Shower panels provide way more than your normal overhead shower will ever give you. They come as a rectangular panel of metal fitted with an array of water nozzles on the side, an overhead shower head, a handheld shower head, a spout, and other features.
In my reviews of the best shower panels, the Blue Ocean 52” Aluminum SPA392M comes out as the best. It’s the ultimate all-in-one with a body made of aluminum alloy. It has 8 adjustable nozzles, a temperature display, a handheld shower head, an overhead shower, and a spout with easy-to-reach controls.
In my assessment of the shower panels, I focused on various aspects such as the number of features, the quality of materials, the ease of installation and use, the size, and any extras bundled with the panel.
The Best Shower Panels
The shower panels you need to have in your bathroom include the following:
| SHOWER PANEL | BEST FEATURES |
| Blue Ocean 52” Aluminum SP393M Rating: 4.8/5 | 8 Adjustable Water Massage Nozzles. Four functions for the overhead and handheld shower heads. Temperature display. |
| ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Shower Panel Tower System Rating: 4.6/5 | Made of 304 stainless steel for longevity. Temperature display. 6 modes for the shower. |
| Décor Star 004-SS Stainless Steel Rainfall Shower Panel Rating: 4.6/5 | Stainless steel finish for durability. 100 horizontal and 50 rainfall nozzles. Thermostat for temperature control. |
| ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Shower Panel Tower System Rating: 4.5/5 | Stainless steel material for durability. Temperature LED display uses power generated by the shower panel. Easy installation. |
| Blue Ocean 66.5” Stainless Steel SPS8727 Rating: 4.5/5 | Stainless steel frame for durability and longevity. Clean design with knobs moved to the side. Functions work both independently and simultaneously. |
| AKDY 52” 8-Jet Multi-function Shower Panel System Rating: 4.5/5 | Durable tampered glass material. Adjustable overhead shower head. LED display for temperature. |
| Perfetto Kitchen and Bath 65” Stainless Steel Shower Panel SP0056 Rating: 4.5/5 | Stainless steel for durability. Shower modes work simultaneously. 8 adjustable massage nozzles. |
1. Blue Ocean 52″ Aluminum SPA392M
As the name suggests, this shower panel measures 52 inches from top to bottom. As such, you must ensure it fits your bathroom before getting it. It’s made of high-quality aluminum alloy, ensuring it doesn’t rust, given that it’ll constantly be in contact with water.
On its side are 8 water massage nozzles which are adjustable with one of the two knobs in between them (they’re aligned 4 on either side of the control knobs). One knob is for controlling the temperature, while the other one is for the shower functions. The nozzles provide either mist or spray jet massages.
Just above the rows of massage nozzles is the temperature display. With this panel, you get the temperature either in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The panel relies on power from a couple of batteries which you’ll need to buy separately.
As such, you get the right temperature for yourself and easily adjust to it even if someone else had changed it. The highest attainable temperature is 102°F which is more than most people need.
At the top is a square shower panel which provides one of the best rainfall shower experiences I had while trying it out. This shower head, together with the handheld one, offers 4 functions, namely the rainfall, mist, spray jets, and water column modes.
You also get a spout for when you need a normal water flow. The spout is located at the base of the shower panel with the hose to the handheld shower head.
While it’s a large shower measuring 52” H by 10” W by 3.5” D (132 by 26 by 9 cm) and weighing 32 pounds, the flat design makes it fit most medium to large bathrooms.
Pros
- Made of high-quality aluminum alloy for longevity.
- 8 adjustable nozzles for mist and spray water massage.
- Rainfall and handheld shower heads with 4 functions.
- Easy installation and usage.
- Flat design to save on space.
- Temperate display.
- Each function operates independently.
- Adjustable overhead shower head.
Cons
- The temperature display requires batteries.
You’ll get all you want in a premium shower panel in the Blue Ocean 52” SPA392M.
2. ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Shower Panel Tower System
In second place is the ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel shower panel, which is one of the most durable shower panels on the market thanks to the stainless steel material it’s made of. Stainless steel is tough and will not rust even when exposed to harsh conditions like salt or hot water.
