After a hard day’s work, who hasn’t wanted to take a nice hot shower and relax in the bathroom? More economical than using the bathtub, taking a shower is still well worth it, especially when it is well-equipped. By this, we are naturally referring to shower valves that include the overhead showerhead, the bar, and the handheld shower.
But what is more interesting is especially when the column consists of a thermostatic mixing valve. The best thermostatic shower systems allow you, among other things, to regulate to the desired temperature. In this guide which is centered around 8 models which we consider the best on the market, you will find the best shower valve that best suits your needs.
Contents
What is Thermostatic Shower System?
Thermostatic showers bring together the mixer, the overhead shower, the handheld shower, and the flexible hose in one unit. The specificity of the thermostatic model is that it has a special mixing valve, which has two controls: one temperature control for adjusting the temperature to have hot and cold water and the other for a consistent water flow. It differs from the standard mixer equipped with a single rotary knob that regulates the preferred temperature and the flow rate.
Why choose a thermostatic shower valve?
Some of the reasons why you’d like a thermostatic shower system in your shower baths are its:
Comfort of use
A thermostatic shower valve allows great precision in the temperature settings, to the nearest degrees (often a 38° pre-set temperature). It delivers water at a constant temperature regardless of the flow and memorizes the water temperature between two uses.
Safety
Thermostatic shower kits are equipped with a temperature blocker. To avoid burns, safety is in place in the form of double action. You will need to press a button and turn the temperature tap simultaneously to have a constant water temperature above 38 degrees. This safety is very effective, in particular for protecting children who do not have a good command of hot and cold water temperature control.
Top 8 Best Thermostatic Shower Systems
Having analyzed dozens of thermostatic shower valves, below are what we consider are the best shower valve systems on the market.
1. GROHE 26128001 Euphoria 260 2.5 GPM Shower with Thermostat
German sanitary fittings manufacturer, GROHE, has used its patented technology to produce a modern shower system with almost instant and consistent temperature control. There is therefore a completely precise water jet. One of the unique features you’ll like in this is that Grohe uses an anti-lime process to preserve the materials. So, the shower column will project a very pleasant rain-type jet with a minimum flow of 2.5 gallons per minute. There’s also the anti-scald guard for water pressure regulation.
There are also the brand’s Aqua Dimmer diverter valves which can help you instantly change the hand shower into a shower column. Overall, the Grohe Euphoria System 260 shower column is a technologically advanced product that allows you to have different jets that are more relaxing, light, or full-bodied, according to the bather’s taste. The interesting aspect is that, regardless of the selected mode, the flow is balanced by the pressure balancing nozzle for flow rate and temperature, ensuring a shower that is always extremely pleasant. Finally, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty
2. Blue Ocean SPS88991 62″ Thermostatic Shower with Rainfall Showerhead
Blue Ocean isn’t very much popular in plumbing fittings manufacturing, but it has a lot of products in its shower valve catalog that you’ll fall in love with. The system includes body nozzles, a handheld shower, and the most striking feature of all, the fixed shower head that produces water jet in the form of rainfall.
Made of stainless steel, the water pressure balancing showerhead is 62 inches high. For rust protection, the stainless steel material has a brushed finish and there is an integrated thermostatic valve built into the system. The shower column comes with several advanced features: there are six body nozzles, a handheld shower wand, a rainfall showerhead, and a waterfall showerhead. What we liked most about all these features is that they can be used simultaneously.
3. Grohe 34150003 Grohtherm 1000 Thermostatic Shower Valve Trim with Two Handles
Made by the same manufacturer which made Euphoria, the GROHE 1000 is a modern thermostatic mixer with a smooth, uncluttered design, and a trim kit. It is quite simply one of the most reliable thermostatic mixers on the market today. We note Grohe’s commitment to safety with SafeStop Plus and CoolTouch technologies, together with the MetalGrip handles which give the device a very plush and high-quality appearance, both visually and in use.
The TurboStat technology ensures a rapid rise in temperature and maintaining it however long in the shower. Then, the 38 degrees stop (SafeStop button) helps to avoid burns. There is also the GROHE EcoJoy system which saves up to 50% of its water consumption. It is coupled with the “EcoButton” button which in a press of the finger accelerates water savings. Finally, this also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
4. HIMK Shower Faucet Set with 10” Rainfall Shower Head
The HIMK System is one of the best thermostatic showers on the market. It’s a shower faucet set with a tub spout and a rain thermostatic shower head that measures 10 inches and can be mounted on the wall. You have an option of six colors with the product; it’s obtainable in brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, polish chrome, brushed gold, and oil-rubbed bronze.
With a sleek matte black finish, the tub faucet is your perfect addition to your modern bathroom. This kit from HIMK is practical and consists of a double shower using a rain function and a hand-held shower head. The handheld shower has 3 configurations, convenient for a relaxing shower and a quick rinse. This rain shower head measures approximately 8 inches and can be attached to the wall using a 16-inch grab arm.
5. ELLO & ALLO LED Thermostatic Shower Panel Tower System
Variety and management of the different water flow modes are some of the great features of this LED shower system. The shower panel is made of stainless steel with a brushed nickel finish. Its flow system includes a cascade effect that also replaces the classic shower from above. You have up to four functions to choose from with this system; there’s the rainfall waterfall showerhead, body jet spray, and the three-setting shower that is held by hand.
The extra effect is all in the rich set of lights, which adorn the entire shower column with chromotherapy in its central position and the upper section. And what we liked most about this is that the LED works with no batteries; it works with the water flow.
