8 Best Shower Standing Handles for 2023

Physical imbalance is a part of old age which can affect your day-to-day activities. Taking a walk or doing routine work can become difficult because of the imbalance. Getting into and out of the shower increases the risk of falling. A shower standing handle reduces the risk of falling while getting in and out of the shower. 

What is a shower standing handle?  

A shower standing handle or shower grab bars are metal devices fitted to the shower wall. They are available in different sizes and designs to suit the customers' varying requirements. Apart from grab bars for showers, you can also fit toilet or bathtub grab bars to reduce the risk of falling. 

Once installed correctly, you can hold the bar tightly and get in and out of the shower. Thus, you need not depend on others for your daily activities. Apart from the elderly, pregnant women also find it useful while getting in and out of the shower. 

What are the things to consider while purchasing a shower standing handle?

Different types and varieties of shower safety bars are available in the market. Thus, you should select one that suits your requirements. It would be best to consider the factors below before purchasing shower standing handles. 

The first thing to consider is the length of the grab bar. The length depends on where you want to install the bar. Do you want to install it inside the bathtub to easily get in and out? Or do you want to fix it on the wall to get into the bathtub? The best way to find the desired length is to measure the space where you want to install it. 

The most common material used for grab bars for showers is stainless steel. Plastic grab bars are also available at a lesser rate. You can select one depending on your budget. But it is always best to go for a material with an antimicrobial coating that is easy to clean. 

A shower standing handle is meant to withstand your body weight. Thus, you should check the capacity of the handle before purchasing one. Most handles can withstand 150 to 300 pounds of weight. But if you are a heavy person or want more capacity, you should check that out. 

Grab handles are available in different styles and finishes. The one you select should blend with the overall decor of the bathroom. E.g., if you have a contemporary style bathroom, you should go for a handle bar in chrome finish as chrome blends well with contemporary designs.

You can install shower bars in different ways. Shower grab bars suction is the cheapest variety. You can go for the suction type if you want a temporary handle. Adhesives are also easy to install and are effective in wet areas. The screw-in shower bars are the best, as it is installed permanently. But this type might require some additional hardware for mounting. 

Which are the best shower standing handles for 2023?

Screw-in type

You can use this 16-inch long stainless steel grab bar in the toilet and bathtub. It is available in various finishes like white, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and rustic matt black. The 304 stainless steel tube used for constructing the bar ensures its durability. The bar can withstand a weight of 500lbs. The anti-skid grip adds to the safety of the shower standing handle.

Features

• Dimension: 19 x 3 x 2.75 inches
• Diameter: 1.25 inches. 
• Finish: Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze
• Material: Metal

Pros

• Available in different sizes like 12, 16, 18, and 24 inches
• Available in different finishes to suit all types of decor. 
• Acts as a permanent fixture in the bathroom. 
• 100% stainless steel construction that ensures durability. 

Cons

• Installation is not very easy as the grab bar comes with various parts. 
• The grab bar is comparatively expensive.

This stainless steel grab bar is ideal for the shower, toilet or any other purpose. It is available in different sizes to suit the requirements of the customers. High-quality stainless steel and an anti-rust coating layer render strength and durability to the shower grab bar. The shower bar has a three-hole flange that is easy to install. 

Features

• Diameter: 1.25 inches. 
• Finish: Chrome
• Material: Stainless steel

Pros

• Available in different sizes like 12, 16, 24 and 32 inches
• Available in matte black, chrome and satin brushed nickel finishes. 
• 100% stainless steel construction that provides durability to the fitting. 

Cons

• A few customers complained about the grab bar not holding onto the wall. These are likely to be defective products. 

This stainless steel grab bar is highly rust-proof and has an anti-slip rubber at the centre. The upgraded anti-slip design increases the friction between your palm and the surface, thus providing more excellent grip. The grab bar has a 1.8" screw that provides a firm grip on the wall. The highlight of this grab bar is the five years replacement warranty for installation or quality problems.  

Features

• Dimension: 15.75 x 1.18 x 3.54 inches
• Diameter: 1 inch. 
• Weight: 1.83 pounds
• Finish: Chrome and black, chrome and grey
• Material: Stainless steel

Pros

• Available in different sizes.
• Available in chrome/black and chrome/grey finishes. 
• Made of 100% stainless steel and hence is highly durable. 

Cons

• Price is slightly on the higher side. 

This is an 18-inch long shower standing handle with a textured slip-resistant finish. The supportive design of the grab bar can withstand up to 500lbs of weight. The grab bar is available in 18, 24, 30, 32 and 36 inches and comes in peened, glacier and stainless steel finish. Made of high-quaity stainless steel, the grab bar is sturdy and highly durable. 

Features

• Dimension: ‎22 x 3.3 x 4.2 inches
• Diameter: 1.5 inches. 
• Weight: 1.39 pounds
• Finish: peened, glacier and stainless steel
• Material: Stainless steel

Pros

• Available in 18, 24, 30, 32, 36, 42 and 48 inches. 
• Available in three different finishes. 
• Made of high-quality stainless steel that ensures sturdiness and durability. 

Cons

• The secure mount is sold separately and not part of the product. 

