Imagine having the experience of a high-end spa in the shower, every day. Well, you can, by investing in a new shower panel.
These units come with rainfall shower heads, handheld variable jet sprays, and body massage sprays, combined to give you the ultimate shower whenever you want. You can choose whichever combination suits your mood, whether you need to relax or be invigorated.
Since they’re so versatile, shower panels can be part of a full bathroom renovation or simply as an upgrade to your existing shower.
What is a Shower Panel?
Sometimes called a “shower tower,” this is an all-in-one panel with several different outlets for water. They’re relatively new on the shower appliance market, but are proving to be very popular.
Multiple options are available, which you’ll see shortly. Standard models usually have a fixed shower head, a handheld shower head, and a varying number of body jets.
Some allow you to combine one or more functions at once. For instance, they might include a temperature control, a tub spout, and other features such as LED lights.
Many of these panels can be fitted to your existing water supply for your shower without too much extra work. They mount on the wall and can be easy to install by following manufacturers’ instructions. Others might only be suitable to incorporate into a complete bathroom redesign.
Quick Tip
Features to Look for in Shower Panels
When choosing a new shower panel, here are some features to consider:
- Shower heads and body jets.
- Materials.
- Low flow.
- Ease of installation.
- Thermostatic controls.
- Bath spout.
- LED lights.
- Warranties.
Shower Heads and Body Jets
The overhead shower is usually a fixed unit built into, or extending from, the shower panel. It will generally offer a rainfall or waterfall type spray and can cover a wide area.
The handheld shower head can have several different spray options to choose from, including powerful jets, massage or gentle mist sprays. A hose of variable length attaches the handheld head to the main panel. In general, the longer the hose is, the more flexible it should be.
Sometimes, the angle of the shower head can be adjusted in the seating; other times it’s fixed unless you remove it. We prefer models that provide a range of flexibility when showering, rather than a fixed-angle shower head.
The body jets can vary in number and generally point horizontally from the shower panel towards you. The top-range models tend to have jets that can be adjusted to spray at various angles.
The aim of these is to massage the upper body, but the strength of the massage can differ depending on how many jets there are. Additionally, the higher the water pressure, the stronger the massage feeling.
Materials
There are a few different materials incorporated into shower panels, including stainless steel, brushed nickel, polished chrome or aluminum. Some might have glass panels on the front.
Shower heads generally match the finish on the panel. They might have rubber nozzles which should be easy to clean and prevent the buildup of minerals and scale. Shower hoses are often made of stainless steel, and are designed so they don’t tangle.
The fittings are usually brass and designed to be strong and durable (1).
Low Flow
Many modern showers are designed as low-flow units. They have lots of small nozzles and flow restrictors that intensify the spray even under low water pressure.
However, if your home water pressure is very low, then the performance of the shower panel could be compromised. It might not give you the spa experience you expect when you use more than one shower head at the same time.
Bear in mind that these shower panels aren’t designed to combat low water pressure, so be careful when using more than one function at a time. However, you can get shower heads that are designed to increase the water pressure in your shower.
Ease of Installation
When choosing your shower panel take note of what fittings are included, and whether it will connect to your existing shower plumbing.
You might need a few extra connections and some tools, but many of these units are easy to fit. They usually come with full instructions, and you can find videos online to help as well.
Thermostatic Controls
A control to regulate the temperature of your shower water is included in some panels. This keeps the water within a few degrees of your selected temperature and can help prevent scalding or a blast of unexpected cold water. Some have an LCD telling you the water temperature, taking the guesswork out of the equation.
Bath Spout
If you want to set your shower panel over the top of your tub, look for one with a bath spout. This means you won’t have to fit additional faucets. This feature can also be useful in a shower stall for filling buckets or cleaning the shower.
LED Lights
LED lights are sometimes incorporated into the shower panel or the shower head. This is a great addition if you fancy some mood lighting in the shower.
Look Out
Warranties
Peace of mind from a manufacturer’s warranty is another thing to check. They can differ in the length of time they last, and the type of defects they cover.
Consider these an added layer of confidence from the manufacturer. In general, the longer the warranty, the better.
Best Shower Panel Reviews of 2020
Working your way through customer feedback and industry expert reviews can be tedious. So we’ve done it all to bring you our list of the best shower panels on the market.