The ELLO&ALLO shower panel features a unibody design with the shower head above being a part of the rest of the panel, unlike other models, which feature an independent and adjustable shower head.
The shower head has LED lights for each water nozzle, making it a joy to use. The blue light from the nozzles illuminates the water making for an unrivaled experience. At the very edge of the shower panel is a waterfall shower head which provides another water function.
Below the overhead shower heads is an LED panel for temperature readings, making it easy to choose the most favorable temperature with one of the control knobs on the side.
This shower panel has 4 adjustable jet nozzles, 2 large and 2 smaller ones. As such, you have various functions that can be combined into a total of 6 modes.
The handheld shower has a hose covered with stainless steel for uniformity and longevity. The stainless steel finish is also used with the spout at the base of the shower panel.
Pros
- Made of 304 stainless steel for longevity.
- Has an array of LED lights for the showerhead.
- Waterfall shower head feature.
- LED panel for the temperature readings.
- Total of 6 modes for a dynamic shower experience.
Cons
- The base of the panel is made of plastic.
I loved the unibody design in stainless steel and the black finish. This is a solid yet very functional shower panel in your home.
3. Decor Star 004-SS Stainless Steel Rainfall Shower Panel
As another stainless steel shower panel, the Decor Star has the looks of luxury and performs that way too. It has a unibody design with all the features you’d want in a premium shower panel. The polished stainless steel finish is a great complement to tiled bathroom walls and floors.
At the top of the shower panel is a shower head that has various settings, with my favorite being the rainfall mode. Below it is the waterfall shower head that adds to the shower experience.
On the side of the panel is an array of nozzle jets for water massage. They’re a combination of protruding jet nozzles and others that are plush with the body of the shower panel, similar to the shower head at the top. They can be changed with easy-to-reach knobs.
It also has a movable handheld shower head with similar modes to the overhead shower head. While this shower panel lacks a water spout, the handheld shower head offers a mode in which the water comes out like a normal tap hence serving that purpose.
Pros
- Stainless steel finish for durability.
- Each shower has an independent valve management system.
- 100 horizontal and 50 rainfall nozzles.
- Thermostat for automatic temperature control.
- 4-stage shower control.
Cons
- Lacks a temperature indicator LED panel.
This is it if you’re in the market for a simple yet highly refined shower panel. My experience with it has been great.
4. ELLO&ALLO Stainless Steel Rainfall Waterfall Shower Panel Tower System
The other ELLO&ALLO entrant is also a stainless version with a unibody design and many water nozzles on the side and top. It has some of the best features in a shower panel and ranks highly as one of the best budget shower panels on the market.
At the top of the panel is a showerhead for a rainfall shower. Below it is a waterfall shower head which also has a line of LED lights in blue color. This is succeeded by the LED panel meant for displaying the temperature of the water.
There is also a handheld shower head which, together with the overhead one, has 3 shower modes for an all-around experience. The handheld shower can be placed in its holder, providing a great showering experience. I noted an easy-to-use experience with the handle and other features of the shower panel system.
On its side are 5 sets of jet nozzles, 4 which are small and independently adjustable to the desired angle. The other one is a large pane with many holes located right below the temperature display.
Between the four side jet nozzles are three control knobs for the different modes and the temperature of the water. They all have blue light rings at their bases for visibility and beauty.
Pros
- Made of stainless steel material for longevity.
- Has rainfall and waterfall shower heads.
- Temperature display on LED panel. The LED panel doesn’t require batteries.
- Five side jet nozzles with 4 of them adjustable.
- Easy installation.
- 3 settings for the handheld and rainfall shower heads.
Cons
- The back and top are exposed and could allow debris in.
This is among my favorite shower panels, given the great design and ease of use. I particularly loved that the LED panels for the temperature and lights didn’t need independent batteries, as the shower panel used the flow of water to generate hydroelectricity. Quite neat!
5. Blue Ocean 66.5” Stainless Steel SPS8727 Thermostatic Shower Panel
If you’re a minimalist kind of shopper, you’ll love the design of this Blue Ocean shower panel. Looking at it, the one thing that easily strikes you is the clean front surface punctuated only with the jet nozzles. The controls are on the side, giving you a chance to enjoy a full body water massage. It gives the bathroom a clean look.
