Photo: Delta Faucet
Shower heads are usually one of the biggest consumers of water in the home. If you live in an area where water is expensive, then an inefficient shower head can be costly to you.
Luckily, you can quickly remedy this situation by investing in a low-flow shower head. What this device does is limit the water flow to an acceptable level without sacrificing water pressure.
In fact, the low-flow shower head comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and prices depending on your need and purpose. If you are fresh on the market for such a shower head, we give you a selection of some of the best low-flow shower heads below.
Let’s see which model you need to invest in right now!
In this post:
- 7 Best Low Flow Shower Heads – Review
- 1. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.5 – Best Overall Low Flow Shower Head
- 2. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.8 – Durable and Long-lasting
- 3. Delta 75152 – Superior Water Flow
- 4. Niagara N2912CH – Easy to Adjust Water Pattern
- 5. American Standard 1660717.002 – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
- 6. Whedon USP29C – Equipped with an Inbuilt Flow Regulator
- 7. ZenFresh Low Flow Shower Head – Rejuvenates Your Skin
- How to Buy the Best Low Flow Shower Head
- Conclusion
7 Best Low Flow Shower Heads – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.5 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.8 (Durable & Long-lasting) |
| |
 | 3. Delta 75152 (Superior Water Flow) |
| |
 | 4. Niagara N2912CH (Easy to Adjust Water Pattern) |
| |
 | 5. American Standard 1660717.002 (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio) |
| |
 | 6. Whedon USP29C (Equipped with Inbuilt Flow Regulator) |
| |
 | 7. ZenFresh Low Flow Shower Head (Rejuvenates Your Skin) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.5 (Best Overall)
|
2. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.8 (Durable & Long-lasting)
|
3. Delta 75152 (Superior Water Flow)
|
4. Niagara N2912CH (Easy to Adjust Water Pattern)
|
5. American Standard 1660717.002 (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio)
|
6. Whedon USP29C (Equipped with Inbuilt Flow Regulator)
|
7. ZenFresh Low Flow Shower Head (Rejuvenates Your Skin)
|
1. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.5 – Best Overall Low Flow Shower Head
Photo: HIGH SIERRA SHOWERHEADS
- Water Flow: 1.5 GPM
- Material: Solid metal
- Size: 2.5 × 1 × 1 inches
If there is one department where this High Sierra low-flow shower head wins then it is in the build construction department. Indeed, this model is made from a solid corrosion-free metal that is very durable and long-lasting.
Moreover, it is coated by a polished chrome surface that makes it aesthetically pleasing and modern looking. Also, in case you want this shower head to match the color scheme of your bathroom, it comes in no less than 4 different colors. You can choose between nickel, chrome, bronze or brass.
We like the fact that it has a small form factor. It has a length of only 2.5 inches and a shower head size of 1 inch. When installed in the shower, it will be discreet and not take a lot of space.
In terms of functionality, this High Sierra shower head will allow you to save up to 40% on your water consumption when compared to a regular shower head. With its water flow of 1.5 GPM and small surface area, the water pressure is enough to clean your body during a shower with ease.
All in all, this model from High Sierra is one of the best water saving shower head on the market in terms of build construction, efficiency and water savings. We have no problem nominating this model as the best overall low flow shower head in this review.
But it’s not perfect. For one, it is a little expensive and the price could have been better. The swivel mechanism is not heavy-duty and may become loose after some time.
Pros:
- Allows you to save up to 40% of water when compared to a traditional shower head
- Polished chrome surface. Looks great
- Made from a corrosion-free metal
- Available in 4 different surface finishes to match your bathroom’s color
Cons:
- The price could have been a little more competitive
- Swivel is not heavy-duty
2. High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.8 – Durable and Long-lasting
Photo: HIGH SIERRA SHOWERHEADS
- Water Flow: 1.8 GPM
- Material: Solid metal
- Size: 2.5 × 1 × 1 inches
This High Sierra shower head is a carbon copy of the model we have just reviewed above. However, it differs massively in terms of water flow as this model has a more powerful water flow of 1.8 GPM.
Coupled with the fact that it has a small diameter of 1 inch, it is able to output a high-water pressure that is more effective in cleaning your body.
Furthermore, this model is equipped with WaterSense which is a special technology that prevents water wastage was still delivering a useful amount of water flow to the user.
This unit will save you up to 25% of water when compared to other models. It is definitely not the most efficient low-flow shower head on the market, but it is still good enough for most people.
You also get this model in 4 different colors to match your bathroom, and the build construction is simply superb. It is made from a solid piece of metal that is corrosion free and extremely durable. This is not a shower head that you will have to change every year.
