Brass vs. Stainless Steel Shower Head: Which One is Better?

The main differences between Brass and Stainless Steel are- Stainless steel (SS) shower heads are more elegant and modern than brass. On the other hand, brass shower heads are more expensive and more resistant to damage than stainless steel. Brass is more expensive than Stainless Steel shower head.

Let’s find out more differences below.

Brass-vs-Stainless-Steel-Shower-Head

What is Brass?

Brass is a type of material made of copper and zinc. All-brass plumbing fixtures last a long time. Contrary to popular belief, they are unlikely to rust. 

Another good side is that the brass does not leak quite easily. As a result, paying a little more for forged brass bathroom shower heads is typically worthwhile.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a type of metal made of iron and carbon. Sadly, cheap stainless steel shower heads are prone to rust. And stainless steel ones rarely outlast a good brass one. 

Even though stainless steel is rust-free, this feature may not compare much to a good-quality brass shower head.

Recommended reading: Metal vs Plastic Shower Head

Brass vs. Stainless Steel Shower Head: Key Comparisons

Let’s have a brief overview of the main differences between brass and stainless steel shower heads:

Now Let’s Know The Differences In Detail

Brass Vs Stainless Steel Shower Head: In Details

By now you have a quick idea on the major differences. Now, let’s see them in detail and clearly define the differentiating factors.

Longevity

Winner: Brass

Brass shower heads are known to be more durable. They last longer than stainless steel. Brass material also have a reputation for having more longevity. On average, they can stay in mint condition for 10-15 years.

A lot of the time, any iron material can eventually get weaker after it is exposed to humid weather or, worst, direct water. But thankfully, this is not an issue for brass shower heads. They can stay durable even after serving you for years.

Aesthetic Look

Winner: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel shower heads are processed to look more appealing than brass shower heads. They look pristine and have a posh resonance. So when you install a stainless steel shower head, your bathroom becomes more vibrant.

And one of the good things about stainless steel shower heads is they are very shiny. So when you put them into your bathroom, it brings up an elegant aura.

Corrosion Resistance

Winner: Brass

Corrosion resistance is a vital aspect of brass materials. This is why brass shower heads are safe from corrosion damage. Brasses have copper and zinc built-in, which are corrosion resistant.

As a matter of fact, the corrosion resistance of rust is far more observable than most other types of iron, including stainless steel. And it is one of the aspects of brass shower heads that make them damage resistant.

Rust Resistance

Winner: Brass

Brass shower heads also have a reputation for their high water damage tolerance, which is why they are more rust-resistant. Over time, brass shower heads will likely stay intact as they highly resist rust.

Compared to stainless steel, their rust resistance is not as robust as brass. Even though the name stainless might suggest that it is resistant to rust, that idea is partially wrong because stainless steel often gets riddled with rust.

Limescale Resistance

Winner: Brass

Most brass shower heads are limescale resistant. Limescale is white spots that appear on metals. The spot usually doesn’t go away, even though it seems gone after rubbing it with something wet.

When any iron material gets infected with limescale, it needs to be rubbed with a napkin that is wet with white vinegar or soda. You often need to rub it for an extended period. Fortunately, this is not an issue regarding brass shower heads.

Maintenance

Winner: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel shower heads require very low maintenance as the manufacturers process them to be reliant on rough usage. They get you into less trouble and require fixing very occasionally.

On the contrary, brass shower heads are not up-to-date with modern technology. They can be harder to fix when they need repairing. A lot of the parts for brass shower heads are not widely available in the market. So maintaining them is comparatively harder.

Environmental Friendliness

Winner: Brass

Brass shower heads are very easy to recycle. Within its recycling process, a tiny portion goes to waste compared to stainless steel. This is why brass shower heads are more environmentally sustainable.

On top of that, when you buy a brass shower head, it can last a long time. Which means it does not get dumped into the waste as repeatedly as a stainless steel shower head. So it produces less stress on the environment.

Weight

Winner: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel shower heads are less heavy in terms of weight than brass shower heads. Brass shower heads are less processed than stainless steel, so the natural metals stay intact with their weight. Since these shower heads are lightweight, they are very easy to install. 

But brass shower heads are comparatively heavier. For their heaviness they sometimes become hard to fix when required. 

Toxicity

Winner: Stainless Steel

Since brass shower heads are less processed than stainless steel, they contain toxic materials such as lead and nickel. This is why it has a higher level of toxicity even after being more environmentally friendly. 

So stainless steel shower heads contain very few toxic ingredients in them. They are less toxic compared to brass shower heads. This happens because stainless steel is processed heavily by the manufacturers to be pristine.

Cost

Winner: Stainless Steel

Since brass shower heads are comparatively more durable than stainless steel, they cost more. On the other hand, stainless steel is less environmentally sustainable, which is why it costs less.

Stainless steel shower heads are also very popular. In fact, they are the most popular type of shower head available in the market. Since they are produced on a large scale due to their popularity, their price is reasonable.

On a side note: When it comes to shower head price, most people ask this common question “Are expensive shower heads worth-it?”, To find the answer, click here.

Pros and Cons of a Brass Shower Head

Brass shower heads do have some winning positions in the above comparison. Now, let’s see some good sides and drawbacks of this type of shower head.

Pros

Cons

Pros and Cons of a Stainless Steel Shower Head

Now, let’s see what good sides and drawbacks you may encounter with a stainless steel shower head.

Pros

Cons

Final Verdict- Which One Should I Choose?

The type of shower head you should choose depends on what you are looking for. If you are only looking to increase the aesthetic vibrance of your bathroom, then stainless steel is a good choice.

And if you are looking for long-term performance and durability, then we recommend choosing a brass shower head. They are known for having superior functionality, such as increased resistance to rust and external damage.

FAQs

Buying the right type of shower head is indeed a complicated process. So, you should consider learning some of the popular queries regarding stainless steel and brass shower heads:

  • Is brass or stainless steel better for plumbing?

Brass can easily absorb and tolerate more heat than plastic. It makes brass valves an excellent choice for residential plumbing systems. 

  • What lasts longer, brass or steel?

Brass will endure longer than stainless steel in general. It is more durable and resistant to acids. Brass is also more corrosion-resistant and ductile.

  • Which is stronger, brass or steel?

Brass is more powerful and challenging than copper, but not as powerful or complex as steel. However, it is more potent than stainless steel.

  • Is brass waterproof?

Brass is waterproof but loses its zinc component relatively quickly when submerged in water. It causes the metal to weaken if bought cheaply.

  • Does brass get tarnished?

The material has long been a staple in home design because of its bright, golden tone. Brass, like any other metal, can grow dull and tarnished over time.

Final Thoughts

A shower head is a regular home fixture seen and used daily. From appearance to functionality, it adds to the overall design of a bathroom while providing a better bathing experience. 

So to ensure the best experience, you must have a thorough understanding. If you go directly to the store to buy a shower head without prior research, the shopkeeper will likely hand you a stainless steel one. It is the most popular type, after all.

But it is essential to know that brass and stainless steel shower heads have different attributes. This is why what type is better entirely depends on your preferences.

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