It’s made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring that it doesn’t rust or get dents of any kind. It’s also one of the largest shower panels as it’s 66.5 inches tall, 8.75 inches wide, and weighs 27 pounds.
The advantage of this height is that the shower panel has more space for jet nozzles. As such, the panel has 4 sets of body nozzles, each the size of the rainfall shower head. The controls on the side are 6 knobs. The bottom knob controls the temperature; the next one controls the handheld shower head; the next one controls the two bottom massage nozzles; the next one is for the two upper massage nozzles, and the upper two are for the waterfall and rainfall shower heads, respectively.
While lacking a display for the temperature, it makes up for that by including a thermostat that maintains the temperature of the water no matter the changes from the source.
Pros
- Stainless steel frame that lasts.
- 4 large sets of body massage jet nozzles.
- Knobs on the side for a clean front look.
- The functions can work independently as well as simultaneously.
- PSI rating between 28psi and 72psi.
Cons
- No temperature display panel.
The clean and sturdy look of the Blue Ocean SPS8727 is one to marvel at as it packs so much in so little space.
6. AKDY 52” 8-Jet Multi-function Tempered Glass Shower Panel System
While most shower panels reviewed are made either of aluminum or stainless steel, the AKDY shower panel introduces another high-quality material; tampered glass. Tampered glass is not only durable and rust-proof, but also resistant to stains.
It’s 52 inches tall, with the overhead rainfall shower head adjustable to your desired angle. Below is the LED panel for the temperature readings. The two knobs for the temperature and shower modes.
The two knobs are flanked on either side by 4 water massage nozzles for a total of 8. Further below the jet nozzles are the spout and handheld shower head. All these functions work independently of each other, allowing you to enjoy a great shower experience.
Pros
- Easy installation and will fit most plumbing units.
- Tampered glass is durable and beautiful.
- 8 body adjustable massage nozzles with 2 settings.
- LED display for temperature.
- Functions work independently.
- The handheld shower has 4 settings.
Cons
- The manual lacks important information.
While the manual lacks some important information, it’s not a dealbreaker as most of these aspects can be easily figured out.
7. Perfetto Kitchen and Bath 65” Stainless Steel Shower Panel SP0056
Rounding up my list of the best shower panels is the Perfetto Kitchen and Bath SP0056. It’s one of the big ones, given that it measures 65″ H by 8.66″ W by 2.9″ D. It packs the familiar unibody design favored for its beauty and functionality.
At the top, the rainfall shower head is succeeded by the rainfall shower head. You also get two columns of 4 jet nozzles providing excellent body massage. Between the 8 jet nozzles are 5 control knobs controlling the modes for the massage jets and all other shower heads. The largest of them is for controlling the temperature.
There’s a knob for temperature and each of the shower heads. The best thing about them is that you can control the modes independently or simultaneously. There’s also a handheld wand that has various modes. It also doubles up as the water spout.
With a stainless steel body that resists water corrosion while keeping the shower panel looking pristine, you have a panel that will last for ages.
Pros
- Stainless steel body for durability.
- 8 adjustable body massage nozzles.
- Waterfall and rainfall shower heads.
- Large size to cover the wheel body head to toe.
- Shower modes work simultaneously.
Cons
- Installation is difficult.
The items on this list combine great features with good pricing, allowing you to maximize your time in the shower. Ensure the shower jets don’t spill water outside the shower pan when installing them. Alternatively, install a shower curtain or liner to contain the water.
Types of shower panels
The main types of shower panels are as follows:
Exposed showers
These shower panels are set from the wall and release water from above the user as rainfall. You probably have one in your home.
Concealed showers
These showers are built and concealed within the bathroom wall, giving a clean look.
Waterfall showers
These showers pour water like a waterfall, making for a relaxing feeling.
Body showers
Unlike from above, the shower water comes from the sides to wash the body. Body showers often combine with rainfall ones for a complete feel.
