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Best Grab Bars For Showers
Updated:
Jul 16, 2022
Best Grab Bars For Showers
According to the Center for Disease Control one in four senior citizens falls every year. Combining water and tile or linoleum in a bathroom can create a slick surface and increase that likelihood. Aging can cause us to be weaker and more unsteady on our feet, so it’s important, to protect yourself in the bathroom. Below is a list of what we consider the best grab bars to help keep you stable and on your feet.
How We Found the Best Grab Bars for Showers
30 Products Considered
11 Hours of Research
6 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks
Products carousel
Grab Bars For Showers We Reviewed:
- Sumnacon Bath Grab Bar With Anti-Slip Grip
- Stander Security Pole And Curved Grab Bar
- Vive Grab Bar Suction Shower Handle
- Moen LR2356DCH Grab Bar With Shelf
- FLG Bathroom Shower Bath Grab Bar
- HealthSmart Textured Steel Grab Bar For Bath And Shower
Best Basic
Sumnacon 16 Inch Bath Grab Bar with Anti-Slip Grip, Sturdy Stainless Steel Shower Safety Handle
Features and Specifications
- Life Savers – Safety Is Affordable for Loved Ones. Install the handle and you have a safer bath or shower.The non slip knurled surfaces on middle is superior for safety when you have soapy hands and need to steady yourself. Would recommend these to anyone…
- MULTI-PURPOSE: Not only apply to use as Bath Grab Bar, but also can hold clothing,towel and so on. Not just for bathroom or shower use! Also can use these grab bars as an inexpensive and simple solution for basement and attic stairway handrail…
- EASY TO INSTALL – Our grab bar featuring a convenient design, it come with the mounting screws for easy to install.The design allows for easy, secure installation at any angle. Installation is everything, so take your time and make sure you are going into…
- STURDY AND ATTRACTIVE – Grab bar is made of sturdy stainless steel construction, it features a corrosion-resistant finish to ensure lasting performance and blends seamlessly with almost any interior décor. Stylish end covers conceal the mounting hardware…
- Add more security for your family, while take a shower or go to bathroom,for the old,the children and the pregnant have a good balance effect,to prevent slipping, falling down,and have great support role for everyone.
Pros
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Sturdy and secure
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Slightly textures for better grip
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Wall mounts to hide screws
Cons
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Requires drill and screw installation
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Limited color options
The Sumnacon 16-Inch Bath Grab Bar with Anti-Slip Grip is an excellent basic model for anyone needing a grab bar in the shower, tub, next to the toilet or near steps. The bar screws into the wall making it sturdy and reliable but it is affordable enough it can fit into most budgets. The bar is made of stainless steel but has a textured grip to ensure your hand doesn’t slip off when it gets wet. It also comes in a 12-inch version, for bathrooms with smaller wall space.
Our Verdict
No-frills, sturdy stainless-steel design
Best High-End
Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar, Elderly Tension Mounted Floor to Ceiling Transfer Pole
Features and Specifications
- Prevent Falls: The Security Pole provides safety and stability when standing and sitting, stepping over bathtub or shower ledges, or getting into bed; the curved grab bar rotates and locks into position every 45 degrees; supports up to 300 pounds
- Height Adjustable and Tension Mounted: Adjust the floor to ceiling transfer pole to fit flat ceilings measuring from 7 to 10 feet tall; the included rubber pads protect both your ceiling and floor from damage
- Versatile: Use as a bathroom grab bar, chair standing rail, wheelchair transfer pole, or as a bedside support handle; the unique grab bar has a ladder-like design with 4 different hand grips, allowing the user to stand with a natural hand-over-hand motion
- Durable and Modern Design: Replace bulky toilet rails and protruding handrails with our slim, multipurpose pole; the mobility pole can be installed in any room without permanently altering your home, no wall mounts or screws needed
- High Quality and Easy to Assemble: Easily assemble and securely install the Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar within minutes; each pole includes all the needed equipment for assembly, no additional tools required
Pros
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Excellent user ratings
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Adjustable height
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Rust-resistant
Cons
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Cost
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Limited weight capacity
The Stander Security Pole and Curved Grab Bar is ideal for the shower but can be used in any area of your bathroom or home. The bar doesn’t require any drilling for installation. It uses tension mounts to secure to the ceiling and the floor. If you decide you want it to be more permanent or more secure, it does come with screw for easy installation. The bar has a pivoting curve grab bar in the middle of it that moves and locks every 45 degrees to make maneuvering around easier. You can also grab above or below the curved grab bar if you want to hold onto something that doesn’t move.
