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By Tony Carrick, Shannon Lee, Mark Wolfe Black Shower Column
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High-pressure shower heads reliably deliver one of the main elements of a pleasant shower experience: a steady, invigorating spray. For bathrooms with low water pressure, these simple devices can pump up a shower experience immensely.
But we wanted to know how much oomph these products could add to an otherwise low-pressure shower, so we researched dozens and tested a host of different models with various designs and spray options. Our favorite was the Speakman Hotel Anystream High-Pressure Shower Head for its sleek appearance and even water distribution on all of its spray settings.
To help assess what makes a great high-pressure shower head, we also spoke with a licensed plumber to get his take on what to look for. Read on to learn more about how to find the best high-pressure shower heads and to find out how each of these bathroom fixtures fared in our hands-on tests.
We reviewed the top brands and the most popular products to find some of the best high-pressure shower heads available. After matching them up against one another and checking each one against our criteria, we narrowed the list to only the top choices for shower heads offering excellent water pressure. Those looking for a new shower head are likely to find it among our top picks.
This Speakman Hotel Anystream high-pressure shower head is a quality choice for new construction or as a replacement wall-mounted shower head. This premium high-flow shower headâs clean lines and sleek, simple design will enhance and complement any modern bathroom. Plus, it comes in four color options to match any bathroomâs current fixtures.
Those who travel often might recognize this brand and perhaps even this particular model from hotels; itâs a delight for weary travelers to see a Speakman shower head, as itâs a sure sign of good water pressure.
Speakmanâs patented Anystream system and eight massage jets evenly distribute water as it smoothly transitions through intense, massage, and combination spray settings. Our testing found that the ring to adjust the various settings moved easily, but not so easily that the shower head could slip from one setting to another without the user adjusting the setting.
A proprietary plunger system controls the spread of water as it leaves the nozzle, allowing pressure to build and intensify. The plungers are self-cleaning, resisting hard-water buildup and sediment and making the shower head easy to maintain.
What our expert says: âI found the installation to be as easy as it gets: I simply removed the old shower head and screwed this one into place without the use of tools.ââTony Carrick, Product Reviews tester & writer
Get the Speakman high-pressure shower head at Amazon, Loweâs, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
What We Donât Like
This multifunctional shower head from Kohler offers plenty of options for a customized look and feel in a contemporary design. An advanced spray engine increases low water pressure for a more pleasant shower, and the fixture provides three spray choices controlled by a simple thumb tab. There is a low-pressure option, and the Kohler can comply with ADA specifications.
Though this shower head feels surprisingly light out of the box, it packs a mighty pressure punch. In testing, it installed quite easily, and its spray options indeed proved unique. The wide coverage spray is excellent for general use, while the intense drenching spray is forceful (ideal for rinsing out shampoo). The focused, targeted stream can massage sore musclesâa welcome relief that delivers what a high-pressure shower head is all about.
Get the Kohler Awaken high-pressure shower head at Amazon, Loweâs, or Wayfair.
Those shopping for an excellent yet affordable high-pressure shower head may wish to check out this Waterpik model. The handheld shower head is Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense certified for demonstrated water savings and shower performance. It features a 5-foot-long hose to provide plenty of range for bathing kids and pets while also making cleaning the shower easier. Four spray modes include full-body coverage, strong pulsating massage, slow massage, and full-body-with-massage combo. There is no click when turning the dial to change the spray settings, so itâs possible to set them âin-betweenâ for even more customizable options.
The packaging, unfortunately, was frustrating to open; do so carefully in case returning the product becomes necessary. We found the shower head to feel very light and were concerned at first when we heard a rattling sound upon taking it from the box. However, that sound is due to a small part inside the shower head that creates the pulsing sensation of one of the spray settingsâit is not a defect. We also found that the tubing requires some time to loosen up, as it is very stiff out of the package.
Get the Waterpik high-pressure shower head at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Moenâs handheld shower head offers freedom and flexibility. The base features a magnetic docking system that allows the business end to be quickly detached for handheld use. When done using, simply put it back into the dock and let the magnet snap it into place. The magnet holds firmly, so a bit of force is needed to pull the shower head from the mooring, but once in hand, the weight feels balanced and comfortableâeven when slippery with soap and water, itâs easy to hold on to.
