The best shower grab bars come in handy in the washrooms especially for people who need some sort of support when taking a shower or getting out of a bathtub. These accessories are designed to help the elderly and those with knees, hips, or any other injuries that can’t allow them to fully rely on their body balance during a shower.
In general, these washroom grab bars are there to prevent possible risk of injury that can arise from slips and falls. You should therefore not look at them as only useful to the mentioned group of people.
Since they come in a wide variety of styles and in different brands and models, deciding on which one to buy can be a difficult task. Here are the top shower grab bar reviews to help you make the right decision during your next buy.
Top 10 Best Shower Grab Bars
Table of Contents
1. Moen 8724 24-Inch Home Bathroom Grab Bar
Never feel worried again about safety while in the bathroom. This Moen 24-Inch Grab Bar is ideal for the shower, toilet, or bath. Its Secure Mount design makes its installation easy.
The grab bar can be mounted either horizontally, vertically, or at any angle that one pleases. It is stainless steel hence durable and reliable. The stylish grab bar has a 1.5-inch diameter that any hand size can fit and can support up to 500 lbs.
Moen 8724 is a wall-mount bar that requires drilling and permanent installation. However, the good news is that you only need some DIY knowledge for proper fitting. It is also essential to understand that this product is ADA compliant and therefore safe and secure. Plus, it’s corrosion-resistant to withstand the effects of bathroom chemicals and detergents.
2. Medline Medical Tub Rail for Bathrooms
This bathtub grab bar is undoubtedly designed to aid the elderly or after surgery guys to get in and out of the tub. The Medline Grab Bar has a multiple level hand grip that provides extra stability during entry and exit of the bathtub.
There’s also a non-slip grip that adds comfort and safety to its users. The bar adjusts to fit tubs that are 2.75 to 6.25 inches wide.
What makes this product unique is the tool-free installation. It features a crank-style locking device that attaches to the tub walls – just adjust the clamp to fit your tub wall size. This bathtub grab bar construction includes stainless steel components making it durable. There are also rubber-lined pads that protect the walls of the bathtub.
This top-notch product supports up to 250 pounds, hence it’s sturdy. The bar spans 20 inches long, an ideal choice for standard bathrooms. Plus, it features a bio-level handgrip that comes in handy to provide maximum flexibility.
3. The Changing Lifestyles Safe-er-Grip 16-Inch
Looking for one of the easiest shower grab bars to install? This is it! The Changing Lifestyle Safe-er-Grip offers easy – tool-free installation. Simply position it where desired, whether vertically or horizontally (on Freestanding tub or wall shower). Push down or apply pressure to the handle while flipping the locking latches. You’re done. Its removal is also easy.
This suction grab bar provides flexibility in the shower tub offering maximum safety. The handle has a maximum weight recommendation of 200 pounds. Compared to stainless steel bars, you get a lighter plastic construction for hassle-free installation.
The bar has a textured rubber grip for extra stability and comfort while showering. The diameter of each suction cup is 4-inches enabling them to hold firmly on the surfaces.
Changing Lifestyle Safe-er-Grip handles don’t bolt into the wall. That said, this grab bar is best suited for rented apartments. Note that for a better experience, the tiles should be 4×4 and always remember to reattach the grab bars before each use.
4. Moen 8912 Home 12-Inch Bathroom Grab Bar
If you did not like the Moen 8724 24-Inch Bathroom Grab Bar, this 12-inch could be ideal for you. Just like the 24-inch, the 12-inch also supports up to 500 lbs. This product measures 15.2 x 3 x 3.2 inches and is made of stainless steel.
Moen brand is known for producing the most reliable products in the industry. This is no different from the Moen 8912 Grab Bar. With this product, you rest assured that there will be maximum security every time you’ll be either in the shower, toilet, or tub. The handle is stylish and durable.
The bar can be mounted at any angle that you wish. For walls with tiles, always ensure that you have the right tools to drill through. The simplest way to approach this is to ask a handyman or a skilled person to help you get the work done.
