A shower head and handle set can refresh the look of your bathroom, but the right choice also depends on what is behind the wall. Some options here are trim kits that need a separate rough-in valve, while others include a handheld shower and diverter trim. Compare the included parts, valve requirements, finish, and spray choices before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Style and finish | Standout feature | Important fit note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Modern 14 Series Shower Faucet Set | Modern, matte black | Pressure-balanced cartridge and Touch-Clean spray holes | MultiChoice rough-in valve sold separately |
| Delta Modern Round Shower System | Round, brushed nickel | Handheld shower and four spray options | Requires a separately purchased R22000-series rough-in valve |
| Delta Modern Square Shower System | Square, matte black | Handheld shower with integrated diverter trim | Requires a separately purchased R22000-series rough-in valve |
| Delta Foundations 13 Series Bathtub and Shower Set | Traditional, brushed nickel | Pressure-balanced cartridge and Touch-Clean spray holes | Trim kit only; check rough-in valve and tub components before ordering |
| Delta Lineax 14 Series Shower Faucet Set | Brushed gold | Five spray options, including shampoo rinse | Trim kit only; MultiChoice rough-in valve sold separately |
Our Picks: Best Shower Head And Handle Set reviews
1. Delta Modern 14 Series: A Clean-Lined Matte Black Option
The Delta Modern 14 Series is a matte black choice for a bathroom with a simple, contemporary look. Its pressure-balanced Monitor cartridge is designed to balance hot and cold water pressure, helping reduce sudden temperature changes when water is used elsewhere in the home.
The listing describes this as a trim kit, and the MultiChoice rough-in valve is sold separately. The recommended valve is the R10000-UNBX. Since the product title and description may not make every included component equally clear, check the package details before ordering, especially if you expect a showerhead to be included.
Touch-Clean spray holes are designed to make mineral buildup easier to wipe away. Delta also describes the finish as corrosion-resistant and backs its shower fixtures with a limited lifetime warranty. Compared with the two shower systems below, this is the more streamlined option, but it does not list a handheld shower or multiple spray modes.
Pros:
- Matte black finish suits a modern bathroom
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
- Touch-Clean spray holes help with routine maintenance
Cons:
- MultiChoice rough-in valve must be purchased separately
- Confirm which shower components are included in the trim kit
Verdict: Choose this set if you want a modern matte black look and are prepared to match it with the required rough-in valve.
2. Delta Modern Round Shower System: Brushed Nickel With a Handheld
This Delta shower system combines a six-inch round showerhead with a wall-mounted handheld shower. The listed package also includes a shower arm, integrated diverter trim, and wall elbow, giving you more shower components than the trim-focused options in this guide.
The showerhead has four listed settings: Full Body Spray, Full Body Spray with Massage, Massaging Spray, and Pause. The pause setting reduces water to a trickle, while the integrated diverter lets you switch between shower outlets using one trim assembly rather than adding a separate diverter valve.
The brushed nickel finish includes SpotShield technology, which is designed to resist water spots and fingerprints. A pressure-balanced cartridge is included, but the rough-in valve is not; Delta recommends an R22000-series valve. This is a practical pick if you want both a fixed showerhead and handheld, but it needs a compatible valve and more installation planning than a basic trim kit.
Pros:
- Includes a handheld shower as well as a fixed showerhead
- Four listed spray options provide flexibility
- Integrated diverter trim keeps the controls in one assembly
- SpotShield finish is designed to resist spots and fingerprints
Cons:
- R22000-series rough-in valve is sold separately
- More components may make installation planning more involved
Verdict: Pick the round system if you want a brushed nickel finish, a handheld shower, and several spray choices in one coordinated setup.
3. Delta Modern Square Shower System: Matte Black With a Handheld
The square version of Delta’s Modern shower system pairs a 6.5-inch showerhead with a wall-mounted handheld shower. Its matte black finish and square profile make it a natural match for bathrooms with angular fixtures or a bold, dark accent.