A 5-foot interlocking spiral metal water supply hose provides ample reach. The 3.5-inch-diameter spray head features six unique spray functions to provide a customized shower experience and optimal force. Our testing found that the shower head offered everything from a gentle rain shower, perfect for bathing small children, to a high-pressure stream that leaves adults feeling squeaky clean and refreshed. The Moen complies with ADA specifications and boasts EPA WaterSense certification.
Get the Moen Engage high-pressure shower head at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
A handheld and overhead all in one, this Delta dual shower head can be used in two basic waysâplus five spray choices make for a luxurious customized shower. The dual shower head can be securely docked overhead or easily detached for handheld use with a separate stainless steel hose. A powerful magnet holds the shower head precisely for easy docking, even if the batherâs eyes are closed. The flexible high-quality hose bends easily, the lever for changing settings moves smoothly, and installation of the unit is a breeze.
Deltaâs H2Okinetic In2ition dual shower head provides three times more coverage than a standard shower head with a unique wave spray pattern and larger water droplets. This EPA WaterSense-certified dual shower head system offers four different spray settings plus a pause setting, which saves water by temporarily reducing flow rates to a trickle while lathering or shaving. The spray settings glide rather than click for a more customizable shower experience.
Get the Delta high-pressure dual shower head at Amazon, Loweâs, or Build With Ferguson.
Those looking for the best shower experience from the least amount of water will want to check out the High Sierra low-flow shower head. Aside from coming in a host of finishes, there are no bells and whistles with this model. It is a simple shower head with a strong, high-pressure spray even while maintaining a low flow rate of 1.5 GPM.
With its solid metal construction and clog-free nozzle, itâs one of the most rugged, dependable low-flow shower heads available. The patented nozzle delivers a robust and full spray of large water drops for a powerful experience and minimal water usage. We found the installation to be a snapâno surprise, considering the simplicity. The only caveat: This shower head has a small range of movement, but the spray pattern can be angled up or down slightly to suit the height of the user.
Get the High Sierra high-pressure shower head at Amazon or The Home Depot.
The AquaDance high-pressure shower head is actually two shower heads; they can be used together for a fully immersive experience or separately for a more traditional shower. The larger shower head is 7 inches in diameter, providing a wide spray area, while the 4-inch shower head is a handheld wand with a 5-foot hose that allows for more ease in rinsing. Each shower head has six spray settings, so when using them together, itâs possible to combine settings for a truly personalized experience.
The click-lever dial is easy to move, even with slippery fingers. Our testing found that the water pressure dropped a bit when both shower heads were running, as might be expected when the same amount of water is being forced through more space. Those with low bathroom ceilings might have trouble with installation for this one, as the handheld wand sits higher than the larger shower head. Plus, though installation is simple and toolless, the shower heads come with cheap Teflon tape. To prevent leaks, we recommend buying quality tape separately for installation.
Get the AquaDance high-pressure shower head at Amazon or Target.
This clever handheld shower head isnât just great for a terrific bathing experienceâit also speeds up and simplifies the chore of cleaning the shower. Thatâs because thereâs a tile-cleaning mode among the spray options on the nozzle. For luxurious showering, thereâs a wide rain spray pattern for maximum coverage, massage settings, mist settings, two combination settings, and a pause setting. The cleaning nozzle includes two spray patterns: a point jet setting for maximum cleaning pressure and a wide fan for broader rinsing.
During testing, we loved the versatility and performance of this handheld. Like most handheld shower heads, the AquaCare attaches to the shower spigot via a bracket. We found it to be easy to remove and replace, and we liked the broad range of adjustments on the bracket that allowed us to direct the spray for shorter and taller occupants.
The wide range of settings provides plenty of pressure and good coverage for a handheld shower head, though it didnât compare to the coverage from some standard shower heads we tested. The soft mist is a gentle alternative to the more powerful rain and massage settings, and the two mixed spray patterns offer pleasant variations. We particularly liked how the massage settings supplied enough pressure to soothe sore muscles with a water flow of 2.5 GPM.
While we enjoyed the handheld spray patterns and water pressure, the cleaning functions are what set this handheld apart from other models. Both cleaning spray patterns produce a very high-pressure output that worked very well for removing soap scum, mold, and mildew.
What our expert says: âI liked the solid construction of this handheld, which survived several drops on the shower floor with nary a scratch.â
Get the AquaCare high-pressure shower head at Amazon or Walmart.
Moenâs rain shower head not only offers great coverage; itâs one of the rare models to have all-metal construction. It measures a fairly wide 8 inches in diameter and offers a rain setting and a high-pressure rinse setting, with a lever on the side to switch between the two. The Moen rain shower spray head comes in a variety of finishes, including brushed nickel, brushed gold, chrome, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze.
