There isn’t any visible indicator to determine if the showerhead’s body is made from metal or plastic. But upon closer consideration, you’ll notice that their splendid contrast becomes apparent.
There is a quality difference between plastic and solid metal surface showerheads.
Showerheads formed from metal are hefty, sturdy, modest, and simple yet sophisticated, soft on the eyes, and are hardened to ensure utmost durability.
Metallic or stainless steel shower hoses are also much more flexible than the plastic options, and they last much longer. On the other hand, plastic material is made from ABS material, which is relatively cheaper, lighter, stylish, comfortable, and does not rust or corrode over time in the way metal does.
However, older plastic showerheads tend to clog up with calcified deposits. Though plastic showerheads are less appealing in terms of structural difference, attempting to avoid them entirely isn’t practical.
It appears virtually all showerheads contain some plastic parts. The showerhead may be manufactured with a metal casing, but between the silicon nozzles and other parts, the water contact 95% of the time is against plastic.
If you live in an area where the water supply is often hard (rusty), there is a likelihood of rust build-up on the metallic showerhead. However, thanks to technological marvel, there is electroplating that prevents rust from occurring in the first place.
People can now experience the benefits of chrome on metal showerheads that would otherwise be less efficient and effective as compared to them not being chromed.
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Contents
Plastic vs Chrome Showerhead Product Review
Metallic Showerhead
Coating any piece of metal with a thin layer of chrome plating has many different advantages. There are many benefits to chrome, mostly when used to plate something as important to the bathroom as a showerhead.
Here are some of the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Resistant To Corrosion | Relatively More Expensive |
| Longer Lifespan | Much Heftier Than Plastic |
| Decorative Properties | Reactive To Outside Influences |
| Easy to Clean | Relatively Harder To Manufacture |
| Variety | Poor Heat Resistance |
1. Resistant to Corrosion
Buying a metal shower head (chrome) means that your shower will be a lot more resistant to corrosion from metals in the water. This is as straightforward as it gets. The corrosion resistance of chrome also translates to it being a more difficult surface for rust, grime, and all sorts of muck to stick to.
This means that your shower will be much more resistant to corrosion and its effects. Some of these effects include; more brittle and even quickly disintegrated metal, poisonous rust going into the water you use in your bath and many more harmful consequences.
2. Longer Lifespan
This ties in closely with the corrosion, as mentioned earlier, resistant properties enjoyed by a chrome shower head. As the metal in the head is more resistant to corrosion, it will remain functional for a significantly more extended period. It will handle much more abuse from both the user and the chemicals in the water that is being passed through it.
3. Decorative Properties
From an aesthetic perspective, metallic finishes always look attractive. The superior finish is the reason behind metal shower heads’ success because it goes well with both contemporary and classic themes.
Besides, the chrome finish is more durable, but it also generally looks sleek, clean, and better. Coating a shower with chrome plating will give it a clean and shiny finish, one that will help it to stand out against the traditionally flat and matte finishes of most bathroom tile layouts.
4. Easy to Clean
Due to these properties, metallic surfaces form a wholly hygienic surface. As a consequence, its inert and non-permeable surface makes cleaning and sanitization an effortlessly simple process. Even when not treated to a rinse down with soapy water, it effectively maintains its luster.
While it may be the case that metallic surfaces might collect minute scratches, this can be remedied by polishing its surfaces every so often or obviated by selecting a duller matte finish.
This material’s hygienic property demonstrates its practicality within the home-proud homeowners can rejoice in the knowledge that taking a shower effectively cleans the metal shower head simultaneously.
Mix water with the right amount of whatever cleaner or bathroom detergent you have available, and submerge your shower head in it for a few minutes to remove any stains on it. Vinegar is also an acceptable substitute if you do not have any bathroom detergent available.
5. Variety
As chrome is a well-known process these days, there are already many types of chrome shower heads to choose from: there are fixed types, movable ones, even ones with adjustable ways to let water flow from the head. Choose one that suits your needs, and enjoy the benefits of having a shiny, corrosion-resistant, and generally durable showerhead.
Plastic Shower Heads
For starters, plastic shower heads impart a slick and modern look that is pleasing to behold. Although showerheads manufactured from this material are relatively cheaper, lighter, and less sturdy than metallic materials, its sophisticated union between simplicity, logic, and style enhances the flow experience, making it worthy of consideration.
While some might demur at the prospect of bringing such a clinical, machined material into their bathroom, it is becoming a popular choice to most homeowners seeking to utilize a plastic showerhead’s creative capacity and practicality. Here are some benefits of plastic showerheads;
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic Style | Harbor More Bacteria than Metal showerheads |
| Low cost | Tends To Be Less Sturdy |
| Scratch-resistant | Less durable |
| Easy to Clean | Potential environmental hazard |
| Recyclable |
1. Iconic Style
A plastic shower head gives off a very sophisticated and modern appeal to every bathroom. If you’re going traditional with your bathroom design, a plastic shower head, when used aptly, can be perfect as well.
A plastic shower head requires very little maintenance and cleaning to keep them looking good, making them a good choice for a showerhead.
As opposed to other materials, a plastic shower head is easy to handle. It is superior in corrosion resistance, which makes them last longer and looks new for a longer period.
2. Relatively Cheaper Than Metallic Shower head
Plastic shower heads come at different prices, so you can always find something you can afford. This is because plastic is likely to be the most cost-effective material to use compared to metal. It is generally manufactured in very high quantities, which helps bring the overall cost down.
