Showerhead Buying Guide

The good news is the best showerheads we’ve tested provide a pleasing flow while meeting the federal flow-rate standard. But the challenge for manufacturers is to meet the standard and even the voluntary WaterSense requirements without affecting the feel of the shower, because an anemic flow can result in longer showers and even greater water use.

How We Test Showerheads
Our test panelists evaluate the force of each model’s stream, the various settings, ease of adjustment, and other factors. Supplementing those subjective judgments are lab measurements of changes in flow rate and water temperature at various settings.

Not surprisingly, how well our panelists like a showerhead often coincides with how much water it delivers. Most water-saving models achieve only middling scores. But our testers describe one inexpensive water-saving model as "refreshing" and "stimulating," despite its modest 2-gpm flow rate.

Even the simplest and least expensive showerheads can provide a satisfying shower, but spending more money may get you more options. Here are the types of showerheads to consider.

Multisetting Models
These showerheads can have a dozen or more settings, such as mist, massage, pulsing, wide and narrow streams, and a water-saving trickle while you soap up. Some multisetting showerheads offer a continuously variable setting. Multiple settings generally met with our panelists’ favor, but the mist setting on some models didn’t impress.

Single-Setting Models
These simple showerheads provide only one setting, as their name implies. Single-setting models tend to cost much less than multisetting models.

Shower Towers
Three multihead models promise a spalike experience and comprise a fixed or handheld showerhead (or both), and several additional body jets, all mounted on a vertical strip. Initially, shower towers got around the federal 2.5-gpm standard by limiting each head or spray to 2.5 gpm. Thus, if the unit had four outlets, it could legally use as much as 10 gpm. But action by the Department of Energy in March 2013 set a mandate so that the water output of all heads and sprays of these products could not together exceed 2.5 gpm. So while you’ll still see shower towers sold, you won’t see one that lets you turn on all heads or sprays at once. (CR doesn’t test shower towers.)

Aerating Showerheads
By mixing air with water, these showerheads form a misty spray to make the flow feel more substantial. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water instead. On the models we’ve tested, aeration cooled the water between 5° F and 15° F on its way from the showerhead to where it would hit your back. Laminar-flow showerheads may cost a little more, but they save energy by maintaining the water temperature better. And they don’t create as much steam and moisture, a plus especially if you live in a humid region.

Handheld Showerheads
You can leave a handheld model in its holder or remove it to focus the spray on any part of your body. A rubber hose provides mobility.

Rain Showers
With their large head and wide spray pattern to reduce pressure, rain showers promise a soft, soothing flow, like raindrops falling on your head.

Finishes
Showerheads come in a variety of finishes, from bronze and polished brass to chrome and brushed nickel. Choose a finish that matches the style of your bathroom and fits your budget.

Test Your Current Showerhead
If you‘re wondering whether a new showerhead can reduce your water consumption, here’s a quick way to measure your old model’s flow rate: Place a bucket marked in gallon increments under the showerhead, turn on the shower at the water pressure you normally use, and time how long it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon mark. If it’s less than 24 seconds, you could save water with a low-flow showerhead.

Don’t Shop by Price Alone
If you think you have to spend top dollar to get a strong performer, think again. Our top-rated multisetting showerhead costs a fraction of the price of the second-place finisher.

Try Out Showerheads in a Store
Some plumbing-supply showrooms have working showerhead displays. Run the stream across your hand to see how it feels. With a multisetting showerhead, check to see how easy it is to change the settings. For maximum flexibility, consider a handheld model that you can set in a wall bracket or remove to focus the spray. These are particularly useful options for showers used by elderly people or those with certain disabilities.

Replacing most showerheads is a simple do-it-yourself project. Unscrew the old head with an adjustable wrench and remove the old plumber’s tape from the threaded part of the shower arm. Then apply fresh plumber’s tape over the threads for a good seal, and screw the new showerhead tightly in place.

Note that low water pressure in your home might weaken the stream from any showerhead. A plumber can advise whether adjusting or replacing the pressure regulator would boost the flow.