How to choose the best shower head in Australia

There have been huge advances and innovations when it comes to shower heads in recent years. This is great for us all but it has also made the process of purchasing one slightly more complicated and challenging. Let's take a look at the things to consider for you to buy the best shower head for you and your family.

Before we get too deep into how to choose a shower head, let's talk about the different types out there. This will give you a good idea of what you want to install for the best shower experience for you.

Wall-mounted unit

One type to consider is the wall-mounted shower head. They consist of a shower arm that's mounted to the wall.

Wall-mounted units come in various designs and styles. However, one feature that these units don't provide is mobility given that its a fixed apparatus.

Handheld shower head

If you enjoy taking a hand shower where you can easily manipulate the flow of water, then a handheld shower head is for you. These can be removed from their mount, making it easier for you to control the direction of water.

Handhelds are also great for people who have limited mobility as they can easily move them around where needed without having to adjust their body positions. They are also great for washing kids too which can otherwise often be challenging.

Rain shower head

Have you ever gone to a spa and been treated to a shower with a rainfall effect? For many, it’s the feeling of ultimate bliss. These gentle showers are usually flush with the ceiling or mounted from a rail.

Either way, this type of shower is known as a rain shower head. They offer much more gentle spray patterns, which can make for a more relaxing shower experience.

If you love the rainfall effect then these are the way to go. Positioned overhead, rather than on the wall, they can be suspended from a pendant rail or flush-mounted to the ceiling.

Aerating shower head

Last but not least are aerating shower heads. These devices mix air with water, resulting in a high-pressure shower. If you enjoy strong pressure in a shower, it’s hard to beat this as a choice.

Related article - 9 common types of shower heads - pros, cons and pricing

With the types of shower heads covered, there are a few other things to consider before you make your final decision.

Know who you're buying for

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to showers, so knowing who you're purchasing for is crucial.

Think about the main users of the shower and what their needs will be. For example, you might prefer a rain shower but others may need a handheld option. Its a matter of balancing priorities in some cases but you can also explore the option of dual showerheads in such situations.

Think about the spray settings

The spray pattern, flow rate and special settings can all drastically change your shower experience. And, they're all useful for different types of needs.

For instance, a shower with a high amount of water flow works perfectly for deep cleaning your hair. Or, if you want a relaxing full-body experience, you might want a shower with a massage setting.

Think about what types of options you want out of your spray settings to help you choose a shower head that makes sense for your needs.

Don't forget convenience

If you're planning to renovate your bathroom on your own, you'll need to make sure you find a shower head that's easy to install. Otherwise, you'll struggle to get it into your bathroom in the first place or you’ll get an unexpectedly high bill from your plumber and/or shower installer.

On top of that, make sure to consider how easy to clean your new shower head will be. Some designs are harder to maintain than others, so you'll want to bear this in mind when making your choice.

Remember the colour and finish choices

Shower heads come in a wide range of different colours and metals. Chrome, white gloss, black matte, brushed gold, brass, gunmetal - you name it, there’s a good chance it exists as a colour or finish.

Be sure to consider any such choice in the context of the colour of your bathroom and how it will fit in with that. Try to choose one that matches the other design features in your bathroom.

Related article - Our 5 favourite bathroom colours for 2024

Don't Forget About Saving Water

When you choose a shower head you also need to remember that your choice will impact how much water you use. By finding one that is more water-efficient, you can reduce your environmental impact and save yourself some money.

The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice quality to find a water-efficient shower head. There are plenty of products that offer great quality showers without wasting water.

In fact, you can find many that adhere to the WELS scheme water rating. Devices with better WELS ratings provide better water efficiency and help you preserve water that’s becoming more and more precious in Australia and the wider world.

There are also rebates and incentives available in some Australian states for purchasing a water-efficient shower head which makes it even more appealing.

Now that you know how to choose the best shower head, there’s nothing to stop you from creating your shortlist for your final purchase. It's an important decision that will impact your daily life so take your time and be sure you find one that works best for you.