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Last updated: May 14, 2023
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In this age of endless purchase options, people buying shower panels that don’t satisfy their needs is more common than you think. Nonetheless, it is still possible for you to end up with one of the best shower panels in the market.
As the first order of business, you need to review each panel with your needs in mind. As such, certain features, including the number of jets and functions available, need deep contemplation. These help determine water output and the control you have over the flow. Size also helps since you want a device that caters to the needs of everyone in your household while fitting easily in your bathroom. Construction materials and warranty are as well crucial areas to look into. Remember you want a panel that will remain pristine even after years of use. With these criteria, you are almost sure to pick the best shower panel even out of the options below.
"A premium-quality shower panel featuring brushed nickel finish, black tempered glass lining, 6 jets, min. pressure of 40 psi and min. pressure of 80 psi."
"A great shower panel featuring a multi-functional 3-setting handheld shower and body jets spray pattern, 4 jets, hydroelectricity temperature display and standard 1/2″ plumbing connection."
"Included in the purchase is the body jets and hand shower. It’s so easy to shift between the hand shower, jets, and actual showerhead. If you have any problems with the showerhead, you’ll be covered by the lifetime warranty."
"The most noticeable feature of the ELLO and ALLO showerhead is the fact that it has a LED control panel. It even comes pre-plumbed, which is really useful for the buyer! You’ll be able to install it yourself with little to no fanfare."
"Expect to feel you are getting a nice body massage the second you start using this showerhead. It’ll lull you into a comfortable state, making you wonder why the heck you haven’t purchased this until now!."
"A wall-mounted stainless steel shower panel featuring 5 stage functions, 4 jets, LED lighting, temperature display and standard 1/2” plumbing connection."
Other features: two controllers, chrome-plated brass hose, standard 1/2″ plumbing connection, min. pressure of 28 psi, max. pressure of 72 psi
The Blue Ocean 52″ SPA392M Shower Panel Tower is a hot cake on Amazon and deservedly so. For the current price point, not many other shower panel systems can offer you more value. As mentioned above this panel tower is made of aluminum alloy. The tool consequently has a metallic finish which blends in with bathroom décor quite nicely. It’s definitely one of the best quality shower panels we came across when scouring the market.
It is easy to note the number of jets and forget about everything else. However, that is only because the jets are impressive both in function and number. Nevertheless, remember that an overhead shower is incorporated in addition to a handheld shower as well.
The eight nozzles are as well adjustable so you can get the best massage experience while in the shower. Connecting the handheld showerhead with the rest of the shower panel is a chrome-plated brass hose. This, of course, adds durability points to the device in question.
Also included in the machine is a standard 1/2″ plumbing connection. A lot of people will bust out a few tools from their garage and have the product installed and running in a few minutes. It should be a relatively straightforward process but never forget you have the option to contract a plumber if you need to.
Temperature control is also essential if you are going to have a blast every time you shower. This being the case, the temperature display is a key highlight of the purchase. You can thus fine-tune the water temperature to the exact specifications that you need every time. Remember that this component is powered by AA batteries so replacing batteries now and then is a requirement of ownership. Two controllers are as well incorporated to allow you to change the settings.
Additionally, the ideal water pressure for this tool is between 28 and 72 psi. Also, since all functions of the shower tower panel work independently, you are unlikely to encounter less than optimal water pressure.
What are its best features?
One year warranty
Incorporates a temperature display in the shower panel
Eight water panels included
Relatively easy control
Independent functions mean no reduction in water pressure.
What could be improved?
Installation instructions are not very good
The warranty period is short as compared to other panels on this list
Other features: black tempered glass, pre-plumbed, surface mounted, 2.5 GPM, min. pressure of 40 psi, min. pressure of 80 psi
You may find the warranty of the Blue Ocean 52″ SPA392M Shower Panel Tower to be underwhelming. As such, opting for a device like the PULSE ShowerSpas 1049B-BN Rio Panel shouldn’t be out of character for you since it comes with lifetime coverage.
