A two-handle shower faucet genuinely offers a classic aesthetic and precise, independent control over your water temperature.
In fact, the best two-handle shower faucet is fundamentally crucial for achieving a specific design, from traditional vintage to high-tech modern.
5 Best 2 Handle Shower Faucets
1. Best Overall: Moen Weymouth Two-Handle Cross Handle Shower Faucet
- From Moen’s luxurious Weymouth collection, this faucet embodies a high-end, traditional style.
- Specifically, it features two beautiful, vintage-style cross handles for hot and cold water.
- Consequently, it provides a stunning and authentic focal point for a classic or Victorian-era bathroom.
- The manufacturer built this trim to work with Moen’s reliable M-Pact common valve system.
- Actively this provides a durable, high-quality foundation for the faucet.
- Furthermore, the system uses two separate handles for precise, independent control over temperature.
- The manufacturer constructed the trim pieces from solid metal for a durable, premium feel.
- In addition, the collection includes a large, elegant rainshower head for a luxurious spray.
- This faucet is ideal for homeowners creating a truly traditional, high-end bathroom.
- Moreover, it is perfect for users who love the classic look and tactile feel of cross handles.
- People know it for its ornate, traditional beauty and its exceptional build quality.
- In conclusion, it represents the best overall choice for a classic, high-quality two-handle shower.
2. Best Thermostatic System: Kohler Artifacts Thermostatic Shower Valve Trim
- From Kohler’s beautiful, vintage-inspired Artifacts collection, this system offers modern precision.
- In particular, it features two separate handles that operate a single thermostatic valve.
- One handle, for instance, sets and maintains a precise water temperature.
- The other handle, in contrast, controls the water volume, turning it on and off.
- As a result, you can “set it and forget it,” enjoying your perfect temperature every shower.
- Actively this is the most advanced and safest way to control your shower temperature.
- Furthermore, you must pair this trim with Kohler’s K-2971-K thermostatic valve.
- Kohler also engineered the system with a high-temperature limit stop for anti-scald protection.
- The faucet is ideal for high-end master bathrooms where precise temperature control is desired.
- Also, it is perfect for households with children or elderly users, thanks to its safety features.
- People know it for its beautiful vintage styling and its modern, high-tech thermostatic performance.
- Ultimately, it represents the best choice for combining classic looks with precise temperature control.
3. Best Modern Design: Delta Faucet Stryke Two-Handle Shower Trim
- From Delta’s Stryke collection, this faucet showcases a confident, modern aesthetic.
- Specifically, it features two sleek, separate lever handles and a clean, geometric trim plate.
- Consequently, its sharp lines and minimalist feel are a perfect fit for a contemporary bathroom.
- The manufacturer designed this trim for Delta’s MultiChoice® Universal Valve with a 3-setting diverter.
- Actively this allows you to operate two different shower components, like a showerhead and a hand shower.
- The top handle, for example, diverts the water between the different spray outlets.
- The bottom handle, in contrast, controls both the volume and the temperature of the water.
- Furthermore, it uses a Monitor® pressure-balanced valve to protect against sudden temperature changes.
- This faucet is ideal for modern bathrooms that feature multiple spray outlets.
- In addition, it is perfect for users who want a clean, integrated way to control their custom shower.
- People know it for its striking modern design and its multi-function diverter capabilities.
- In the end, it represents a sleek and highly functional choice for a modern multi-head shower.
4. Best Exposed Pipe System: Kingston Brass Vintage Wall Mount Shower Faucet
- From Kingston Brass, this brand specializes in high-quality, traditional brass fixtures.
- In particular, this faucet features a classic, exposed-pipe design with a rainfall shower head.
- As a result, it creates an authentic vintage, rustic, or industrial-style focal point in the bathroom.
- The manufacturer constructed the entire faucet from solid brass for maximum durability.
- Actively this ensures a lifetime of reliable, heavy-duty performance.
- The system uses two separate wheel-style handles for hot and cold water, mounted on the exposed pipe.
- Furthermore, it includes an integrated handheld sprayer for added convenience and flexibility.
- The spout also includes a diverter, so you can use it as a tub filler as well.
- This faucet is ideal for clawfoot tub conversions or industrial-style walk-in showers.
- Also, it is perfect for users who want a durable, all-in-one, vintage-style fixture.
- People know it for its authentic traditional design and its solid, heavy-duty construction.
- Ultimately, it represents the best choice for achieving an authentic, exposed-pipe shower look.
5. Best High-Tech System: Grohe Grohtherm SmartControl Thermostatic Trim
- From Grohe, this German brand is a leader in innovative, high-tech bathroom controls.
- Specifically, this faucet redefines the “two-handle” concept with its SmartControl push-button system.
- It features a large dial to set the temperature and separate push-buttons to control volume.
- Consequently, it provides a sleek, intuitive, and highly modern way to operate your shower.
- Actively you can operate multiple outlets (like a showerhead and a hand shower) at the same time.
- The manufacturer engineered it with Grohe’s TurboStat® thermostatic technology.
- This, in effect, reacts to pressure changes in half a second to prevent scalding.
- Furthermore, the markings on the controls are simple and easy to understand.
- This system is ideal for ultra-modern, high-tech, or minimalist luxury bathrooms.
- In addition, it is perfect for users who want the most advanced and precise control over their custom shower.
- People know it for its innovative push-button design and its lightning-fast thermostatic valve.
