The safest shower chair should be stable, shaking-free, and strong enough to bear the user’s weight. With a lot of great options on the market, you should know the key factors to consider the right one for your needs (and your bathtub size, of course).
Here are our picks and guides for you. Let’s dive right in!
Here are the safest shower chairs you can buy in 2024:
- Sturdiest (Standard Shower Chair): Medline MDS89745RAH
- Best For Narrower Tubs (Standard Shower Chair): Health Line Massage Products Shower Stool
- Lightweight (Standard Shower Chair): Vaunn Medical Adjustable Swivel Shower Stool
- Best For Long Sitting (Padded Seat): Platinum Health Standard-Blue
- Best For Lighter People (Transfer Bench): Carex FGB15300 0000
- Best For Heavier People (Transfer Bench): Moen DN7105
- Budget Option (Folding Chair): Drive Medical 12486
- Multi-Purpose (Folding Chair): Showerbuddy SB7E
- Most Spacious Seat (Folding Chair): EasyComforts 358607-BC00402163
| 9 Safest Shower Chairs | ||
|---|---|---|
Sturdiest | Medline MDS89745RAH
| |
Best For Narrower Tubs | Health Line Massage Products Shower Stool
| |
Lightweight | Vaunn Medical Adjustable Swivel Shower Stool
| |
Best For Long Sitting | Platinum Health Standard-Blue
| |
Best For Lighter People | Carex FGB15300 0000
| |
Best For Heavier People | Moen DN7105
| |
Budget Option | Drive Medical 12486
| |
Multi-Purpose | Showerbuddy SB7E
| |
Most-Spacious Seat | EasyComforts 358607-BC00402163
| |
Sturdiest: Medline MDS89745RAH
- Sturdiest – a 350-pound weight capacity
- Supportive & comfortable – a tall, wide, and padded backrest & padded armrests and seat
- Vague directions
We were pleasantly surprised when testing this shower chair. In contrast to its small and lightweight design, the chair is very sturdy, including the handrails, and strong enough to support 350 pounds of weight.
The Medline MDS89745RAH is a rare standard shower chair built with a backrest. Moreover, this backrest is extra-tall, wide, and padded for additional support.
The seat and the handrails are padded, too.
It's very easy to adjust the legs' height of the chair with just a push of a button. But once locked into place, it feels secure and stable.
| Medline MDS89745RAH Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.13 Pounds |
Dimensions | 23.62 x 6.15 x 16.51 inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Highlight Features | a 350-pound weight capacity a tall, wide, and padded backrest & padded armrests and seat |
The Medline MDS89745RAH is the sturdiest standard shower chair we found at this competitive price range
Best For Narrower Tubs: Health Line Massage Products Shower Stool
- Fit in narrower tubs – dimensions of 17.5 x 12 x 5.25 inches
- Great support & comfort – large seating area with an ergonomic curve & a 6mm-thick soft cushion
- Reduce wobbling – obtuse-angle leg design
- No backrest
The gap between the two front legs of this chair is 15" while the gap between the front and behind legs is 13", which fits nicely in a narrow bathtub.
Meanwhile, the seating area is slightly larger, measuring 17.3" L x 10.6" W, with an ergonomic curve and a 6mm-thick soft cushion. So, although this chair has no backrest or handrails, it still keeps you sitting with balance and comfort.
That's what we like the most about this shower chair.
For additional stability, the legs are designed with an obtuse angle - which is proven to decrease up to 90% wobbling.
The chair is also FDA-certificated and height adjustable from 13.5" to 18.5".
| Health Line Massage Products Shower Stool Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.49 pounds |
Dimensions | 17.5 x 12 x 5.25 inches |
Materials | Medical Grade Aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Highlight Features | dimensions of 17.5 x 12 x 5.25 inches large seating area with an ergonomic curve & a 6mm-thick soft cushion obtuse-angle leg design |
The Health Line Massage Products Shower Stool is small and compact enough to fit in a narrower bathtub.
Lightweight: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Swivel Shower Stool
- Lightweight & Easy to transport – anodized aluminum frame & no-frill design
- Suitable for lightweight users – a 250-pound weight capacity
- Easy to get up - 360-degree rotatable design
- No backrest or armrest
- No drainage holes on the seating area
Standard shower chairs typically weigh 6 - 8 pounds, but this one from Vaunn is just 4.8 pounds, making it the most lightweight option on the market.
Its dimensions are 13" W x 13" L, with an adjustable height range of 13.75" to 20.5" - compact enough to fit any narrow bathtub.
However, because of its limited seating area and the weight capacity of 250 pounds, we won't recommend this chair to large-frame people with bad balance.