Our Verdict
Floor-to-ceiling pole with ladder grip is durable and versatile.
Best Suction
Vive Grab Bar – Suction Shower Handle – Bathroom Balance Bar – Safety Hand Rail Support for Tub
Price not available
Features and Specifications
- PLEASE NOTE: This is a suction cup device and this device will not work on a porous surface such as fiberglass. The device must be applied to smooth, flat, non-porous surfaces. It CANNOT be applied over grout lines and will not work on textured surfaces….
- STURDY AND SECURE: Strong suction cup design only works on any non-porous, flat surface, including tile, glass, acrylic and metal. Provides a little extra stability when entering and exiting the tub or shower
- SIMPLE TOOL-FREE INSTALLATION: Grab bar is easy to install or remove from the tub or shower walls with locking latches to secure bar in place. For additional convenience, each latch has a color indicator for ensuring a safe and secure installation. A…
- COMFORTABLE, NON SLIP GRIP: Textured, contoured rubber provides a comfortable non slip grip, perfect for the injured, elderly and toddlers. The underside of the handle features molded finger grips for additional safety and security. Space created by…
- EASY TO ADJUST POSITION ON TUB OR SHOWER: Lift tabs allow the grab bar to be repositioned easily. Adjust the height on the shower wall, change to the side of the tub and even take it with you when traveling for a safe bath or shower anywhere. The grab bar…
Pros
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Textured grips for added anti-slip grip
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Color indicator notes secure installation
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Easy to travel with
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No hardware needed
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Easy to install
Cons
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Less secure than screw-installed versions
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Won’t attach to every surface
The Vive Grab Bar Suction Shower Handle is ideal for those who do not need to apply their full body weight to a bar, but just want a bit of added support. This budget-friendly shower bar attaches easily to the wall with suction cups and has an indicator color (green when secured, red when it’s not) to show you’ve suctioned it to the wall properly. We like that the curved bar has a textured grip to keep your hand from slipping and has plenty of clearance from the wall to give you enough room for your hand to wrap around it. For it to work properly, you will need a non-porous surface in the area you’re planning to install it. Shower tiles need to be at least four inches large or a flat because it won’t stick to seams or grout.
Our Verdict
Moveable bar with a non-slip curved handle
Best With A Shelf
Moen Chrome Bathroom Safety 16-Inch Screw-in Curved Shower Grab Bar with Built-in Shelf for Storage, LR2356DCH
Features and Specifications
- SUPPORTIVE DESIGN: Bathroom grab bar supports up to 500 lbs when installed in a stud or when using SecureMounts (not included)
- PEACE-OF-MIND: The shower grab bar with basket is designed for hassle-free installation
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Chrome finish is highly reflective for a mirror-like look that works with any decorating style
- SAFE AND SECURE: Optional SecureMount design for easy, secure installation (sold separately)
- SIZE: The shower bars safety basket has a 16-inch bar length, 1-Inch Diameter
Pros
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Convenient shelf for lightweight shower items
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Corrosion and rust resistant
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Available in multiple sizes and finishes
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Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
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Requires tools for installation
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Limited weight capacity
The Moen LR2356DCH 16-Inch Grab Bar with Shelf doubles as a bar and a shelf which can save space in small bathrooms. The tray is removable, so it can be taken out and cleaned. This shower bar is made from stainless steel, so it won’t corrode or rust. It screws directly into the wall and can mount at any angle.
Our Verdict
Multi-purpose for safety and storage
Best Heavy Duty
FLG Bathroom Shower Bath Grab Bar, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Price not available
Features and Specifications
- 19.5 inch bathroom anti-skid grab bar, every family essential.
- Safety meets sophistication with these heavy-duty grab bars.
- Durable solid brass construction in an old world bronze finish that creates antiqued look.
- Concealed screw mounting,easy installation.
- If you have any questions, please do not easily refund, try to send us an email.Thanks for understanding!
Pros
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Rust-resistant steel
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Textured grip for better grasp
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Cost
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Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
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Requires installation
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Limited color and finish options
The FLG Bathroom Shower Bath Grab Bar is a good heavy duty option. It comes in an oil-rubbed bronze finish and is made of solid brass. It’s easy to install and come with covers to hide where the screw goes into the wall. It’s nearly 20 inches long and can be mounted in any direction.
Our Verdict
The elegant finish and solid brass durability make this our favorite for a heavy-duty model.
