7 Most Efficient Shower Head Reviews: Which Is The Best Water-Saving Shower Head for You?
Do you dream of a long, spa-like shower but feel guilty about wasting all that water (not to mention money)? You don’t have to suffer through rushed thirty-second showers anymore.
We’ve found seven low-flow showerheads that provide a luxury experience while still saving water. We’ve even uncovered the best low-flow shower head for low water pressure — its water amplifying power is like magic.
Keep reading to learn more!
Start Saving Money & Water With These 7 Best Low-Flow Shower Heads
Whether you are looking at affordable prefab green homes or planning a bathroom remodel, installing the best low-flow shower head can save water and money. But how do you know which is the best? We scoured the internet for the top seven low-flow shower heads based on flow rate, construction, and adjustability.
Here’s a quick chart to show you what we found.
Still unsure which is the best low-flow showerhead for you? Continue reading to know everything you need to about each shower head model on our list.
1. High Sierra Classic Plus Low Flow Shower Head – Best Low-Flow Shower Head
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.5 GPM
- Spray settings: 1
- Type: Fixed
- Material: Brass, stainless steel
Whether you are looking to save money or conserve water (or both), you can’t go wrong with the High Sierra Classic Plus Shower Head. This water-saving shower head uses 1 gallon of water less per minute than your standard shower head.
That’s right – per minute.
Now think about it, how long is your average shower? For every minute you are in the shower, imagine a gallon jug of water. That’s how much water this shower head saves you – EVERY SHOWER!
I know what you’re thinking – less water flow means a less enjoyable shower. But that’s not the case. This fixed shower head uses a patented nozzle design to create a strong spray with large droplets.
And you can easily swivel the head to reach anywhere you need to, whether for rinsing your shampoo or cleaning the corners of your tub. As for looks, the metal nozzle is small and attractive. While it won’t win any style awards, it won’t send you screaming for the hills either.
If all that isn’t reason enough to love it, the High Sierra Classic Plus is all metal and made in the USA. That’s hard to find nowadays.
All in all, High Sierra delivers a quality low flow showerhead at a great price, making it our pick for the best low flow shower head.
2. DELTA H2Okinetic Shower Head – Best Shower Head for Low Water Pressure
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.85/2.5 GPM
- Spray settings: 2
- Type: Fixed
- Material: Plastic
There’s nothing worse than struggling with low water pressure in the shower. When your water flow is only a trickle, it can seem to take forever to get clean and especially to wash your hair. And spending forever in the shower is undoubtedly not conserving water.
But we have a solution that will give you both a high-pressure shower and save water.
Check out the DELTA H2Okinetic Shower head. The low-flow showerhead is “Water Amplifying.” What exactly does that mean? I’m glad you asked.
DELTA’s H2Okinetic technology shapes the water into a wave. By sculpting the water into a different pattern, your body feels more water even when there actually is less. Now, if you don’t really understand what that means – it’s ok.
Just believe it’s magic.
Because that’s what it will seem like when you install the DELTA H2Okinetic shower head and shower for the first time. Magic.
This shower head will transform your showering experience. Now, rinsing shampoo is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the relaxing, luxurious UltraSoak setting. All you do is simply flip a switch to change the spray pattern.
So you know, while you can adjust the spray between high and low, you can’t change the position once you install the shower head. If it’s just you in your shower, you should be fine. But if you have a height difference in your family (or children), you might find this a bit inconvenient.
3. Niagara Earth Massage Low Flow Shower Head – Affordable & Most Efficient Showerhead
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.25 GPM
- Spray settings: 3
- Type: Fixed
- Material: Brass
If you want to cut down your water bill and conserve water, but you don’t want to break the bank doing it, you should get your hands on the Niagara Earth Massage Low Flow Shower Head.
This is the most efficient shower head on our list, with a water flow rate of only 1.25 GPM. Talk about water savings!
This budget choice also gives a high-quality shower. You can select from three different spray settings to optimize your showering experience. Just twist the showerhead to quickly adjust your spray. No fuss, no muss.
Even if your pressure fluctuates, the Niagara Earth Massage Showerhead guarantees your shower strength won’t change. They use patented technology to ensure the spray always stays the same strength.
The only thing to worry about is that some people report that this showerhead begins to leak over time. Don’t worry, though. Niagara offers a ten-year warranty, so you should be covered.
4. Kohler K-22169-G-CP Forte Low Flow Shower Head
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.75 GPM
- Spray settings: 3
- Type: Fixed
- Material: Plastic
The Kohler K-22169-G-CP Forte Low Flow Shower Head uses their Katalyst air induction technology to deliver a spa-like shower experience. What they do is infuse air into every droplet of water. This infusion makes for bigger droplets of water. So each drop of water covers more of your body.