Since this tool is designed with hot/cold stub outs in mind, the installation will be a straightforward affair. Also, given how expensive this shower massage panel is you at least get to shave off some of the cost by installing the tool yourself.
Aesthetics of this shower panel also do not disappoint. As specified above, the panel comes with a brushed nickel finish. Under that top layer is brass construction that is long-lasting under most circumstances.
Aside from that design decision, there is also the black tempered glass lining the middle of the device. As long as you don’t hit this component with any hard materials, this tool will maintain its good looks.
Also, this shower panel comes with six jets. You can see them lining the edge of the product in the image above. The other knobs in the middle of the device are there to give you control over the settings.
You can as well see the showerhead in the image above. The handheld showerhead may not be as visible, but it is also present. Given that you have all these different outlets, you might have to switch between them from time to time. As such it helps that you have a valve that helps keep temperatures as they are when you change output ports.
There are as well features that help keep this shower panel from clogging up with mineral deposits. That way, when you rub the product with a cloth or a brush, all the grime will come off. Additionally, the stainless steel pipe connecting the panel to the handheld shower can be elongated from 58” to 78”.
What makes it special?
Excellent aesthetics
Lifetime warranty
Durable components
Relatively easy to install
Relatively easy to control
Has a valve to help maintain water temperature while changing water output ports
Comes with a long tube connecting the handheld showerhead
What cons did we find?
Expensive to purchase
It’s impossible to use the shower head and body sprayers simultaneously
Construction: brass, ABS, 304 stainless steel, brushed black finish
Size: 55″ x 18.3″ x 8.46″
Warranty: 2-years (parts)
Other features: a multi-functional 3-setting handheld shower and body jets spray pattern, hydroelectricity temperature display, standard 1/2″ plumbing connection
Another purchase that earns its place on the list is the ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Shower Panel. If you pick the brushed black finish, you can even get it for less than $200. If this budget requirement fits your plan, you can go ahead to check out the other benefits of this purchase.
First, the ½” plumbing connection means that it won’t be much of a hassle to link this panel up to the pipes in your bathroom. However, to be safe, you need to check that your bathroom has compatible piping before making this purchase. If you find the installation too challenging to navigate a video has been provided on YouTube for the same.
You have three main components that make up the entirety of this shower panel system. They are ABS, stainless steel and brass. One thing that the masses will love is the ability to turn on two outputs at the same time. A lot of the other devices don’t come with such capabilities.
Variable controls are another reason to put this item in your shortlist of potential purchases. LED lights are as well incorporated in the overhead shower. Also, if you like to time your showers you are in luck. The tool has a temperature display that could also potentially tell you how long you spent in the shower. Additionally, this display will make it a cinch to control water temperatures.
What makes it stand out?
Comes with a temperature display as well as a shower timer
Offers a two-year warranty
You can use two water output ports at the same time
Standard plumbing connection
Durable components
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Instructions that come with the package are not great
You need to be careful during installation otherwise the sharp edges may cut your fingers
Other features: multi-stage shower function, 2.5 GPM, a tub spout, completely pre-plumbed, surface mounted and wall-mounted options
Some options have less conspicuous water jets. As you can see, the Vantory VS077-1 Shower Panel has its controls on the side of the panel while at the front, there are only holes.
The number of small nozzles presented as holes is also a lot more than what is provided by other options on this list. Under the showerhead, there are 50 rainfall nozzles while those on the vertical surface of the panel number 100.
Standard installation accessories are as well neatly tucked next to the shower panel in the box. You remove them as soon as they arrive and get to work putting the shower column in your bathroom.
If you need to, you can turn on all functions of the product. These include the handheld shower, the overhead shower and the horizontal nozzles. You also get the option of individual function control with the controls present.
What makes it special?
Individual control over all shower functions
Sleek brushed nickel finish
You can use all shower functions at the same time
Installation accessories are included in the purchase
What cons did we find?