6. Blue Ocean SPS8727 66.5” Stainless Steel Thermostatic Shower Panel with Rainfall Showerhead
The rainfall showerhead seems to have come to stay in the manufacturing of shower fittings. Yet another product from the Blue ocean, the thermostatic shower panel comes with a handheld shower wand, a massive rainfall showerhead, as well as a set of four body nozzles. The panel has a nice creamy white color, with a height of 66.5 inches and a total width of 8.8 inches (22 cm).
A jet of water comes from above, following the shape and line of the white shower system, with the possibility of varying the jet thanks to the side shower included in the set. The panel is made of stainless steel, has a brushed finish, with a set of six knobs capable of managing and making the most of the work of the mixer with which to monitor the water temperature.
7. Enga Shower Jets System with Wall Mounted 12 Inch Rain Shower Head and Handheld
Showering with the Enga set can be quite pleasing as you can run the rain showerhead and handheld shower simultaneously for the best hydromassage therapy. Finished in matte black, the product is also obtainable in two more colors: chrome and brushed nickel.
The combo set has a friendly design, that is specially made for ease of use by kids and the elderly, preventing shower scald. Enga’s thermostatic valve has a security stop design at around 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For romance and chromotherapy, there’s also an LED system built with the 12-inch rain showerhead.
8. JiaYouJia Flush Mount Thermostatic Rain Shower Faucet with Hand Shower
The shower faucet has a large square shower head and easy-to-clean structure and a comfortable 60-inch long hose cleaning system designed for simple removal of dirt and all the material that in the time builds up around because of the water.
The thermostatic valve is made of stainless steel and solid brass construction. Designed to be mounted flush to the bathroom wall is the square rainfall showerhead. The product however has two shower heads as there’s also a handheld shower wand. Additionally, this product is available in four color options: black, matte black, brushed nickel, and chrome. Finally, the shower valve comes with 10 years of warranty that assures users of its reliability.
Features To Consider
A thermostatic shower valve is intended for daily use by every member of the family. It is therefore essential that you make sure that you make the best possible choice. These are very highly-priced products and you can’t afford to make the wrong choice.
The main material
Whether inexpensive or high-end, a shower valve is bathroom equipment that is intended to render you proud services daily for many, many years. This is why it must have the best overall quality, backed by the construction material. In the vast majority of cases, a thermostatic system is made of stainless steel or a steel alloy. These ensure solidity and resistance to water at the same time, without seeing any trace of oxidation or visual deterioration whatsoever.
The showerhead
At first glance, the showerhead could seem to be a secondary choice criterion or even completely unnecessary. And yet, we have to admit it, your final satisfaction will depend to a very large extent on its features. There are usually three shower heads in a shower set: the upper/rain showerhead, the shower handle, and the nozzles.
First, the overhead shower should be large enough to cover your entire body with water evenly, giving you a real feeling of well-being when you wash.
But it is better if the showerhead of your next shower column can be turned on or off as you see fit. Finally, we also recommend that you choose thermostatic showers whose head offers an adjustable flow rate that can give you an invigorating shower or a rain effect.
The fixing system
The fixing systems of the thermostatic showers are particularly important to take into account to choose the right shower valve, especially if there are several persons at home. Indeed, all people are not the same size, but all would like to be able to benefit from a shower that suits them perfectly. This is why the shower column you choose must have a height-adjustable fixing system.
This fixing system takes the form of a shower headrest sliding over the entire height of the column which is screwed or unscrewed as needed. If this fixing system does not exist, in this case, in addition to the showerhead, a handheld shower can be installed.
The anti-lime system
Finally, the anti-lime system is unfortunately not present on all models. Like any other plumbing fixture, the shower valve runs on running water. And unfortunately, the running water contains limestone which, when it accumulates and turns into scale, could damage your equipment, make it less functional, if not even cause water damage, which we do not wish for.
To avoid all these problems, we, therefore, recommend that you choose a column with an anti-lime system. For example, it can take the form of a scale collector that you just need to empty regularly so that your shower column always remains perfectly functional. Finally, if the shower set you choose is not equipped with this anti-lime system, then it will be up to you to disassemble it regularly to treat it against tartar.
The accessories and functions
Depending on the brand, these accessories can vary greatly. For example, you can find models designed with a flow regulator installed directly on the handle of the showerhead. There are as well thermostatic valves with a BlueTooth speaker that will allow you to listen to your favorite music while you bathe.
There are also more sophisticated digital shower valve designs which, thanks to a small digital screen, will indicate the exact temperature of the water. This could for example be very practical if you have to bathe for a newborn baby. When doing your research, don’t hesitate to go through all the features of a shower column since some of them could improve your shower experience.
The ease of installation
In most cases, installing a shower system is relatively easy overall. The manufacturers make sure to simplify the installation of the device with an included manual and online video installation tutorial. Very often, a shower system is simple to set up, but installing some models can be a real puzzle.
One way to know the ease of installation is by checking the reviews of other customers. If a particular thermostatic system is difficult to install, consumers will let you know in a completely transparent way.
Conclusion
Having introduced you to the best thermostatic showers on the market, you now have all the keys in hand to revamp your bathroom, relax in peace and enjoy an invigorating moment. Imagine yourself under this cascade of hot or cold water, completely relaxed, your body relaxed! You have jets of water massaging you and an LED system making the bathroom more romantic and giving you chromotherapy. This is a comforting sensation and is a moment that you can relish with the best shower valves. Ecstasy!
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