Kohler 10282-AK-CP Forté® Single-function showerhead, 2.5 gpm, Polished Chrome

If you have never tried one of these aerating shower heads, it really revolutionizes the shower experience more than a standard showerhead that simply sprays streams of water. Although those are perfectly fine, and I have used them for years, it was a stay at a hotel which employed one of these aerating models that got me to purchase one for the house. The aerating showerhead, which is generally larger in diameter than the standard type, draws in air and mixes it with the water so that you receive more of a rain-like experience when you shower. It makes the water more comfortable in the sense that it has a softer feel due to the air mixed in with the water, and gives a wider water dispersal pattern. Its truly a nice experience. This Kohler model feels and looks and great, and gives a feel of real quality when you remove it from its box. I ordered the chrome finish model, but there are other finishes available to match your taste. I had it installed on my standard shower pipe in less than three minutes, and it has made a big difference since using it. It can actually shorten your shower time due to its water dispersal pattern. Make sure you wrap some Teflon tape around the shower pipe threads so you don't have any leakage. (This is a great choice: Everflow 812 PTFE Thread Seal Tape for Plumbers, White 3/4 Inch x 260 Inch ; very inexpensive and works great, but note that it is an "add-on" item, so order it when you place another order from Amazon at $25 or more so you get free shipping.) The only thing you MIGHT not like quite so much is that aerating models, because they are drawing in air to achieve this spray pattern, make some noise during operation. It's not obnoxiously loud, and since there is actually some DECREASE in the sound of the water hitting the shower stall, it may somewhat even out in absolute volume. But it is a different type of sound that you might have a slight adjustment too at first, but nothing really that bothersome. In fact, I find the noise more relaxing than the noise made by my old "standard" shower head. You can mount these two ways. You can either just directly attach to the shower pipe in your shower, with the head facing you at an angle like a standard shower head. Some people, however, like to mount these higher and have them OVER their bodies for a real "rain effect." If you wish to do that, you will need an extender arm, also easily attached, and I can recommend the Adjustable Shower Head Extension Arm - 10 Inch Brass Shower Arm Extender Hardware - Chrome , which is also high quality, and looks great with the Kohler showerhead. Five stars for quality, looks, and most importantly, functionality! Note: After months of use, you may get on any showerhead a buildup of hard water deposits. A lot of people do not know a simple trick for easily cleaning and removing this. You simply get a plastic bucket, fill it with white vinegar, remove the showerhead, and fully submerge it in the vineger for a couple of hours. After that, pull it out, rinse it off, and most all of the deposits will be magically gone. No muss, no fuss!

In 2006, in my prior residence, I bought the original Forte shower head KOHLER K-10282-CP Forte Single-Function Showerhead, Polished Chrome and for over 6 years, I absolutely loved it. It had nice coverage and power. At the time of purchase it was Consumer Reports' top-rated single function shower head. I recently sold my prior house and bought a townhouse which came with the very basic KOHLER K-11742-CP Coralais Economy Single-Function Showerhead, Polished Chrome . I soon came to miss my Forte and set out to purchase one. During my research, however, I found out that while my original Forte was still made, some 6+ years later (not surprising), they also had an updated version with the new Katalyst functionality. This appears to be air induction technology, or some sort of mega aeration to increase power and make the stream feel bigger. I decided to buy the Katalyst version of the Forte and that's the basis for this review. My favorite part of the original Forte was that in 6 years, I never had to clean it and there never was any build-up. I come from an area with pretty hard water (though I do have it softened) so this was a huge bonus. I predict this model will have the same no-maintenance requirement. Both the original Forte and this updated Katalyst version have great coverage. You can tell it's a wide head and it gives me nice full body coverage so I don't have to move around in the shower. That hasn't changed. The other Forte didn't have much heat loss and neither does this one. In fact, I had to turn down the water temperature for this shower head compared to the Coralais model as it had much less heat loss. Where the Katalyst technology really shows is in the size of the stream with the drops that hit my body now feeling about twice as big as on the old model. They also feel more powerful. I love it. It is a combination of a functional shower head to clean, with the luxury of a rain flow style head. It is great. The only downside, as some have noted, is that it is definitely louder than the original Forte and I presume that's due to the Katalyst air induction technology. It doesn't detract from a great shower, and it doesn't even prevent me from relaxing when I take one at night, but it is absolutely louder. The cool part about the noise is that it really does sound like a steady rain so in some ways I enjoy it. I give this shower head 5* because I love it. The Katalyst technology is a great upgrade to an already fantastic shower head. My experience with Kohler quality has been good and I have no doubt this shower head will last for years to come. It is worth the extra money over cheaper models with more bells and whistles, that really don't give you as good of a shower, require some maintenance and don't last as long.

This is the best shower head I've had. I decided against one with multiple spray options because I never change it anyway when I have those. I love the spray is wide so it covers your whole body. The water pressure is good. It's like the water drops are heavier or fatter, it's hard to explain. It sufficiently quickly saturates rinsing the conditioner from long hair which is always a pain and takes longer when a shower head has weak water pressure. I appreciate it's simplicity that it perfected efficiency in one function vs a multi-spray shower head that's just okay in each setting. Didn't even need plumbers tape to install and great price for the quality. Been enjoying for a year now and I'll be taking this with me whenever I move out lol.

Great shower head

Very solid material and build quality, much bigger water pressure with strong water flow. Recommended.

An excellent shower head, well worth the money. All chrome without any plastic so looks great. Head has a very nice and strong water flow, and the head swivels so you can easily adjust it. Very easy to install. Highly recommended. Initial research led me to believe this is made in the USA, but it is made in China.

Great shower head from Koehler. Saves water, great water pressure and the new technology used for large drops is fantastic. Our son loves the new shower head. I highly recommend the Koehler Shower head.

The showerhead is perfect. No issues at all.