Some people don’t like how big this tool is
You can easily imprint your fingerprints on the tool, therefore, dirtying the clean outlook
Other features: 5 stage functions, LED power, 59-inch hose, wall-mounted
The fact that all installation accessories come with the purchase of the Senlesen Stainless Steel Shower Panel is excellent news for people working with limited budgets. You get two main jets on this thermostatic shower column. These are the circular structures spouting water in the image above. You can choose to turn these off if you want to use either of the other two water output sources.
Also, the tool is for wall mounting; hence it won’t be much of a prominent feature in your bathroom. You as well have LED lights on the underside of the overhead shower.
With the controls on the surface of the tool, you can activate one of five water functions. They are inclusive of rainfall, waterfall, tub spout, handheld shower or the horizontal massage spray.
With regard to a temperature display, this tool is also not left behind. As such, if you find the shower is either too hot or too cold, you have no one to blame but yourself.
What do we love it for?
Comes with a temperature display
All installation accessories are included in the package
Easy to use
Comes with non-electric LEDs on the overhead shower
What were we disappointed with?
The LED lights cannot be turned off by the user
It is also impossible to use multiple heads simultaneously
Other features: LED temperature display, LED overhead rainfall showerhead, adjustable high-powered body massage jets, tub spout, and high-efficiency multi-function handheld shower wand
Every bathroom needs a shower panel like this AUKTOPT Shower Panel, which is our choice for the sleekest design because it has a way of adding to the quality of the looks of your bathroom with its sleek and modern design, and it comes with two variants you can choose from. This luxurious shower panel comes with stunning features such as the versatile handheld shower wand, tub spout, adjustable massage jets, LED overhead rainfall showerhead, and LED temperature display. And if it pleases you, you can turn on two modes at the same time. The AUKTOPT Shower helps you enjoy better organization by informing you when you should shower and helping you choose the best water temperature that’s right for you with the temperature display. There are no batteries needed for the LED because the water flow takes care of that. However, you’ll need two AA batteries to power the LED lights of the overhead showerhead.
You don’t need to travel long distances before you can experience a luxury feeling. The AUKTOPT Shower Panel Tower provides a luxury experience with its features, making it a worthwhile purchase for those who appreciate luxury and wouldn’t mind investing a few bucks on a high-quality Shower Panel Tower. The AUKTOPT Shower Panel may be a luxurious tool, but it’s not complicated to use, which further makes it suitable for simple folks who cannot afford to be tossed around by the complexities of using a shower panel. Once you purchase this shower panel, it comes well-connected and pre-plumbed, and you wouldn’t need any drilling or plumbing to get it installed due to its wall-mount installation design. The AUKTOPT Shower Panel also passed the test of being safe and appropriate for family use, given its spelt-out mode settings and accurate temperature display. Plus, you can worry less about maintenance due to the anti-clog rubber outlets of the massage jets.
Why is it special?
Fingerprint proof
Anti-clog rubber outlets
LED overhead showerhead
Easy installation
Standard plumbing connections
Durable
What are the flaws?
Some users have complained about the noise it makes
Other features: water temperature display, wall-mounted, 10 cm hose
Another product that costs about 200 dollars is the ROVATE Modern Rainfall Shower Panel. Some believe that this tool has a superior design since it comes with an angle-adjustable overhead shower. Those looking for a relatively wide showerhead will also be pleased with this offering.
People who also insist on having a temperature display don’t have anything to complain about as well. You may need to purchase a battery for this feature to work. Also, you should note that the panel comes in a minimalistic black finish as imaged above. The fact that this finish is corrosion resistant is a bonus.
No extra purchases are needed if you are to add this tool to your bathroom. Also, the three-year warranty means that you should also stop worrying about your investment going down the drain.
What stands out?
3-year warranty
Offers a water temperature display
Wide overhead shower
Corrosion-resistant finish
Made of durable components
What cons did we manage to find?
From what we can tell most users are satisfied with the quality of this tool
Other features: 2.5 GPM, wall-mounted, rainfall shower head
The AKDY SP0104 shower panel has a relatively similar outlook to the Vantory VS077-1 Shower Panel. Additionally, with 8 massaging body jets, a handheld wand, tub filler, and a rainfall shower head, this shower panel has all the bells-and-whistles a modern bathroom needs. The number of nozzles is quite a lot being clustered in six jets.
