You don’t even have to wait for the monsoon to enjoy the rain. Rain shower heads will let you enjoy the rainfall on a daily basis.
Summary on How to Select/Purchase the Best Shower Head:
➪ Step 01. Choose the Material: Metal is a more durable substance than plastic, yet the latter is less expensive. Metal may rust over time, while plastic can be a breeding ground for bacteria. You get to choose which one is best for you.
➪ Step 02. Select Your Suitable Finish: Then you should consider the many sorts of finishes. Chrome is inexpensive and long-lasting, but it will be difficult to clean if it becomes soiled. You may choose the popular nickel finish, which will not stain as quickly but will be much more expensive.
➪ Step 03. Select Rain Showerhead Type: Rain shower heads can be of different types. The handheld ones will allow you to shower sitting down, while the one with the sliding bar will help you adjust angle and height.
➪ Step 04. Know Your Home’s Water Pressure: Water pressure and efficiency are other aspects you will have to keep in mind water pressure and efficiency in other aspects. For example, if the water pressure in your home is low, you need to choose a smaller-sized rain shower head.
➪ Step 05. Shower Arm and Spray Pattern: Now, shower arms should be your center of attention. Again, different types of arms will ensure efficiency and comfort. Regarding spray pattern, if you have longer hair, a power comb can help you. For concentrated water, the jet spray is the best choice.
➪ Step 06. Other Important Factors: Thread size, water efficiency level, bathroom size, available installation methods etc also play important role in making your purchase awesome.
Now Let’s Know Them in Details:
Materials
Materials used in a shower head ensure longevity and performance. Metal and plastic are two of the most popular and user-friendly materials available in the market.
Metal
Metal is considered one of the best materials for a shower head. Reasons below:
Pros
- Metals handle the chemicals in water with prowess, resulting in longevity.
- Metal shower heads don't get stained quickly. Just rinse them with a cloth after a month or so.
- Many different types with different water flow, patterns, and colors are available in the market.
Cons
- Costs more money than the other type of materials used for a shower head.
- They are heavier than Plastic shower heads.
- Metal doesn’t conduct heat as well as other available types.
Plastic
Ensure you get the ABS plastic if you are in the market for these thick shower heads. ABS plastic is non-toxic and available with different features.
Pros
- They are not as durable as metal shower heads. But high-quality plastic ensures that they survive for an adequate time.
- They come in both modern and traditional designs.
- A lot cheaper than metal. In fact, the most affordable material available for a shower head.
- Resistant to heat and moisture. They are easy to maintain because plastic doesn’t develop rust.
Cons
- Plastic shower heads tend to contain bacteria inside.
- Plastic takes a long time to decompose. Even when they do, they release toxic substances.
NB. Still confused about metal and plastic showerhead materials? Then, read our side-by-side comparisons of metal and plastic shower heads here to get a clear idea.
Rain Shower Head Finishes
Rain shower heads come in a variety of finishes that can provide a unique look to your bathroom. Some people prefer a rustic look, while others may prefer a sleek, modern look. Whatever your preference, there is likely a shower head finish that will fit the bill.
Chrome
Chrome is the most popular finish among users. It is very cheap, durable, and stain-free. Chrome finish rain shower heads are known for their durability as well.
Brushed Nickel
We consider it the most durable finish. They are the biggest competitors of chrome finished rain shower heads with different trendy and classical products and stain-free services. They are costly but worth the expense if you can afford them.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
The oil-rubbed rain shower head finishes are the most luxurious finishes you can find.
Not very durable, and not known for being stain or rust-free, but they compensate by creating a unique look in your bathroom.
Different Types of Rain Shower Head
The rapidly growing popularity of this kind of shower head resulted in manufacturers bringing in many types of the rain shower head.
Regular Rain Shower Head
Regular rainfall shower heads are perfect for those who want to conserve water. They use less water than a traditional shower head and spray a wide area.
In addition, they also have several features that make them convenient, such as high and low flow rates, adjustable sprays, and rain-sensing technology.
[ On a side note: If you are interested to know bout the pros and cons of a rain shower head, click here. ]
Sliding Bar Rain Shower Head
The shower head is attached to a bar in a sliding bar rain shower head. You can adjust the position of your shower head by moving it alongside the bar. You can also take the shower head off the bar to use it as a handheld shower.
This particular type is handy when a family uses the bathroom. The members can fix the height depending on their preferences.
Dual Rain Shower Head
They are a combo of either two different fixed shower heads or one fixed and another handheld shower head. You can turn on both the shower heads with just a simple press of a button.
A pre-installed diverter valve helps ensure that you can turn on either of them when necessary. Both the shower heads can work using only one water supply.