If you’re not willing to install it into a stud, then you should remember to order for the secure mount anchors as they are sold separately.
5. The Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar
Apart from being used in the bathroom, this security pole is also useful in the living room and in the bedroom. What’s more interesting is that the tension-mounted design allows the user to move the product around the house without leaving any marks.
There’s no need for screws or drills. Place the pole where you need it to be then tight it with the provided wrench. The rotating curve grab bars enable you to stand or sit from any position. If you wish to install the pole permanently in your house, there are screws provided for that.
The Stander Security Pole fits ceilings between 7-10 feet high and the handle rotates 360-degrees. The grab bar has been designed to lock at every 45 degrees in eight positions to enhance safety. This grab bar has a width of 9-inches and supports up to 300 lbs. The product dimensions are 13 x 1.2 inches.
This product is made of rust-resistant zinc-plated steel and available in Iceberg white or metallic black. The grab bar can also be used as a bedside support handle or a chair standing handle.
6. Carex Suction Dual Locking Shower Grab Bar 12-Inch
Here is another suction-type grab bar shower handle. This product from Carex Health Brands is one of a kind. It is made of double locking suction cups that can be installed on any non-permeable, flat surface. The Carex grab bar helps your balance while you enter and exit the tub or shower.
It supports up to 300 lbs. There are indicators that turn green whenever the bar is properly fastened. No tools or professional installation needed. Clean the rubber discs and the surface, place it and press hard against the surface. Exert enough pressure until the indicators turn green. Flip the locks into place.
The other thing with this grab bar is that you can take it with you to any place you go. Just like the Changing Lifestyle Safe-er-Grip, the Carex grab bar is ideal for rental apartments. They can come in handy in guest or hotel rooms. The bar works better on tiles larger than 4×4. Note that the product cannot work on natural stones and dry walls.
7. Vive Suction Grab Bar
This 16-inches grab bar is ideal for the first time users, you can easily reposition as you experiment. It is also easy to install as it doesn’t require any special tools. Just like the Carex grab bar, Vive has a color indicator on each latch that will turn green when the grab is fastened well and ready for use. The grab bar is sturdy and secure and works perfectly on any non-porous flat surface including the metallic surface.
When it comes to comfort, the Vive grab bar handle has a contoured rubber that provides a non-slip grip for any type of hands. The handle also has a mechanism that enables easy adjustments on the tub or shower. The bar supports up to 300 pounds and can be installed at any angle that you please.
However, ensure to adhere to the installation guide to prevent the handle from falling off or harm the surface. It is advisable that the product is removed and reapplied after every week to enhance safety.
8. Drive Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Grab Bar
Just like the Medline Grab Bar, the Drive Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Grab Bar is designed to fit about any style of bathtub. The rail is easy to install; actually, it’s a tool-free installation product.
The handle height adjusts from 14-inches to 17-inches to provide stability. The clamp adjusts between 3-inches and 7-inches. This is a bathtub only grab bar. Unfortunately, it is not for use on fiberglass tubs.
The grab bar is constructed with powder-coated steel and like many other similar products, it supports up to 300 lbs. The grab bar contact points with the bathtub have rubber pads that prevent scratching of the tubs. This is an essential product for those who badly need assistance getting in and out of the tub.
You’ll feel a lot safer in your bathroom with this Drive Medical grab bar. This versatile product is also easy to remove at any time without struggle.
You’ll also note that the angle of the grab is parallel to the steam shower wall. This feature enables the user to have a better grab.
9. Franklin Brass 5612 1-1/2 –Inch x 12-Inch
This stainless steel grab bar from Safety First Brand is ideal for bathroom and shower. Franklin Brass is a permanent shower grab bar that requires some DIY skills as this item requires permanent installation.
Once fitted properly, the handle is very stable during use. The safety bar has a sleek and stylish finish. Interestingly, this product provides support and stability for up to 500 pounds.
Franklin Brass grab bar is of high quality and durable. What you see is exactly what you get. The product provides maximum safety to folks who need help to get in and out of the shower. People with poor balance have also found this product very useful. This crafted item is just perfect for nearly any decor. It also satisfies ADA standards.
