Slide bars have some advantages when it comes to shower setups. For instance, they’re great for seniors as a makeshift handrail to avoid accidents in the shower. In most cases, slide bars also help you adjust the spray height and angle for a custom showering experience.
So, which are the best handheld showers out there that have a slide bar in their setup? Not to worry, as I’ve reviewed a couple of fixtures below, each with its pros and cons laid out to help you decide for yourself.
Kohler K-98361-CP Awaken G90 Slide Bar Kit
The Kohler K-98361-CP Awaken G90 Slide Bar Kit is my top pick, which has a minimalist-style slide bar that will fit into most narrow spaces. It has three different modes: wide spray, targeted spray, and intense drenching, which is ideal for rinsing. The targeted spray has a strong massaging feel while the wide coverage spray provides a typical rain shower effect.
The slide bar measures 24 inches and it is also adjustable using the included brackets. The handheld shower is not too heavy to lift, making it easy for folks who want a lightweight fixture and comfortable showering experience – great for seniors, kids, and even when washing your pets!
The spraying area is also easy to clean with just a wet cloth and it also has a corrosion-resistant finish. The handheld shower head has a 2.0-GPM flow rate. Operating between the different modes is easy using the thumb tab to switch between the spraying types.
As for water-saving qualities, it is EPA WaterSense-labeled due to its 2.0-GPM flow rate as a handheld shower head. The setup comes with a 60-inch ribbon-type hose and it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: I like the reduced weight on the handheld shower head, which is ideal for seniors, kids, and washing pets.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Some parts are made of plastic, but it is a worthy con for those who are looking for a lightweight handheld shower head.
Moen 3669EP Handheld Showerhead with Hose and Slide Bar
My second choice is the Moen 3669EP Handheld Showerhead with Hose and Slide Bar, which has a much longer slide bar height of 30 inches – perfect for taller users and larger showers. It has a 69-inch hose that allows for a farther reach plus the chrome finish will compliment most bathroom styles.
What I like about this handheld shower head fixture is that it meets the ADA (Americans with Disabilities) specifications so it’s also ideal for seniors and those with disabilities.
There are four modes to choose from with this shower head: full spray, vigorous, targeted, and combination. This allows you to feel comfortable with each showering experience depending on how you prefer the water to flow.
As with my above-mentioned pick, this shower head is also WaterSense-certified for its water-saving capabilities. That’s because it has only 2.0 GPM for its flow rate. What’s more, it has a 4-inch spray diameter so it still provides a good amount of coverage.
It already comes with all needed installation hardware. Moreover, its flow regulator is removable in case you want added pressure. This handheld shower head is backed by a limited lifetime warranty as well.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a long slide bar that allows a wider range of heights, plus it has four different spraying modes.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Similar to the above-mentioned pick, not all parts are metal, but again, it isn’t a deal-breaker for those who are looking for a lightweight handheld shower.
KES Slide Bar with Handheld Shower Head
If you have a tighter budget, I suggest the KES Slide Bar with Handheld Shower Head, which has a total of five different spraying modes to choose from: trickle, soothing massage, relaxing, regular massage, and full coverage. I like the trickle/drip function that allows you to reduce your water consumption while you grab your products and lather up.
The slide bar has a total height of 25-7/16 inches with an adjustable range of 22-1/8 inches so it’s suitable for small to medium-sized spaces. The shower head has a wide design for better coverage. Additionally, the slide bar is more than just a height-adjustable fixture, it also functions as an angle-adjusting type when desired.
It comes with a 59-inch spiral hose (which is kink-resistant and extendable) alongside other hardware and fixtures that are needed for installation. As well, it is backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: I like that the design of the metal hose makes it kink-resistant. With five different spray modes to choose from, the entire family can have their own customized showering experiences.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The instructions are a little bit difficult to understand, and should have been made clearer aside from simple pictures and diagrams. Keep in mind that some of the instructions are written in the metric system.
Delta 51900-SS 9-Spray Slide Bar Hand Held Shower with Hose
For those who want a luxurious fixture in their shower room, the Delta 51900-SS 9-Spray Slide Bar Hand Held Shower with Hose is a great choice for you. It has a total of nine spraying settings so that you’ll have a fully customized experience when you bathe – from a soft massage to hard jetting waters to relieve body aches.
It has a 60-inch metal hose that is stretchable up to 82 inches and is kink-resistant. The slide bar has a height of 24 inches so it will fit most standard bathrooms, while the hand shower has a length of 9.94 inches from the head to the handle.
