Credit:
Moen / Safe-er-Grip / ZUEXT / Reviewed
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Credit:
Moen / Safe-er-Grip / ZUEXT / Reviewed
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The Moen 8732 is a gold standard in bathroom and shower grab bars. Read More
These ADA-compliant grab bars have a small diameter, but buyers find them to be very sturdy. Read More
The Safe-er-Grip is perhaps best suited for short-term injury. It's officially classified as a balance assist as opposed to an ADA-certified grab bar. Read More
This Moen 2-in-1 is an ideal grab bar for those who want a little more beyond basic support. Read More
Since multiple bars may be needed for maximum bathroom safety, this two pack from Gotega stands to be a great buy for a deal-conscious customer. Read More
Bathrooms can be a minefield of slip-and-fall hazards between their slick floors and soapy spaces. The addition of a grab bar (or several) can help turn your tub or shower into the relaxing haven it was always meant to be.
Products like the Moen’s Home Bathroom Grab Bar (available at Amazon for $23.44) are a staple in terms of their build quality and durability, but there are plenty of options consumers can consider that have additional features, understated designs, or factors that make for an easier install. As a matter of personal safety, buying a grab bar can be a more intimate process than one might initially assume.
Though anyone can benefit from the addition of a grab bar or shower safety bar, those who are aging in place or have physical challenges may find the extra support and stability especially necessary. We pulled together a list of the five best grab bars on the market, available to purchase right now.
Editor's Note: The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
This Moen grab bar is a consumer favorite in almost all aspects.
When it comes to ADA compliance, Zuext makes a great grab bar.
If you absolutely must use a suction cup grab bar, the Safe-er-Grip is a popular choice.
The Moen 2-in-1 grab bar offers a toilet paper dispenser in addition to extra stability.
The Gotega Grab Bar is affordable but may be a challenge to install.
When selecting the right grab bar for your bathroom, it’s important to consider where and why you need the extra help. There is no standard placement for grab bars, so much of it is determined by the needs of the user. Grab bars can be especially helpful at preventing slips and falls when placed near toilets, showers, and bathtubs, though anywhere a person leans over, moves along, or interacts with a wet surface can benefit from the assist.
For those with more minor challenges, a few grab bars tailored for balance may be all you need and can even serve secondary uses, such as holding towels. For others, the ability to place their full weight on the bar when moving into and out of a space might be a bigger concern. Regardless of the planned use case, the addition of a grab bar can provide a sense of security and independence for many users.
When choosing a grab bar, also consider how long you will need it and whether your space has any restrictions on installation. For instance, if you live in an apartment or are recovering from surgery, you may not need a grab bar long term. In these cases, a suction cup grab bar might be the best choice, both in terms of price and ease of installation.
However, if the grab bar will likely be a long-term feature, it’s probably worthwhile to get a bar you can more permanently secure. Be sure to follow all installation instructions carefully. A grab bar is only as secure as the wall holding it, so finding a stud or anchoring in drywall are essential for most bathroom setups.
While many buyers of the above-listed grab bars installed the bar themselves, a local handyperson may be able to perform an installation as well. A service like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack may provide instant access to folks willing to take on small jobs, though Thumbtack is probably more preferrable if there is additional work around the house that needs to be done.
Of course, you can also browse your local Yellow Pages to find businesses too. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbors either, as lots of people probably know someone willing to take on an odd job. Using a combination of both old-school and modern tactics, finding a professional to ensure a secure installation of something as simple as a grab bar shouldn’t be much of a hassle.
As described above, where you place a grab bar or shower safety bar largely depends on the needs of the person using it mixed with some old-fashioned common sense. For maximum security, most recommendations suggest three bars be installed at the ADA height of 33-36 inches above the floor. If the user is exceptionally tall or short, those heights can always be adjusted for proper installation.
Many of the bars we’ve featured on this list come in packs with multiple bars, so those may be preferable if you want a single purchase that maximizes your bathroom safety.
Suction cup grab bars are often comparatively cheap and ideal for simple installation. That said, they should be used with extra caution. They are probably safest for users who are in lower weight classes or those who only need to bear a little bit of weight to get where they need to go. Generally speaking, a person who weighs more than 250 pounds should avoid suction grab bars at all costs.
Deciding whether the user needs a temporary or permanent grab bar is one of the first steps to consider to maximize bathroom safety.
Beyond the obvious limitations, you also need to consider where the bar is going to be installed. Suction only attaches to flat surfaces, which means placing on tile is out of the question. And, even if the bar does install, its grip should be tested by an able-bodied person as often as possible. Suction bars are awesome if you’re recovering from temporary injury or have construction restrictions, but permanent options are always preferred whenever possible.
In most cases, Medicare does not provide coverage for grab bars like the ones featured in this article. If you happen to have Medicare Part C there may be some costs covered there, but most folks with Part A and Part B will have to pay for a grab bar themselves.
Anna Wenner is a freelance writer and photographer with experience in journalism and product development. She has photographed everything from the NCAA Tournament to President Barack Obama and always loves a new challenge. Based on personal experience, her content at Reviewed focuses on neurodivergence and senior care. When not creating, Anna can usually be found exploring national parks, playing video games, or curled up under a blanket reading.
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