The Best Shower Bar - 2021
We looked at the top 10 Shower Bars and dug through the reviews from 14 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Shower Bars.
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Our Picks For The Top Shower Bars
- The Best Shower Bar
- 1. Moen R8918 Stainless Bathroom Shower Bar
- 2. Vive Stainless Metal Shower Bar
- 3. Vaunn Adjustable Safety Rail Shower Bar Handle
- 4. Franklin Brass 5616 Stainless Safety Shower Bar
- 5. OXO Good Grips StrongHold Suction Shower Bar
- 6. Moen 8732 Stainless Bathroom Shower Grab Bar
- 7. AmeriLuck Stainless Bath & Shower Bar, 2-Pack
- 8. ELLO&ALLO Bathroom Shower Grab Bar
- 9. Carex Suction Shower Grab Bar
- 10. Safe-er-Grip Suction Bath & Shower Bar Handle
Textured Slip-Resistant FinishThis durable shower bar has added grip so your hands won’t slip when you hold on to it.
Versatile Installation OptionsThis shower bar can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on your needs.
Ambidextrous DesignThis lightweight and portable rail works for both right- and left-handed users.
Stainless Steel BuildThis shower bar meets all safety requirements for use in the bathroom.
Why we recommend these shower bars?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 10 Shower Bars and also dug through the reviews from 14 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Shower Bars.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Moen R8918 Stainless Bathroom Shower Bar
Our Take
This sturdy shower bar can support up to 500 pounds of weight when it’s installed on a stud. The textured finish surface hands won’t slip, and the stainless finish is reflective to look like a mirror so it blends with any décor.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Vive Stainless Metal Shower Bar
Our Take
This useful bar can be installed in different ways to fit your bathroom. It’s made from strong stainless steel that is corrosion resistant. This bar can support up to 440 pounds.
Our Shower Bar Findings
Moen R8918 Stainless Bathroom Shower Bar
What We Liked: This sturdy shower bar can support up to 500 pounds of weight when it’s installed on a stud. The textured finish surface hands won’t slip, and the stainless finish is reflective to look like a mirror so it blends with any décor.
Vive Stainless Metal Shower Bar
What We Liked: This useful bar can be installed in different ways to fit your bathroom. It’s made from strong stainless steel that is corrosion resistant. This bar can support up to 440 pounds.
Vaunn Adjustable Safety Rail Shower Bar Handle
What We Liked: Get a firm grip on this heavy-duty, one-piece steel frame. The adjustable clamp can fit on any tub wall. With a powder coated white stainless steel finish, this grab bar works with any bathroom décor.
Franklin Brass 5616 Stainless Safety Shower Bar
What We Liked: This heavy-duty grab bar provides extra security against slips and falls in the bath or shower. It can accommodate up to 500 pounds of pull force. It’s made with stainless steel for long-lasting strength.
OXO Good Grips StrongHold Suction Shower Bar
What We Liked: Get easy installation with this suction grab bar. It can be used on smooth glazed surfaces, mirrors or glass. The bar is non-slip so you don’t need to worry about hands sliding when wet.
Our Shower Bar Buying Guide
A shower bar, also known as a grab bar, is an extra handle that is installed in the bath or shower to prevent people from slipping and falling. They are usually made from a rust-free metal, and can be of varying lengths.
While commonly used to help seniors find stability on slippery bath surfaces, shower bars are also useful for adults and children. In fact, over 230,000 bathroom falls happen every year for people over 15 years old. In order to prevent unnecessary accidents, it’s critical to have a shower bar in place in your bathtub or shower.
Getting out of the bathtub can be difficult when you’re on a wet surface. Typically, bathtub sides are around 18 inches high, so it requires you to take a big step over. Shower stalls usually have a lip of around five inches, which can be easy to miss and trip over. If your balance isn’t good, or if you’re unsteady on a wet, soapy surface, having something helpful to grab on to can save you from injury.
When installing your shower bar, it’s vital to find the right place to put it up. A shower bar needs to be mounted onto a wall stud, otherwise it will not provide the stability and security you need. Ask a family member to stand in the bath or shower and climb out, so you can watch their hand placement. This will give you a good idea of where the shower bar needs to be mounted.
DWYM Fun Fact
A shower bar’s key benefit is that helps to prevent slips and falls. However, did you know that there are additional benefits that come with this simple gadget? Often, when seniors or other people with balance issues are afraid of falling in the bath or shower, they tend to avoid it altogether. This poor hygiene can actually lead to other issues such as skin infections. Installing a shower bar helps to dodge this issue. Similarly, those who are nervous about a slip and fall in the bathroom feel as though they have lost their independence when they need to ask for help. Providing a shower bar helps them to regain their confidence and maintain a quality of life they’re used to.
The Shower Bar Tips and Advice
- Opt for a shower bar that is made from stainless steel or other metal that will not corrode from the water. This will ensure you don’t need to replace your shower bar frequently.
- Shower bars come in multiple lengths, with 18 inches being a common offering. You can also find shower bars that are as long as 24 inches. Take a look at your space to see what you can accommodate, and be sure to install it in the correct position to maximize effectiveness. Usually, shower bars are around 1 ½ inch in diameter, so it’s easy to hold regardless of age. If you’re going to mount the shower bar horizontally, then you’ll need to get a longer one around 32 inches.
- Be wary of shower bars that leave a lot of space between the wall and the bar. If it sticks out too far, it can be hazardous as you can bump into it.
- Consider the surface of the shower bar and how textured it is. It’s important for the surface to be slip resistant so that when you’re holding on to it with wet hands, you don’t slide off. Choose a shower bar with a textured finish or one that is designed to be slip-resistant.
- It’s important to know the weight accommodation of the shower bar before you buy. If you mount one that cannot accommodate the weight of the person holding on to it, it could cause injuries. You can find shower bars with large pull forces, such as those that can manage 500 pounds.
- Consider the installation process and instructions. Review to make sure the hardware you need is included with the shower bar. In some cases, the materials for secure installation are sold separately. Before you purchase one, you’ll also want to make sure there is a wall stud in your bathroom which you can mount the bar on.
- If the aesthetics of the bar are important, look for one that has a concealed mount, so you don’t need to look at any screw holes or mounting hardware.
About The Author
Anam Ahmed is a professional copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting and business for over 10 years. As a homeowner and avid gardener, she values finding the best products to make people's lives easier. Anam earned a master's degree from the University of Toronto and a bachelor's degree from Queen's University.