Not only are the drops bigger, but the air also makes the water droplets warmer too. Each drop retains, on average, half a degree more heat than your standard shower. So the drops actually feel nicer on your body, like warm tropical rain.
You can easily switch from the full coverage spray to the pulsing massage spray with the flick of the switch. When your muscles are relaxed and you are ready to rinse off, simply flip the switch again for the powerful, silky spray.
Not only does this shower feel luxurious, but it also looks luxurious. And I would expect nothing less from Kohler. The low flow head is part of their Forte line, so you can get matching fixtures if you are looking for a cohesive look in your bathroom.
5. PULSE ShowerSpas Kauai III Low Flow Shower Head
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Spray settings: 5
- Type: Fixed/Handheld
- Material: Stainless steel
With the PULSE ShowerSpas Kauai III Low Flow Shower Head, you can save water and enjoy a super-indulgent shower experience. Plus, you’ll get a fixed and detachable shower head in one – a feat you won’t get from other low-flow options on our list.
Once you install it, you will feel like you are in a high-end hotel. An eight-inch rain shower head perches above an adjustable height brass slide bar that keeps the handheld head in easy reach.
You can choose to use just one shower head at a time, or you can step up your experience and turn both showerheads on simultaneously. Because why not? Two is better than one.
The handheld shower head features five different spray patterns, so there is always something for whatever your mood brings. Whether you are getting ready for work or relaxing at the end of a long week, the PULSE ShowerSpas will make you feel like a million bucks.
Once you get this showerhead, you’ll never need to go to the spa again.
6. SparkPod RSH Low Flow Shower Head
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Spray settings: 1
- Type: Fixed
- Material: Plastic
With its modern, chrome design, the SparkPod RSH adds a touch of elegance to your shower. But we want more than good looks out of a rain showerhead. We want a powerful spray too. And the SparkPod doesn’t disappoint.
This showerhead uses ninety individual silicone nozzles to deliver you the high-pressure rainfall you’ve been dreaming of. Ninety nozzles may seem like it will take a lot of time to maintain, but these rubber nozzles are designed to cut down mineral deposits. Fewer deposits, less time to clean.
But when you do decide they need a wash, you can clean them just by wiping them with a finger. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Now, if after you have installed the shower head, you find the 1.8 GPM isn’t everything you hoped for, you can remove the water restrictor without too much trouble. This will increase the pressure. Many people find that they are happier without the restrictor in place. Keep in mind, if you do take out the restrictor, your GPM will go up, and your water savings will go down.
7. Aqua Elegante Low Flow Shower Head
Specifications
Flow rate: 1.8 GPM
- Spray settings: 6
- Type: Fixed
- Material: Plastic
Tired of the same old boring shower spray pattern? They say, “Variety is the spice of life,” and the Aqua Elegante Low Flow Shower Head provides you with variety in your shower you are missing.
This shower head features six different spray patterns — that’s more than any other showerhead on our list!
This shower head can match your mood whether you are looking for a full-body spray or a pulsating massage. It even has a water-saving mode which is pretty handy when you are shaving. And the adjustable fitting makes it effortless to direct the spray exactly where you want it to go.
The Aqua Elegante can also suit different bathroom styles. It is available in a variety of finishes. Choose from an oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, chrome, or polished brass. And if that’s not enough, it has self-cleaning nozzles.
Low-Flow Shower Head Buying Guide: 6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Showerhead
When you are looking to save money (or save water) with a new low-flow shower head, it can be tempting to find a budget option and settle on that one. I mean, it’s just a shower head; how different can they be, right?
Wrong! There are many different factors that go into making your shower enjoyable, and the price isn’t one of them. Flow rate, spray settings, the size of your shower head – these things are what really make the difference.
So let’s look more closely at what makes a great low-flow shower head.
1. Flow Rate
When reading low-flow shower head reviews, the first thing people talk about is flow rate. So let’s explain what your flow rate means and how it affects your showering experience.
Flow rate is how much water comes out of your shower head over a given period. It is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. The higher the GPM, the more water you use in your shower and the more it costs you.
A standard shower uses 2.5 GPM (1). That means throughout a ten-minute shower, you use 25 gallons of water. However, low-flow shower heads have a lower GPM. The EPA has WaterSense certification to let you know that you are buying a low-flow showerhead. For a showerhead to be WaterSense certified, the flow rate must be 2.0 GPM or less (1).
“The WaterSense label also ensures that these products provide a satisfactory shower that is equal to or better than conventional showerheads on the market.“
So let’s look at what that really means in terms of water savings.
If you purchase the High Sierra Classic Plus showerhead, the flow rate is only 1.5 GPM. So, this showerhead uses a whole gallon of water less per minute. For a ten-minute shower, you can be saving ten gallons of water!