As with all the shower heads I mentioned above, it has a water-saving 2-GPM flow rate. This handheld shower is also ADA-compliant for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and WaterSense-certified to conserve water in the long run.
The slide bar has a good locking feature to keep the adjusted height secure. What’s more, because it is ADA-compliant, the slide bar can also act as a grab bar for seniors and those who need the additional support and security. It is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It has nine different spraying settings to choose from, plus it is ADA-compliant, making it ideal for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: You need to buy the elbow part separately (50560-SS).
Delta 57014-SS 3-Spray Touch-Clean Wall-Mount Slide Bar Hand Held Shower
With a stretchable hose from 60 to 82 inches, the Delta 57014-SS 3-Spray Touch-Clean Wall-Mount Slide Bar Hand Held Shower is made with a standard stainless finish that will fit into most bathroom designs.
It has a 24-inch slide bar and a handheld shower head with a length of 10.09 inches, making it significantly longer than the other Delta handheld shower that I mentioned above.
There are spray holes on the shower head, allowing you to maintain the entire setup easily when it comes to lime build-up. The spray modes are massaging, drenching, and a full-body spray so you have sufficient choices for a basic handheld shower system.
It has dual check valves to make sure backflow is kept at bay. The flow rate is 2.5 GPM so it is ideal for those who want a strong water pressure from a handheld shower.
When it comes to installation, it accepts 1/2″ – 14 NPSM thread so it’s convenient to install into most homes. It is also ASME, CSA, and EPA WaterSense-certified. Moreover, the shower setup is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a strong flow rate, which is ideal for those who want to shower with powerful water pressure. The handheld shower head is also longer than most models, making it easier to grip.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The slide bar isn’t ADA-compliant so it isn’t ideal for use in senior homes.
Bright Showers Stainless Steel Grab Bar Set
The Bright Showers Stainless Steel Grab Bar Set has a 23-inch slide bar that will support weights up to 500 pounds, making it ideal for seniors and those looking for extra safety. This means that it’s both a safety handle and an adjustable handheld shower head.
It comes with a 5-foot stainless steel hose that’s easy to flex but difficult to kink, so it won’t get in the way when cleaning up. The handheld shower has a water flow of 1.8 GPM, making it water-saving for those who like a gentle shower.
For convenience, the handheld shower also has an ergonomic grip handle. It comes with all the needed hardware plus Teflon tape for an easy and convenient setup. As well, it is ADA-certified as a grab bar for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Like most handheld shower heads with a slide bar, the head has a swiveling function to adjust the angle aside from the height.
Things I Like About This Product: It is ADA-compliant so it is an ideal handheld shower with a slide bar for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: There are only two settings, which may disappoint those who are looking for more spray options to choose from.
Moen 3868EPORB Oil-Rubbed Bronze Handheld Shower with Slide Bar
For those who are after a rustic finish, the Moen 3868EPORB Oil-Rubbed Bronze Handheld Shower with Slide Bar is for you. This setup has a 69-inch hose with a 24-inch slide bar that’s convenient to use. It also meets WaterSense specifications and criteria to minimize your water usage.
The handheld shower head has a 4-inch diameter so it has decent coverage when you shower. The flow rate ranges from 1.75 to 2 GPM so it’s just right for conserving water in the long run.
The spray wand has a diameter of 4 inches with a height of 8-3/4 inches, giving it a standard size with sufficient coverage. The hose has a length of 59 inches and has a double interlock design to keep it kink-resistant. The handle of the shower also has double-check valves. It is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: The adjustment features are straightforward, whether it’s the height or the angle adjustment. If you have bronze fixtures, this is a great shower set to have.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Not all of the parts are metal but if you want a handheld shower that’s easy to carry, this won’t be a con for you.
Delta 57530 Vero Single-Spray Touch-Clean Slide Bar Hand Held Shower
Made with a chrome finish, the Delta 57530 Vero Single-Spray Touch-Clean Slide Bar Hand Held Shower has a minimalist design for those who desire a modern touch. The handheld spray has a slim profile so it’s good for those who are working with a smaller shower space.
The hand shower measures 7.89 x 1.38 x 4.13 inches and comes with a 69-inch hose. The slide bar measures 26.94 inches so it’s significantly longer than most slide bars out there. If wide sprays aren’t your forte, this will be sufficient for you, especially if you just want a single focused stream of water.
To get rid of lime build-up, there’s a touch-clean spray for easy maintenance so you don’t have to clean it with household chemicals that often. What’s more, the hose is extendable up to 82 inches in length for a farther reach.
