A good shower set not only offers customers a decade of comfortable use but also significantly reduces the hassle of maintenance and after-sales issues. The market is flooded with shower sets, priced from a few hundred to tens of thousands of yuan, with similar functions and appearances yet markedly different prices. So, how can you select a shower set that meets the needs of the masses and has market potential? This article will analyze various aspects such as quality, functionality, brand, and price to provide a comprehensive purchasing guide for our bathroom product dealers, purchasers, and wholesalers. It will help you avoid common pitfalls and carve out business opportunities in the dazzling bathroom market.
How to Choose a High-Quality Shower Set?
1. Selecting the Shower Set Body and Waterway
The core of a Shower Set lies in its ability to deliver water and switch between different spray modes, which hinges on the quality and design of the Shower Set body. A high-quality Shower Set body should be made from robust materials and crafted with precision, ensuring long-term, reliable use. Currently, the primary materials used for Shower Set bodies include brass, stainless steel, and PPA plastic. Among these, brass is widely used due to its superior performance.
Brass
PPA Plastic
Brass is the preferred material for shower set bodies due to its excellent machinability and ability to be shaped into various forms. It provides a solid foundation for high-quality plating, and the presence of copper ions offers natural antibacterial properties, ensuring cleaner and healthier water flow. Additionally, brass offers high casting precision, withstanding extreme temperature differences and high water pressure, which guarantees durability and safety. Leading brands typically use pure copper to manufacture the waterways, ensuring smooth water flow, while ABS plastic casings reduce weight and prevent strain on pipes and tiles.
Stainless steel is a common material for shower set bodies in the low-end market. It is known for its corrosion resistance and rust prevention, with a brushed finish that eliminates the worry of the plating layer peeling off. However, compared to brass, stainless steel falls short in processing technology and precision. It has poorer water pressure resistance, making it more prone to cracks and leaks. Therefore, stainless steel is not recommended for long-term use in shower systems.
PPA Plastic:Some cost-sensitive merchants may opt for PPA plastic as the shower set body material. Although it is inexpensive, PPA plastic has a lower density and poor water pressure resistance, making it prone to cracking and leakage, which results in a shorter lifespan. In the market, there are also unscrupulous merchants who claim to use Grade 59A pure copper but actually only use brass in the visible water inlet and outlet or other easily observable parts, while using PPA plastic in other areas. This practice is highly misleading. When purchasing, you should ask the merchant to provide detailed internal structure diagrams to avoid being deceived. Also, be cautious of products priced below the market average.
2. Choosing the Spray Nozzle Material
The spray nozzle is ideally made of liquid silicone material, with the highest standard being food-grade. This type of material is so safe and non-toxic that it can even be used to make silicone nipples for babies. Soft silicone has excellent heat resistance, making it less likely to deform, discolor, or crack, which significantly enhances its durability. Additionally, the problem of limescale blockage in silicone spray nozzles is much easier to handle. Users can simply squeeze gently by hand or rub lightly with a soft cloth to easily clean away limescale. In contrast, traditional stainless steel or ABS resin nozzles are prone to limescale buildup, which is not only unpleasant but can also clog the spray holes. A well-designed shower set can ensure a soft and dense water flow, with water droplets forming a granular structure that does not irritate the skin when it hits, creating a comfortable sensation as if bathing in the rain.
3. Selecting the Water Diverting and Temperature Control Valves
In shower systems, valve cores can be categorized into water-diverting valve cores and temperature control valve cores (i.e., thermostatic valve cores) based on their specific functions. Important note: When selecting valve cores, be wary of misleading information posted by some bloggers, especially regarding the functions of ceramic valve cores. It is essential to clarify that ceramic valve cores do not have temperature control functions; they are only suitable for the diversion of cold and hot water! Only wax-type and shape-memory alloy valve cores can achieve true temperature control.
When selecting a water-diverting valve core, a ceramic valve core is the preferred choice due to the following characteristics: wear-resistant, high-temperature resistant, anti-aging, rust-resistant, with good sealing properties and a longer service life, and it also causes relatively less water quality pollution.