Ceiling Shower Head
The ceiling shower head is a specialized shower head that is designed to be installed on the ceiling.
This type of shower head is typically used by people who have difficulty getting in and out of the shower because of their disability. On top of that, it saves space in the bathroom.
Rain Shower Head Look
They can fit different kinds of bathrooms, and you already know that. You don’t have to compromise on how they complement your bathroom’s look either.
The chrome finish with its shiny look can result in a modern-looking bathroom. Brushed nickel finish helps if you are looking for more of a neutral-looking shower head. The oil-rubbed bronze finish gives your bathroom a classic, rusty look.
Rain Shower Head Size
To get the best rainfall experience, you need to make sure the size of the shower head itself is not smaller than 6 inches.
You will find many products well over 15 inches and above in the market. If your bathroom has space to accommodate something of that size, we welcome you to get it.
The thread that connects the shower head with the shower arm (sometimes with the water supply itself) should be .5-inch. It’s the standard size all around the US.
Recommended Reading: Are Bigger Shower Heads Better?
Rain Shower Head Shape
Rain shower heads are way larger than the other types of shower heads in size. Keeping that in mind, you can still decide on the look and appearance of your bathroom by choosing from 3 different shapes.
Square and Rectangular
This is the most popular shape for rain shower heads. Many nozzles can fit into this kind of shower heads, thus ensuring proper water flow and rainfall experience.
Round and Oval
You will see round and oval shapes in mostly handheld shower heads. They do their jobs, but not as perfect as the squared ones.
Recommended reading: Square vs. Round Shower Head
Irregular
You can customize your rain shower head shapes depending on your preferences. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find them in the market. Usually, they are custom-shaped.
Shower Arm
The experts recommend installing the rain shower heads right over where you feel comfortable standing in your bathroom. A few various types of shower arms help achieve that.
[ NB. Want to know what is the standard shower head height? Read this. ]
Straight Shower Arm
You have to install them straight from the wall. You must attach one side to the water supply and the other to the shower head. Please remember to connect the shower head at a 90-degree angle for maximum efficiency.
S-Shaped Shower Arm
If your bathroom is not big enough for a rain shower head, you have to opt for an S-shaped shower arm. They are shaped like a gooseneck and compensate for your lack of room.
Adjustable Shower Arm
You can have custom built shower arms for your rain shower head. You can also look at the ones available in the market. One of the most popular ones has two pipes, one with the water supply and the shower head. It helps you adjust the angle and height of your shower to your comfort.
Water Pressure
The water flow is consistent in a rain shower head. But the speed at which the water hits your body’s a lot less than the traditional shower heads.
So if you are one of the people who really like high water pressure showers, rain shower heads might not be the best choice for you.
You can somewhat fix this issue by buying a shower head less than 8 inches. You can also look at the jet spray pattern installed in the rain shower head, which we will discuss shortly.
Water Efficiency
A typical shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. An average person in the US spends about 8 minutes in the shower; this results in 20 gallons every time they shower.
To battle this, various states have limited the water used by the shower heads. For example, Colorado and New York set it to 2 GPM while 1.8 GPM in California.
Because of the shower head size and the nozzles, a rain shower head usually uses as much as 2.5 gallons of water per minute. To battle the extensive uses of water, most modern ones come with a flow regulator built inside the shower head.
It can result in up to 1 gallon of water savings per minute while not sacrificing the rainfall experience. It is made possible by mixing air with water. So you won’t even feel that the shower is using less water.
Recommended reading: Benefits of Low Flow Shower Heads
Coverage
For maximum efficiency, rain shower heads are much bigger than the traditional ones. It helps cover your whole body. Even water flow from many nozzles ensures that it is easy to rinse and clean all body parts.
Installation Methods
Wall Mount
If your ceiling doesn’t allow you to install a shower head, wall mounted is another installation method you should look at.
Just attach the shower arm to the water supply in your wall and secure the shower head on the other end. But, again, you need a long shower arm for the maximum benefit.
Ceiling Mount
This type of installation is ideal for a rain shower head. Water comes from above which ensures a steady water flow.
You already know that rain shower heads are bigger, and because most of the shower arm is inside the ceiling itself, it doesn’t take a lot of space either. However, the installation process can be a bit tricky at times.
Bar Mount
You can also decide to go for a bar mount. You have to secure the bar with the wall, and you can move the shower head up and down, resulting in customizable heights and angles.
Spray Patterns
Mist
You will find that it’s the most common spray pattern for rain shower heads. Air mixed with water will make you experience the rainfall to the fullest.
Jet
Rain shower heads have extensive coverage and use a lot of nozzles. That is why some manufacturers build them with jet spray patterns that allow concentrating the water flow in a few nozzles to clean body parts or remove stains.