Suction type

The Homekaren suction-type shower handle is designed for flat surfaces like tiles, acrylic, glass and fibreglass. The 4" anti-sliding suction cup can withstand up to 250 pounds. The main advantage of this grab bar is that it is easy to install. Thus, if you are travelling or staying in a different place temporarily, the HomeKaren suction grab bars come in handy. 

The HomeKaren grab bar comes with a free shower sponge to make your showering easier and more pleasurable. 

Features

• Package dimension: 12.17 x 6.34 x 3.82 inches
• Colour: White and black
• Material: Acrylic
• Weight: 1.39 pounds

Pros

• Made of sturdy material. 
• Very easy to install and hence ideal for travel. 
• Can support up to 250 pounds in weight. 
• Less expensive

Cons

• The suction is not effective on all types of walls. Thus, it is not ideal for long-term use. 

This is an effective suction cup grab bar that you can use on non-porous surfaces like tiles, glass and metal. The bar comes with a non-slip grip made of textured, contoured rubber. The non-toxic plastic used for making the grab bar does not pose any health hazard. 

Features

• Dimension: 16.5 x 4 x 3.75 inches
• Colour: White and grey
• Material: Plastic
• Weight: 0.9 pounds

Pros

• Rubber grip that provides safety. 
• Thick suction pad that provides better hold. 
• Can be installed at any angle. 
• It is comparatively less expensive.

Cons

• The grab bar is not effective on marble tiles and fibreglass. 
• Several customers complained about the grab bar coming off due to poor suction. 

This is a set of two grab bars that are 12 inches in size. You can fix the shower handles on any flat surface like stainless steel, fibreglass, marble and tiles. Besides the shower, you can also install it inside the bathtub, beside the toilet and on a flat and glossy wooden drawer. The shower handle is made of high-quality engineering plastic that lasts for a long. 

Features

• Dimension: 12” x 4” x 3.1”
• Colour: White and green
• Material: Engineering plastic
• Weight: 0.53 pounds

Pros

• Ideal while travelling as you can attach and reattach the shower handle. 
• Easy to reposition. 
• Less expensive when compared to other shower handles. 

Cons

• The grab bar cannot hold full body weight. 
• The tiles should be 5” x 5” or more in size to install this shower handle. 
• Available in only one colour. 

This is an easy-to-install suction grab bar that does not require any drilling or tools. You can fix and release them as needed; thus, the shower bar offers greater flexibility. The unique feature of this grab bar is the indicator on both sides that changes color. If the indicator is green, it means that the suction is perfect. A red indicator means you must release the bar and fix it again. The glazed finish of the grab bar makes it ideal for all types of interiors. 

Features

• Dimension: ‎16.7 x 4 x 3.2 inches
• Colour: White and black
• Material: Plastic
• Weight: 2.16 pounds
• Finish: Glazed

Pros

• Easy to install
• Comes with indicators in green and red that indicate the suction power. 
• Available in four colour combinations. 

Cons

• Several customers complained about the grab bar losing suction in the long run. 
• Price is comparatively on the higher side. 
• Available in only two sizes. 

FAQ

Which is the best place to put grab bars in the shower?

The best place to install a grab bar depends on whether you are fixing the bar horizontally or vertically. If installing horizontal grab bars on the wall, you should fix it 34-36 inches above the floor level. As for vertical bars, you should place them close to the shower door. For better safety, you should install 1-2 grab bars in the toilet and up to three in the shower area. 

Why should you install a grab bar at an angle?

Grab bars are installed at an angle in places where you sit. This provides enough grip for you to pull yourself up. You can install a grab bar at an angle near the bathtub or toilet so that you can pull yourself up easily. 

What is the best size for the shower standing handle?

Shower standing handles are available in a range of sizes from 12 inches to 42 inches. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the shower standing handle should be between 36 and 43 inches long. 

How much weight can a grab bar hold?

Different grab bars can hold different weights. Most grab bars should be able to hold up to 250 pounds in weight. It is always best to go for a wall-mounted shower standing handle that can hold more weight. Suction handles are not guaranteed to hold more weight and are ideal when travelling. 

Should the shower grab bars be horizontal or vertical?

Whether the grab bar is installed horizontally or vertically depends on where it is installed. Handrails fixed to get in and out of the shower should be placed vertically. Shower standing handles inside the shower are used to provide balance. Thus, you should fix them horizontally. 

Conclusion

Shower standing handles or shower grab bars are the number one choice to prevent falls while taking a shower. These grab bars provide good support when you lose balance. By strategically placing the gab bars, you can easily get in and out of the shower and even sit and get up from the bathtub without falling. 

Best Non-Slip Bath & Shower Mats for Elderly (Updated Guide)

Toilet Seat Handles For The Elderly: 8 Best Toilet Assistance Safety Frames & Rails for Seniors 2022

Elderly Toilet Seat Booster: Best Raised Toilet Seat RIsers for Seniors (2022 Update)

Bathroom Grab Bars For Seniors & Elderly: 7 Best Bathroom & Shower Grab Bars

The Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors You Have to Know

How to Find the Best Portable Toilet for the Seniors

Choosing the Proper Toilet Seat Height For Seniors Explained

Top 5 Advantages of Bedside Commodes or Senior Potty Chairs