The Best Shower Grab Bars

Best shower grab bars are designed for individuals in need of assistance stepping into or out of bathtubs and showers. Whether you are recovering from an injury or surgery, shower grab bars provide security and stability in the bathroom to reduce slips, trips and falls.

Shower grab bars are especially important for seniors. Anytime you combine water with a smooth bathroom surface, you are creating a potential slip hazard.

Top 10 Best Shower Grab Bars

As with most products, shower grab bars come in a variety of shapes, styles and installation complexity. We have reviewed a variety of our favorite shower grab bar products and have shared the results with you below. These reviews will help you see the features available in shower grab bars so you can make an informed decision on which one you should buy!

1. Changing Lifestyles Safe-er-Grip 17-Inch Bath and Shower Handle

This bath and shower handle is a suction cup device, therefore, it must be applied to a smooth, flat and non-porous surface. This particular shower handle must be re-secured before each use. You should be careful when using this shower handle as it cannot support your entire body weight.

To secure this handle to your bath or shower wall, simply press the handle against the wall and then press on the tab levers. This will securely suction the handle to your wall.

If you need to remove this handle from the wall, you can just flip the tabs and the suction hold will release. This shower handle will give you stability and confidence in and around your drop in bathtub or shower. Never worry about slipping while getting in our out of the tub again!

Pros:

• 17-inches long
• Secures to the wall using suction cups
• Textured grip surface on the underside

Cons:

• Must be reattached to the wall before each use
• Cannot support full body weight

2. Moen 8724 Home 24-Inch Bathroom Grab Bar, Stainless

This Moen product has a beautiful stainless steel finish which will blend with any bathroom decor. This stylish bathroom grab bar will support up to 500-pounds when it is installed in a stud or using SecureMount anchors (sold separately).

The Moen grab bar is built to last and is designed for hassle-free installation. The installation mounting hardware is concealed giving this a sleek appearance.  Moen backs this product with their Limited Warranty making this an easy choice for your bathroom needs.

Pros:

• 24-inches long
• Supports up to 500-pounds when installed as instructed
• Stainless steel finish
• Concealed mounting hardware

Cons:

• SecureMount hardware must be purchased separately if unable to install in a wall stud

3. AmeriLuck 2-Pack Bath Suction 12-Inch and 16-Inch Grab Bar with Indicators

This 2-pack bathroom grab bar product is perfect for seniors or for individuals with limited mobility. Each grab bar works by using suction power to secure it to your bathtub wall.

Color indicators on the side of the suction cup will change from red to green when a safe and secure suction hold is achieved. You should test the firm hold of the suction hold before each use and ensure that the colored indicator on both ends of the grab bar are green.

The AmeriLuck suction grab bar comes with a limited lifetime warranty which makes this a risk-free choice for you to consider. With no tools required for installation, you can use these grab bars immediately!

Pros:

• Pack of 2 grab bars
• Color indicators to identify if a strong suction has been achieved
• No tools required for installation
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Only works on very smooth surfaces
• Does not work on bathtubs with 4-inch by 4-inch wall tiles

4. OXO Good Grips Stronghold Suction Grip Bar, Brushed Nickel

This is a beautiful brushed nickel shower grab bar with a powerful suction and comfortable grip. This product provides superior stability and support in the shower for the elderly and individuals with limited mobility.

The non-slip grip on this bar provides comfort and control when reaching for balance in the bathtub or shower. OXO uses their StrongHold suction cups to secure this product to the bathtub wall.

The size and distance between the suction cups accommodates a variety of bathroom tile patterns. It has large, contoured installation levers to provide easy installation and use. For best results, this product should be used on smooth glazed surfaces or glass. It is not recommended for porous surfaces or acrylic.

Pros:

• Brushed nickel finish
• Large, contoured levels to control the suction hold
• Non-slip grip handle

Cons:

• Suction grip needs to be reattached before each use

5. Franklin Brass 16-Inch Concealed Mount Safety Bath Grab Bar, Stainless

This heavy-duty grab bar can support up to 500-pounds of pull force! Made of stainless steel, this product gives you lasting strength and quality. The concealed mounting design allows you to cover up any unsightly screw holes and ensure you have a sleek look in your bathroom.

Instructions include suggestions for placement of the grab bar in your bathtub along with installation videos. This product does not rely on suction power for secure attachment to the wall. The Franklin Brass grab bar must be installed permanently in your bathroom ensuring you have a constant secure bar to hold on to for support.

Pros:

• Stainless steel finish
• Supports up to 500-pounds of pull force
• Permanent installation
• Does not use suction power

Cons:

• Installation is difficult

6. Medline Deluxe Plastic Tub Grab Bar

This unique product installs directly on the bathtub base to ensure a secure and solid grip for getting into and out of the bathtub. The rugged enamel-coated steel grab bar features non-slip, rubber-lined pads that clamp onto the tub surface without leaving scratches behind.

This grab bar is designed to offer multiple grab points giving you added flexibility. The safety grab bar has microban antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of stains and odors from bacteria, mold and mildew.

This bathtub grab bar supports up to 250-pounds of weight and can be easily installed in seconds for immediate use.