It also has dual check valves to keep the shower system from back-flowing. It has a flow rate ranging from 1.75 to 2 GPM, and it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a slim profile that makes it suitable for small bathrooms and minimalistic designs. The design works great for those who want a focused stream of water.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The wall elbow (50570) needs to be purchased separately. It doesn’t come with different spray modes either.
Kohler K-98361-BN Awaken G90 Multi-Function Handshower
The Kohler K-98361-BN Awaken G90 Multi-Function Handshower has a brushed nickel finish and three different spray modes: intense drenching, targeted, and wide spray. The round and wide design make the spray head ideal for those who want rainfall-type shower coverage.
The different choices allow you to customize your showering experience. For instance, the targeted spray can be used for sore muscles, the wide coverage spray for general use, and the intense drenching for rinsing. It is equipped with a flat spraying face that’s easy to clean, and has a 2 GPM flow rate with a 60-inch hose.
The height and angle adjustment are not that difficult to adjust, making it sufficient for more than just able-bodied users. As it has a brushed nickel finish, it will fit into most bathroom setups.
Things I Like About This Product: It has various spray types to choose from and it has a user-friendly adjustment, which is suitable for a variety of users. The design of the spray wand is large enough for good showering coverage.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: You have to buy the elbow fitting separately, as with most handheld shower heads with slide bars.
Duttao DT5611- ORB Drill-Free Slide Bar Shower Combo
If you’re searching for a DIY or drill-free option, then the Duttao DT5611- ORB Drill-Free Slide Bar Shower Combo is worth checking out. It has five different spray settings to choose from to meet your needs. Since it is attachable using the adhesive at the back, there’s no need to drill on your bathroom walls.
Because the setup is drill-free, it is suitable for apartments, condo units, or temporary homes where you might not spend a long time in. It’s also lightweight yet durable yet it has a 5-inch diameter for the shower head. It comes with a 60-inch hose made from stainless steel with brass fittings for durability and kink resistance.
Unlike the other shower setups that I mentioned above, this one has the main shower and a handheld type. What I like about this handheld shower head is the three-way diverter so you can use the wand only or simultaneously, depending on your needs. This handheld shower system has a 1.75-GPM flow rate.
Things I Like About This Product: It’s easy to install as you don’t need to drill into your bathroom walls, making it suitable for renters in condo units and apartments.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Compared to drilled shower heads, it’s not as stable so you have to make sure that the adhesive strongly sticks to the surface.
Egretshower Handheld Showerhead and Rain Shower Combo
Made with a brushed nickel finish, the Egretshower Handheld Showerhead and Rain Shower Combo is yet another unit that comes with two fixtures but still with a slide bar. I like that the slide bar is at 27.5 inches, so it’s quite long for taller users.
With a 5-foot hose, the shower head face has a 5-inch diameter and with five different settings to choose from, you’ll get the right showering experience for your needs. It’s also a drill-free setup (it uses a double-sided adhesive cup base) so it won’t be a hassle to install in most homes or apartments.
The stainless steel shower system will fit any standard shower arm and it already comes with setup tools and the like – even Teflon tape. Both of the shower heads have self-cleaning nozzles to prevent lime and mineral build-up, providing easy and infrequent maintenance.
The brushed nickel finish makes it suitable for most standard bathroom motifs. I also like the addition of a bubble spray mode among the different modes, which is great for kids. It is backed by a 5-year warranty as well.
Things I Like About This Product: I like the hassle-free no-drill installation, which is suitable for renters. There are also a plethora of spray settings to choose from.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The shower system, unfortunately, doesn’t have a pause mode. It’s also not as stable as drilled installations.
The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Handheld Shower Heads with Slide Bar Featured Above
How did I choose the best handheld shower heads with slide bars? Here’s the criteria that I looked for and that will help you select the right unit for your home:
Usability
If you want a worthy handheld shower, it should be easy to use. The controls should be straightforward – no need to be familiarized with too many controls to switch between shower modes.
Usability is important for people who are often rushing in the shower going off to work or those with seniors who want the ease of access and simplicity. Here are some aspects of usability that I looked for when it comes to these handheld shower heads with slide bars:
Easy height adjustability
The height of a typical handheld shower head slide bar is usually around 24 inches. The adjustment should be simple enough and you should find it lockable with a push-button mechanism. It should stay in place to avoid any accidents.