1. Blue Ocean Stainless Steel Shower Panel
This is called a “shower showstopper” by some with its striking design, blue tempered-glass front panel, and stainless steel dials and fittings.
The overhead shower has a rainfall flow, the handheld is on a stainless steel hose, and there are eight body massage heads. Completing the package is a tub spout for the bath.
Although this shower panel could be better incorporated in a remodel, it can also be fitted as an upgrade. Keep in mind: it might be more difficult to fit.
Why We Love It
LED Temperature
A temperature display is built into the front panel of this unit. It’s an LED powered by two AA batteries in a compartment at the back, which is easily accessible.
The settings for the gauge can be set to display Fahrenheit or Celcius. It lets you see whether you’re going to get under a cold shower (if so, brace yourself!), or whether it’s at the perfect temperature. It can also prevent you from getting accidentally scalded.
Choose Your Spray
Depending on the shower experience you want, you can choose from four options. The fixed overhead shower gives a rainfall of water and the handheld gives four different types of spray. On top of this, there are the eight body jets — four on the top, and four on the bottom.
Moving between each is easy with a selection dial on the panel, but you can’t use all four at the same time. The upside of this is that you could save on water bills and not compromise on water pressure.
Tub Spout
If you want to incorporate a shower panel over your tub, then this could be a good option. It has a tub spout, meaning you don’t need to fix a separate faucet to your bath. This could also be useful in a shower stall to run water to clean your shower without getting sprayed.
Another advantage of having the spout is being able to run your water to temperature before switching to shower mode. That way, you can get under your chosen stream, confident it won’t burn or give you a cold shock.
Keep In Mind
Can Be Noisy
Some hear squeaking or whirring noises from behind the shower panel when this unit is in operation. You might be able to ignore this, or it could be like Chinese water torture and really annoy you.
No Directional Spray on Handheld Shower Head
It appears that the angle of the handheld shower is not adjustable when it’s seated on the panel. This means you have to remove it to change the direction of the spray.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 8 |
| Warranty | 1 year on limited parts |
| Flow Rate | Approximately 2.5 GPM |
2. Ello & Allo Stainless Steel Shower Panel Tower
If you’re in the mood for a romantic shower or don’t feel like harsh overhead lights, this panel could fit the bill. Built into the fixed shower head at the top of the unit are battery-powered LED lights to give a soft, blue glow. On top of this, you can choose whether you have a waterfall or rainfall flow — with the lights on.
In terms of finishes, select from a silver brushed nickel over stainless steel or black. You get to decide which one will best suit your existing bathroom decor, or fit in with your remodel.
Why We Love It
Use Two Functions at Once
The different spray options in this shower panel are:
- Rainfall or waterfall from the fixed shower head.
- Spray from the handheld shower head.
- Two horizontal massage jets.
This shower system allows you to use any two of the above functions at the same time. So, if you want a massage from the horizontal jets at the same time the rainfall shower cascades over you, you can.
Durable Materials
Ello & Allo has selected durable materials for this shower panel. The faucet body is brass, the hand shower is made from coated engineering-grade ABS plastic, and the 59-inch hose is stainless steel. The inclusion of brass and stainless steel makes for high durability and a nice finish.
Warranty
A two-year manufacturer’s warranty accompanies your purchase. This gives you some recourse if anything goes wrong during that period.
Keep In Mind
Water Temperature in Celsius
The LCD showing the temperature of the water only reads in Celcius. Some users have commented on how frustrating this is since they’re only used to Fahrenheit.
Poor Install Instructions
Unless you have some plumbing knowledge or you’re an avid DIYer, you might find the installation difficult. You might need to call out a professional for installation help.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 2 |
| Warranty | Limited 2 years on parts |
| Flow Rate | Not specified |
3. PULSE ShowerSpas Aloha Shower System
Upgrading your shower fittings can leave you out of pocket if you need to call in the big guns to install it. Luckily, this shower panel comes pre-plumbed, and we’re told fitting it to existing shower fittings should be a breeze.
The materials used in construction are corrosion resistant. It’s ABS plastic with a brushed chrome and stainless steel finish.
The manufacturer also tells us that this unit has superior strength even though it’s lightweight.
Why We Love It
Long Handheld Hose
The handheld shower has three functions and a lengthy 59-inch double-interlocking stainless steel hose. This makes it easy to remove to direct the spray wherever you need it.