For thermostatic valve cores, the recommended materials are wax-based thermostatic elements and shape-memory alloy springs.
The wax thermostat cartridge is highly sensitive to water temperature, with a sensitivity level of 5, ensuring stable performance and precise temperature control. The operation is smooth and effortless, with no slipping, and its durability has been tested according to the national standard for switch fatigue tests (which requires 300,000 cycles). The temperature control accuracy is between 0.05 and 0.1 degrees Celsius.
Shape Memory Alloy Spring: This type of spring is made from nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy, a kind of shape memory alloy. It can sense changes in the mixed water temperature and adjust the ratio of hot and cold water by changing its shape to push the piston, thereby achieving precise temperature control.
4. Regarding Water Pressure Issues
Water pressure is a key factor in determining the comfort of a shower experience. Currently, the most effective technology for addressing water pressure issues is the air-injection technology. This technology uses the negative pressure generated by water flow inside the shower set chamber to draw in air, which is then repeatedly mixed with the water through the spray panel. This method not only creates a fine and full stream of water but also provides a gentler experience for consumers with sensitive skin or for bathing babies, without causing any stinging sensation. Additionally, air-injection technology enhances the overall comfort while effectively addressing issues of low water pressure and insufficient water volume. It also performs exceptionally well in water-saving for showering. In contrast, some shower sets use the “small-hole pressurization” technology, which artificially increases water pressure by reducing the size of the water outlet holes. Although this approach may seem to boost water pressure, it also intensifies the stinging sensation. Therefore, it is important to avoid such issues when making a purchase.
5. Mechanical Switch or Touch Control Switch
With the growing popularity of the smart home concept, an increasing number of brands are introducing touch control switches. However, the mainstream switching methods still include mechanical knobs, push-button switches, and push-down switches.
–Knob Switch: As the most common and traditional switching method, the knob switch excels in precisely controlling the water flow. However, it is prone to accidental operation, which can sometimes lead to inadvertently activating the wrong spray mode.
–Push-Button Switch: The advantage of the push-button switch is its clear indication of the water output mode, with a flat and aesthetically pleasing appearance that looks more sophisticated. However, it does not allow for adjustment of the water flow intensity.
–Push-Down Switch: This type of switch can regulate the water flow intensity and provides clear operation. However, like the traditional knob switch, it has a noticeable protrusion and gaps, which may affect the overall aesthetics.
–Touch Control Switch: Despite offering an excellent user experience in operation, touch control switches tend to have a higher failure rate for electronic components in the long-term humid environment of bathrooms. Therefore, it may take more time to validate their market performance at this stage.
6. The Choice of Shower Set Surface Finishes
When we step into the market to look for a suitable shower, we may notice that some showers have a surface as shiny as a mirror, while others feature a matte brushed finish. These different aesthetic characteristics are primarily related to the surface treatment processes used on the showers. Additionally, the color options of showers are also closely associated with the surface finishes.
When selecting a shower set, consumers often worry about whether the coating will peel off or rust after long-term use. To address these concerns, it is essential to understand the common surface treatment technologies available on the market. Currently, the surface treatments for showers mainly include plating, brushing, and baking paint, each with its unique advantages and potential drawbacks:
Electroplating (Most commonly seen in silver shower sets): Electroplating is a process that uses electrolysis to deposit a thin metallic film on the surface of a metal substrate. This method not only enhances the corrosion and wear resistance of the shower but also improves its gloss and overall aesthetic appeal. However, if the quality of the plating layer is poor, the shower surface may quickly develop spots, blisters, or peeling of the plating layer in the humid and high-temperature bathroom environment. The substrate itself may also rust, which not only affects the appearance but also poses potential risks to water safety. Electroplating can be categorized by the material of the plating layer, such as nickel plating, chrome plating, and zinc plating. Internationally, well-known shower manufacturers typically use a standard three-layer plating process to ensure optimal durability and appearance.