On the bright side, the chair is height adjustable, 360-degree rotatable, and easy to carry around. The thick cushion on its seating is very comfortable.
| Vaunn Medical Adjustable Swivel Shower Stool Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.8 Pounds |
Dimensions | 13 x 13 x 20.5 inches |
Materials | Anodized aluminum |
Weight Capacity | up to 250 pounds |
Highlight Features | anodized aluminum frame 360-degree rotatable design |
Looking for a lightweight yet sturdy and safe standard shower chair? You should not dismiss the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Swivel Shower Stool
Best For Long Sitting: Platinum Health Standard-Blue
- Extremely comfortable - a thick closed-cell molded polyurethane cushion on the seat, handrails, and backrest
- Help in safer transfer – two handrails with padding and secure locking mechanism
- Suitable for people with dementia-afflicted and/or vision-impaired issues - hi-contrast blue color
- Expensive
- A bit tricky to assemble
If you usually take a long shower, an extra-comfortable shower chair is all you need. The Platinum Health Standard - Blue is our recommendation.
It boasts a thick closed-cell molded polyurethane cushion on the seat, handrails, and backrest. Rest assured, the material is waterproof and medical-grade for safety and easy cleaning.
A big bonus point for the handrails.
Regular transfer benches have a no-armrest design, but this one not just gives you one but two robust handrails. Plus, one of them can be lowered and locked into place when not in use.
The practical hi-contrast blue color increases visibility, making it safer for people with dementia-afflicted and/or vision-impaired issues
| Platinum Health Standard-Blue Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 20 Pounds |
Dimensions | 34" x 20" |
Materials | Commercial Grade Polyurethane Foam and Medical Grade Aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 330 Pounds |
Highlight Features | a thick closed-cell molded polyurethane cushion on the seat, handrails, and backrest two handrails with padding and secure locking mechanism hi-contrast blue color |
The Platinum Health Standard – Blue is an extremely comfortable shower chair with an ultra-thick padded seat. It’s a great choice for long sitting.
Best For Lighter People: Carex FGB15300 0000
- Ideal for lighter people – a 300-pound capacity
- Suitable for right or left-handed entry – reversible seat design
- Lightweight & easy to maneuver – 11 pounds
- Not fit inside a narrow bathtub
- Backrest, armrests, and seating surface have no padding
With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, the Carex FGB15300 0000 is a great choice for lighter users.
This transfer bench brings a sturdy feel, the sliding part is smooth, and the legs sit flatly on the floor for no shaking. You can reverse the seat back for right or left-handed entry.
Made of anodized aluminum, this chair is very lightweight (around 11 pounds), so it's easy to assemble or transport from one place to another.
| Carex FGB15300 0000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.73 Pounds |
Dimensions | 20.03 x 30.98 x 19.24 inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 300 Pounds |
Highlight Features | a 300-pound capacity reversible seat design 11 pounds |
With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, the Carex FGB15300 0000 is ideal for lighter people
Best For Heavier People: Moen DN7105
- Best for heavy users – a weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Extra-comfort – curved seat design & ergonomic backrest
- Keep your items within reach – a basket
- No draining holes in the seating area
The Moen DN7105 at a glance seems to be too basic to give you comfort or support, especially when it's stated to support a heavyweight user up to 400 pounds.
But when taking a close-up look, you'll find that this chair is thoughtfully designed to every detail. The backrest has an ergonomic curve and is slightly tilted backward to give you the best comfort when leaning back.
The seating area is wider and thicker with curved corners to not hurt you when you're sliding outside to get up while the robust support handle makes it a leverage point for safer transfer.
As a great plus, the basket keeps your toiletries and bathing essentials within reach.
| Moen DN7105 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 15.8 Pounds |
Dimensions | 34.5 x 6.5 x 18.75 inches |
Materials | HDPE, aluminum, TPR, and PE |
Weight Capacity | 400 Pounds |
Highlight Features | a weight capacity of 400 pounds curved seat design & ergonomic backrest a basket |
The Moen DN7105 is dedicated to heavier people. It can support up to 400 pounds of max loading weight with extra support.
Budget Option: Drive Medical 12486
- Sturdy – a 300-pound weight capacity
- Comfortable - ergonomic seat design with a non-slip textured surface
- No backrest or armrest
The Drive Medical 12486 is a very basic folding chair with no armrest or backrest.
However, it brings a sturdy feel, can support 300 pounds of weight, and is comfortable to sit on, thanks to the ergonomic seat design with a non-slip textured surface.
It's also lightweight and easy to assemble.
So, if you're on a tight budget and looking for a simple yet sturdy folding shower chair, we highly recommend the Drive Medical 12486.
| Drive Medical 12486 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
Dimensions | 27 x 22 x 4 inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs. |
Highlight Features | a 300-pound weight capacity ergonomic seat design with a non-slip textured surface |
On the hunt for the best budget option? Don’t hesitate to pick the Drive Medical 12486
Multi-Purpose: Showerbuddy SB7E
- Make self-care easy – the insert fill & removable commode bucket
- Super-comfortable – footrests, backrest, and extra-high handrails with padding
- Best for pregnant, disabled, and elderly seniors
- Heavy & bulky
- The seat height adjustment range is narrow
The Showerbuddy SB7E is a very versatile chair. It's built to help pregnant, disabled, and elderly seniors to shower and self-care more easily.
It has foldable footrests, four swivel wheels with a secure locking mechanism, two extra-high handrails with padding, and a backrest.
Making it a special chair is a removable bottom and commode bucket for easy toileting. Or, you can remove the bucket and roll the chair over any standard toilet.