Easy to Clean
Rub-clean soft tips are the manufacturer’s material of choice for the spray nozzles in the 8-inch shower head, two body jets, and the handheld unit. This makes for pain-free showering with free-flowing and efficient water usage, as well as being easy to clean.
Adjustable Sprays
Choose any two adjustable sprays from this shower tower. Use the body jets on a constant stream or pulse along with the rain shower. Or, turn on the handheld while the body jets give you a massage. The body jets can be adjusted, so they hit just where you need them.
Keep In Mind
Reduced Pressure
Using more than one function at a time might mean a lower shower pressure. This seems to be the case for most shower panels that allow this function, so it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
Diverter Handle Not Included
You will need to buy a separate diverter handle for this shower panel since it’s not included in the package. This handle turns on your water or adjusts the cold and hot settings. Pulse does sell one separately that should match the finish on the tower.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 4 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
4. Decor Star Aluminum Safety Tempered Glass Shower Panel
For a compact, elegant design, you might not need to look any further than this shower panel from Decor Star. It has a lightweight aluminum alloy frame and a white, curved, tempered-glass panel with polished chrome and stainless steel fittings. Measuring 43.3 inches long by 6.3 inches wide and 2.75 inches deep, it’s a great upgrade to your existing shower.
It’s easy to fit with no additional plumbing requirements. It fits the pipe for a standard wall fitting shower and uses your existing diverter tap. All you need to do is unscrew your old shower head and attach the panel.
Why We Love It
Ultra-Thin Rainfall Shower
The rainfall shower head on this unit is made from thin stainless steel and has a 6-inch head with 51 nozzles. The flow can reach up to 12 inches, so you don’t have to be squashed against the panel to get a good shower.
Three Shower Choices
Along with the rainfall shower, this unit incorporates a handheld shower with a 59-inch stainless steel hose and two horizontal massage jets. The handheld shower has a contemporary tubular design and a seat at the side of the shower panel.
The horizontal jets can be angled to place them wherever you want. There are 18 nozzles on each jet to enhance your shower experience.
Single Function Control
Like some other shower panels, this one only lets you use one function at a time. Nevertheless, controlling which one you want is a breeze with the switch on the front of the panel.
It does seem you can set the switch between two functions. Both will work, but you’ll have reduced water pressure if you do so. We like the single function control since it doesn’t compromise on water flow or water pressure.
Keep In Mind
Check Your Clearance
When fitting this unit as an upgrade, make sure you have enough room between your shower tap and shower head for it to fit. It seems you need between a 32 and 42-inch gap for the shower panel to fit.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 2 |
| Warranty | 2 years (USA only) |
| Flow Rate | Flow restrictor fitted but flow rate not specified |
5. Golden Vantage Adjustable Spa Shower Panel
Golden Vantage has all the bases covered with this sleek and stylish shower panel. It has a fixed showerhead with a rainfall or waterfall function, a handheld shower head, a 50 nozzle body shower jet, and a tub spout. These shower functions can be used simultaneously if desired.
The system also has a thermostatic control so you can set the shower to your desired temperature and it will stay there. This is done with the push of a button in the center of the dial while turning it. Consider this a great safety feature for kids if they decide to turn the dial when showering.
Why We Love It
Variable Flow Handheld Shower
The handheld shower head on this panel has four different flow settings:
- Light mist.
- Powerful jets.
- Centered, strong flow.
- Combination of the above.
All it takes is one click to change from one to the other, making it versatile and convenient.
LED Temperature Indicators
LED lights are built into the rainfall shower unit. Turn the unit on and watch them change from blue to red as your water heats up. This provides you with a handy indication as to whether the water is hot enough without you testing it on your skin.
Flat Design
The shower panel has been designed to sit flush with your bathroom wall. You don’t see the reinforced rear pipes, wires or controls, just sleek lines of the brushed stainless steel finish. An excellent look no matter the style of your bathroom.
Keep In Mind
Might Need Regular Cleaning
Some find that the stainless steel finish tends to attract water spots. This might mean that you need to clean the shower panel more frequently to keep it looking pristine.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 1 |
| Warranty | 1 year on parts |
| Flow Rate | 1.8 GPM |
6. Perfetto Kitchen and Bath Multi-Function Shower Panel
Some shower panels can take up to 7 inches of depth from the wall in your shower stall. Not this one! It’s slimline at only 2.9 inches in depth, 65 inches long and 8.66 inches wide. This could make it a good choice for smaller shower stalls with restricted space.
