Do you need a new shower faucet? When you need to replace your shower’s faucet, you need to know the different types and best ergonomic features to make the best choice possible. After all, there are too many to choose from!
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What are the best shower faucets today?
What are the different types of shower faucets?
How does a shower faucet work?
What do you look for in the best shower faucets?
Review of the best shower faucets
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Product
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Moen 82304SRN Engage Magnetix Multi-Function Hand shower and Rainshower Combo Featuring Magnetic Docking System, Spot Resist Brushed Nickel
Size – 6.5” round waterfall showerhead with a 60” handheld shower
Features – Choose from six different functions (wide coverage, rinse, massage, relaxing massage, soothing massage, and pause). The showerhead has a kink-free hose and magnetic docking.
Design – Single-handle design with brushed nickel finish
Installation – Wall mount installation for a standard showerhead, shower handle, and tub faucet
A shower faucet set refers to your shower system and includes a showerhead and handle, but it may also include a handheld shower or a tub faucet. People use the term interchangeably.
The best shower faucets come from a high-quality brand.
Some of the best brands in the industry include:
Delta
Moen
Pfister
Kingston Brass
SR Sun Rise
The best shower faucet also is the right type of shower faucet for your specific wants and needs. Note: see this post if you’re looking for reviews only on the best bathtub faucets.
What Are The Different Types Of Shower Faucets?
Shower Faucet with Handheld Shower Head
A shower faucet with a handheld sprayer gives you the option to switch between the standard faucet or the handheld shower feature.
The handheld shower extends further to give you more control and often comes with additional spray features, and it generates water at a lower flow rate.
Shower Faucet and Tub Faucet Combo
A shower faucet and tub faucet combo include both a showerhead and a tub faucet. A shower diverter valve allows you to easily switch between the two faucets.
Getting a matching combo allows you to create a cohesive design in your tub/shower.
Single Handle Shower Faucet
A single-handle shower faucet allows you to control the water temperature with one handle.
The handle connects to both the hot water line and the cold water line and controls them both at the same time.
Double Handle Shower Faucet
A double-handle shower faucet contains two separate handles: one for hot water and one for cold water.
Each handle connects to the corresponding water line separately.
The two handles allow for more control over the water temperature, but some people prefer the ease of single-handle operation.
Waterfall Shower Faucet
A waterfall shower faucet produces water through multiple nozzles and creates a soothing waterfall effect.
How Does A Shower Faucet Work?
When you activate the shower faucet, the shower faucet will open a valve that allows water to flow out your shower head.
The cold water comes directly to the shower faucet, while the hot water stops at your water heater first.
If you have a combination shower faucet and tub faucet, a diverter controls where it sends the water.
Water waste escapes down the shower drain, along with hair and soap scum. Use a shower strainer to prevent a shower drain clog.
The average showerhead produces water at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), but you can get efficient showerheads that reduce your water use by generating water at 2.0 GPM or less.
Tub faucets generally produce water at a higher flow rate to allow for the tub to fill quickly.
Size
The showerhead you use needs to fit into your current shower.
You will need to pay attention to how far the spout extends from the wall.
If you have a waterfall shower head, you will also want to consider the size of the showerhead. A large showerhead may cause spillage, but a small showerhead may not provide the desired coverage.
Features
Pay close attention to the different features offered by your showerhead.
Most showerheads are single-function, but some offer various modes.
You may also find shower heads that come with features designed to prevent leaks and make the handles easy to use.
Design
You want your shower to match your bathroom’s design aesthetic and your bathroom faucet for your sink.
Modern design typically includes a sleek, minimalist appearance, while a classic design incorporates ornate design elements and a widespread style.
You will also need to consider the finish of the shower head.
Installation
To install a shower faucet, you need the appropriate shower valve, either a thermostatic shower valve for two handles or pressure balance shower valve for one handle. You may also need a diverter valve that allows you to switch between the showerhead and tub faucet.
Most products come with a valve included. If you happen to have a working and matching valve already, you can find products that are “trim only”.
Keep in mind that valves may also be brand-specific.
You will also need to ensure that the shower head fits into your shower arm that extends out of your wall.
Best Shower Faucets Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Size – 6.5” round waterfall showerhead with a 60” handheld shower
Features – Choose from six different functions (wide coverage, rinse, massage, relaxing massage, soothing massage, and pause). The showerhead has a kink-free hose and magnetic docking.
Design – Single-handle design with brushed nickel finish
Installation – Wall mount installation for a standard showerhead, shower handle, and tub faucet
Efficiency – 7.0 GPM (showerhead) and 1.8 GPM (handheld shower)
Size – 5” tub spout reach with 8” between the handles.
Features – A Duraseal washerless cartridge prevents leaks and makes using the faucet handles easy.
Design – Contemporary Legacy design with a brushed nickel finish and three handles. Installation – 5 hole wall mount installation for a standard showerhead, handle, and tub faucet.
Pros
No need to drill holes into tub
Part of the cohesive Legacy line
Easy to operate
Cons
Basic functionality
Brushed nickel slightly different than other brands
Size – 5.75” square shower head that extends 3.75”
Features – This showerhead offers 5 different mode options (full body spray, massaging spray, full-body spray with massage, h2okinetic spray, and pause).
Design – modern design with black finish and single-handle design.Installation – wall mount installation for the showerhead and handle. The valve is not included.
Features – The showerhead offers two different modes.
Design – This faucet compliments a classic design with a brushed chrome finish and two-handle ensign with cross handles and a matching diverter in the middle. Installation – 5 hole installation for the showerhead, handles, and tub faucet.
Efficiency – 2.5 GPM for the showerhead and 2.0 GPM for handheld shower
Size – 10” square showerhead with 15.7” handheld shower and 70.8” shower hose
Features – The rain shower head creates a pleasant effect, and an air energy technology provides high pressure that ensures a thorough clean.
Design – Square showerhead with a chrome finish and single-handle design
Installation – Wall mounted installation for the showerhead and handle
Pros
Extra-long 70.8” shower hose
High pressure
High coverage Waterfall spray with handheld showerhead
Cons
Inefficient
Backslash
Not suitable for outdoor installation
Final Thoughts On The Best Types of Shower Faucets
There are multiple different types of shower faucets, depending on your current setup, needs, and preferences. Our review should help narrow your options to allow you to pick from the best shower faucets on the market today.
FAQs For The Best Types of Shower Faucets
What are the different types of shower faucets?
There different types of shower faucets are:
Shower faucet with hand shower
Shower faucet and tub faucet combo
Single-handle shower faucet
Double-faucet Shower Faucet
Waterfall Shower Faucet
Are all shower valves universal?
No. Shower valves vary based on brand and whether you have one handle or two handles.
Which faucet brand is best?
You have a lot of choices when it comes to faucet brands.
The best brands include:
Moen
Delta
Pfister
Kingston Brass
SR Sun Rise
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
