CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Swapping out an old, basic shower head for a shiny, new model is an easy (and often inexpensive) way to upgrade not only a bathroom's design, but also your morning routine.
Whether looking to invest a few hundred dollars on a spa-like experience, or you just want to replace your rental's dingy-looking shower head, there are lots of models to choose from.
Sifting through the endless products currently selling on Amazon can be a daunting task, but to simplify all that, CBS Essentials has rounded up a range of traditional and rainfall-style shower heads from established brands like Kohler and American Standard, as well as lesser-known (and often cheaper) brands SR Sun Rise and AquaDance. What do they all have in common? Great ratings and reviews.
Kohler's high-end fixtures have a reputation for quality, and this wall-mounted shower head is no exception. It may look basic, but users rave about the brand's catalyst air-induction spray, which offers a strong, even flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm).
One top contributor says it "revolutionizes" the shower. "The aerating shower head, which is generally larger in diameter than the standard type, draws in air and mixes it with the water so that you receive more of a rain-like experience when you shower. It makes the water more comfortable in the sense that it has a softer feel due to the air mixed in with the water, and gives a wider water dispersal pattern.
"It's truly a nice experience."
A three-in-one shower system courtesy of American Standard, the Spectra Versa can be used as an 11-inch shower head, four-function hand shower or a combination of both, delivering a flow rate of two gpm. The system features hassle-free installation via existing plumbing, with no need to drill extra holes in tile or the ceiling.
"This product is beautifully made and very easy to install," writes one reviewer giving it a five-star rating. While this model may require a thorough reading of the directions and viewing an instructional video, the reviewer promises that "someone who is not very handy should have no trouble installing it."
Looking for a modern-style shower head, offering a consistently powerful, rain-like shower even with low water pressure? SR Sun Rise's sleek and sophisticated mounted shower head can transform a basic shower into a spa-like experience at a reasonable price. In addition to great reviews, this model also boasts another impressive feat: It's the top-selling product in the Bathtub & Shower Systems category on Amazon.
"This kit is very high quality. Unlike most modern faucet sets, this thing is made of solid metal, not chrome-plated plastic. It's heavy brass with a thick chrome plating," says one reviewer, declaring it a "great value for the money."
Right now, you can save an extra $25 buying this on Amazon when you apply the coupon before checkout.
This under-$30, easy-to-install handheld shower head is an excellent value, according to Amazon reviewers, offering a 2.5 high gpm (1.8 gpm in California, where there is a limit due to drought) and six flow functions.
"This shower head is fantastic!" raves one reviewer. "Very easy to install and functions perfect(ly)." Like many reviewers, she notes that it easily transforms from a traditional shower head to a hand-held. "It's really great for the price and we are super pleased with this purchase!"
You can save an extra $3 on Amazon if you apply the coupon prior to checkout.
Some people prefer a traditional shower head, while others appreciate a spa-like rainfall. With AquaDance's popular multi-functioning dual shower head, you can enjoy both.
According to reviewers, installation of this high-pressure gadget is simple. It also seamlessly switches between a mounted and hand-held device. One self-proclaimed "shower snob" couldn't stop raving about the shower head. "I need water pressure. We live way out in the country and are remodeling a '70s farmhouse. This shower head is freaking amazeballs! Yes, the rain function is light pressure, as (it) should be, but that massage function about sent me through our new tiled wall," she exclaimed. "It literally took dirt off my skin from 1985."
Regularly $46, this easy shower head upgrade is currently on sale for $35 on Amazon.
First published on July 29, 2021 / 6:00 AM
A Border Patrol and local Texas law enforcement search for other potential victims remained ongoing as of Friday.
Serena Williams had hinted that this year's U.S. Open would be her last tournament.
Liftoff was rescheduled for Saturday after a hydrogen leak and other issues forced a delay on Monday.
Biden portrayed Trump and "MAGA Republicans" as representative of "an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic."
When their mother died, Julian and Jaylan thought all they had was each other — but they were wrong.
The Massachusetts company has reported at least one incident where the rear disc brake cut off a child's fingertip.
An early morning rally fueled by slower jobs report, faded by mid-afternoon, erasing all gains.
Labor board dismissed Amazon's allegations of interference; company says it will appeal.
Narasimhan will be taking over the coffee giant at perhaps the most pivotal time in company's 51-year history.
Owner encourages customers to "give a high five" to local businesses raising prices. "It means a lot."
Biden portrayed Trump and "MAGA Republicans" as representative of "an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic."
Former Trump Attorney General Bill Barr criticized the former president's handling of classified information.
Rep. Jaime Raskin, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and more will appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.
Former President Trump's one-time national security adviser addresses Trump's handling of classified information.
Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA under secretary for health, said the care they will offer is "in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice."
"This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky," she wrote on Instagram.
Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA under secretary for health, said the care they will offer is "in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice."
The new shots are rolling out to pharmacies and other vaccination sites around the country.
The federal budget for buying and distributing COVID-19 vaccines will run out "as early as January."
The CDC says a mysterious E. coli outbreak possibly linked to romaine lettuce on sandwiches at Wendy's restaurants is expanding. At least 97 people have now gotten sick in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New York.
A Border Patrol and local Texas law enforcement search for other potential victims remained ongoing as of Friday.