Best Chrome
DMI Textured Grab Bars, Toilet Rail, Tub Rail, Handicap Grab Bars for Bathroom, Shower Rails
Features and Specifications
- TOILET RAIL enable you to maintain balance, lessen fatigue while standing, holding some of your weight while maneuvering.
- HANDICAPPED GRAB BARS offer a solid steel construction offering you a tight, comfortable grip and adds a nice modern look to your bathroom. The textured surface makes it easy to grab.
- TUB RAILS are built to last. This grab bar is made of high quality chrome plated knurled steel that helps ward off rust.
- SHOWER RAILS provide support for individuals getting in and out of the bathtub.
- HANDICAP TOILET HANDLES size 16″”, bar diameter 1″”, 3 1/2″” distance from wall.
Pros
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High-polish chrome finish.
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Outstanding user ratings.
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Rust-resistant steel construction.
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Textured grip for slippery showers.
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Extremely budget-friendly.
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Limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
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Requires installation.
The HealthSmart Textured Steel Grab Bar for Bath and Shower is an outstanding value for a high-shine chrome finish and extremely sturdy bar. With corrosion-resistant steel construction and secure, screw-in wall mount, this is a reliable and safe shower bar. We like that it offers the highly-polished surface, yet also has added grip with a texturized central portion. It does require screws, however, if you need a shower grab bar that can handle a bit more weight, this makes for an ideal design. The extremely affordable price makes it easy to afford on anyone’s budget. This can also be used next to a commode or near stairs—anywhere a little assistance is needed. Overall, this is our favorite for a shiny, sturdy chrome shower bar.
Our Verdict
Sturdy high-shine chrome bar
What to Look for in a Shower Grab Bar
You’ll need to factor in a few points when purchasing your bathroom grab bar. Safety is a crucial matter when it comes to shower grips. Resting your weight on a bar can cause even more injury if it’s not installed correctly and comes loose. Beyond your budget, consider some of the following as you make your decision.
Weight And Mount Style
Most shower bars are not meant to carry full body weight for long periods of time. They are meant for use as an aid to pull yourself up or help you sit down. They can also be used for balance and support, but not for extended periods of supporting complete body weight. All shower bars have a weight limit capacity. Check packaging to make sure the one you are considering will support you. For the most stabile support, consider a grab bar that’s mounted into the studs of your bathroom wall. Suction cup grab bars work well for light support or travel.
Material
Most bars designed for the shower are rust and corrosion resistant. Look for shower bars made to withstand constant water and moisture. Many models these days don’t look like shower bars and can often match your other bathroom fixtures. However, if you’re still worried about the possibility of rust, or don’t like the stainless steel or aluminum options, a plastic model might be a good choice for you.
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Grip
Consider how important a textured grip is for you when selecting a shower grab bar. It may not seem imperative until you actually need to grab on quickly to steady yourself. If you have large hands, looking for a bar with a little extra clearance from the wall (over three inches) or a curved shape bar might be a good idea.
Installation Style
Suction style grab bars are very convenient for ease of installation but can come loose over shorter periods of time. Moreover, they are not designed to hold as much weight as a wall mount steel bar, for example. Suction models are ideal for travel. They also work well for those individuals who will rest very little weight on the bar and just want the extra assurance getting in and out of the shower.
Installation
A shower bar won’t do you much good if it isn’t installed correctly. With a suction model, you want to be sure the cups are correctly secured on a smooth, non-porous surface and not over any seams or grout. Check the suction cups often to make sure they haven’t come loose or are developing mold. With a drill and screw installation, follow the instructions and make sure you’re using the correct tools for tile, mounting them on wall studs if possible, and drilling holes to the proper size. Always give bars a “yank test” first to make sure they installed correctly and can hold your weight.
Other Safety Measures
Picking the right grab bar is one of the best moves you can take to make your bathroom a safer place. But there are other steps you can take to make the area safer. Consider putting down non-slip, textured stickers or mats in the bottom of your tub or shower. This will allow you to maintain your balance and make the area around your feet not as slippery. The combination of water, shampoo, conditioner or soap can create a falling hazard in the bottom of the tub. Don’t choose bath mats or rugs that move easily or roll up on the edges. This can cause you to fall even your feet are dry.
Selecting Your Shower Grab Bar
Once you’ve decided that a bathroom grab bar is right for you, your budget and personal preference will be the next consideration. Whatever grab bar you choose, you want to make sure it functions in the way you need to and provides the stability and support you desire. The right choice can help you remain independent for even longer.
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