Upgrading your shower head can be the best way to save water and have a better shower experience, all at the same time.
However, with so many varied options on the market, it’s easy to get confused about which products are great and which are not so great.
After our shower head reviews, we list the key things you’ll want to watch out for when choosing to ensure you end up with the best product for your needs.
1. Methven Satinjet Shower Head (Top Pick)
The Satinjet range of showerheads from Methven is the luxury version of low-pressure showerheads. They can save a lot of water while still giving a great shower.
Normal low-pressure shower heads push water through very fine holes to create a sense of pressure, but this can make the water feel like needles on your skin.
The Satinjet range gets around this by having paired holes that are slightly angled to face each other. As the two water streams come out, they collide creating a mist. The result is a gentle shower that blankets you for a completely luxurious experience.
There are different styles in the Satinjet range such as the Kiri collection that is designed to make larger water droplets, or the Maku collection that puts more emphasis on pressure. You can choose the type of shower you want, but all of them are great.
These showerheads are on the pricey side, but if you want a great shower experience and save water, then you need to check them out.
What We Like:
- Luxury feel
- Uses less water
- A variety of styles
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
2. Expert Homewares Superslim Rainfall Shower Head
Take your shower experience to the next level with this oversized and luxurious showerhead from Expert Homewares.
Constructed primarily from stainless steel, it features a swivel ball joint so you can adjust the direction to suit your preference.
It has a WELS Water Rating of 3 and a flow rate of 9L/M.
What We Like:
- Stylish stainless steel design
- Swivel ball joint
- Reasonably priced
What We Don’t Like:
- Oversized design may not suit all bathrooms
3. Xcellent Global High Pressure Handheld Shower Head (Best Value)
Here is another good budget shower head from Xcellent Global. This screws onto any standard shower hose, and it’s lightweight and easy to handle.
It does a good job of boosting low water pressure to a reasonable flow rate and it doesn’t feel too harsh on your skin.
The highest setting is focused and high pressure, the middle setting is for massage and is a little more gentle, and the third setting is the gentlest with fat droplets.
The switch to change flow settings is solid and easy to use, and overall the shower feels nice in your hand. If you have low pressure, then this works more effectively than a normal showerhead.
This is a good choice for a budget handheld showerhead.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Good budget shower head
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- No accessories
4. Mondella WELS 3 Star Hand Shower Set
If you want a luxury hand shower that isn’t too expensive, then this Mondella shower set is a good choice. It’s easy to install and looks good on the bathroom wall.
The showerhead is made of ABS material so it’s lightweight and easy to hold. The hose is stainless steel and is long enough to maneuver around your body without trouble, so you can have a comfortable shower and take advantage of the handheld showerhead without having to be too careful about how you move around.
The showerhead has three settings; the first is rain shower, and it gives a nice mix of water droplets and pressure. The next setting is massage and it gives a more concentrated pressure. The third setting is waterfall, or it basically just opens up completely. Some people found that the third setting was not that effective if you have low pressure.
This is a great value hand shower, and for the price, you can’t go wrong.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- 3 settings
- Good value
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs decent pressure to get the full benefit
Shower Head Buyer’s Guide
Handheld or fixed
A fixed shower head holds up well over time and usually delivers more power. Fixed shower heads usually have one setting and you have to choose the right shower head to get the spray pattern you want.
Handheld showerheads are more versatile as they allow you to maneuver the water stream however you like. They are also more convenient if you have pets or children to wash. Many handhelds also have adjustable spray settings so you can get the shower experience you want.
Spray pattern
The feel of a shower comes down to the size of the individual water streams and the amount of pressure. Generally, a wider showerhead feels better, but it uses more litres per minute.
A concentrated stream will have greater pressure but may not feel as nice.
Water pressure
For low water pressure, you will need a special showerhead. A low-pressure showerhead has pinhole outlets that push water out at high velocity.
Regular showerheads tend to feel better than low-pressure shower heads but they also use a lot more water.
Material
Showerheads that are made from stainless steel or brass will last a long time but they are also more expensive. For handheld showerheads, metal is also heavier.
Many shower heads are made from ABS material. This is a type of plastic that is strong and durable, but also lightweight. ABS showerheads are less expensive than metal but they don’t last as long.
Shower Head FAQs
Fixed shower heads generally last a lot longer (partly because they don’t get dropped) than the handheld variety. Fixed showers are also usually more powerful, meaning they can deliver a more luxurious shower experience.
Handhelds have the advantage of you being able to maneuver the water stream as you please. They are also usually much more affordable and are easier to install so are a good option for renters or those on a budget.
Changing your shower head shouldn’t be a difficult task. What’s more, even if you’re renting, it’s a DIY task most landlords will be happy for you to do yourself. Apartment Therapy has a great guide here on the required steps. All you’ll need is your new showerhead, an adjustable wrench or spanner, and some plumber’s tape.