One of the most appealing aspects is the shower headâs all-metal construction, which gives it a higher-quality feel than models with plastic housing. Although this made it the most expensive shower head that we tested, we found the look and feel to be a cut above.
Unfortunately, we were somewhat disappointed with its performance. We liked the coverage offered by the 8-inch diameter size, but the water pressure on the rain shower setting was disappointingly weak. Switching to the high-pressure rinse spray pattern increases the water pressure dramatically, but while we found this spray pattern useful for rinsing conditioner, its spray was too narrow for regular showering. Folks who like a gentle shower experience may be fine with the rain shower, but those who expect an invigorating spray may well be disappointed.
Get the Moen high-pressure rain shower head at Amazon, Loweâs, or The Home Depot.
Kohlerâs Flipside is a unique take on the multi-spray pattern high-pressure shower head. Rather than move a lever to cycle through the shower head spray patterns, bathers rotate the shower head end over end to switch between its four spray options. Spray settings include a wide, broad spray pattern for coverage, one that mimics the feel of heavy rainfall, and two massaging spray patterns designed to soothe sore muscles.
During testing, there were things we loved and things we didnât like about the Kohler Flipside. One of its positives is its Koverage spray pattern: It lives up to its name by providing broad coverage yet feels soft and soothing on the skin, which is impressive. We also liked Kohlerâs Komotion spray, which is a drenching spray that mimics heavy rainfall. We werenât as enthused with Kohler Kotton, which has a soft feel but is such a narrow pattern that it doesnât offer much coverage, or Kohler Kurrent, which is a massage spray but has a wide yet thin pattern that makes it difficult to focus its pressure on specific muscle groups.
The flippable shower head design works quite well. Levers can be finicky, often requiring the bather to hold the shower head with one hand while working the lever with the other. With the Kohler, it was a breeze to flip the shower head with one hand to cycle through its spray patterns.
We loved the look of the Kolher shower head. Its rounded appearance makes it one of the more attractive models we tested. And while itâs also one of the pricier shower heads we tested, it has a durable feel that suggests it will last a long time.
Get the Kohler Flipside high-pressure shower head at Amazon, Loweâs, or The Home Depot.
Compact, clean, and simple, the Jolie filtered shower head offers high-pressure water flow without the hassle of tricky installation. Made with a built-in water filter that is capable of cleaning all harmful materials and bacteria from the dirtiest well water, we loved that this wall-mounted rain shower head offers relief to dry skin, hair, and nails and it comes in six sleek finishes to match any bathroomâs current fixtures.
During testing, this model provided consistent and strong water pressure and a rainfall effect. But, our favorite moment with this model was when it was used for washing notoriously frizzy hair. It stood up to the test well, given that we felt the softness of the water immediately and there was a noticeable decrease in frizziness after we dried our hair.
We also loved that the Jolie came with everything required for installation, including a small wrench, plumberâs tape, and the first water filter. However, more filters will need to be purchased after 90 days. Users should also note that there is no filter indicator included.
Read our full review: Jolie Filtered High-Pressure Shower Head
Get the Jolie high-pressure shower head at Amazon.
Before getting our hands on our list of products, we reached out to Roy Barnes, a seasoned plumber and co-owner of Service Force Plumbing in Rockville Maryland, who gave us some expert insights. His main advice is to find a happy medium between coverage and pressure because, as he says, âthe fairly universal application of flow restrictors in shower heads for environmental and economic reasons means that thereâs a limit to how much water comes out of a modern shower head.â
Adding to this, he says âthe only way to make the flow more powerful is to put a mechanical âthumbâ over the shower output.â The tradeoff is that a more focused, pressurized stream will cover less surface area. With this in mind, we researched dozens high-pressure shower heads, chose a select variety, and put them to the test.
We tested them with hands-on trials, guided by a rubric that helped us keep the process fair and as objective as possible. We looked at the gallons per minute (GPM), the ease of installation and use, how suitable they were for the high-pressure needs in a typical shower, and how well they held up over time.
We also checked out the little things that matter, such as the length of hose in a handheld shower and the ease of removing the product from its packaging. We took note of how the water streams felt on the skin: Does the shower head truly live up to its invigorating high-pressure promise? The results were calculated on our rubric and compiled to present the lineup seen here.
