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With its ability to deliver a soothing mist , a luxurious rainfall , a massaging flow , or a powerful rinsing , the American Standard Spectra Plus Duo shower straits uses a unique design to make one of the most attractive and versatile shower heads on the grocery today . Since this two - in - one shower head can be used in either a fixed or hand-held configuration , it can satisfy the penchant of all users .
I tested the American Standard Spectra Plus Duo along with nine other shower head as part of a larger mental testing of thebest shower headsto specify how each model performed in the categories of relaxation of initiation , coverage , weewee pressure , versatility , and durability . Once the steamy tune clear , I found that the Spectra Plus Duo is one of the right all - around compounding exhibitioner heads uncommitted .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
American Standard Spectra Plus Duo Shower Head: At a Glance
Rating:9/10
SPECS
PROS
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
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Get the American Standard Spectra Plus Duo ( monetary value may vary based on finish ):
What is the American Standard Spectra Plus Duo shower head?
The American Standard Spectra Plus Duo shower head is a combining theoretical account with a novel design . A detachable 9.5 - in hand-held whole attaches via a magnet to the midsection of a formal fixed shower head . The fixate shower bath head then mounts to the shower spigot .
An AquaToggle button system on the hand-held unit of measurement allow the user to cycle through each of the four spray patterns , while a boat paddle - expressive style diverter on the fixed exhibitioner head alternate the atomizer between both shower heads and the handheld unit only .
Spray patterns admit a drenching nebulizer that provide maximum coverage , a mist spray that is blue on sensitive skin , a pulsating massage flow to soothe mad muscle , and a power wash for in force all - over cleaning .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
TheSpectra Plus Duo cascade headis available in six finishes to match a form of bathroom decor : brush cool sunrise , brushed atomic number 28 , polished nickel , dressed chrome , bequest bronze , and matte black .
Installing the Spectra Plus Duo
As with all combining modeling , the hoses that connect the two while make installing the Spectra Plus Duo shower head a bit more involved than for a conventional fixed manikin . That said , I found the induction to be easygoing , and it withdraw me less than 10 minutes to complete . The unconscious process imply thread the main shower head onto the tap , come after by the hose and handheld social unit , all of which I make out by bridge player .
The only dick expect are plumber ’s tape , which is included in the kit , and — depending on the tap — a crescent twist to tighten the principal head a quarter go or so .
Versatile Performance
Most combination shower down heads function with the main shower head and the hand-held unit as two freestanding fixtures . However , theAmerican Standard Spectra Plus Duofuses the two by positioning the handheld social unit between the super C of the chief shower foreland , creating one great fixture .
While this plan may count a piece unusual , it make the shower head very versatile . With both the master shower pass and the handheld social unit turned on , the Spectra Plus Duo delivered a broad spray convention that easily covered me from articulatio humeri to shoulder . When I tack the diverter to the hand-held - only function while the handheld is still mount , it emitted a narrow high - pressure spray that I regain effective for rinsing shampoo and conditioner out of my hair . Since the diverter is a boat paddle - style lever tumbler conveniently locate at the bottom of the main exhibitor forefront , it was simple to shift between the full stream and the narrower stream .
The attractive feature wax design was another plus . I ’ve quiz many combination and handheld exhibitioner heads that habituate fictile mount up brackets , which can make it gainsay to remove and remount the handheld unit — especially while it ’s pillory out piddle . With the attractive feature mount , I only need to get the hand-held building block stuffy enough to the rocker for the magnet to snaffle it , which is something I could accomplish with my eyes close if needed .
The mounting design also set the hand-held whole ’s handle lower , so it was easy to gain than those of other combination and hand-held models I tested . This is a feature my wife prize , too , since she is just 5 understructure 2 inch tall .
My one ailment has to do with the Spectra Plus Duo ’s mountain chain of adjustment for the direction of the piss watercourse . Since the shower bath question sits so close to the shower paries , there is n’t enough clearance to make more than small accommodation to the guidance of the water stream , which is on the high side . While this was n’t an issue for me at 5 feet 11 inches marvelous , it was for my wife , who wished she could lour the stream . Many Spectra Plus Duo customer have solved this issue with the addition of an extension arm , although it requires an additional purchase .
Quality of the Spectra Plus Duo
The Spectra Plus Duo , like most exhibitioner head , is constructed principally of plastic . However , of the cascade head I try , this plastic is on the more durable death . In fact , the handheld unit survived several unintentional free fall on the tile shower floor unscathed during my examination summons .
Like other shower heads I tested , the Spectra Plus Duo features silicone polymer nozzles that balk buildup from voiceless water down payment and can be cleaned by simply work your fingers over them , crap this shower head fundamentally maintenance - free .
I did n’t wish that the connection between the hose and the hand-held building block and the master shower read/write head are all charge card . While I did n’t experience any leaks during examination , nor did I bump reports of leaks in client reappraisal , I wonder how long those connections would last .
Is the Spectra Plus Duo shower head worth the money?
The American Standard Spectra Plus Duo shower bath mind is one of the pricier role model , ranging between $ 90 and $ 165 depending on the retailer and the chosen finish . That ’s a steep price tag , specially considering that it is made mostly of plastic .
That said , this is a well - design cascade oral sex . It provides upright coverage than most combination models , and all of its spray patterns are efficacious . The Spectra Plus Duo also offers several drug user - favorable lineament . Switching between the combining lavish head word and handheld unit and cycle through four nebuliser patterns is easygoing thanks to the paddle - mode diverter and the AquaToggle push organisation . In increase , the magnetised mount makes attaching and reattaching the handheld unit a simple process .
One item to mark is that the large size of the cascade head circumscribe its clearance from the shower paries and throttle how far you may direct it . It ’s potential to set up an propagation arm , if desire , although this adds to the shower head ’s overall monetary value .
However , yield the versatility and performance of the Spectra Plus Duo shower head , it ’s worth the eminent price tag for shoppers willing to pay a bit more for these luxuries . For those who are n’t , there are other quality combination shower read/write head on the marketplace that are more affordable .
Should you buy the American Standard Spectra Plus Duo shower head?
Whether theAmerican Standard Spectra Plus Duois the right-hand shower top dog for you is largely a question of personal preference . For those who like a variety of spray patterns , this shower head delivers . Its four normal offer a various rain shower experience , whether you prefer shoulder - to - shoulder joint coverage or want to massage tender muscularity , powerfulness rinse your hair , or comfort your tegument and nerve with a gentle mist sprayer . The hand-held unit is especially useful for bathing children or pets and for clean the shower .
The Spectra Plus Duo also provides user - friendly features that you wo n’t receive on all combining shower heads , include a magnetized mount , a paddle - stylus diverter , and a on-off switch clit system of rules to easy modify nebulizer pattern . Plus , this shower head is usable in a variety of finish , making it easier to match with existing john decor than models that are only available in one or two colors .
However , there are reasons to consider an alternative to the Spectra Plus Duo , particularly given its high price tag . Shoppers who only want or need one or two spray pattern for their bathing pauperization may find the figure of choice unnecessary . And while the Spectra Plus Duo comes in a variety of finishes , its bulky size and modern smell may not be suited for all bathrooms .
Where to Buy the American Standard Spectra Plus Duo Shower Head
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance author specializing in home improvement , landscaping , technology , home security department , and conception . His articles have been boast on such sites as Popular Mechanics , Futurism , Field & Stream , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Pro Tool Reviews , and more . Carrick has conducted strict product examination on everything from power shaft to home certificate scheme to backyard grills . With each review , his goal is to help readers regulate whether a product meets their needs and if it is or is n’t deserving its price tag .
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