Furthermore, the installation is very easy. All you have to do is unscrew your old shower head and replace it with this one and that’s it. It can be done in a matter of seconds!
However, there are a few issues with this shower head. You will need a decent water pressure for it to work correctly. Additionally, the water stream is a bit narrow and there is no way to make it wider.
Pros:
- Made from solid corrosion-free metal. Durable and long-lasting
- More powerful water flow at 1.8 GPM compared to previous generations
- Easy to install by beginners
- Flexible. You can purchase this model with a trickle valve
Cons:
- You need a decent water pressure for this shower head to work efficiently
- The water stream is a bit narrow
3. Delta 75152 – Superior Water Flow
Photo: Delta Faucet
- Water Flow: 2.5 GPM
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 4 × 3.9 × 3.9 inches
When it comes to water flow, this model from Delta is definitely the best low-flow shower head that you can buy. Indeed, the Delta is able to output a water flow of 2.5 GPM which is very powerful especially considering that the nozzle only measures 3.9 inches.
Therefore, you are getting a lot of water power that is able to clean your body with great ease.
Additionally, the nozzle of this low-flow shower head is made from a special rubber material that is self-cleaning, efficient and will prevent the formation of mold or mildew.
Also, the design pattern of this shower head uses a special technology by Delta called H2Okinetic. This technology outputs a special spray water pattern that covers more surface area on the body and output water with greater intensity.
But what we like the most about this low-flow shower head is that it comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. You have absolutely nothing to lose with this shower head!
The only caveat with this product is that it is almost entirely made out of plastic. Therefore, we don’t recommend this shower head for heavy-duty use but rather for personal and casual usage.
Pros:
- The high water flow of 2.5 GPM
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Rubber nozzles of self-cleaning and prevents mold and mildew from forming
- Equipped with H2Okinetic technology for better water efficiency
Cons:
- Made from plastic. Not as durable as a metal shower head
4. Niagara N2912CH – Easy to Adjust Water Pattern
Photo: Niagara
- Water Flow: 1.25 GPM
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 2.7 × 2.7 × 4.1 inches
The Niagara Earth is a popular and highly affordable low-flow shower head that you will find in many bathrooms around the world. What separates this model apart from the rest of the competition is that it has an adjustable nozzle that allows you to output different water patterns.
One of those patterns is a 9-jet turbo massage setting that will output a waterjet that will massage your tired muscles. Additionally, this low-flow shower head outputs 1.25 GPM of water which is enough for most shower and purposes.
Also, the nozzles of this shower head are made from a high-grade rubber that will not degrade over time. They are also self-cleaning, so you will not have to perform maintenance on it.
But one of the best features of this model remains its high-water efficiency that will allow you to save up to 30% on your water consumption when compared to a traditional shower head.
However, it is definitely not as powerful when compared to most other models you will find in this low flow shower head review.
Pros:
- Water settings are easy to adjust
- Very efficient. Allows you to save up to 30% on your water consumption
- Made from a high-grade ABS plastic. Resistant to high water temperatures
Cons:
- The low water flow of 1.25 GPM
5. American Standard 1660717.002 – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
Photo: American Standard
- Water Flow: 2.0 GPM
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 6.7 × 6.7 × 6.6 inches
This low-flow shower head by American Standard has one of the best price to performance ratio that you will find. It is fairly large at 6.7 inches, so it is able to output a generous amount of water. Despite being so large, it still manages a water flow of 2.0 GPM which is very good for its size.
In addition, it is made from a heart ABS plastic that is durable and long-lasting. This is not the type of shower head that will break easily, even with heavy-duty use.
But what separates this unit apart from the rest is that it allows you to save up to 40% on your water consumption due to intelligent design.
The nozzles are made from rubber and are self-cleaning. Additionally, they will not get clogged easily, and no maintenance is necessary on this shower head. There is also a handy switch that will allow you to return the water flow to 1.5 GPM in order to save water usage.
The only issue we find with this shower head is that water sometimes dribble, even when the shower head is turned off.
Pros:
- The higher water flow of 2.0 GPM when compared to other models
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- 3 spray functions
- Allows you to save up to 40% on water usage
Cons:
- Water sometimes dribbles at the edge of the shower head when it is switched off
6. Whedon USP29C – Equipped with an Inbuilt Flow Regulator
Photo: Whedon Products
- Water Flow: 1.9 GPM
- Material: Brass
- Size: 7.7 × 4.7 × 1.7 inches
The Whedon is a top-rated low-flow shower head that has many interesting features. But what separates this model from others is that it comes with a trickle valve (also known as flow regulator) that will allow you to easily switch it off when not in use.
Moreover, for its size, it has an excellent water flow of 1.9 GPM which is enough to properly clean your body during a shower.