Also, this is yet another panel that allows all shower functions to work independently. As a result water pressure is not likely to dip when you need it.
You can also not fail to notice the installation hardware that the manufacturer is careful to put in every package.
Additionally, installation requires the inclusion of a flow restrictor. Potential buyers should as well know that this tool is not available in New York, California and Colorado due to statewide restrictions.
Other features: Temperature Memory; Massage Function
The Vigo Bowery (coming in a matte black or a stainless-steel color) is perfect for you either if you fancy a massage or just want something stylish looking to make your bathroom pop. It’s both! It comes with four jets and will make you feel you are in a spa without you having to actually drag yourself all the way there and waste money. Don’t worry about your Vigo Bowery falling apart soon because it’s built to last. Same goes for leaks thanks to the brass material used as a seal!
The technical aspects of the Vigo Bower showerhead are just as amazing. It weighs about 24lbs with reasonable dimensions. Shower head length is 20 inches with the slide bar length being around 7.25 inches. Panel width measures out to 4 inches and finally, the supply length from end to end is 20 inches.
One of the drawbacks is that you have to install it yourself, but that shouldn’t be a surprise since most items like this don’t come with people to install it for you. Still, the benefits outweigh all drawbacks.
Other features: temperature display, LED overhead rainfall showerhead
Here is the ELLO and ALLO 55”, known for its great waterfall function. It comes with 6 jets, and you can get it in a brushed nickel or black color. This is made to last and durable with state-of-the-art controls to work your LED showerhead. Included in the purchase is a hand shower, rough in valve, and body jets (should you fancy a massage for your sore muscles.
Dimension wise, it’s about what you would expect. The panel is about 55 inches with a total weight of 19 lbs. Panel width is at 8 inches with a shower head length at 18 inches and a hose length at 59 inches. Given that you have to install these yourselves, it’s a good idea to know what the dimensions are.
The biggest drawback is the fact that it only comes with a 2-year warranty. Sure, at face value this might seem like a decent amount of time, but what if it breaks down after that time period? If that happens, you have no chance of getting your money back.
When you look at the Luxier SP21 (with a swivel feature mind you) you’ll discover that it has 3 jets and comes in stainless steel. This is the only color, but don’t let that deter you from purchasing it. In this purchase, you get a hand shower, body jet, and built-in mixing valve.
Dimensions are pretty standard for this type of showerhead. The panel comes in at 55.11 with a total weight of 24 lbs. A little on the hefty side! Supply length is 9.5 inches, with the panel width and panel thickness coming in at 7.1 and 2.5 inches, respectively.
Unfortunately, the warranty only lasts about 2 years if you are in the USA. For Canada, it’s even shorter. The warranty is about a year long. This is disappointing because you never know what might happen to a product in the long run. With a lifetime warranty, you don’t have to worry about your showerhead breaking down because it’s always covered.
Other than that, the Luxier SP21 is a must buy for anyone’s shower.
Why did it make our list?
Glass shelf
Thermostatic valve
What is not ideal about it?
2-year limited warranty in the USA and 1-year limited warranty in Canada
It only comes in one color which happens to be stainless steel
Other features: the handheld sprayer reaches up to 60 inches
The ANZZI Aura with 2 jets comes in three colors including matte black, brushed steel, and grey marble. Included in purchase is the hand shower and body jets. It’s easy to install because it goes right into your existing water line.
It’s so easy to install in your bathroom. You won’t cause any damage in your attempt to put this up in your bathroom. Even a novice could put it together. Might take a little extra work but trust me, they will get there.
For the dimensions, we have a panel coming in at 39.37 inches. The supply length, panel width, and shower head length are at 6.3, 5.51, and 18 inches, respectively. It’s what you would expect.