It’s finished in brushed stainless steel and has reinforced pipes on the back, which connect to standard plumbing fittings.
All accessories needed to fit the panel are included along with instructions.
Why We Love It
Overhead Shower Choices
A fixed shower head on this unit provides you with the option of either a waterfall shower effect or a rainfall feel. This could suit those of you who are looking for a tropical jungle vibe in a compact space.
Simultaneous Functions
As well as the waterfall and rainfall streams, there’s also a wand-style handheld shower head and eight horizontal jets. You can choose to use them individually or all at the same time.
Water-Saving Flow Rate
The flow rate on this shower panel is restricted to 1.8 GPM, making it a great choice for saving water and reducing bills.
Keep In Mind
Low Water Pressure
Just like many other shower panels, if you turn on all the simultaneous functions, you will likely lose water pressure, and they won’t be effective. This seems to affect the horizontal jets mainly on this model.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 8 |
| Warranty | 1 year on parts |
| Flow Rate | 1.8 GPM |
7. AKDY Multi-Function Shower Tower
If you want to replace your shower head with a body panel with high powered horizontal jets, AKDY could have the answer. This shower panel is designed to fit your existing overhead shower fittings and has two pods of jets to massage your body.
Added to that are overhead rainfall and waterfall options. Choose whether you want a single cascade or multiple streams from 50 nozzles. Additionally, there’s a handheld shower head on a stainless steel hose for those hard to reach places.
Why We Love It
Rust and Corrosion-Resistant
This panel is constructed from high-grade stainless steel and is designed to resist rust and corrosion. The company also claims that this composition will help reduce hard water stains and, therefore, needs less cleaning.
Easy to Install
All this shower panel needs are the pipes from your existing shower head and your current diverter tap to operate. The installation kit includes all the hardware for fitting and the mounting brackets to hold it in place.
Just make sure you have enough clearance between the two. The unit measures 39.4 inches long, so it seems you need between 32 inches and 42 inches of clearance.
Keep In Mind
Flow Restricted
The flow rate of this unit is 2.5 GPM. Unfortunately, if you live in New York, Canada or Colorado, this does not meet with statewide restrictions (2).
Beware of Cold Water
It seems that when you change from one function to another on this shower panel, the water flows cold at first. This might make you jump for a few seconds until the warmer water kicks in. A little patience is needed here is all, since some users report that the hot water doesn’t take long to kick in.
Additional Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 2 |
| Warranty | 1 year on parts |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Detailed Comparison Chart
| Product | Best | Fixed | Handheld | Sprays | Warranty | Flow Rate |
| Blue Ocean Shower Panel | Overall | Yes | Yes | 8 | Limited 1 year (parts) | 2.5 GPM |
| Ello & Allo Shower Panel Tower | LED Shower Head | Yes | Yes | 2 | Limited 2 years (parts) | N/A |
| PULSE ShowerSpas Aloha Shower System | Easiest To Fit | Yes | Yes | 4 | Limited lifetime | 2.5 GPM |
| Decor Star Tempered Glass Shower Panel | Compact Shower Panel | Yes | Yes | 2 | 2 years (US only) | N/A |
| Golden Vantage Spa Shower Panel | Simultaneous Functions | Yes | Yes | 1 | 1 year (parts) | 1.8 GPM |
| Perfetto Kitchen & Bath Shower Panel | Slimline Panel | Yes | Yes | 8 | 1 year (parts) | 1.8 GPM |
| AKDY Multi-Function Shower Tower | High-Powered Body Jets | Yes | Yes | 2 | 1 year (parts) | 2.5 GPM |
Checking Out
If you want a sleek and stylish upgrade from a regular shower, then having one of these amazing shower panels could fit the bill. They come in several contemporary or modern designs and give you showering control at your fingertips.
Choose from either rainfall and waterfall fixed showerheads for cascading water. An added handheld shower lets you rinse the soap from those hard to reach places. Then, finally, you can enjoy massaging horizontal body jets.
There seems to be something for everyone here, even those of you who want the LED experience. It’s like having a spa in your bathroom!