Brushed Finish (Most commonly seen in matte-textured shower sets): The brushed finish process is primarily applied to 304 stainless steel substrates. Similar to electroplating, the brushed finish also involves multiple layers of plating. However, the key difference lies in the final layer, which typically uses nickel to achieve a more refined matte texture, as opposed to the mirror-like gloss of electroplating.
Baked Enamel (Most commonly seen in white, black, and gunmetal gray shower sets): The baked enamel process involves spraying multiple layers of paint onto the substrate surface, followed by high-temperature baking to form a hard, colored enamel coating. Although baked enamel is less costly and technically demanding than black electroplating, it performs poorly in terms of scratch resistance, wear resistance, and durability compared to the metallic film created by electroplating. There is also a risk of paint chipping and coating delamination. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the quality of the surface finish when purchasing black shower sets. Different manufacturers may use single-layer or multi-layer baking processes (similar to automotive surface treatments), with noticeable differences in the final appearance.
How to Choose Shower Set Functions?
1. Thermostatic or Cold & Hot
When choosing a Shower Set, one of the most important decisions is whether to opt for a thermostatic or a cold & hot model. In terms of comfort, a thermostatic Shower Set is undoubtedly the top choice.
Thermostatic Shower Set: A thermostatic Shower Set uses the mixing function of a wax thermostat cartridge to automatically adjust the ratio of hot and cold water based on the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring a constant water temperature, typically set at the ideal 40°C for bathing. This means that with a thermostatic Shower Set, you won’t encounter the problem of fluctuating water temperatures during your shower. Although thermostatic Shower Set are relatively more expensive, they offer a much more comfortable bathing experience.
However, thermostatic Shower Set have certain requirements for water pressure and water heaters. They need a water pressure of at least 0.15 MPa (1.5 bar) to ensure a high-quality shower experience. If you are unsure whether your home’s hot water system is suitable for installing a thermostatic Shower Set, it is recommended to purchase a water pressure tester (costing around ten yuan) to check the actual water pressure in your bathroom. If the water pressure meets the requirement, a thermostatic Shower Set is an ideal choice, regardless of whether you have a thermostatic water heater installed, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your shower time.
Cold and hot shower heads: For homes with low water pressure, or for users who don’t want to deal with complicated adjustments and installations, cold and hot shower heads are a good choice. These shower heads have no special water pressure requirements; the water flow is directly proportional to the water pressure.
2. Choosing the Shower Head Spray Pattern
Shower heads are designed with a variety of spray patterns, and these different functions can significantly enhance convenience and the overall shower experience. A complete shower head set typically includes: overhead spray (also known as the rain shower), handheld shower head, lower spray, and a spray nozzle function. A shower head that integrates these four functions is called a four-function shower head. Although more functions may increase the number of pipes in the design, making it look slightly cumbersome, the convenience they offer is undeniable.
–Lower Spray: During a shower, the lower spray is not only used for bathing but also for cleaning tasks such as washing mop heads or rinsing feet. This function provides added convenience, allowing the shower head to meet a wider range of everyday needs.
–Overhead Spray: When taking a full-body shower, the overhead spray can cover the entire body from head to toe, providing an extremely comfortable shower experience. The larger the surface area of the overhead spray, the wider the water curtain that covers the body, which enhances the enjoyment of the shower.
–Handheld Shower Head: This is the most common function of a shower head, widely popular for its high usage frequency and convenience. Modern handheld shower heads also come with switchable features, such as gentle mode, massage mode, and pulsating mode. These can be adjusted according to personal preferences to meet different showering needs.
–Spray Nozzle Function: The spray nozzle is a practical feature that offers strong water pressure, making it ideal for cleaning the shower enclosure or toilet. The latest designs integrate the spray nozzle function into the handheld shower head, eliminating the need for an additional spray hose. This not only simplifies the bathroom layout but also reduces the risk of tangled hoses and tripping hazards. The integrated spray nozzle function provides even stronger water jets, making bathroom cleaning more efficient.
