Everyone loves a great shower. They are a wonderful way to either wake
you up and get you moving in the morning, or help you to 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 shower
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 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 more elaborate, higher-end
fixtures and finishes. When purchasing a shower set, there are many
factors to consider. Some consumers may prefer to shop based on
functionality where characteristics such as adjustable spray settings
and water pressure are important. Others may prefer sets that provide a
variety of 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, i.e. chrome, brass, gold or brushed
nickel.
How
to Choose
While style and finish will definitely influence your final buying
decision, performance and functionality will play a larger role in
picking 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, 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.
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 a lower pressure.
This means that the stream of water coming from your shower head 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
when 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 U.S. 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 your showerhead's nozzle. If you have hard water, 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, 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 cools 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.
A Variety of 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, copper, nickel, gold and more. Trying to decide which finish
is right for you can seem daunting, but answering a few simple question
may help you to narrow down your choices.
- Is the finish durable?
- Will the finish tarnish over
time?
- Does the finish have a
warranty? If so, what 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 fit the
style I want in my bathroom?
As you explore your options, be sure to
take notes and to compare the different materials and 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 definitely find a look
and style that meets your needs.
Top
Selling/Rated Brands/Products
Adjustable Handheld Shower
Sets
Adjustable
hand-held shower heads have increased in popularity over the last few
years, especially among Baby Boomers. Swiveling mounts are standard
with most hand-held adjustable models, and most handheld units are easy
to install and use. 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, look no further than a Jado. Jado
offers several products in a variety of styles including the Complete
Personal Hand Shower Set on Adjustable Bar Series
816-928 , Series
826-098, Series
854-963, and Series
859-928. |
 |
Adjustable, Pressure-Balanced
& Thermostatic Shower Sets
| Graff
offers a variety of beautiful adjustable handheld showers sets that can
turn your shower into a luxurious retreat from the every day grind.
Graff prides itself on blending the character of days past with the
design and function needed today into a product line that is truly
remarkable. If interested in an adjustable handheld shower set, take a
look at the Graff Traditional Adjustable Hand Held Shower With Wall
Mount Slide Bar available in Olive
Bronze, Polished
Chrome, and Nickel
designs. |
 |
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 belief. If you are looking for performance and
functionality at an affordable price, consider the 2 spray, no clog ShowerPower
Selecta Handshower model, the 2 spray, ergonomically designed
Axor
Carlton Handshower, or the 3 spray, 72 No-Clog Spray Channels
Axor
Steel Clubmaster model.
Several manufacturers offer shower sets that provide pressure-balanced
valve features which 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 your 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 wild temperature fluctuations. Gone will be the
days of manually adjusting your hot and cold water knobs during your
shower.
Kohler has created a full line of shower sets in dozens of colors,
shapes and sizes to suit your style and lifestyle. Consumers 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 Trim.
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-balancing bath and shower faucet trim
utilizes the 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.
Doralfe products synthesize simplicity and elegance. The company
believes its products are the answer to those seeking a more subtle and
distinctive elegance. Most of their products are available in Polished
Brass, Satin Nickel, Pewter, Polished Chrome, Antique Brass and Antique
Bronze finishes. Stylish adjustable shower sets include the Revere
Three Handle Tub & Shower Set with 2 Lever Handles &
Shower Head, the Normandy
Two (Cross) Handle Shower Set with Shower Head, and the Savannah
Two (Lever) Handle Shower Set with Shower Head.
Delta prides itself on delivering exceptionally 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.
Looking for something a little more high-end and distinctive in style?
Than, Giagni shower sets may provide you with a few chic choices. The Mediterranean
Series 1/2" Thermostatic Shower Set, the Quincy
Series Two Valve Shower Set, and the Gibralter
Series Pressure Balance Shower Set will definitely give your
bath and shower a unique look and feel.
Rain Shower Heads
Price
Range
Most manufacturers produce a variety of styles and models to fit any
price range. Depending on the style and features selected, consumers
can find a basic shower set starting at around $20. Most top-rated
products sell in the area 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 the features
required. For example, moveable showerheads generally cost more than
their non-moveable counterparts and thermostatic models typically cost
more than their pressure-balanced counterparts.
If you are on a tight budget and prefer a basic adjustable no-frills
standard shower set, you have a decent selection to choose from with
prices starting as low as $20, and the average cost 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 about
$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 up to $500.
Do not despair if you find a fixture that you really like, but it is
outside of your budget. If you do find a particular shower set that is
out of your price range, ask yourself what you specifically like about
it. Once you have narrowed it down, you may be able to research a few
options along similar lines that may not only fit your needs, but your
budget as well.
Top
Manufacturers
Kohler
Moen
Delta
Hansgrohe
Doralfe
Mico
Price
Pfister
Jado
GS
North America
Harrington
Giagni
Jado |
