Best Types of Shower Faucets (2024 Review)

Last Updated On December 1, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

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best types of shower faucets

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

ImageProduct
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Moen 82304SRN Engage Magnetix Multi-Function Hand shower and Rainshower Combo Featuring Magnetic Docking System, Spot Resist Brushed Nickel
  • Six spray modes
  • Magnetic docking system
  • Easy to install
  • Six spray modes
  • Magnetic docking system
  • Easy to install
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Kingston Brass KB6238LL Legacy Tub and Shower Faucet, Brushed Nickel,5-Inch Spout Reach
  • No need to drill holes into tub
  • Part of the cohesive Legacy line
  • Easy to operate
  • No need to drill holes into tub
  • Part of the cohesive Legacy line
  • Easy to operate
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Delta Faucet Pivotal 14 Series Single-Function Shower Faucet, Shower Trim Kit, 5-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head, Matte Black T14299-BL
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Pfister LG01-8CPC 3 Tub & Shower Faucet with Porcelain Cross Handles, Polished Chrome
  • Matching handles and diverter
  • Two showerhead modes
  • Lightweight
  • Matching handles and diverter
  • Two showerhead modes
  • Lightweight
View on Amazon
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SR SUN RISE SRSH-F5043 Bathroom Luxury Rain Mixer Combo Set Wall Mounted Rain Shower Head System Polished Chrome
  • Extra-long 70.8” shower hose
  • High pressure
  • High coverage Waterfall spray with handheld showerhead 
  • Extra-long 70.8” shower hose
  • High pressure
  • High coverage Waterfall spray with handheld showerhead 
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On December 1, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: Moen 82304SRN Engage Magnetix Multi-Function Hand shower and Rainshower Combo Featuring Magnetic Docking System, Spot Resist Brushed Nickel

Efficiency – 2.5 GPM

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 

Our Top #5 Shower Faucets

What's In This Guide?

      What Are The Best Shower Faucets?

      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.

      did you know best shower faucets

      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

      Not getting hot water from your shower faucet? Read to learn about how to resolve no hot water coming into your home

      What Do You Look For In The Best Shower Faucets?

      Efficiency 

      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.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: Moen 82304SRN Engage Magnetix Multi-Function Hand shower and Rainshower Combo Featuring Magnetic Docking System, Spot Resist Brushed Nickel

      Efficiency – 2.5 GPM

      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 

      Pros

      • Six spray modes
      • Magnetic docking system
      • Easy to install

      Cons

      • Inefficient 2.5 GPM water flow
      • Limited coverage
      • Shower wand breaks when dropped

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Kingston Brass KB6238LL Legacy Tub and Shower Faucet, Brushed Nickel,5-Inch Spout Reach

      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
      • Low water pressure

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Delta Faucet Pivotal 14 Series Single-Function Shower Faucet, Shower Trim Kit, 5-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head, Matte Black T14299-BL

      Efficiency – Water Sense certified

      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.

      Pros

      Cons

      • Valve not included
      • Small showerhead provides limited coverage
      • Low water pressure

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Pfister LG01-8CPC 3 Tub & Shower Faucet with Porcelain Cross Handles, Polished Chrome

      Efficiency – 2.0 GPM 

      Size – The showerhead extends 8 5/32”. 

      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.  

      Pros

      • Matching handles and diverter
      • Two showerhead modes
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • May show fingerprints
      • 2.0 GPM
      • Requires 5 predrilled holes

      Our #5 Rated Pick: SR SUN RISE SRSH-F5043 Bathroom Luxury Rain Mixer Combo Set Wall Mounted Rain Shower Head System Polished Chrome

      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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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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