The system includes an integrated diverter trim, wall elbow, and pressure-balanced Monitor cartridge. The integrated diverter is intended to control the shower outlets from one trim assembly. Delta describes the full-body spray as steady and forceful, but the supplied specifications do not list selectable spray settings for this model.
As with the round system, the rough-in valve is sold separately, with an R22000-series valve recommended. Delta states that the matte black finish is tested for corrosion resistance. This option is closest to the round model in function; the main differences are its square styling, matte black finish, and listed showerhead size.
Pros:
- Includes both a fixed showerhead and a handheld shower
- Integrated diverter trim provides a coordinated control layout
- Matte black finish works well with modern, angular fixtures
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
Cons:
- Requires a separately purchased R22000-series rough-in valve
- Spray settings are not listed in the supplied product details
Verdict: Choose this system over the round model if its square matte black look better suits your bathroom and you want a handheld shower.
4. Delta Foundations 13 Series: A Simple Brushed Nickel Tub-and-Shower Choice
The Delta Foundations 13 Series is a more traditional brushed nickel option for a bathtub-and-shower setup. Its pressure-balanced cartridge is designed to balance hot and cold water pressure, and the two-spray description points to a simpler setup than the models with several listed spray choices.
This is a trim kit, not a complete rough-in assembly. The product details recommend Delta’s R10000-UNBXHF rough-in valve, which is sold separately. Because the title describes a bathtub and shower set while the description focuses on the trim kit, confirm the included tub and shower components before purchase rather than assuming every part of a tub-shower installation comes in the box.
Touch-Clean spray holes are intended to make calcium and lime buildup easier to wipe away. The Brilliance finish is described as corrosion-resistant, and Delta lists a limited lifetime warranty for its shower fixtures. Compared with the Modern systems, Foundations has a more basic style and may suit a bathroom refresh where a handheld shower or integrated diverter system is not the priority.
Pros:
- Brushed nickel finish fits a range of traditional bathroom styles
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
- Touch-Clean spray holes simplify routine cleaning
Cons:
- Recommended rough-in valve is sold separately
- Confirm which tub and shower components the trim kit includes
Verdict: This is a sensible choice for a straightforward brushed nickel tub-and-shower update, provided you verify the package contents and valve compatibility first.
5. Delta Lineax 14 Series: Brushed Gold With Five Spray Options
The Delta Lineax 14 Series stands out for its brushed gold finish and five listed spray options. These are Full Body Spray, Full Body Spray with Massage, Massaging Spray, Shampoo Rinse Spray, and Pause, which reduces water to a trickle. The range gives you more ways to adjust the shower than the products with only a basic spray description.
The pressure-balanced Monitor cartridge is included and is designed to help maintain a consistent shower temperature when water pressure changes. Touch-Clean spray holes are meant to let you wipe away calcium and lime buildup without soaking or chemical cleaners.
The listing describes this as a trim kit and says the MultiChoice rough-in valve must be purchased separately; it recommends an R10000-series valve. The brushed gold finish is described as corrosion-resistant. This model is a strong fit if spray choice and a distinctive finish matter more to you than adding a handheld shower, which is not listed among the included components.
Pros:
- Five listed spray options, including shampoo rinse and pause
- Brushed gold finish adds a warm accent
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
- Touch-Clean spray holes help with mineral buildup
Cons:
- Rough-in valve must be purchased separately
- A handheld shower is not listed as included
Verdict: Choose the Lineax if you want several spray modes and a brushed gold finish, and you are comfortable buying the compatible rough-in valve separately.
How to Choose a Shower Head and Handle Set
Check Whether You Need a Trim Kit or a Complete System
A trim kit supplies the visible shower controls and related trim, but it may not include the rough-in valve installed behind the wall. Several products here clearly state that the rough-in valve is sold separately. The Modern round and square systems list more components, including a handheld shower, diverter trim, and wall elbow, but still require a separate rough-in valve. Read the product details closely so you know which parts you will need.
