How to choose a shower head: A step-by-step guide to making the perfect choice

Choosing a shower head is a process that is more involved than you might think. Despite its seemingly simple function (on the face of it), there is a good degree of detail and distinction between the various options you have to choose from. By following a few simple steps, you can navigate your way through the particulars and find a shower head that will deliver the perfect shower day in and day out.

Before you start looking at any shower heads, the first thing you need to do is understand your own needs and priorities. Surprisingly, most people don't take the time to do this and then find themselves making decisions about different features and traits as they discover them. The better strategy is to take a few moments and think about what you need and enjoy in a showering experience or what you want to improve from your current setup. Is it water pressure? The spray pattern? The type of shower head itself? The look of it?... You may also need to think about the members in the household that will be using it and the bathroom size and setup itself. Dedicating some time to these questions early on will make your decision-making that much quicker and easier as you work through all the factors that will inform your final choice.

Once you've thought a bit about your needs and priorities, the next step is to look at the different types of shower heads on the market. As each type has its own unique traits that it's categorised by, you can potentially narrow down your search straight away if you're able to find one that fits the bill perfectly. The main kinds of shower heads available in New Zealand are:

Fixed shower heads

A fixed shower head is mounted permanently to the wall or ceiling of the shower and offers a stable, hands-free showering experience. They come in a range of designs, from traditional to modern, and often include adjustable settings for different spray patterns.

Handheld shower heads

A handheld shower head is attached to the wall via a flexible hose, allowing you to direct the water flow exactly where you want it. Handheld models are particularly useful for families with children, and pets, or for individuals needing assistance while showering. They also make cleaning the shower much easier.

Rain shower heads

The rain shower head has become a popular choice for modern bathrooms in New Zealand, designed to mimic the sensation of standing in the rain. The heads are usually large in size and installed directly above the showering area. They provide a gentle, soothing flow, making them perfect for a luxurious shower experience.

Dual shower heads

This setup typically combines a fixed and a handheld shower head in one unit, offering the best of both worlds. It requires additional hardware and space but allows for greater flexibility so that people with different preferences can enjoy different settings.

As you'll soon find, even once you've decided on a specific type of shower head, there is quite a wide and diverse range of design styles to consider. While aesthetics are somewhat subjective, there are some factors that should influence what look to go for, besides what appeals to your eye. For example, picking a shower head that matches the bathroom's aesthetic is important to maintain a cohesive interior look. It can even enhance the overall mood or ambience you're trying to establish, be it a spa-like sanctuary with a sleek design or a traditional style with ornate detailing. The aesthetics also include the type of finish you choose with plenty of options these days from chrome and brass to brushed nickel and matte black. Many coordinate the style and finish with what's already been used on the bathroom taps for design continuity.

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Comfort is so very important when it comes to the complete showering experience which makes spray patterns and strength critical when choosing a shower head. Similar to aesthetics, our preferences for this will be different from one person to the next so it's crucial to know what you want from yours. Is it a gentle rain-like experience that you might get from a rainfall shower head or something that might provide a focused massage stream like a handheld shower head? The strength or pressure of the water is also a significant factor in this. Again, some prefer the soft touch that is soothing and relaxing while others prefer strong pressure to relieve muscle tension after a long hard day. As mentioned earlier, some shower heads have adjustable features allowing you to enjoy a variety of options which could be a good fit for those who like to mix it up from time to time.

The importance of water efficiency cannot be overstated for the obvious environmental implications as well as the personal economic implications. An efficient shower head uses less water, conserving our collective water resources and reducing the energy required for heating. This is particularly important for those in drought prone areas or those on tank water supply. It can also lead to substantial savings on water and power bills especially over the course of a year or more. The water efficiency of a shower head is typically assessed through the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) star rating system. Shower heads with a higher WELS star rating use less water and those with a lower rating use more. This makes it much easier to compare different options quickly which may be the deciding factor at the end of the day.

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No one really likes to think about cleaning but it's an unavoidable reality when it comes to maintaining shower heads (or any other bathroom feature for that matter). A shower head that is easy to clean and maintain is nothing but a blessing, being less likely to accumulate mineral deposits and mould which can impact water flow, efficiency, cleanliness and health. Understanding exactly what the maintenance requirements will be means you'll avoid any surprises in the first year and beyond once your new shower head is installed. Things to look out for minimal ongoing maintenance include corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, those that are resistant to fingerprints and water spots, anti-clog nozzles in the shower head and detachable parts that can be easily removed and cleaned thoroughly.

Whenever you're upgrading something in the home, you should pay close attention to the new and innovative features that have been developed in the time since your last purchase. Otherwise, you'll be replicating the same experience without enjoying the benefits of the latest advancements. When it comes to shower heads, this can include things like adjustable spray patterns and water pressure settings, built-in water filtration systems for improved water quality (benefiting your skin and hair), LED temperature indicators and lighting for comfort and ambience — some even come with wireless speakers that you can connect to using Bluetooth enabled devices so you can enjoy your favourite tunes in the background.

Shower heads are available at a wide range of price points in New Zealand with basic handheld pieces available from $100 to luxurious dual head models at over $3,000. The good thing about that is that there is something for everyone so it's about coming to a figure that represents good value for money in your eyes depending on the various features, traits and qualities you're after. You can be quite specific about your budget too which can actually help you narrow down your options as it's a market with no shortage of products. Just bear in mind, unless you are a DIYer, there'll also be the cost of labour for the installation which could be a few hundred dollars to add to your budget.

Related article: Bathroom renovation costs in New Zealand — a full breakdown

With some fairly straightforward steps to follow, you should have no problems choosing a shower head for your home. By thinking about your needs and preferences and identifying the features that appeal and fall within your budget, you'll give yourself the best chance of finding the perfect shower head that does everything you want it to and more.