Thankfully, the ANZZI Aura comes with a limited lifetime warranty. While it doesn’t have a commercial warranty, it still does come with a lifetime one for the product itself. For some other warranties, this is better than nothing.
If you buy this, know that it’s going to last and if it doesn’t, don’t worry. You do have a lifetime (limited) warranty.
What do we love it for?
The handheld sprayer reaches up to a total of 60 inches
Stylish design
What were we disappointed with?
The lifetime warranty is limited to a product only warranty
The matte black finish is prone to collect mineral buildup which is hard to clean
Other features: 5 stage functions, LED, temperature display, wall-mounted, standard 1/2” plumbing connection, 2.5GPM
You can as well look at the wall-mounted Rozin Stainless Steel Shower Panel as a potential purchase option. It is similar to the Senlesen Stainless Steel Shower Panel in that it gives users five-stage functions of use. You can as well cycle your various function choices to see which ones you will be using more often.
The standard plumbing connection potentially saves many buyers headaches with regards to installation. You don’t need to change your whole bathroom plumbing situation.
Right below the overhead shower, you can see a small display. This helps determine the temperature of the water. As such, that will help you decide whether heat it is to be increased or reduced.
Most people are also fans of durable products. It should be a welcome surprise to find that the Rozin Stainless Steel Shower Panel has stainless steel and brass components. However, there are some ABS components as well, which you should be mindful of. The sleek finish is also appealing to some.
Why is it special?
Features a standard plumbing connection
Offers a temperature display
Wall-mounted
3-year parts warranty
What are the flaws?
Instructions are not the most straightforward hence making installation harder
Things to Consider
Getting the right product the first time you go shopping saves you money, time and lots of stress. However, you cannot pick a product randomly from Amazon and expect it to work for you. You have to put a bit of effort into the process. Even write-ups like this one, cannot accurately recommend the overall best product for you. However, they can provide you with a list of the best options. After that, it is up to you to read the buying guide and make a smart selection.
Why should you buy a shower panel?
You should look into getting yourself a shower panel due to the versatility of the product. They offer the feeling of getting a massage while you bathe. Also, they include both overhead and handheld showerheads in their designs. This makes it easy to use for people of all sizes. Also, given that they use plumbing for a single showerhead, they are easier to install. They are also more efficient than shower panels in how they use water.
Features to consider when choosing a shower panel
Once you’ve decided in favor of the shower panel instead of the single, dual-head, and other shower panels, the next step is to find the ideal purchase. If you read the section below, you shouldn’t have trouble sifting through the myriad of undesirable products in the market. Consequently, finding that shower panel that is perfect for you will be a piece of cake.
Number of jets
Choosing the number of jets will depend on what you are trying to achieve with your shower panel. Often, panels with more jets tend to have them spread out on the surface of the product. Consequently, you may feel these jets massage a larger area of your body than products with fewer jets. If you want these kinds of benefits and your budget allows it, you can purchase products like the Blue Ocean 52″ SPA392M Shower Panel Tower.
Functions
You should also seek a breakdown of panel functions before you spend your money.
Functions such as rainfall and waterfall work with the overhead shower attachment and provide bathing water from above. The orientation is just as the name suggests where “rainfall” will make it look and feel like it is raining from the shower. The “waterfall” function as well is just as the name implies.
You have the horizontal massage spray and tub spout functions as well. With these two, you get water to shoot out of the water jets and tub spout on the side of the product. The last one is the hand shower function. Some panels will as well have more functions. Nevertheless, these are the main ones you will come across.
Flow rate
You also want to know how much water can flow through the device in a given time frame. Remember that if the flow rate requirements of the panel are not met the shower cannot provide enough water pressure for your bath. As such, make sure the flow rate in your house and that of the shower panel are compatible.
Construction materials and finish
Premium products seem to have one thing in common. They are made from the best materials available. This is seen in vehicles, houses, clothes and even in electronics. People who buy such items can spend a lifetime without having to replace the product.
You should apply the same logic to buying your shower panel. It will likely cost you some extra money. Nevertheless, most people would still choose an expensive product that lasts a long time rather than a cheap one that will need to be replaced in a short while.