3. Features to Enhance the Shower Experience
–Hydro power Digital Temperature Display: This innovative feature uses water flow to generate power and an NTC temperature sensor to display the water temperature in real-time on the panel. This helps users avoid discomfort or burns from water that is too cold or too hot. There are currently two mainstream display types on the market: one with a black background and white text, and the other with hidden digital display that only appears when in use. This design makes the product look inconspicuous when not in use and gives it a premium appearance when in use.
–Integrated Handheld Spray Nozzle: This design integrates the spray nozzle function into the handheld shower head, enriching the product’s functionality while solving the problem of tangled hoses caused by separate spray nozzles and handheld shower heads. This results in a more streamlined appearance and a more unified visual effect
–Water Filtration Function: With increasing awareness of the impact of water quality on health, more consumers are paying attention to the filtration function of shower heads. In developed countries, shower heads with filtration functions have almost become a standard feature. It is recommended to choose a shower head with the filtration cartridge integrated into the main faucet, ensuring effective filtration of chlorine and impurities in the water regardless of the water outlet mode
–Automatic Cold Water Drainage: This feature allows remote control of the shower head via a wall-mounted controller. It automatically drains the cold water from the pipes before the shower starts and stops draining when the water reaches the set temperature (e.g., 40°C), with an audible alert. This significantly enhances the convenience and comfort of the showering experience
Recommendations for User-Friendly and High-Cost-Performance Shower Sets
The SSWW MOHO Series features a high-quality solid brass body and a lightweight ABS handheld component. The 1500mm shower hose provides unrestricted cleaning range. Inspired by the classic diamond-quilted pattern of Bentley, the texture shimmers with light, creating a crystalline, gradient effect that highlights a unique and luxurious lifestyle.
–The handheld shower head offers three functional modes: gentle rain shower, invigorating massage spray, and soothing mixed water flow, which can be easily switched with a single button. The multifunctional control knob allows one-touch activation and deactivation, and effortless control over water outlet modes (overhead spray, handheld spray, lower spray), on/off functions, and water temperature.
–Exclusive Memory Mode: Equipped with a brand-new intelligent memory cartridge, it smartly remembers the comfortable water temperature set during the last use. There is no need to readjust the temperature when you turn it on again. The 240mm-diameter rain shower overhead spray features 174 water outlets, providing dense water flow that covers the entire body, ensuring an immersive shower experience.
–AIR Pressure Balance Technology: Achieves an instant shut-off effect within 5 seconds, effectively solving the problem of residual water and dripping. This brings comfort and convenience. The handheld shower head offers infinite water pressure adjustment. With a simple twist, you can customize the water pressure to your liking, ensuring a powerful shower experience even in low-pressure environments.
100% Full Water Pressure: Easily cleans deep-seated oils from the scalp, providing a massage-like experience.
75% Comfortable Water Pressure: Relaxes the entire body, offering a spa-level hydrotherapy experience.
50% Gentle Water Pressure: Suitable for cleaning delicate skin such as babies’ skin or the face, providing gentle care.
5% Pause Mode: Temporarily stops water flow while maintaining the water temperature, eliminating the need to frequently turn the water valve on and off. This mode is energy-efficient and water-saving.
–The shower head nozzle is made of food-grade liquid silicone, which is heat-resistant and anti-aging. It does not harden over time, can self-adjust to different water pressures, and can be easily cleaned by gentle rubbing to remove dirt without clogging.
–The hidden lower spray nozzle features an adjustable-angle aerator with a 6° adjustable water angle, providing soft water flow to prevent splashing. The concealed design is minimalist and aesthetically pleasing, while also preventing bumps and scratches.
We warmly invite distributors, wholesalers, and purchasers to visit SSWW for an immersive experience! We offer a wide range of hardware products to meet your diverse needs. Let’s join hands to create a brighter future and explore vast market opportunities together. Take action now and embark on a journey of collaboration!
Post time: Feb-19-2025