The U.S. Navy drones involved in the incidents, called Saildrone Explorers, started operating in the waters of the Middle East in January.
416 children are among the victims, including 3 siblings who escaped the torrents but were killed seeking higher ground as they slept by a roadside.
A drug-sniffing dog has led frontier police at a Milan airport to discover some 13 kilograms (nearly 30 pounds) of cocaine stuffed into the upholstery of a motorized wheelchair, whose user was immediately arrested.
The IAEA inspectors' mission was almost derailed by ongoing clashes around Europe's biggest nuclear plant, but it seems they'll be able to maintain a lasting presence.
Jane Fonda has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and has started chemotherapy, the 84-year-old actor announced Friday. She shared the news in an Instagram post, explaining that she is hopeful despite the diagnosis.
"This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky," she wrote on Instagram.
The NPR legal affairs correspondent writes of the power of friendship, including the very special ties she formed with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In his new memoir the founder of Rolling Stone writes of the magazine's emergence as a celebration of the power and artistry of rock music – and also about a more personal celebration, when he is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
"They want to put you in a box and categorize you."
ZDNet Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner explains best practices for setup and success of smart home security systems.
Liftoff was rescheduled for Saturday after a hydrogen leak and other issues forced a delay on Monday.
The exoplanet was first discovered in 2017, but the Webb Telescope was able to capture the clearest images of the exoplanet to date.
Tracking tool "Fog Reveal," in use since 2018, allows cops to access phone IDs and follow people's movements.
Clara Sorrenti, the popular transgender streamer and activist known online as Keffals, says doxing and hate from Kiwi Farms forced her into hiding.
The exoplanet was first discovered in 2017, but the Webb Telescope was able to capture the clearest images of the exoplanet to date.
The Mbiresaurus raathi roamed the earth more than 230 million years ago, researchers said.
"With many communities hit with 1,000-year floods, exceptional drought and historic heat this year, it shows that the climate crisis is not a future threat but something we must address today," one NOAA administrator said.
Clinical trials are ongoing, and so far, five people have received the implant.
The U.S. Department of Defense has listed climate change as a national security threat, and is now taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The U.S. Army was first to unveil a sweeping climate strategy earlier this year. CBS News' Natalie Brand has a look at some of the goals and progress made on base.
A federal judge has unsealed a detailed inventory of items seized during the FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago. The list includes thousands of documents, some marked "top secret," along with dozens of empty folders bearing classification markings. Robert Costa explains.
Eliza Fletcher was jogging in the city Friday morning when she was forced into a dark colored SUV.
A federal judge has thrown out an indictment charging a boat captain with manslaughter in the deaths of 34 scuba divers three years ago off the California coast.
A drug-sniffing dog has led frontier police at a Milan airport to discover some 13 kilograms (nearly 30 pounds) of cocaine stuffed into the upholstery of a motorized wheelchair, whose user was immediately arrested.
The group, which did not offer yoga classes, is accused of trying to lure powerful and wealthy men like opera star Placido Domingo.
Liftoff was rescheduled for Saturday after a hydrogen leak and other issues forced a delay on Monday.
Engineers are hopeful the weather will cooperate for the planned launch Saturday of NASA's Artemis moon rocket.
The exoplanet was first discovered in 2017, but the Webb Telescope was able to capture the clearest images of the exoplanet to date.
Engineers developed a work around to avoid a repeat of the engine cooling problem that derailed Monday's launch try.
NASA managers will conduct a final review Thursday before giving engineers clearance to proceed with launch.
One of these shows could be your next binge obsession.
Looking for something fresh to watch? Here are the top films available on the streaming platform.
Newport Beach Police give 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe a voice on Twitter hoping to solve her cold case 45 years later.
Unidentified DNA found 31 years ago at the scene of a quadruple murder recently raised hopes that this unsolved mystery might finally be solved — but will it crack the case?
Traffic software company TomTom has listed the places with the worst traffic delays – and, yes, one U.S. city makes the list.
John Bolton, national security advisor under former President Donald Trump, spoke to CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge on Friday about the Mar-a-Lago search and former White House counsel Pat Cipollone's testimony before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
A U.S. Army veteran is reflecting on his service in Afghanistan in a new book that published one year after American troops completed their withdrawal. Retired Lt. Col. Scott Mann joined CBS News to discuss his book and his military service.
The California Legislature has passed a bill aimed at protecting minors on social media platforms. It now heads to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature. Emi Kim, director of legislative efforts for the Log Off Movement, and Nicole Gill, co-founder of Accountable Tech, joined CBS News to discuss the benefits of the legislation.
A court Friday unsealed a detailed inventory of materials seized during the FBI search at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate last month. This comes as a federal judge weighs whether to appoint a special master to review the material that was seized. Plus, former White House counsel Pat Cipollone testified Friday before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa joined Catherine Herridge to examine all these issues.
Tens of thousands of residents in Jackson, Mississippi, remain without reliable drinking water heading into Labor Day weekend. CBS News' Elise Preston reports on how a lack of access to reliable water is creating risks for patients on dialysis treatments. Then, Mustafa Santiago Ali, executive vice president for the National Wildlife Federation, joined Catherine Herridge to discuss the crisis.
Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.