads of size to therapeutic massage hard-to-reach muscular tissues and clear bathe corners.
The G-Promise feels sturdy and is simple to put in utilizing an included mini wrench instrument. It’s made out of high-grade plastic and is available in a brushed-nickel end.
Product Specs
- GPM: 2.5
- Variety of spray settings: 6
- Finishes out there: Brushed nickel
Execs
- Nice water stress
- A number of therapeutic massage settings
- Lever permits for simple spray adjustment
Cons
- Just one end choice out there
Get the G-Promise bathe head on Amazon.
ALSO TESTED:
PureAction Luxurious Filtered Bathe Head with Handheld Hose
We additionally examined the PureAction filtered bathe head, and whereas we liked that the unit filters out chlorine, heavy metals, rust, sand, and sediment, sadly, it didn’t meet our performance requirements. We had some bother adjusting the spray, which incorporates three settings—rain, therapeutic massage, and combo. When turned on, the therapeutic massage mode made a quick whining noise and didn’t produce the spray described within the guide. It additionally crammed the underside of our bathe with water, inflicting us some concern about water utilization.
What to Take into account When Selecting the Greatest Handheld Bathe Head
There are a number of elements to contemplate earlier than buying a handheld bathe head, together with materials, circulation fee, spray modes, and water stress.
Kind
There are a number of elements to contemplate earlier than buying a handheld bathe head, together with materials, circulation fee, spray modes, and water stress.
- Mixture bathe heads have each a hard and fast and handheld bathe head. Customers can use one or the opposite or each whereas showering. A 3-way diverter permits every of the 2 heads for use concurrently or independently. As a consequence of circulation fee laws, nonetheless, water stress is diminished when each heads are used on the similar time.
- Low-flow bathe heads management the quantity of water utilization to assist preserve water. Water-saving bathe heads, in response to the EPA, have a circulation fee of not more than 2 GPM (gallons per minute). These water-efficient bathe heads can be found with circulation charges as little as 1.5 GPM.
- Excessive-pressure bathe heads present a nicer rinse and a massage-like feeling on the physique. They’re designed to extend the water stress with air inside the top. Whereas these bathe heads could value you extra upfront, they’ll prevent cash in the long term by lowering your water invoice.
- Rain bathe heads are a well-liked choice for mixture units. Water flows down excessive of your head, creating a calming sensation paying homage to a spa. They’re both mounted to the wall or ceiling and often have a wider spray and decrease stress in comparison with normal fastened bathe heads.
Materials
Most bathe heads have a mixture of steel and plastic elements. Chrome steel and brass are usually used for the threaded fittings to the bathe spigot in addition to the interior elements that direct water circulation. The exterior parts often include high-grade plastic, which isn’t vulnerable to rust or corrosion like many metals.
Some showers use aluminum with a chrome, brushed nickel, or bronze coating. Excessive-end bathe heads are product of brass or chrome steel, which additionally resist rust and corrosion. Most handheld bathe heads use silicone nozzles, that are clog-resistant and require little upkeep.
Move Charge and Strain
Vitality consumption is instantly associated to the circulation fee. The decrease the circulation fee, the much less water the bathe head makes use of, and the extra you save in your water invoice. The utmost circulation fee for a bathe head is 2.5 GPM, however some have outputs as little as 1.5 GPM, which may prevent a big sum of money.
Because the Nationwide Vitality Act was handed in 1992, the utmost allowable circulation fee for bathe heads is 2.5 GPM, considerably lower than older fashions with circulation charges of three.5 GPM or extra. Aside from high-pressure bathe heads, circulation fee usually dictates water stress; the upper the circulation fee, the upper the water stress.
WaterSense Certification
Water-saving bathe heads that earn the Environmental Safety Company’s (EPA) WaterSense label use not more than 2 GPM whereas offering a bathe that is the same as or higher than normal bathe heads in the marketplace. EPA estimates that changing a standard bathe head with a WaterSense bathe head can save practically 3,000 gallons of water annually.
When looking for an environment friendly bathe head, don’t simply take the producer’s phrase for it. Search for the WaterSense label. These bathe heads have been examined and authorized for his or her capacity to avoid wasting water and power and supply a bathe of equal or higher high quality.
