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Rain shower or a handheld shower head?

September 2021
Black hand shower and shower enclosureShowering should not be perceived as a hygiene routine only. A stream of water can relax and at the same time charge with positive energy. Thus, it is worth paying a bit more attention to the shower equipment we choose.

Apart from the shower enclosure and the shower tray we should also deliberate on the choice of fittings for the shower unit. We can choose between a hand shower and a rain shower. Which of these options would work better?

Instead of traditional technology, more and more bathrooms are equipped with something innovative, which is not only practical but also has such an interesting design that it becomes a decoration. One of them is a rainfall shower. It has become very popular in recent years and replaces the classic hand shower. Compared to a hand shower with a hose, the rain shower takes up more space, so it will work well in larger bathrooms. On the other hand, if we have limited space, in most cases, it is recommended to stick to the handheld shower head. A hand shower with adjustable height is a good option for families with children because, unlike the rain shower, we can manipulate it better and change the height.

Contents
  1. What is a rain shower and what types are there?
  2. Traditional hand shower
  3. Advantages and disadvantages of a rain shower
  4. Advantages and disadvantages of a hand shower
  5. Rain shower head price vs. hand shower price

What is a rain shower and what types are there?

A rain shower set differs from a hand shower only in terms of appearance. It has a larger surface area and the water is dispersed, making it feel as if rain was falling on your body while taking a shower. Such a bath is extremely comfortable. Sometimes the rain shower head comes together with the shower enclosure, but much more often we need to buy it separately. It is available in different sizes and shapes, but usually a rectangular or round one is chosen.

Rain showers can be divided into several types, where each involves a different method of installation. An exposed wall-mounted rain shower is the easiest to install. All we need to do is connect it to the shower panel or a wall-mounted faucet. The second type is a concealed wall-mounted rain shower where the entire installation is behind the wall tiles. They have a minimalist look, and all we see on the outside is the rain shower head itself and its connecting pipe. There are also ceiling-mounted rain showers, which, as the name suggests, are mounted in the false ceiling or in the plaster. This is a super stylish and impressive choice, but also the most expensive.

Traditional hand shower

The hand shower has been around for many years. It’s more compact than a rain shower head and the water stream coming out of it is weaker. When looking for modern models, we can find ones with adjustable height. The classic handheld shower head is associated with a round shape. However, nowadays manufacturers design them in such a way that they fit in perfectly with the modern decor of the bathroom, and we can now find, among others, rectangular hand showers on sale.
Rain shower or a handheld shower head?

Advantages and disadvantages of a rain shower

The biggest advantage of a rain shower is the comfort while showering. We do not need to hold the hand shower, so the hands are free when taking a shower. This allows us to freely reach out for cosmetics, and bathing in the rainfall is extremely pleasant. Let’s not forget about the design as it is important, too. The rain shower will be a real decoration, and if we add it to a modern walk-in shower enclosure, for example, we can achieve an amazing effect. To find out more about walk-in shower enclosures read our article: ‘Walk-in shower: advantages and disadvantages’.
But, a rain shower has a few disadvantages, too. First of all, we can’t adjust the direction of the stream, which could be troublesome as we might not be able to reach every part of the body. What is more, when the shower stream is strong, even up to several liters of water flow from the rain shower per minute. Also, let’s not forget that the rain shower head is permanently mounted, so it can’t be moved.

Advantages and disadvantages of a hand shower

A hand shower gives us more ways to manipulate, which means it is easier to direct the stream in the desired direction. It will work better in a home with children, especially if it is a hand shower with adjustable height. The advantages of a handheld shower head also include wide availability and a much lower price compared to a rain shower head.

One disadvantage is certainly the fact that it is less handy in use. While taking a shower, we always need to hold it in our hand. In addition, the water stream is always weaker than the one in a rain shower, and it is also less appealing in terms of design.

Rain shower head price vs. hand shower price

A hand shower is a more economical choice, and it shouldn’t be a big burden on your budget. The price can be as low as several dozen dollars. The thing looks different when it comes to a rain shower; here the cost would be higher. Depending on the installation method and the manufacturer, the price starts somewhere around a few hundred dollars and reaches up to a few thousand dollars for ceiling-mounted rainfall showers.

Which shower fitting to choose?

Many investors ask themselves if they should invest in a shower with or without a rain shower. The answer is not that obvious. If practicality is the priority, then a hand shower may be a better choice, but when comfort and modern design are important, a rainfall shower is a good option. There are also products that combine both of these options. You can also find a rain shower head for a bathtub, but in this case, a good bath screen comes in handy to prevent splashing.
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