Grohe WaterCare Faucets

IOHO, simplicity is frequently an eco-virtue.

Scrap all the bells and whistles (except for the Jingle Bells) and just give us a product that does one thing and does it spectacularly well.

Maybe that's why we're so enamored with the Relexa showerhead (MSRP $40) by Grohe.

Relexa comes in one color - chrome.

It's non-adjustable, with an ultra simple easy-to-clean design. (A smaller showerhead means less space for dust to settle!)

Grohe uses something called DreamSpray(R) Technology to deliver an even spray from the showerhead. SpeedClean(R) nozzles made from silicone apparently make it easy to erase limescale buildup.

We haven't been testing the Relexa long enough to vouch for the SpeedClean claims, but we can verify that the DreamSpray does deliver a relaxing, steady washing experience.

Even better, you get clean while saving water. Relexa is part of Grohe's WaterCare collection of faucets and showerheads, which means that it uses up to 30% less water than a typical showerhead. Many of the faucets in the Grohe WaterCare collection also carry the EPA WaterSense label. (Apparently, WaterSense standards currently apply to bath faucets only at this point, which explains why the Relexa and other Grohe WaterCare showerheads don't use the EPA label...)

A quick look through the rest of Grohe's online WaterCare catalog shows that the company has an array of water-saving faucets capable of matching the style in any kitchen or bathroom. Depending on the faucet, you can also choose an array of finishes including chrome, SuperSteel, RealSteel, brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.

Whether you prefer the traditional Seabury (MSRP $384+), modern Atrio (MSRP $604+) or sleek single-handle Talia (MSRP $361+), you'll know that you're helping with the crucial task of water conservation.

If you choose a Grohe WaterCare faucet, you'll also benefit from high-end technology like Grohe's SilkMove(R) teflon-coated cartridge that is designed to deliver friction-free and maintenance-free durability. Again, we didn't have our sample faucet long enough to vouch for longterm durability, but we can say that Grohe delivers on its ease of use marketing claims. We really were able to easily control the single-handle Talia faucet with just one finger.

FYI, the Grohe faucets and showerheads we tested were made in Germany and seem to have the high quality that one would normally associate with German consumer goods (cars, wind turbines, solar panels, sausages, etc.).


Where to buy:

Use the Showroom Locator to find the closest place where you can examine and select a Grohe WaterCare faucet or showerhead. Since Grohe products are not carried in big-box retail stores, your other option would be to place an order through a designer or plumbing contractor.