There are several functional elements and design features to consider when shopping for a high-pressure shower head. Flow rate is the most important technical concern. In addition to aesthetic choices like appearance and finish, look for features such as spray patterns, energy-saving benefits, and other options. The following are the criteria we considered in making the picks in the above lineup.
There are four basic high-pressure shower head designs: wall-mounted, handheld, rain shower head, and three-way. The model that works best for each person will depend on bathroom size and layout, along with personal preference.
The finish on a shower head is a purely aesthetic choice, and options are surprisingly diverse, from shiny chrome to warm brass to trendy black matte. Finishes offer many opportunities to customize the look of the shower along with the rest of the bathroom. For cohesion, the shower head should complement (if not exactly match) other bathroom hardware: the sink faucet, toilet flush lever, drawer pulls, towel racks, etc.
The materials and application methods used in chrome, polished brass, brushed nickel, and stainless finishes make them top choices for durability. Chrome is the most popular shower head finish by far, while polished brass is its golden-hued counterpart. These shiny finishes give a clean and classic look, but they also highlight every soap spot. Matte finishes like brushed nickel and stainless offer the same durability as chrome but resist spotting.
A high-pressure shower head provides plenty of force, but the spray pattern determines the comfort. Most shower heads have adjustable spray patterns, with some offering eight or more options. Choose from a pulsating massage, a powerful stream, a gentle mist, a soaking rain, or a combination spray pattern. To satisfy the whole family, consider buying a shower head with high pressure and plenty of spray pattern options.
Flow rate is known as one of the most important considerations when selecting a shower head. Since the flow rate controls the overall water pressure coming out of the shower head, it is the key component users will want to consider if they have preferences about their shower experience. For example, for those who like massagelike water pressure, a shower head with a high flow rate should do the trick!
Getting down to technical terms, the flow rate, shown in GPM, measures how much water flows through a shower head. Most standard shower heads are rated around 2.0 GPM, with the maximum flow rate being 2.5 GPM. These high-flow rate shower heads deliver 2.5 gallons of water each minute, or 25 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.
Governments regulate showerhead flow rates to help conserve water and energy. Water-saving shower heads that earn the EPA WaterSense label use no more than 2 GPM while providing a shower that is equal to or better than standard shower heads on the market. The EPA estimates that replacing a conventional shower head with a low-flow WaterSense shower head can save nearly 3,000 gallons of water each year. (An incredible savings, considering that showering accounts for approximately 17 percent of home water use.)
When shopping for an efficient shower head, donât just take the manufacturerâs word for it; look for the WaterSense label. EPA-certified WaterSense shower heads have been tested and approved for their ability to save water and energy.
Many modern shower heads come with unique features that enhance safety, comfort, and convenienceâthink lights, sound, and smart technology.
LED lights can simply brighten a dimly lit shower, but a model with colorfulâor even color-changingâLED lights turns the shower into a fun oasis. Some shower heads include a Bluetooth speaker to listen to music or to keep up with a favorite podcast. Other shower heads available are smart models that turn on automatically, control water temperature, track water usage, play tunes, and answer incoming phone calls.
High-pressure shower heads offer an improved showering experience over conventional models. These powerful shower heads decrease the water flow rate while increasing water pressure by employing variable spray patterns or compression-chamber engineering. The increased pressure feels invigorating and cleans efficiently, while the decreased flow rate saves water. This is especially helpful in places where household water pressure is lacking.
High-pressure shower heads use about one-fifth less water-flow rates compared to their conventional counterparts. Because they use less water, there is not as much water to heat, so they save on energy consumption, too. Water and power savings translate to money saved every month after switching to a high-pressure shower head. In brief, high-pressure shower heads:
Standard residential water pressure in the United States is between 45 and 55 pounds per square inch. Lower water pressure can be increased by installing a high-pressure shower head.
Yes. High-pressure shower heads increase water pressure either by decreasing the flow rate or using a compression chamber. One of the best options for increasing water pressure is the AquaCare high-pressure shower head. Not only does this option come with a jet spray setting, but it also has a high-pressure spray nozzle that increases the overall pressure of the shower head.
High-pressure shower heads restrict the volume of water flowing through the pipe, like when a gardener sticks a thumb partly over the end of a trickling garden hose to make it spray farther. Inside the shower head, there are components to regulate the high-pressure water flow and provide an even shower.
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isnât worth its price tag.
Additional research provided by Mark Wolfe, Shannon Lee, and Stephanie Cronk.
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Tony Carrick has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology.
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