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COPYRIGHT 2005 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
For a quick rinse, any old showerhead will do the job. But if you want a pounding stream of water to jump-start your morning or a gentle spray to help you unwind at day's end, the right showerhead is a must.
With literally hundreds of models on the market, there's bound to be a shower fixture to suit your style. Most sell for less than $100, though you can spend $1,000 for elaborate fixtures in expensive finishes. Considering the low cost and easy installation of most, getting a new showerhead is a great way to rev up a bathroom. Here's our take on the latest trends:
More ways to spray. Showerheads with adjustable spray settings account for most purchases, but oversized rainshower fixtures are coming on strong. Both types come in wall-mounted and handheld models. Vertical shower towers that have body jets to complement a showerhead aim to offer a spa-like experience at home, but don't expect much unless you spend a lot. See CloseUp on the next page.
More style choices. Today's shower fixtures come in a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Chrome remains the best-selling finish, but brass, brushed nickel, and other trendy finishes are often available at higher prices.
More features. Flexibility is a major focus. Bendable and movable arms let you vary the angle of the head, while adjustable height settings accommodate the tallest to the smallest users. Levers, push buttons, and dials are designed to make it easy to change spray settings on adjustable models. Other improvements include dozens of spray channels for wide water distribution and anticlog nozzles to combat hard-water deposits.
Our Ratings cover 14 adjustable-spray showerheads and a dozen rainshower heads, all wall-mounted models with chrome finish. Prices range from about $30 to more than $200. (Many also come in handheld versions and in other finishes, at different prices.) Some modestly priced models in each group were among the best overall. Two priced at $35 and $45 were judged CR Best Buys.
HOW TO CHOOSE
While style may sway you, be sure to consider these performance factors:
Choose an adjustable fixture for spray options and oomph. Adjustable showerheads generally have three or more settings, ranging from a gentle mist to a needle-like spray and a pulsating massage. Continuously variable settings let you choose anything in between. Many of these models can deliver a forceful water flow. In our tests, users voiced a strong preference for adjustable heads, especially those with a massage setting.
Consider a rainshower fixture if you want a soft shower and stylish design. The eye-catching design of rainshower heads may appeal to style-conscious users. These fixtures have diameters of 6 to 12 inches or more, so they deliver a wider spray that covers more of the body at once. Most rainshower heads have only one setting that's described as a "cascade" or "downpour" by marketers. But on all but a few, we found the flow to be gentle and not very forceful--"wimpy" in the words of our testers. That can be relaxing, but it takes effort to rinse off soap and shampoo. Because many rainshower models are mounted directly above you, they extend farther from the wall and aren't suited to small areas. Also, the overhead position makes it hard to keep your hair
Beware of water pressure. Almost all the adjustable and rainshower models we tested can deliver the government-mandated maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute...
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