Although this grab bar requires installation and stays in a static fixture, its effectiveness is way better than its counterparts. How roughly you give it a try if you’re looking for something that’s not complicated but does precisely what it’s meant to do?
10. AquaSense Knurled Chrome Grab Bar
An AquaSense 19-inch grab bar can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. This handle is used to provide extra support in the bathroom and to prevent unnecessary accidents.
The materials used to construct this grab bar are stainless steel and rust-resistant. It is ideal for the shower, tub, or toilet. The rotating flange makes its installation in any of the three places very easy.
This product will not only aid you to get in and out of the shower but also provide extra security. With items installed in your bathroom, toilet, or along with your alcove bathtub, you’ll always have peace while in those areas. The bar doesn’t have a clear weight capacity hence be careful not to put all your body weight on it. The textured area improves grip that makes using this grab bar very comfortable.
Just like the Franklin Brass and other similar grab bars, the AquaSense Knurled is installed with screws. You can pivot the ends of the bar so that the holes line up with grout lines if you are installing over tiles.
Best Shower Grab Bar Buying Guide
There’s more to the best grab bars than just a hefty price tag. After all, a hefty price tag doesn’t always guarantee better performance, does it? There other key pointers you need to factor in to make an informed buying decision.
Length
Shower grab bars come in different lengths, with the most spanning 12, 18, 24, 32, or 42 inches. To most homeowners, the length is a personal preference. However, you need to ensure that the length you select fits your shower or bath area.
Diameter
Just like length, width is also based on personal preference. The most common diameter sizes are 1.25 and 1.5 inches. Your choice will be affected by your hand size. Women mostly prefer the small 1.25-inch size while men find the 1.5-inch size more comfortable.
Finish and Style
Go for something that matches your décor and other fixtures. Depending on where you’d wish to install your grab bar, it is good to consider features such as telescoping and pivoting. You’ll find adjustable lengths on telescoping grab bars. Pivoting grab bars make angling from wall-to-wall or tub-to-wall from convenient by the aid of the pivots.
Installation Type
This is something that should be very clear in your head as you go shopping for one. There are two types: Mounted Grab Bars vs. Suction Grab Bars.
For mounted grab bars, drilling holes and hardware installation is required. If you’re not willing to drill any holes or you’re living in a rented apartment, then they might not be ideal for you.
On the other hand, suction grab bars have large suction plastic cups and do not require drilling of holes to install them. They’re also portable and therefore popular in many homes.
Material
The material used to construct the grab bar should also be of concern to you. Stainless steel and sturdy plastic give maximum support and excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. Be wise when making your choice especially depending on where you’d wish to install your grab bar.
Weight Capacity
It is advisable to choose a grab bar that meets ADA requirements. That is, at least 250 lbs. Grab bars with secure mount anchors usually have a 500 lbs. weight-pull capacity. The best choice would be one that can accommodate the pull-weight of just anybody.
Grip Surface
Always consider a grab bar with a textured surface that will provide a better grip in a wet bath or shower environment.
FAQ:
Q: Where is the best place to put grab bars in the shower?
Ans: For a vertical grab bar, it should be installed at the shower entrance. Horizontal bars, on the other hand, should be installed along the longest wall such that it sits perpendicular to the wall.
Q: What is the standard height for a shower grab bar?
Ans: Best practices dictate that shower grab bars sit 33-36 above the ground.
Final Verdict
Whether you’re aged, handicap, injured or physically fit, grab bars in your washroom, toilet, or bathtub are essential tools that provide extra safety. If at one point in life you might consider purchasing one, then your best shower grab bars choice should be in line with our buying guide above. For portable grab bars, the suctions types will be excellent for you. If you prefer permanent grab bars, then the mounted grab bars will do the trick.
Always remember that fitting the right grab bar that matches your preferences is the best idea. All shower grab bars we have reviewed in this article are unique and the best in their own ways. So, which one works best for you?