Swiveling capabilities
Aside from the height adjustment, which is the main purpose of the slide bar, it should also allow the handheld shower wand to swivel to almost any angle that you like. This way, you’ll have a custom direction depending on the user’s height and preference.
ADA compliance
Whether you have a senior or an individual with disabilities in your home to accommodate, ADA compliance will be essential when choosing a handheld shower head with a slide bar.
The slide bar can be used as a grab bar if it is ADA-compliant. This means that it is strong enough to hold and withstand heavy forces to support the weight of a person. A great example of this would be the Bright Showers Stainless Steel Grab Bar Set, which will withstand up to 500 pounds of weight/pressure.
Switching between spray modes
A click-lever dial is usually the way to switch between the different spray modes. It should not be too tight, especially if you intend seniors and kids to use it.
Wand rest
The shower head should be easy to place back into the fixture and should lock into place. Sometimes, however, this may also depend on the installation.
Tangle-free hose
A kink-free hose is one that’s made with soft yet durable stainless steel that will make placing the wand back less of a hassle.
Water flow and Pressure
Most handheld shower fixtures are made to have strong water pressure. Some of them also have flow restrictors depending on your preferences. WaterSense-certified models usually have a flow rate of 2.0 GPM or less.
When it comes to flow rate, it all depends on user preferences. Some people prefer a strong pressure while others want a gentle flow rate, especially for seniors and kids.
Durability
A good handheld shower setup should be durable as a whole. This means that you should look for brass fittings. As mentioned above, stainless steel hoses are more suitable for a durable setup, as compared to rubber or plastic hoses.
Diameter
Typically, a round-type shower head will have a diameter of 4 to 5 inches. If you want a wider spray wand for extra coverage, simply go for the wider diameter.
Ease of Maintenance
Many of my picks above have special cleaning jets that keep lime and mineral build-up at bay. This is important for keeping the shower head looking pristine.
Adjustable Height
A slide bar has an adjustable height but you should know the total length. As mentioned above, the slide bar of most handheld shower heads out there ranges from 24 to 30 inches. Your choice on this will vary depending on user height and your shower room space.
Accessories
Added accessories may include soap holders and the like. In some cases, you may even find a shower head combo that comes with both a standard and a handheld shower head (a 2-in-1), such as the Duttao DT5611- ORB Drill-Free Slide Bar Shower Combo and the Egretshower Handheld Showerhead and Rain Shower Combo.
Design and Finish
The finish depends on the motif or style of your bathroom, but the most common finishes are brushed nickel and chrome. If you’d like a rustic finish to go with your other home accessories then I’d recommend an oil-rubbed bronze finish, such as the Moen 3868EPORB Oil-Rubbed Bronze Handheld Shower with Slide Bar.
As for the design, most shower heads that I mentioned above have a wide face for extra coverage. However, the Delta 57530 Vero Single-Spray Touch-Clean Slide Bar Hand Held Shower differs with its thin and minimalistic profile – suitable for smaller showers.
Summary
Overall, my top choice is the Kohler K-98361-CP Awaken G90 Slide Bar Kit, which is easy to lift and carry for both adults and children (and seniors) with a just-right flow rate. I also like the Moen 3669EP Handheld Showerhead with Hose and Slide Bar if you want a longer slide bar with more spraying modes.
For my budget pick, I chose the KES Slide Bar with Handheld Shower Head, which also has a lot of spray modes for your needs. If you want something luxurious, why not try the Delta 51900-SS 9-Spray Slide Bar Hand Held Shower with Hose? It has a total of nine spray settings and it’s also ADA-compliant.
If you want a strong flow, I’d recommend the Delta 57014-SS 3-Spray Touch-Clean Wall-Mount Slide Bar Hand Held Shower, which is at 2.5 GPM.
For those who live with seniors or individuals with disabilities at home, an ADA-compliant choice is the Bright Showers Stainless Steel Grab Bar Set. If you’re limited in mobility, you’ll also like the Kohler K-98361-BN Awaken G90 Multi-Function Handshower.
If you want a rustic finish, the Moen 3868EPORB Oil-Rubbed Bronze Handheld Shower with Slide Bar is for you. For those with a minimalistic preference or small space in their shower room, you’ll like the Delta 57530 Vero Single-Spray Touch-Clean Slide Bar Hand Held Shower.
Are you a renter who can’t drill into the walls? The Duttao DT5611- ORB Drill-Free Slide Bar Shower Combo and Egretshower Handheld Showerhead and Rain Shower Combo are both drill-less systems that use adhesive for hassle-free installation.