Shower heads that get great reviews
Swapping out an old, basic shower head for a shiny, new model is an easy (and often inexpensive) way to upgrade not only a bathroom's design, but also your morning routine.
Whether looking to invest a few hundred dollars on a spa-like experience, or you just want to replace your rental's dingy-looking shower head, there are lots of models to choose from.
Sifting through the endless products currently selling on Amazon can be a daunting task, but to simplify all that, CBS Essentials has rounded up a range of traditional and rainfall-style shower heads from established brands like Kohler and American Standard, as well as lesser-known (and often cheaper) brands SR Sun Rise and AquaDance. What do they all have in common? Great ratings and reviews.
Great value and performance: Kohler wall-mount shower head
Kohler's high-end fixtures have a reputation for quality, and this wall-mounted shower head is no exception. It may look basic, but users rave about the brand's catalyst air-induction spray, which offers a strong, even flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm).
One top contributor says it "revolutionizes" the shower. "The aerating shower head, which is generally larger in diameter than the standard type, draws in air and mixes it with the water so that you receive more of a rain-like experience when you shower. It makes the water more comfortable in the sense that it has a softer feel due to the air mixed in with the water, and gives a wider water dispersal pattern.
"It's truly a nice experience."
Luxurious shower head upgrade: American Standard Spectra Versa
A three-in-one shower system courtesy of American Standard, the Spectra Versa can be used as an 11-inch shower head, four-function hand shower or a combination of both, delivering a flow rate of two gpm. The system features hassle-free installation via existing plumbing, with no need to drill extra holes in tile or the ceiling.
"This product is beautifully made and very easy to install," writes one reviewer giving it a five-star rating. While this model may require a thorough reading of the directions and viewing an instructional video, the reviewer promises that "someone who is not very handy should have no trouble installing it."
Budget rain shower upgrade: SR Sun Rise rain combo set
Looking for a modern-style shower head, offering a consistently powerful, rain-like shower even with low water pressure? SR Sun Rise's sleek and sophisticated mounted shower head can transform a basic shower into a spa-like experience at a reasonable price. In addition to great reviews, this model also boasts another impressive feat: It's the top-selling product in the Bathtub & Shower Systems category on Amazon.
"This kit is very high quality. Unlike most modern faucet sets, this thing is made of solid metal, not chrome-plated plastic. It's heavy brass with a thick chrome plating," says one reviewer, declaring it a "great value for the money."
Right now, you can save an extra $25 buying this on Amazon when you apply the coupon before checkout.
Budget handheld shower head: Hopopro
This under-$30, easy-to-install handheld shower head is an excellent value, according to Amazon reviewers, offering a 2.5 high gpm (1.8 gpm in California, where there is a limit due to drought) and six flow functions.
"This shower head is fantastic!" raves one reviewer. "Very easy to install and functions perfect(ly)." Like many reviewers, she notes that it easily transforms from a traditional shower head to a hand-held. "It's really great for the price and we are super pleased with this purchase!"
You can save an extra $3 on Amazon if you apply the coupon prior to checkout.
Multi-functioning shower head under $50: AquaDance
Some people prefer a traditional shower head, while others appreciate a spa-like rainfall. With AquaDance's popular multi-functioning dual shower head, you can enjoy both.
According to reviewers, installation of this high-pressure gadget is simple. It also seamlessly switches between a mounted and hand-held device. One self-proclaimed "shower snob" couldn't stop raving about the shower head. "I need water pressure. We live way out in the country and are remodeling a '70s farmhouse. This shower head is freaking amazeballs! Yes, the rain function is light pressure, as (it) should be, but that massage function about sent me through our new tiled wall," she exclaimed. "It literally took dirt off my skin from 1985."
Regularly $46, this easy shower head upgrade is currently on sale for $35 on Amazon.