Pros:

• Grab bar design clamps onto the bathtub base
• Includes multiple grab points
• Uses microban antimicrobial technology
• Supports up to 250-pounds of weight

Cons:

• Takes a little strength to tighten the clamps securely onto the bathtub base

7. AmazonBasics Bathroom Handicap 42-Inch Safety Grab Bar

This bathroom safety grab bar has a sleek stainless steel construction which blends in well with any bathroom decor. The bar will support up to 500-pounds of pull weight to give you peace of mind for your safety in the bathtub.

This grab bar is 42-inches long and 1.25-inches in diameter. The surface allows for a secure grip and provides multiple grab points to help step into and out of the bathtub.

This grab bar is made from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel to give you a long-lasting beautiful product for your bathroom. AmazonBasics provides a 1-year warranty on this product making it a risk-free choice for your mobility needs.

Pros:

• Stainless steel finish
• Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel
• Supports up to 500-pounds
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Installation is difficult and may require a handyman

8. ELLO&ALLO Oil-Rubbed Bronze 16-Inch Bathroom Grab Bar

This beautiful oil-rubbed bronze bathroom grab bar will complement your bathroom and give it a sleek professional appearance. This 16-inch bar will support up to 500-pounds of pull force. The solid brass construction ensures you will have a strong quality product for a lifetime.

The installation hardware is concealed to give you an appealing finished product. If you or someone you love has limited mobility or difficulty getting into or out of the bathtub, consider this elegant bathroom grab bar from ELLO&ALLO. You will not be disappointed in the results and will have peace of mind that your loved one has a safe product to use.

Pros:

• Oil-rubbed bronze finish
• Supports up to 500-pounds of pull force
• Solid brass construction
• Concealed installation hardware

Cons:

• Installation is difficult
• Requires wall studs for most secure product placement

9. Moen Home Care 16-Inch Grab Bar with Shelf, Brushed Nickel

This elegant product from Moen not only provides a secure grab hold for those with limited mobility, but it also includes a storage shelf! The secure mount design allows this product to be installed into the available wall studs at any angle.

This grab bar has a beautiful brushed nickel finish and will easily support up to 250-pounds of pull force. The grab bar is only 1-inch in diameter which makes it perfect for individuals who have difficulty with hand strength.

This grab bar provides multiple grab points and is made of corrosion-resistant material. This lovely grab bar product will last you a long time and bring an elegant appearance to your bathroom.

Pros:

• Brushed nickel finish
• Supports up to 250-pounds
• Includes a small shelf
• Concealed installation hardware

Cons:

• Grab bar diameter is smaller than most
• Not possible to angle the grab bar
• Shelf does not include drainage holes

10. Moen 30-Inch Flip-Up Screw-In Bathroom Grab Bar with Textured Grip, Stainless

This stainless steel flip-up grab bar has a highly reflective finish that will blend in with any bathroom decor. The grab bar supports up to 300-pounds of pull force and can support up to 500-pounds when installed in wall studs

This grab bar measures 30-inches in length and has a space efficient flip-up design. The bar can be flipped up to rest against the wall when it is not in use. This is ideal for smaller bathroom spaces as it can save space while also providing a reliable grip for the toilet or bathtub.

Moen backs this product with their limited lifetime warranty. This gives you peace of mind that you will get a quality product that provides the safety you need in your bathroom space.

Pros:

• Stainless steel finish
• Space efficient flip-up design
• Supports 300-pounds with regular installation
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Installation should be into wall studs to avoid tears at the wall plate

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Grab Bars

There are many features to consider when looking for a shower grab bar. We have provided some answers to frequently asked questions below.

Where To Install Shower Grab Bar?

Shower grab bars can be installed in a variety of locations. It really depends on the shape of your bathroom space and what stability need you are attempting to address.

If you are trying to provide stability while stepping into a bathtub, you might want to install a vertical entrance bar close to the outside edge of the bathtub near the faucet. You may also need to consider an angled grab bar on the inside wall of the bathtub to provide stability for standing up.

How To Install Shower Grab Bar?

Suction powered shower grab bars are easy to install and typically do not require any tools. Clean the wall surface and the suction cups before you attempt to secure it to the wall. Suction powered grab bars should be tested prior to each use to ensure the suction is still intact.

For shower grab bars that are permanently installed on the wall, be sure you locate and mark the positions of the wall studs. Each end of the shower bar needs to be screwed directly into a wall stud. This ensures that the bar does not pull away from the wall when it is used.

Use the grab bar mounting flange as a guide and drill small pilot holes where each end of the bar will be positioned. Use the screws that came with your grab bar and secure each mounting flange to the wall. You can then slide the grab bar covers over the flanges to complete the installation.

What Height Should Shower Grab Bars Be Installed?

Horizontal grab bars should be placed about 33 to 36-inches above the floor. If you are placing a horizontal and vertical bar close together, the bottom of the vertical bar should be 3 to 6-inches above the horizontal bar.

Where To Buy Shower Grab Bars?

If you wonder where to buy shower grab bars, you do not have to search very hard. You can find grab bars at any home improvement store and on several retailers online.

Conclusion

Shower grab bars can give you added stability in your bathroom which is critical for anyone with limited mobility. Depending on your individual needs, you should determine whether you need a permanently installed grab bar or if you can use a suction powered bar. Regardless of which type you choose, you will not regret the added peace of mind it will give you.