3. Resistant To Outside Influences
Your showerhead is one of the most used fixtures in your bathroom, so it must be able to withstand running water for more than a hundred times.
A plastic shower head is a fingerprint-resistant and scratch-resistant product that hides water spots and doesn’t wear away as a polished metal fixture will.
4. Recyclable
Since plastic has close to a 100% recyclability rate after its original use and life-cycle is complete, it’s safe to conclude that a plastic shower head is financially and environmentally conscious.
Plastic manufacturers regulate the emission of CO2 and other pollutants, further enhancing the materials’ environmental credentials.
Plastic shower heads are very workable, durable, luster, and of course, its aesthetic value, which is equally important when you want to achieve the perfect set-up for your bathroom.
Given that plastic showerheads are convenient and stylish, anyone redecorating their bathroom may wish to consider that plastic is a common material for many other fixtures.
Final Verdict
A showerhead review based on looks might appear subjective, but the emphasis is mostly on convenience and assurance of clean showering water. Although plastic showerheads have more spray options than the metallic shower head, they are more prone to getting lime and mineral deposits depending on your water quality. This makes plastic shower head more prone to harboring more bacteria than the metallic shower head.
On a sheer cost and performance basis, you might start with plastic showerheads first before going for a good metal shower head. If you are shopping for a regular showerhead and a side adjustable hand shower head, you might probably go with a metallic shower head for a more coherent look.
To conclude, check out this deluxe metallic detachable handheld showerhead and a premium ABS showerhead.
Best Metallic Handheld Showerhead
100% Metal (Brushed Nickel) Hand Held Shower Head with 75″ Inch Stainless-Steel Hose
Save on water while being treated to a spa-like experience with this 100% entirely solid metal handheld showerhead. This product is rustproof and promises to give a great range of activities.
It’s Self-cleaning showerheads that remove hard water build-up and its 360-degree adjustable shower arm mount, so it can direct water to hit you at the perfect angle every time.
The showerhead offers a single function with easy to clean rubber nozzle, which is more hygienic.
The showerhead allows you to twist the showerhead to enjoy a soothing therapeutic rain setting plug and play and enjoy the flexibility of a handheld showerhead.
It comes with a 75-inch stainless steel hose so that you can enjoy the flexibility of giving your kids or pets a gentle cleansing shower they’d love. Assembly is simple. You can attach to any half-hitched pipe in less than five minutes.
Product features
- Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.9 x 3.1 inches
- All metal shower head
- Extra-long 75 inches hose
- Material: stainless steel
- Flow rate: 2.2 GPM
Pros
- Easy to install
- Value for money
- Lightweight
- Very sturdy
Cons
- Sharp edges on the fixture might pose a risk.
Best ABS Plastic Showerhead
AquaDance (Chrome)-6-Setting Premium High-Pressure 3-Way Rainfall Combo Hand Held Shower Separately
Improve the elegance and luxury of your bathroom with AquaDance High-Pressure 3-Way Handheld Showerhead.
It is an ABS plastic material showerhead with a chrome finish and a patented 3- way water diverter that’s produces a pleasing, refreshing, and stimulating showering experience.
If you are tired of an anemic shower that produces a weak sprinkle, then it’s time you enjoyed the sensation of a high-pressure wider, and more water handheld showerhead.
AquaDance High-Pressure 3-Way Handheld Showerhead chrome finishing is quintessential to forming harmony with other bathroom fixtures with a modern look and feel. The ABS material is one of the best forms of material that could ever produce because it’s a timeless material.
The Patented 3-Way Water Diverter is a six flow setting that gives off a full-body water profile. The Six flow setting is really simple to use. They include Pulsating Massage, Rain Mist, Power Rain, Power Mist, Rain Massage, Water Saving Pause mode.
It’s also integrated with a ball joint that allows smooth angle adjustments. Moreover, AquaDance High-Pressure 3-Way Handheld Showerhead boasts a limited lifetime warranty tied to the highest metric among its competition.
Product features
- Dimensions: 4x 10x 7 inches
- Material: chrome-plated premium ABS plastic
- Ergonomic Grip Handle
- Flow rate: 2.5 GPM
Pros
- Modern looking
- Clear and easy installation instructions
- Simple to adjust the settings
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Value for money
Cons
- Less durable
Read: List of Hammerhead Showerheads
Conclusion
For today’s homeowners, the dull, bright, and reflective showerhead finishes are the most popular. For a warmer, homier tone, the showerhead can be tempered into a myriad of finishes to match every interior.
When combined with clean, monotone tiling, and a translucent glass shower door, a metallic finishing showerhead creates a sharp and professional look. This finishing also complements many varieties of wood, especially oak and mahogany.
From this review, metal showerheads are primarily manufactured for utmost durability. Their sturdiness, simple yet complicated look makes this material the most looked out for those looking for a regular showerhead and a side adjustable hand spray model.
Showerheads formed from metal are hefty and modest. Plastic materials are relatively cheaper, lighter, stylish, and comfortable and have more spray options than the metal shower head, although they are more prone to getting lime and mineral deposits.
Daniel Keringet is a market researcher and publisher (Best Osmosis Experts) who got an interest in topics related to
Water safety out of curiosity and passion from the time he got into college. Now he is a full-time writer living in Naperville Illinois.