Ten gallons of water is equal to two jugs of water at the office water cooler. Think of the difference you can make in your water consumption if you switch to the best water-saving shower head.
2. Spray Settings
A pleasant shower experience is about more than just how much water comes out of your shower head. Each of us has our own personal preference on how we like our shower spray- maybe you want a gentle rainfall, or perhaps you prefer a penetrating massage spray. Either way, don’t worry.
Just like a regular shower head, low-flow shower heads have different spray settings.
You will find some models offer more spray settings than others. If you and your family don’t share the same preference, you might want to choose a shower head with more options. For a true spa-like shower experience, check out the PULSE ShowerSpas Kauai III. It features dual shower heads, and the handheld head has five different spray settings.
3. Shower Head Size
When you stop to think about it, many factors make up the perfect shower. Something that you don’t often think about is the size of your shower head. But size does matter. And here is why.
First, the size of your shower head affects how wide your spray is. A rain showerhead, for example, has a nice wide spray pattern. Other types of shower heads may have smaller spray patterns.
You also want to take into account the size of your shower. Why? A large shower head size can take up a lot of space – unless you have it installed on the ceiling. So, get a smaller shower head if you want to maximize space. The Niagara Earth Massage is a small shower head, but it has three spray settings.
4. Installation
Installing a new water-saving shower head is pretty straightforward. You probably won’t even need to call a plumber. Unless maybe you’ve decided to do a complete bathroom remodel and are installing a top-rated low-flow toilet too. In which case, congratulations! We need more energy-efficient homes in the world.
While you won’t need a plumber, you will need a wrench and plumber’s tape.
Most shower heads don’t include the shower arm, but you should have that from your existing shower head. All you need to do is remove the wasteful, old shower head (this is where the wrench comes in), wrap the threads with plumber’s tape, and screw on the new shower head.
Make sure your new shower head fits with your existing plumbing.
When you read the best water-saving shower heads reviews, you will see that people claim the High Sierra Classic Plus is so easy to install that it takes less than two minutes!
If you don’t believe it, check out this video to see how easy installation really is:
5. Material
Low flow shower heads can be either metal or plastic. Deciding between the two comes down to a choice based on style, personal preference, and budget. But there are advantages and disadvantages you should know about.
Plastic shower heads will generally be less expensive than metal, which is a big bonus if you are on a budget. And just because they are a budget option, it doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish.
Gone are the days of big, ugly, white plastic showerheads. Now plastic showerheads are available in various finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. For instance, the Delta H2OKinetic is made from plastic, but it has a sleek and modern design. It even comes with a lifetime warranty.
Now, you should know metal is a more durable material than plastic (2). You’ll also find metals like stainless steel that are easier to clean and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria than plastic is (3).
6. Cleaning
While we may like to think of our bathroom as a clean and sanitary place, the truth is bathrooms can get funky. We have to work hard to keep them clean. And your shower head is no different than anything else in your bathroom. It needs to get cleaned regularly to help prevent bacteria growth and mineral build-up (4).
“Moisture is a prerequisite for bacterial survival and growth.”
If you don’t want a bacteria-infested and gross-looking low-flow showerhead, regular cleaning is a requirement. Or, you can get the SparkPod RSH Shower Head because its silicon nozzles are effortless to clean. Just wipe them with your finger, and you’re done.
FAQs
Yes, low flow shower heads have good pressure. While they use less water than a standard shower head, many low flow shower heads use new technology like aeration to ensure and maintain good pressure that is comparable to standard shower heads.
No, rain shower heads do not necessarily use more water. The amount of water used by a shower head is determined by its GPM, not the style of the shower head. Also, there are high GPM rain shower heads and low GPM rain shower heads.
You can find several low flow rain shower heads, like the SparkPod RSH, that provide a monsoon like shower experience with minimal water waste.
A water restrictor, as its name suggests, restricts water flow. In a standard shower head, it ensures the flow does not exceed 2.5 GPM. For low-flow shower heads like the Moen shower head, this component is responsible for maintaining the low GPM rate.
Some shower heads have a removable water restrictor to increase the water flow. However, it is not advisable to do so because you’ll be increasing water usage.
References
- Showerheads. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads
- Plastic vs. Metal – Which is best for your project? Retrieved from: https://www.plastic-concepts.com/plastic-vs-metal/
- What’s Hiding In Your Showerhead? Retrieved from: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112963574
- Germs in your Bathroom. Retrieved from: https://www.safehome.org/resources/germs-in-your-bathroom/
Rachael and her husband arrived on Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua in 2011. There they founded El Jardin de la Vida, a tropical micro food forest, focusing on Sustainable Living Education. She teaches others to build with natural materials, live off-grid, and appreciate slow food.