Rainfall showerheads are among the most coveted bathroom fixtures. If you’re not already familiar with them, they’re typically large and contemporary in design, and water flow mimics the way rain would naturally hit your skin. These showerheads can often be mounted from the ceiling or the wall and with different water pressure settings, you can control the strength of the spray. We gave the Moen Velocity Chrome Two-Function Spray Head Rainshower a go in our bathroom to see if we’d feel transported to a fancy hotel shower. Keep reading to see what we discovered in terms of installation, design, performance, and competition.
Setup Process: Two easy mounting options
After unboxing the showerhead, we were excited to learn that the Moen could be mounted on a ceiling or wall depending on your preference. The ceiling mount creates a direct, straight flow of water, while the wall mount offers more of an angled water flow. We chose to attach the showerhead to our existing wall-mounted spout and installation took less than five minutes as no major tools were required. An adjustable wrench was really all it took to get the showerhead set up, but if you choose to mount the showerhead on the ceiling, you’ll need additional tools, like an electric drill, to secure it properly. Despite how easy it was for us to install the showerhead on the wall, we were surprised to find such limited instructions. Users who’ve never swapped their showerhead before would probably want more thorough directions—especially if they opt for the ceiling mount.
Performance: Quality water flow with personalized settings
The Moen features two spray settings: a full-coverage mode and a more concentrated rinse with additional pressure. The concentrated rinse provides three times more power than the standard spray, making it great for soothing aches and sore muscles. We also found it very helpful when rinsing away body scrubs and super-sudsy shampoos. A side level makes it easy for users to switch water pressure, so you can use the settings interchangeably throughout your shower.
Design: Simple, but modern
The Moen Velocity Two-Function Rainshower measures 8 inches in diameter and offers ample coverage for showers of most any size. The showerhead is constructed from chrome, but to the touch, it feels a bit like plastic. This was a turn off given its expensive price tag, but the high-shine aesthetic of the chrome appears very modern, so at least looks are deceiving. If you’re not a fan of chrome, the showerhead is also available in three other finishes: bronze, brushed gold, and nickel. We do appreciate Moen’s modern approach to color options as most basic showerheads are available only in chrome/silver.
Price: Mindboggling, to be honest
We have to admit we were shocked to learn that the Moen retails for nearly $300. To be fair, most contemporary options come with a hefty price tag, but they’re often more versatile, as well. All in all, we know investing in the Moen is a personal decision, but we do think the price is unwarranted given its lack of features and cheap feel.
Competition: Budget-friendly picks are out there
RainLuxe 12-Inch Showerhead: If the Moen way overshoots your budget, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of $50 and under options, including this 12-inch rainfall showerhead from Luxe. The $30 chrome fixture offers an extra 4 inches of diameter (compared to the Moen) and 150 anti-clogging nozzles which deliver high-volume water flow. Installation is just as easy, too—no tools are required; just attach it to your existing spout or take a few extra minutes to mount it on the ceiling if you prefer. The RainLuxe only has one pressure setting, so that’s something to keep in mind, but for 10-percent the cost of the Moen, we’ll take it. AquaDance 7-Inch 3-Way Rainfall Combo: If you’re looking for a little more versatility, try the $35 AquaDance on for size. The chrome fixture offers a 7-inch rainfall showerhead and a 4-inch overhead/handheld showerhead. The first offers a relaxing rainfall flow while the latter has six customizable settings: power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain massage, rain mist, and a water-saving pause mode. Again, the showerhead requires little in the way of installation, and AquaDance backs their product up with a limited lifetime guarantee. It’s only available in one color, but for less than $40, we can make that work. The Moen is a fine rainfall showerhead, but given how limited its features are and how cheap its construction feels, we don’t think it comes close to justifying its $300 price point. Unless you’re in love with the company’s modern finishes, consider cheaper competitors first.