Due to intelligent internal design, this unit is able to function efficiently even when the water pressure is low. Also, the build construction from brass is very durable and long-lasting. This is not a low-flow shower head that you will have to replace every year.
The only issue we have with this shower head is that the flow regulator is made from plastic while the rest of the unit is from brass. Therefore, the flow regulator is not as durable as the rest of the unit and remains the first component that will suffer from damage.
Pros:
- Made from brass. Durable and long-lasting
- In-build flow control to pause the water when not in use
- Works efficiently even when the water pressure is low
Cons:
- The flow regulator is made from plastic and not brass
7. ZenFresh Low Flow Shower Head – Rejuvenates Your Skin
Photo: ZenFresh
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 10.5 × 4.1 × 3.2 inches
The ZenFresh is an affordable solution for those who need a low-flow shower head without spending a fortune. But one of the most interesting features of this model is that according to the manufacturer, it helps to rejuvenate your skin while you shower.
Indeed, this model uses a filtered design which means that water flows through different compartments filled with a special pebble inside the shower head to purify and rejuvenate it. This result in a smooth skin as well as water savings because the shower head functions more efficiently.
The build construction is from plastic and has an ergonomic handle for handling comfort. In addition, you can easily change the pebbles by simply unscrewing the shower head. Pretty neat!
The only caveat are that there is no water adjustment you can make with this shower head. Additionally, since this shower head is made from plastic, it is not as durable as others built almost entirely out of metal.
However, for the price, it is a fantastic shower head for your bathroom.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Purifies the water and rejuvenates your skin
- Very easy to install in minutes
- The pebbles inside can easily be changed
Cons:
- No water adjustment setting
- Not as durable when compared to other shower heads
How to Buy the Best Low Flow Shower Head
Photo: HIGH SIERRA SHOWERHEADS
1. Wall-mounted or Handheld
The low-flow shower head comes in basically 2 types. The wall-mounted and handheld low-flow shower head. Choosing between those 2 types of shower heads will depend on your need and purpose.
Wall-mounted: The wall-mounted low-flow shower head is usually fixed and comes with a base so that you can fix it in position to your wall. Most wall-mounted models actually move on a swivel that has limited motion.
Handheld: As its name suggests, the handheld low-flow shower head is held in hand. This is a very versatile type of shower head that you can use to reach any part of the body with ease.
One of the biggest advantages of the handheld shower head is that it comes with a long hose so you can basically shower anywhere in your bathroom, as long as the hose has length.
2. Water Flow
The water flow in a low-flow shower head is basically the amount of water that the shower head can output at any given time. The higher the water flow, the more water pressure and hence more water it uses.
Moreover, water flow in a low-flow shower head is measured in GPM, or gallons per minute. A typical low-flow shower head uses around 1.5 GPM of water which is enough water flow to clean the body in a decent manner.
However, a model with a higher water flow will be able to clean the body in less time. If you are the type of person that does not spend a lot of time in the shower, then it is best to invest in a model that is at least 1.8 GPM or higher.
As a matter of fact, if you need a shower head with a higher water pressure, then check the Delta 75152 as it has an impressive 2.5 GPM water flow.
On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time in the shower with the water running all the time then go with a low-flow shower head that outputs a water flow of 1.5 GPM to save on your water bill.
3. Size
The size of the low-flow shower head will tell you how maneuverable it is. The bigger the length, the more maneuverable the low-flow shower head will be since there is more surface area for you to grip on.
You must consider the size especially if you are planning to go with a low-flow shower head that is handheld.
For those deciding on a wall-mounted low-flow shower head then size matter only for the width and not the length of the shower head.
Additionally, the size of the shower head will dictate how much water flow it can output. The bigger the size, the less water pressure you will get and therefore less water flow.
If you need a high-water flow model, then a shower head that is 2.5 inches in width is more than enough.
If you don’t need a high-water flow, then you can safely go with a low-flow shower head that has a width of 4 inches or more. Just don’t expect to get a high-water flow when compared to a smaller shower head.
4. Brand
In order to save some money, it is often tempting to go with a no-name low-flow shower head that does not cost a lot of money.
However, this is a bad idea because this type of shower head is usually very fragile and not very efficient.
Therefore, we recommend that you spend the extra cash and invest in a branded and quality low-flow shower head that will serve you for years to come.
Conclusion
Most models in this low-flow shower head review are highly recommended.However, there are models like the High Sierra FCS-100-CH-1.5 that stands out in terms of water efficiency, looks, and durability.Moreover, those looking for a shower head with a higher water flow should consider the Delta 75152 as it is one of the best that you can get for the money.