- In conclusion, it represents the future of shower control in a sleek, two-handle format.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best 2-handle shower faucet genuinely means deciding between a classic feel and modern, precise control; consequently, you must first understand the different valve technologies available.
Understanding 2-Handle Systems: Classic vs. Thermostatic
First of all, not all two-handle systems work the same way.
Classic Two-Handle System: This is the traditional setup. You have two separate handles, one for hot water and one for cold, and you mix them to find your desired temperature. This system uses two separate valves (or a single valve body with two cartridges). In short, it offers simple, robust control but does not automatically protect against pressure changes.
Thermostatic Two-Handle System: Indeed, this is the modern, high-end approach. The system uses a single, advanced thermostatic valve inside the wall. One handle on the outside controls the precise temperature, which you can often “set and forget.” The second handle then controls the water volume or diverts the water to different outlets (like a hand shower or body jets). Therefore, this is the safest and most convenient type of two-handle system.
The Heart of the System: The Rough-In Valve
Furthermore, just like with single-handle faucets, the most important part of your shower is the rough-in valve that you or your plumber installs inside the wall. The beautiful handles you see are just the “trim.” For this reason, you must ensure that the trim kit you buy is compatible with the specific rough-in valve from the same manufacturer.
A Matter of Style
In addition, two-handle faucets offer a wide range of styles. Traditional cross handles or porcelain levers, for example, are perfect for a vintage or farmhouse look. In contrast, sleek, minimalist levers or geometric knobs are ideal for a modern or contemporary bathroom. The symmetrical, two-handle layout provides a classic, balanced look that many people find very appealing.
Evaluating Showerhead and Accessory Options
Finally, many two-handle shower systems, especially thermostatic ones, are designed to control multiple water outlets. Consequently, you can often pair them with a luxurious rain shower head, a versatile handheld sprayer, and even invigorating body jets to create a complete, spa-like custom shower experience.
Tips
You Must Use a Compatible Rough-In Valve
First and foremost, you must purchase the specific rough-in valve that the manufacturer requires for your chosen two-handle trim kit; consequently, this is the only way to ensure a proper fit and a leak-free, functional shower.
You Should Consider a Thermostatic Valve for Safety
For the best possible safety and comfort, you should invest in a thermostatic two-handle system; consequently, its ability to maintain a precise temperature, even when other water is used in the house, provides the ultimate peace of mind.
You Need to Plan Your Plumbing for Multiple Outlets
If you are choosing a system with multiple handles for a showerhead and a hand sprayer, you must plan your in-wall plumbing accordingly; consequently, you should discuss your plans with your plumber early in the renovation process.
You Can Achieve a Classic Look with Modern Safety
If you love the look of a vintage two-handle faucet but want modern safety, you have options; for example, you can choose a thermostatic system with a traditional trim kit, like the Kohler Artifacts model.
You Should Always Check for Included Components
When you buy a complete system, like an exposed pipe faucet, you should check to see what is included; consequently, many of these kits provide the valve, trim, shower arm, and showerhead all in one convenient package.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Brand | Valve Type | Key Feature | Best For |
| 1. Moen Weymouth | Moen | Two-Handle | Classic Cross Handles | A High-End, Traditional Look |
| 2. Kohler Artifacts | Kohler | Thermostatic | Precise Temperature Control | Vintage Style, Modern Tech |
| 3. Delta Stryke | Delta | Pressure-Balanced with Diverter | Multi-Function Diverter Control | A Modern Multi-Head Shower |
| 4. Kingston Brass Vintage | Kingston Brass | Two-Handle | Exposed Pipe, All-in-One Design | An Authentic Vintage Look |
| 5. Grohe Grohtherm | Grohe | Thermostatic with Push-Button | Push-Button Smart Control | A High-Tech, Custom Shower |
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FAQ
Q: Are two-handle shower faucets better than single-handle ones? A: It is a matter of preference; specifically, two handles can offer more precise control or a more classic aesthetic.
Q: What is a thermostatic shower valve? A: It is an advanced valve that senses and controls the actual water temperature, automatically mixing hot and cold to maintain it precisely.
Q: Do I need a plumber to install a two-handle shower faucet? A: Yes, because the valve is installed inside the wall, a professional, licensed plumber is highly recommended for this job.
Q: Can I replace my single-handle shower with a two-handle one? A: Yes, you can, but it will require significant plumbing work inside your wall to change the valve configuration.
Q: What does a “diverter” handle do? A: A diverter handle allows you to direct the flow of water to different outlets, such as from your main showerhead to your handheld sprayer.
Q: Are exposed pipe shower faucets hard to maintain? A: No, they are quite durable. You simply need to clean the exterior piping just as you would the rest of the faucet.
Q: Do two-handle faucets use more water? A: No, the flow rate is determined by the showerhead, not the handles. All modern showerheads must meet water efficiency standards.
Conclusion
The 5 best 2-handle shower faucets genuinely offer a world of choice, from timeless traditional elegance to cutting-edge modern technology.
These essential fixtures, in fact, provide a precise and tactile way to control your daily shower, putting you in complete command of your comfort.
By choosing a high-quality system with a durable brass valve from a reputable brand, you are, therefore, investing in a lasting and reliable fixture.
Ultimately, a beautiful two-handle faucet is a sophisticated and functional choice that can serve as the stunning centerpiece of your entire bathroom design.