Given the amount of water from these shower panels, mold is common on the bathroom ceiling above the shower. To prevent that,
Buying Guide: What to Look For
It could be your first or subsequent shower panel. Either way, you need to know exactly what you’re going for since there are so many options on the market that making a decision can be daunting.
Among the aspects to consider include the following:
1. Quality of Materials
The material you choose will determine how long you enjoy your shower panel. Most good shower panels are made of stainless steel, aluminum, or tampered glass. All these materials withstand harsh conditions such as hard water or even generally damp conditions.
Some shower panels may have different materials for different parts. Ensure that yours has the very best materials for durability and beauty. The material should also be easy when you clean your shower panel.
2. Size of the Shower Panel
The size of the shower panel will determine how much of it you enjoy and if it’ll fit into your bathroom. With the largest shower panel about 66 inches tall and the smallest at about 35 inches, finding the right one for your bathroom is important.
For a large bathroom, you can easily get the largest shower panel with the advantage of covering more of your body. If your bathroom is average in size, get one that can fit without getting crammed.
3. Water Pressure Required
Shower panels tend to be very sensitive to water pressure, with the typical range for optimal use being 28-70 PSI. Anything lower than that, and most panels will not have enough pressure to project the water from the jets to provide the needed feeling.
The body massage function relies on having water at high pressure, and low pressure from the inlet makes it impossible to work. Also, shower panels have lots of nozzles, so they need the high pressure kept constant.
The shower panels reviewed here all fall within this pressure range and will thus work with most homes. If you’re not sure about your water’s pressure level, ask your plumber or get a pressure gauge.
4. Number and Position of Jet Nozzles
The number and position of the jet nozzles will greatly determine the experience you get for the panel. Most shower panels have an overhead shower, side water jets, a handheld shower, and a spout.
For the best experience, you’ll need them to be more per set to cover as much of the body as possible. The overhead one needs to be large enough to cover your body. It can be adjustable since the fixed ones still provide a great experience.
5. Ease of Installation and Use
The best shower panel should be easy to install and use. It would be a waste to have a great shower panel that requires an expert to install. Other shower panels may require tampering with your bathroom wall to install them, which is a major letdown as it costs much more than the shower panel itself.
As for ease of use, the location of the control knobs and the height of the shower panel should be highly considered. Knobs that face you and those on the side are the easiest to use.
The options on our list above are easy to install all by yourself as they have the parts ready to use. You only need to connect them to your home’s water inlet to work. Knowing how to install a shower panel will save you a lot, as it eliminates the need for a plumber.
6. Spray Modes and Patterns
Shower panels have many different water spray modes that may work independently or simultaneously, depending on your panel. These offer you various ways to enjoy the shower and should be a priority when choosing your panel. The higher the number of modes, the better the panel.
7. Temperature Control
While most of the panels on our list have temperature display panels and others don’t, one of the constant features to have is the thermostat. This controls the temperature of the water at a given temperature to avoid scalding.
8. Warranty
The length of the warranty given to any product is usually the level of confidence the manufacturer has in their product. As such, the longer the warranty, the better the quality.
With shower panels, a year or two of warranty is a good indication of the quality. If you find one with less than a year of warranty, don’t buy it. However, as shower panels aren’t movable parts, they last long after the warranty has expired.
A warranty mainly helps you get repairs and replacements done to your shower panel when damaged within the stated conditions.
Another consideration closely related to the warranty is that of the brand name. You’re better off going for a known brand as you’ll easily get solutions to your problems. Spare parts and solutions from online forums will be easily found when dealing with known brands.
9. Extras
The extra features to look for include the temperature display panel, LED lights illuminating the water, anti-clog nozzles, bath fillers, and hydroelectricity generation. Most of these features can be foregone, but, if you can have them on your shower panel, it’s a great advantage.
Getting a shower panel is a major upgrade for your bathroom and yourself, given its many benefits. Once you use one, you’ll rarely enjoy a normal shower. As long as you clean the shower panel each time you clean the shower stall, you won’t have any issues. The shower panels on our list above are the best on the market, given their features and pricing points.