Spray Patterns
Most bathe heads provide numerous circulation patterns, with some that includes greater than 40 spray settings. Generally, circulation patterns will be distilled into the next varieties:
- Broad spray patterns enable for optimum protection.
- Pulsating and concentrating on spray settings create a slim, intermittent stream of scorching water for massaging sore again and neck muscular tissues.
- Excessive-pressure spray settings work nicely for rinsing shampoo and conditioner from hair.
- Oversize rain-style bathe heads provide most protection whereas simulating the texture of rain.
Aesthetic
Handheld bathe heads lack the modern, minimal look of normal bathe heads due to their lengthy hoses, which give them a extra utilitarian look. Until you’re planning to redo the whole lavatory, you’ll possible wish to match the brand new bathe head to the present lavatory fixtures, together with the finishes and supplies.
A number of the hottest finishes are chrome, polished brass, brushed nickel, and chrome steel. Remember that shiny finishes could present water spots, whereas matte finishes resist staining. The scale of the bathe head can play a job in design and elegance.
In case you have area in a pleasant stand-up bathe and desire a sq. rain bathe head as much as 18 inches, why not? It could add a contemporary look and supply a calming bathe expertise. Conversely, these with compact bathe areas might have to stay with one thing smaller.
Further Options
Some good extras that you may search for when buying a bathe head embody:
- Filtered bathe heads function a built-in filtration system that softens water and removes contaminants akin to chlorine and lead.
- Nonslip grip bathe heads include rubberized handles in order that they don’t simply fall out of your hand whereas showering.
- LED lights add an additional degree to the bathe expertise. Customers can choose from numerous colours relying on temper, or customers can flip off the lights and simply conceal out if they should ignore the world for some time.
- On/off switches enable customers to pause the bathe whereas shampooing or shaving to avoid wasting water.
- Magnetic docking connects the hand-held bathe head to its cradle and is a comparatively high-end function.
Set up
Most handheld bathe heads are simple to put in. Set up usually includes unscrewing the outdated bathe head from the spigot, making use of plumbers’ tape to the threads, and screwing on the brand new head. Relying on the kind of bathe head, set up could contain an extension arm, which attaches to the spigot on one finish and the bathe head on the opposite.
Putting in a bathe head usually requires solely a crescent wrench. Since nearly all bathe spigots are a typical ½-inch measurement, you don’t want to fret about compatibility.
FAQs
When you nonetheless have questions on handheld bathe heads, learn on for solutions to the commonest questions.
Q. How do I select a handheld bathe head?
The perfect handheld bathe heads ought to present the correct settings in your wants. When you plan on utilizing it to therapeutic massage sore muscular tissues, be certain it has a pulse setting. For rinsing hair or bathing pets, get a bathe head with ample stress for eradicating cleaning soap. handheld bathe head also needs to have a hose lengthy sufficient to facilitate numerous makes use of.
Q. Are there bathe heads that improve water stress?
Some bathe heads can improve water stress by circulating air into the bathe head, which leads to a extra intense circulation of water from the top.
Q. Do all bathe heads have circulation restrictors?
The Nationwide Vitality Act of 1992 requires all bathe heads to incorporate circulation restrictors limiting water circulation to a most of two.5 GPM. In areas with low water stress, a circulation restrictor can scale back your water stress to nicely under 2.5 GPM. In these circumstances, chances are you’ll must take away the circulation restrictor from the bathe head.
Q. What’s the finest bathe head to extend water stress?
With its slim nozzles that improve the rate of water, the Lokby Excessive-Strain Handheld Bathe Head is without doubt one of the high fashions for enhancing low water stress.
Q. How a lot does a water-efficient bathe head save?
A water-efficient bathe head that makes use of simply 1.6 gallons per minute saves greater than 26 liters of water for the common seven-minute bathe. That provides as much as about 9,000 liters of water per family member per yr. On this record, Delta’s H2Okinetic bathe combo earned a WaterSense certification, which is a straightforward solution to be aware of a fixture’s water effectivity.
Q. What does a bathe head filter do?
A bathe head filter protects pores and skin and hair from chemical substances and minerals that may trigger harm and dryness, together with chlorine and chloramines.
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