hansgroheCroma Complete Shower and Bathtub System Shower Set Modern 1-Spray Easy Control in Chrome, Rough and Shower Valve Included 2 GPM, 04908000

Impressed with the quality but had a small drip after shutting it off. Hansgrohe customer support sent out a new cartridge and that fixed the problem.

This thing looks and feels like a million bucks. It's a very simple, minimalist design, but everything you'd expect from German engineers - precision casting, meticulous attention to every detail.I don't have any other hansgrohe fixtures in the bathroom, but I'm updating the sink faucet and vanity to a modern, minimalist chrome, and it matches just fine.One thing that really drew me to the hansgrohe units was the quick clean shower head, just give the little silicone nubs a quick wipe, no scaling buildup to worry about.To be clear, you need ample access behind the shower to install these components. This is really intended for new installs, or it assumes you have very clear access behind the wall.Every item comes in its own box with separate instructions, makes it easy to sort out during install. This was a bit different than any previous install I've done, everything was off just a little bit (like requiring different sized Allen wrenches), and I can't recall the last time I've actually had to read the instructions for a bath fixture LOL. Some of that was because I've never installed a pressure balance mechanism before. But it turned out fine, eventually everything made sense.Very impressed with every component from start to finish. Well built, durable, the handles work smoothly, I'm certain this will last decades.One concern was the lead warning, with no explanation. The US limits lead to 0.25%, but I think California wants a warning unless it's 100% lead-free. I searched their web site, manuals, and other documentation and couldn't find any statement on lead. I'm not drinking it, so not too worried.

The Hansgrohe Croma Shower system is a luxurious update to your current shower system, but is probably even better for a new remodel or new shower. This is because the rough-in mixer (the part in the wall that controls the flow of water) is tricky to install if you can’t get behind it to install. Also, if your shower uses two valves – one for hot water, the other for cold water, you’ll have to do a bit of cutting (to put the valve between the two) and a bit of plumbing (to move the water supply pipes to the center, where the rough-in valve is.You may also need an extra plate that goes behind the shower controls and covers the surgery that you’ve performed on the shower wall. (Hansgrohe doesn’t offer this trim plate, but other companies do – you might find one with a finish that’s almost as beautiful as the Hansgrohe).But the extra trouble makes it worth the trouble. Also – although this isn’t in the description, the rough-in mixer is made to also support a bathtub. If you want to put this into a bathtub, all you have to do is connect the bottom of the rough-in mixer to the pipe that goes to the tub spout. (If you only use this as a shower, be sure to put a cap over the tub supply line in the rough-in mixer).This is a complete package, including a shower arm, which supports a very good rainshower head. One reviewer commented that this isn’t Hansgrohe’s best shower head, but it’s very good. I’m very happy with it.Unlike most shower or shower/tub mixing valves that only mix the hot and cold water, with no control over the force of the water, the Hansgrohe also lets you control the flow of water – if you want a strong flow, you can get this – if you want a low flow, the valve can handle it.This shower system works great – but now I probably have to upgrade my bathroom to match the beauty and quality that this shower system brings to it.

I replaced my old shower system with this premium setup; it has been a massive upgrade and I’ve been quite happy with it. My old one was just a typical Home Depot single handle, single outlet system.Luckily, I had access to the back of the shower wall. It would be impossible to install through existing tile without access. My children and I did this ourselves, but all the cutting, measuring, and soldering was at the limits of our plumbing abilities, and required several trips to home improvement stores to get the right bits. I purchased a 5” ceramic hole saw and the green plastic shroud just barely slid into place and required exceptional accuracy in pipe lengths. Instructions call for plumbers grease, so have some on hand for the O-rings.We didn’t end up using the tub spout, which is a shame as it is as beautiful and robust looking a tub spout as I’ve ever seen. Instead using the alternate outlet for a shower wand. This particular set allows both outlets to be simultaneously on depending on the upper knob position which is a nice feature.Water throughput is excellent, to the point my wife wants it lessened. The water temperature maximum can be set very hot, a welcome lack of nannying compared to the maximum set point on my previous mixer. I set it to a bit too hot for me, giving me a bit of headroom.The hardware is lovely and smoothly operates once assembled.Nitpicks: the rubber nub cover to access the tightening set screw in the upper knob is hard to pick out should it require removing. It would be nice if they had standardized on a single Allen wrench size instead of using at least 3 sizes.