Match the Rough-In Valve to the Set
Valve compatibility matters more than appearance. The Modern 14 Series recommends the R10000-UNBX, the Foundations set recommends the R10000-UNBXHF, and the Lineax recommends an R10000-series valve. Both Modern shower systems recommend an R22000-series valve. If you are replacing an existing set, identify the installed valve before ordering; if you are remodeling, plan for the recommended valve as part of the project.
Decide Whether You Want a Handheld Shower
A handheld shower can offer more flexibility for rinsing and directing water, but it also adds components to the installation. The Modern round and square systems list a wall-mounted handheld shower. The other product descriptions do not list one, so do not assume it is included. Check the exact package contents if a handheld is important to you.
Compare Spray Choices
Spray settings range from a general full-body spray description to models with several named modes. The Lineax lists five options, including shampoo rinse and pause. The Modern round system lists four, including massage and pause. The square system describes an intense full-body spray but does not list selectable modes. Choose based on the functions you expect to use, not simply the number of settings.
Choose a Finish That Fits Your Bathroom and Cleaning Routine
These options include matte black, brushed nickel, and brushed gold. Consider how the finish will look alongside your existing faucet, towel bars, and other fixtures. The Modern round system lists SpotShield technology to resist spots and fingerprints, while several other models describe corrosion-resistant finishes. Those features do not remove the need for regular cleaning, so follow the care instructions provided with the set.
Consider Temperature Protection and Maintenance
Each listed product includes a pressure-balanced cartridge designed to balance hot and cold water pressure. This feature can help reduce sudden temperature changes when water is used elsewhere in the home. Some models also list Touch-Clean spray holes, designed to make calcium and lime buildup easier to wipe away. If simple upkeep is a priority, compare those details along with the overall look and controls.
Think Through Installation Before Buying
Shower trim and valve work must fit the plumbing already in your wall or the plans for your remodel. A set that requires a different valve can add parts and labor to the job. Check the recommended rough-in model, what is included, and whether the set is intended for a shower-only or bathtub-and-shower installation. If you are unsure about compatibility, confirm it with a qualified installer before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these shower sets include the rough-in valve?
No. The supplied product details state that the rough-in valve is sold separately for all five options. The recommended valve series or model varies by product, so check the individual listing before ordering.
Which options include a handheld shower?
The Delta Modern Round and Modern Square shower systems list a wall-mounted handheld shower. A handheld is not listed in the supplied descriptions for the Modern 14 Series, Foundations, or Lineax sets.
Which set has the most listed spray options?
The Delta Lineax 14 Series lists five spray options, including shampoo rinse and pause. The Delta Modern Round system lists four. The other product descriptions do not provide the same range of named settings.
Are any of these sets made for a bathtub and shower?
The Delta Foundations 13 Series title describes a bathtub-and-shower faucet set. However, its description calls it a trim kit, so confirm which tub and shower components are included before you buy.
What is the difference between the two Delta Modern shower systems?
The Modern Round system has a six-inch round showerhead and a brushed nickel finish. The Modern Square system has a 6.5-inch square showerhead and a matte black finish. Both list a handheld shower, integrated diverter trim, and a separately purchased R22000-series rough-in valve.
Which set is easiest to maintain?
The Modern 14 Series, Foundations, and Lineax descriptions list Touch-Clean spray holes that are designed to make mineral deposits easier to wipe away. The Modern Round system lists SpotShield technology to resist water spots and fingerprints. Follow the care instructions for the finish you choose.
Final Recommendation
For a shower with both a fixed head and a handheld, the Delta Modern Round and Modern Square systems offer the clearest combination of listed components and diverter controls. Choose the round brushed nickel model for its four listed spray options, or the square matte black model for its angular look. If you prefer a simpler trim kit, consider the Modern 14 Series or Foundations; if spray variety and brushed gold matter most, the Lineax is the standout. In every case, verify the included parts and rough-in valve requirements before placing your order.
