Everyone knows about low-flow showerheads. They’re better for the environment because they use less water. They’re better for your energy bill because your water heater works less. At a glance, it seems like a win-win situation. The problem is that not all low-flow showerheads are built equal.
Delta Faucets is back in the spotlight with a new proprietary technology called H2Okinetic. This is a new feature for low-flow showerheads that really gives you a better shower experience.
What is H2Okinetic Technology?
Delta’s claim is that showerheads equiped with H2Okinetic technology result in a warmer shower with drenching coverage, all while complying with low-flow standards. This is achieved by utilizing larger water droplets that retain heat longer and completely envelope the user.
H2Okinetic technology is built into the showerhead- there’s no additional installation. It doesn’t feature any moving parts, resulting in a very quiet showerhead. All these attributes combine to create a water-saving showerhead that doesn’t feel like one.
Delta recently shipped us the Addison Monitor 17 series to review and I installed it last week. Read on for a comprehensive review and my overall conclussions.
Delta Addison Monitor 17 Showerhead Review (Model T17292-RB)
- The Good: H2Okinetic technology, excellent water-pressure, good “drenching coverage”.
- The Bad: The Addison retails for $282.75 but is available at greatly discounted prices from other online retailers.
- Overall: This is an exceptional showerhead. Beautiful styling and the 2 gpm flow rate feels more like 3.
Features and Performance
The design was the first thing I noticed about this showerhead. It’s amazing style is inspired by “scallops of a sea shell” and features graceful curves. It’s available in chrome, Aged Pewter, Brilliance® Stainless or Venetian Bronze®.
Water pressure is an important aspect of a good showerhead and the Addison had excellent pressure. Water was delivered in a strong, steady stream.
The controls incorporate a dual function, pressure balance cartridge. One dial controls the temperature while the other adjusts water volume. This is important because it allows you to set the temperature and leave it- no more water temperature guess work.
This showerhead mounts to a standard size shower arm. It’s a water-efficient, H2Okinetic Technology raincan showerhead that outputs 2.0 gpm @ 60 psi- using 36% less water than standard showerheads. It also has ScaldGuard®, which protects against sudden temperature or pressure changes
Price and Where to Buy
This product (Venetian Bronze finish) has a MSRP of $240.00- a fair amount. Fortunately, this puppy sells for much less at Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowes. Expect to pay around $50 or less.
Also, keep in mind that different finishes carry different price tags.
Note: Delta Faucet provided us the Addison Monitor 17 Series as part of a test kit. Our reviews are objective and we are not compensated for a positive review.
This sounds like a really good “green” option, but it wouldn’t work for us. We have a tankless water heater which works well, with endless hot water only as long as you’re running it full blast. When the pressure is less, the water is heated less, so is not as hot.
Shirley, I’ve never heard of a tankless water heater that has problem at LOW flow rates… Theoretically it should give the water more time to heat up in the pipes… If it is having trouble heating water at low flow, I think it probably needs to be repaired – perhaps it has a broken sensor.
Thanks for posting this review. I have been looking for a showehead that is beautiful with great pressure. I’m planning to put this in my master bath remodel. I love the delta victorian collection, but this head on the gooseneck arm looks so pretty and comes in the same finish. I’ll have give you an update when I finally get to experience it for real.
I’ve been using this shower head for about a month now and really like it. At first I wasn’t sure, but I also couldn’t take full advantage of the shower until our shower door was installed. I don’t have a problem getting all the shampoo and conditioner out of my hair but at the same time it is a relaxing experience. Perfect balance of water pressure and distribution.
Is the spray pattern adjustable? That seems to be a point of contention in our home. Also, is the force adjustable? Noticed the first pic looked like something Darth Vader might have used in his master bath. May the force be with you!
good post. I’m still vetting shower heads and not finding good reviews about this one. actually i’m not finding a lot of reviews so the one or two that rip it need to be taken with a grain of salt.
Great post. I hope they get this low flow tech working. I’m tired of drilling out the orifice’s in the shower heads around the house. I know, I’m terrible.