Min. and max. water pressure
Most people prefer showers with strong pressure. To find out if a potential purchase will give you that check out the minimum and maximum pressure of the tool.
What happens if you purchase a thermostatic shower column that isn’t compatible with your current plumbing system? You either have to install new plumbing or return the product. After that, you will need to go back to the drawing board and get yourself a new product.
Rather than going through this process ensure you purchase a product that is compatible with your system the first time. Products like ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Shower Panel work with standard 1/2” plumbing connections.
Also, it would help you financially if you chose a device that is easy to install. If you do that you won’t need a plumber to come into your home, do the installation and charge you extra.
Thermostatic control
Most shower panels are connected to both a hot and cold water supply. If you are not careful, you may have to be taken to the emergency room having burned yourself with hot water. With a reliable thermostatic control, you will easily regulate temperature to the degree that you can handle.
Some options like the PULSE ShowerSpas 1049B-BN Rio Panel can even guarantee that when you change output ports, you won’t have to deal with a fluctuation in temperature.
LED lighting
You probably already have lights in your bathroom. As such, LED lights are a matter of preference. If you like them, you can choose a product that has them incorporated in the showerheads or elsewhere. Be aware that with some products, for example, the Senlesen Stainless Steel Shower Panel, you cannot turn the LEDs off.
Warranty
A lifetime warranty is probably the best warranty you can get if you do not plan on buying another shower panel any time soon. However, if the plan is to replace a shower panel with a new one every few years, you can go with warranties that don’t last as long.
You needn’t worry about cleaning a shower panel since the process is often straightforward. Water mixed with soap is enough to get rid of any dirt on the surface of the panel. Remember to use a soft cloth to wipe the panel down.
A drill, pliers and a hammer may be required in the process.
Remove the existing showerheads and shower arms from the wall.
Screw the extender joint to the showerhead outlet in your bathroom wall. However, before you do that, you may need to add Teflon tape to the threads on the extender joint.
Mark the location of the shower bracket by finding the centerline of the panel. By doing this, you set the desired height of the panel. You should then put a piece of tape over the marked location. This is followed by using this tape to mark the location of the screws.
Insert wall anchors on the wall. You may need a hammer to push them in.
If your wall is clean, you take the baseplate cover provided and attach it. There is an adhesive backing that you may need to peel off beforehand. If you do this right, the extender should be poking out of the middle of the baseplate.
Attach the pipe that links the shower panel to the extender. In a lot of cases, you will find yourself using an elbow connector. Also, make sure the connection is as tight as it can be. Add the showerhead connector cover and finish up by hooking the panel body to the mounting brackets.
If your shower panel system relies on a pump to increase water pressure, then low water pressure can decrease the performance of your shower. Low water pressure may also cause your shower to take longer to heat up, as the pump needs to work harder to move water through the system. In some cases, low water pressure can even cause your shower to stop working entirely. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to have a professional check your shower panel to ensure that it is properly installed and functioning.
If your old handheld showerhead is compatible with the new shower panel, you may be able to change it. However, it is best if you leave the new one in place since it was designed to work with the panel in question.
With the Blue Ocean 52″ SPA392M Shower Panel Tower the construction seems solid, the pressure is impressive, and you get eight nozzles. You also don’t find many major negatives with the tool except maybe the short warranty.
The tool that gives it the most competition as a purchase option for us is the PULSE ShowerSpas 1049B-BN Rio Panel. Most people would love the outlook of this product. Nevertheless, it might not blend in well with the décor of some bathrooms. Also, it is expensive. However, some people want a lifetime warranty with their purchases and with this tool they get it.
We also like the ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Shower Panel. It is impressive in design, pricing, and allows the use of more than one function at the same time. As such, it probably also has a lot of people looking to own it as well.
As you can see, a shortlist helps you organize your thoughts in readiness for the final decision. Try not to be lazy and make one from the list of options above. We guarantee that after you are done, you will have made an excellent decision on which model to purchase.