Power Comb
On my last vacation, the hotel I was in had this kind of spray pattern featured in their bathroom. It helps immensely when it comes to cleaning the hair and scalps.
High Pressure
Rain shower heads usually have a regulator to control the water flow. Some brands allow you to take it off for high-pressure water through all the nozzles. However, please keep in mind that it wastes a lot of water.
Technology
Filtered
If the water in your area carries excessive lead, chlorine, and other poisonous material, buying a rain shower head with filtering technology will help. It filters the water as it pours down from the supply.
LED Rain Shower Head
You can opt for this technology to take your bathing experience to the next level. LED lights use a dynamo as their power source, so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries.
Bluetooth
A built-in speaker inside your shower head is not a dream anymore. The speakers are water-resistant and easy to detach.
Smart Bath
Due to public demands, many different brands developed applications compatible with rain shower heads. These applications allow you to decide the water temperature, the lighting, and whatever music you want to listen to.
Cost
Simply, they cost more than the traditional shower heads. We have listed some of the best rain shower heads at different price ranges.
Low Budget
Some brands have outdone themselves by maintaining quality and keeping the prices low. Our top 2 picks under $30 are:
With only a $19.99 price tag, this is our top pick. This shower head is effortless to install and has 90 silicon nozzles. It has no water regulators, so your water tank will be emptied in no time.
With a price tag of $29.99 and staggering 90% 4.5-star reviews, this shower head comes with air-in technology and a flow limiter.
Medium Budget
Shower heads ranging from $40 to $100 fall into this category. These are the best value for money you can get.
This is the best-selling product on Amazon when we are considering mid-range rain shower heads. It will cost you $93. It has a 71-inch long flexible hose, 3-way diverter, and an adjustable extension arm.
This is another example of a perfect rain shower head. At $39.99, this shower head offers high pressure water flow and regulators. This easy-to-install product is also leak proof and resistant to rust.
Luxury Rain Shower Heads
We will fill this category with shower heads above the $120 mark.
You have to spend 269 USD for this rain shower head. It offers 10 layers of the brushed nickel finish. This well-made product ensures immense water pressure and comes with a 10-year warranty. Yes, you heard that right. However, some users complained that this shower head could sometimes drip.
Last on our list is a delta matte black rainfall shower head. At $402, this shower head comes with 14 inches shower arm extension with touch-clean spray holes.
[ NB. Are you in search of a luxury shower head? Then, click here. ]
How to Find the Best Rain Shower Head that Suits Your need
With all of this information in mind, let’s walk you through a 7-step process for purchasing a shower head to make it as simple as possible.
Step 1: Recognize What You Need
As you are aware, Shower heads come in a wide variety of styles. You have a lot of alternatives, which may make you feel overwhelmed.
So, ask yourself these questions. Are you purchasing it to conserve water? Is it for the whole family or just you? Do you desire cutting-edge technology? Do you have to maintain the bill? Do you just want to be comfortable, or do you also want to be durable? What is your financial situation?
I hope that once you get an answer, you will know exactly which one you require from our comprehensive post.
Step 2: Determine the Correct Size
Not all shower heads are appropriate for a unique rainfall experience. You must choose which one is the best match for you and your family.
Step 3: Select Your Brand
A brand is more than just a name; it is a reputation created through time. Going with the proper brand can help you a lot. We recognize that money is an issue for some of you. However, there are many great shower heads available at low prices.
Step 4: Examine the Customer Reviews
It has to be one of the most effective methods to learn about a product. Marketers will lie to you, but users will not. So first, examine the percentage of 5-star ratings. Then, to figure out what went wrong, read the lowest-rated reviews.
Step 5: Only purchase from reputable sources
It’s not only about purchasing and moving into your new house. It is also about after-sales service. Reputable vendors will never offer defective merchandise. Even if they do, they will reimburse you appropriately.
Step 6: Examine the Warranty Policy
Various brands and suppliers have their own set of policies. For example, some may provide you with a one-year guarantee, while others may provide you with three years of free service. Read them before purchasing your product. This will ensure that future misunderstandings are avoided.
Step 7: Install and Utilize
Many of the shower heads are simple to install. Call a plumber and enjoy your new shower head if it isn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What is a good size for a rain shower head?
Answer: 6 to 12 inch is enough to cover your whole body. If you have low water pressure then consider a small one.
All in All
We made every effort to tell you the truth in this ultimate rain shower head buying guide. We meticulously investigated the market, read several customer reviews, and even listened to the dealers. We hope that this information will assist you in every aspect of purchasing a rain shower head.
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