November 2007
How to choose
LET IT RAIN With a large face and many spray nozzles, this showerhead, combines rainshower styling with the multiple settings of an
adjustable model.
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 dry.
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 when the water pressure is 80 pounds per square inch (psi). However, many homes with a municipal water supply have lower pressure, so the stream from the showerhead will be weaker. To get the strongest flow with low pressure, get an adjustable fixture. Also ask a plumber whether adjusting or replacing your pressure regulator might help.
Look for easy-to-use adjustments. With wet, soapy hands and water dripping into your eyes, you don’t want to fumble with adjustments. Try setting the showerheads in the store to see how easy it is to change the spray setting and to adjust the height or angle of the showerhead. For maximum flexibility, consider a handheld model that can be set in a wall bracket or removed to focus the spray.
Consider installation. Even if you are only slightly handy, adjustable showerheads and most rainshowers are a do-it-yourself project. Think twice about heavy rainshower heads that require additional support or extra hardware for proper installation. See Installing rainshower fixtures.
Choose a model that works with your water hardness. Many U.S. households have hard water, which contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate. This leaves a chalky buildup on fixtures, tiles, and doors and can clog a showerhead’s nozzles. If your water is hard, get a model that did well in our hard-water tests. Many had a plastic face or rubbery nozzles that were easier to clean and less likely to clog than all-metal showerheads.
Be choosy if you like it hot. Some showerheads aerate the spray to make it feel more substantial, but that cools the water by about 15 degrees before it hits your back. To compensate, you have to adjust the mix of hot and cold water using the shower controls. If you like a very hot shower, get a model judged very good or excellent for hot-water temperature.
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 dry.
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 when the water pressure is 80 pounds per square inch (psi). However, many homes with a municipal water supply have lower pressure, so the stream from the showerhead will be weaker. To get the strongest flow with low pressure, get an adjustable fixture. Also ask a plumber whether adjusting or replacing your pressure regulator might help.
Look for easy-to-use adjustments. With wet, soapy hands and water dripping into your eyes, you don’t want to fumble with adjustments. Try setting the showerheads in the store to see how easy it is to change the spray setting and to adjust the height or angle of the showerhead. For maximum flexibility, consider a handheld model that can be set in a wall bracket or removed to focus the spray.
Consider installation. Even if you are only slightly handy, adjustable showerheads and most rainshowers are a do-it-yourself project. Think twice about heavy rainshower heads that require additional support or extra hardware for proper installation. See Installing rainshower fixtures.
Choose a model that works with your water hardness. Many U.S. households have hard water, which contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate. This leaves a chalky buildup on fixtures, tiles, and doors and can clog a showerhead’s nozzles. If your water is hard, get a model that did well in our hard-water tests. Many had a plastic face or rubbery nozzles that were easier to clean and less likely to clog than all-metal showerheads.
Be choosy if you like it hot. Some showerheads aerate the spray to make it feel more substantial, but that cools the water by about 15 degrees before it hits your back. To compensate, you have to adjust the mix of hot and cold water using the shower controls. If you like a very hot shower, get a model judged very good or excellent for hot-water temperature.
