This One Simple Swap Instantly Gave My Bathroom a Luxury Upgrade—Without the Price Tag

During our recent primary bathroom renovation, my husband and I were tasked with choosing a new shower fixture. Even as someone who has tested and reviewed multiple shower heads, I was quickly overwhelmed by the available options. To narrow them down, we came up with a particular set of criteria, only considering shower heads offered by reputable brands at a midrange price that fit within our budget. We also only considered options that offered handheld configurations as well as the option to choose a brushed gold finish. During our search, we determined that Kohler’s Purist 2-in-1 Shower Combo Kit ticked all our boxes. We love how it looks in our finished bathroom, and 3 months in, we’re still satisfied with its performance.

Kohler Purist 2-in-1 Multifunction 1.75 GPM Shower Combo Kit: At a Glance

Our rating: 4/5

Buy at Kohler starting at $282.82.

Testing the Kohler Purist 2-in-1 Shower Combo Kit

We’ve been regularly testing our new Purist shower head for the past 3 months. During use, we paid close attention to coverage and performance of both the main shower head and the handheld, trying various rail configurations and each of the three spray settings. Installation, water pressure, durability, and ease of use were all considered during this period. We also noted upkeep and the usefulness of the hose. My husband and I used both shower heads independently, as well as while helping our children and cleaning our dog. Finally, we considered the fixture’s aesthetics and how the finish complemented our space.

​​Medium Pressure With Great Coverage

Shower pressure is a matter of preference; some like the pressure of a fire hose, while others prefer something more akin to gentle rainfall. I lean closer to the former, so strong pressure is important to me. With this model, Kohler offers consumers the choice between a 1.75 GPM and 2.5 GPM configuration, but the current max flow rate in the state in which I reside is 2.0 GPM, so we opted for the 1.75 GPM option. I’m happy to be saving water, but I would describe the flow rate as medium pressure. However, we’ve found that the ample coverage mostly makes up for the middling pressure. Users who want more pressure or who want to use the two shower heads simultaneously may want to opt for the model with 2.5 GPM—as long as their local water pressure laws allow it. While testing at 1.75 GPM, we found that the water pressure was still moderate when both heads were on simultaneously, with only a slight loss in water flow. We prefer to use them separately for the best experience. 

A Minimalist Look With Modern Finish Options

We all know that a top priority for a shower head should be excellent functionality, but that doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on style. This is a top pick for us because it’s not only dependable, but it also complements the modern design of our remodeled shower. My favorite thing about this shower head is how high-end it looks in our bathroom, mainly due to its minimalist design and the chic look of the gold finish. When shopping around, we found that the gold finishes of its competitors tended to be yellow-tinted or too bronze, but Kohler’s was just right for the look we were after. The company also offers a Vibrant French Gold finish for a lighter gold tone. Matte black and titanium round out their modern offerings. The simple design and solid metal construction make it well suited to both modern and transitional spaces. While my husband doesn’t love the appearance of the long hose, I don’t mind the look.

The Good and Bad of Daily Use

There are a couple of things I love and don’t love as much regarding ease of use, and all of them have to do with the handheld. I appreciate the strong magnetic base, which allows me to remove and replace the second shower head easily. I feel confident it won’t fall off the wall unexpectedly. I like that the long hose lets me easily rinse shampoo out of my children (both human and canine); it also allows me to wash dog hair down the drain after a good shake-off.

One drawback is how tight the toggle is for switching the flow of water from one head to the other. With wet hands, I find it almost impossible, though it does seem to be loosening a bit with time and use. Sometimes, I also wish the shower heads had differing functionality—both heads are the same size with the same spray options. More variety might be nice. 

No Interior Plumbing Required

One great thing about the Purist Two-in-One Combo Kit is that you get two shower heads without needing to mess around with any interior plumbing changes. When we renovated our bathroom, my husband preferred a single head, while I wanted a double. This easily replaceable shower head from Kohler met my needs without requiring a long-term commitment. It also came in at a much lower price tag than the models that required interior plumbing. It was simple to install, but note that it does not come with a shower arm. We paired the fixture with a Kohler arm and flange, valve kit, and the Kohler Purist valve and trim with a lever handle. I love the dependability of the plumbing parts and the look of the minimalist gold-finished faceplate and lever in combination with the shower head.

A High-End Look at a Midrange Price

Compared to the fixtures available from today’s top brands, this shower head falls into the mid-to-high price range; its price varies depending on the finish you select. In standard polished chrome, the fixture tends to cost about $280. However, more design-forward finishes, such as our chosen Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass, come in at a higher price point at about $410. Compared to the Kohler double shower head options that required interior plumbing, this fit much better within our budget. Double shower heads are available for less, but we found the finish options were limited, and many felt less durable. We also appreciate the 1-year warranty and Kohler’s reputation for longevity and support for securing replacement parts if needed.

Buy the Kohler Purist shower head at:

• Kohler.com for $282.82 
• Amazon for $259.82 
• Build.com for $282.82 

Product Comparisons

Is the Kohler Purist 2-in-1 Shower Combo Kit right for you?

There are endless fixture options available when shopping for shower heads, but they’re not all created equal. The Kohler Purist 2-in-1 is perfect for those looking to upgrade their shower without having to take on a complicated installation. Thanks to its easy installation, swapping this fixture in is simple. Those looking for sleek, minimalist styling will love the modern finish options. Though this product offers excellent coverage, shoppers hoping for maximum water pressure and lots of spray options may find other handheld fixtures more suitable.

Meet the Tester

Kristen Mosier has been a contributor to BobVila.com since 2020, and has tested more than 20 shower heads for the site. She has been in the kitchen and bath industry for many years, previously serving as an editor for Kitchen and Bath Business magazine and ThisOldHouse.com.

 

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