19-05-2025
Hansgrohe Raindance Select S 120 3jet PowderRain review: ‘I tried 11 showers – this is the best.'
Score: 10/10
We like:
Its massaging whirl spray and relaxing PowderRain spray
Easy to control push button
Compact and attractive design
We don't like:
The handle is short in comparison to the head
Only three spray options available – some shower heads have up to five
It's not the cheapest chrome shower head you can buy
What is the Hansgrohe Raindance Select S Hand Shower 120 3jet PowderRain?
Improving your daily shower routine is easy with the Hansgrohe Raindance Select S Hand Shower. Provided it's compatible with your plumbing system, you can simply unscrew your existing shower head and replace it with this convenient and powerful model.
The shower head has three settings, including a relaxing PowderRain spray, a refreshing Rain spray and an invigorating Whirl spray.
After testing 11 models (including filter and water saving designs) to find the best shower heads for your home, this was my favourite; it stood out for its economical yet strong water pressure and its versatility.
It's one of the more premium designs on the market, with an RRP of £138 (although it's often cheaper on Amazon). And while I tested the standard chrome model, you can pay more for other finishes like black chrome and brushed bronze.
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How we test shower heads
I tried a wide range of shower heads, including the viral Hello Klean filter shower head that is great for hard water areas, and the Mira Beat Shower Head that I highlighted as the best value shower head.
Throughout my testing, I used the same approach. Firstly, I assessed each shower's spray patterns, water pressure and distribution and comfort of use, including whether it was easy to hold.
I then tested the flow rate for litres per minute by measuring how much water was collected in 10 seconds and multiplying it by six. Read on to find out why I rated this shower head top and pair it with one of the best bath towels for a spa-like bathroom.
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Flow rate
A shower head that benefits both your wallet and the environment will provide good pressure without using too much water. This Hansgrohe design claims to help you save 20 per cent compared to a standard shower head through its AirPower technology that mixes air with water to create a soft, voluminous spray. This means you still get that spa-like feel while using less water.
Hansgrohe states its maximum water flow rate is up to 11 litres per minute. To test this myself, I placed a bucket at the base of my shower, turned it on for 10 seconds and measured the volume of water collected. I multiplied this by six to get the flow rate per minute. I measured an average of around 7.2 litres per minute on the heavier Rain and Whirl sprays and just a little less at 6.6 litres per minute on the PowderRain spray. This was about average when compared with the other eco shower heads I tried.
Water pressure
Supply issues or your home's hot water system are often the culprits for low water pressure. But a shower head with a water flow restrictor and its spray settings can also play a part. There are three settings on this one, including 'PowderRain' which provides 'soft, sensual water drops', 'Rain' which feels much like a standard rainfall shower and 'Whirl' which has a massaging effect.
Keen to know how the water pressure would be affected by the different sprays, I turned the shower on to check whether it extended three feet before dropping, which indicates adequate pressure. I found all three settings satisfyingly strong, leaving me happy with the powerful results.
Spray pattern and distribution
The range and types of spray patterns found on a shower head vary from model to model, but having tried many, I find that quality beats quantity. So while other models I've tried have up to five options, that didn't mean they would be better than the Hansgrohe's three.
They are controlled via a 'Select' button, conveniently positioned at the base of the face. I preferred using this over the manual levers found on many other designs as those often felt a little awkward to use.
It's the large, 12.5cm face that makes all the difference to this shower's feel, however. The invigorating Whirl spray, with its luxurious massaging jet of water, twisted and turned out of the shower head like nothing I've seen before. It felt great on my back. The PowderRain's generous droplets and powerful spray mimicked overhead rainfall shower heads and the Rain spray is similarly drenching, but the jets are more concentrated and feel thicker and heavier overall.
Design and aesthetics
Score: 9/10
This shower head is visibly larger than your average design – the Mira Beat is 11cm while the Arezzo handset is 10.5cm. The chrome is shiny and the back of the shower head acts like a mirror, which came in useful for making sure all my make up has washed off.
The handle felt shorter than what I would expect for its large head, but was surprisingly comfortable to hold. There's still ample room for your hand to fit conveniently.
While the chrome finish will suit most bathrooms, if it's not right for yours, there are five alternative colours for you to choose from.
Ease of cleaning
Score: 9/10
Cleaning and buffing your shower dry after use with a microfibre cloth can make all the difference to its appearance and help to keep unsightly limescale build up at bay – a notorious problem if you live in a hard water area.
The Hansgrohe's smooth and shiny head meant this was easy to do while the QuickClean silicone nozzles are also designed to clean up with a wipe. There aren't too many grooves or indentations for limescale build up on either.
It's hard to say how this shower head will fare over time and whether it will still look as box fresh in six months' time, but one month in I'm pleased with the results.
Technical specifications
I've rated the Hansgrohe Raindance Select S Hand Shower 120 3jet PowderRain as the Best Buy among shower heads currently available, but if you're after a cheaper option you might like to try the Mira Beat, my pick for Best Value shower head. Here's how they match up.
Should you buy the Hansgrohe Raindance Select S Hand Shower 120 3jet PowderRain?
Provided it's compatible with your shower system, this Hansgrohe Raindance Shower Head makes for a great bathroom refresh. Its three spray options are water-saving yet powerful and the Whirl spray is particularly invigorating.
Yes, if:
You want a rainfall-style shower that's not overhead
You're trying to create a spa-like experience at home
You want to switch between spray patterns easily
No, if:
Hansgrohe Raindance Select S FAQs
How do you clean the Hansgrohe Raindance shower head?
With QuickClean silicone nozzles that protrude slightly from the shower head, the Raindance Select S can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to ensure limescale doesn't build up. Clean the body of the shower head with a standard shower detergent and then buff dry with a soft microfibre cloth to keep it looking shiny. The seal and filter are accessible from the base of the hand shower.
What's special about the Hansgrohe Raindance shower head?
The water sprays on this shower head all provide a spa-like experience. Both the Rain and PowderRain sprays offer a good drenching from the large 12.5cm head, while the Whirl spray generates a powerful, massaging stream of water.
How do you remove the water restrictor from the Hansgrohe Raindance shower head?
The model reviewed here doesn't have a flow restrictor. This feature is available on the EcoSmart and EcoSmart+ models.
How do you disassemble the Hansgrohe Raindance shower head?