You also can adjust the seat height from 19.5 to 20.5”.
The Showerbuddy SB7E is seemingly complicated, but it's easy to assemble with no tools required. It can fit in a standard travel bag for easy transport.
| Showerbuddy SB7E Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 23.1 pounds |
Dimensions | 31.5 x 22.25 x 8.5 inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 265 Pounds |
Highlight Features | the insert fill & removable commode bucket footrests, backrest, and extra-high handrails with padding |
For those who are looking for a multi-purpose folding shower chair, our favorite pick is the Showerbuddy SB7E
Most Spacious Seat: EasyComforts 358607-BC00402163
- Ideal for large-framed people - an extra-large seat area of 17 1/2
- Not for narrow bathtubs
Featuring an extra-large seat area of 17 1/2" L x 11" W with an ergonomic design, the EasyComforts 358607-BC00402163 is a safe and comfortable shower chair for large-framed users.
It also has three height positions from 16" to 17.5" to custom-fit your needs, while the side handles and a foldable curve-shaped backrest offer additional support.
Made of high-density polyethylene and aluminum, this chair can bear the max weight of 300 pounds.
| EasyComforts 358607-BC00402163 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.43 Pounds |
Dimensions | 11 x 11 x 17 inches |
Materials | Aluminum/Plastic |
Weight Capacity | up to 300 pounds |
Highlight Features | an extra-large seat area of 17 1/2" L x 11" W side handles and a foldable curve-shaped backrest 1.43 pounds |
For larger-framed people, the EasyComforts 358607-BC00402163 with a spacious seating area is the best bet.
How To Choose The Safest Shower Chair?
Type Of Shower Chair
When it comes to choosing a shower chair, there are a few things to consider. One is what type of chair would best suit your needs. There are three main types of shower chairs:
- Standard shower chairs
- Transfer benches
- Folding chairs
Standard shower chairs are the most common type of shower chair. They typically have four legs with or without a backrest. After setup, all the legs stay inside your bathtub.
Transfer benches are designed to help you transfer from your wheelchair to the shower seat. Compared to other chair types, transfer benches typically have wider seating areas, and after setup, two of their legs stay outside of the bathtub while the rest are inside.
Folding shower chairs look quite similar to standard shower chairs, except that they’re foldable and more compact to store away.
Material
The chair material should be comfortable to sit on and easy to clean.
Some materials may be more durable than others, so it is important to consider how often the chair will be used.
The following are some common materials used for shower chairs:
Plastic: Plastic shower chairs are usually the most affordable option. They are lightweight and easy to clean, but may not be as durable as other materials.
Aluminum: Aluminum shower chairs are more expensive than plastic, but they are also more durable. Aluminum chairs are also rust-resistant, making them a good choice if you intend to leave them in the bathroom.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel shower chairs are the most expensive option, yet the most durable. Stainless steel chairs are rust-resistant and easy to clean.
Slip Resistance
After all, you don't want to risk slipping and falling while trying to take a shower.
There are a few things that you can look for when finding a safe shower chair:
Make sure that the chair has non-slip feet. These will help to grip the floor and prevent the chair from sliding around.
Another thing to look for is a seat that is textured or has a raised surface. This will also help to grip the body and prevent slipping.
Finally, make sure that the legs of the chair are evenly spaced. This will help to distribute weight evenly and prevent the chair from tipping over.
Other Safety Features
Fasten Seat Belt
Some shower chairs come with a detachable and adjustable fastened seat belt to keep the user sitting with more balance while showering.
When you consider this safety feature, pay attention to the belt. Make sure it’s not irritating or chafing your skin.
Armrests
If you need a leverage point to stand up and get out of the bathtub more safely and easily, consider a shower chair with sturdy and comfortable armrests.
If you intend to pick a chair with two armrests and one of them can be raised up/lowered down, make sure the locking mechanism is strong yet easy to use.
Consider an extra cushion if you want more comfort. But make sure the material is waterproof and easy to clean.
Which Brands Make The Safest Shower Chair?
Medline
One brand that consistently produces high-quality, safe shower chairs is Medline. Medline has been manufacturing medical supplies since 1966.
Their experience and expertise show in the quality of their products. Medline makes both basic and feature-rich shower chairs.
No matter what your needs are, Medline has a safe, comfortable, and affordable shower chair to meet them.
Platinum Health
Shower chairs are one of Platinum Health’s best selling product lineups at the present.
Their products are of the highest quality and are more durable, safer, and more comfortable than competitive products on the market.
They offer a wide range of products including institutional quality products that are perfect for those who want the best possible care for their loved ones.
FAQs
Are shower chairs safe?
Yes, they are.
Shower chairs are specifically built with safety in mind. They're strong, rust-resistant, stable anti-slip, and waterproof that can help you sit with balance when showering.
What can I use instead of a shower chair?
You can replace a shower chair with:
- Plastic or lawn chair
- Shower corner bench
- Wall-mounted flip down/up shower bench
- Built-in shower seat
- Bath lifts
- Bath stools
- Grab bars
How much weight does a shower chair hold?
A shower chair can hold the max weight of 250-400 pounds.
How do I keep my shower chair from slipping?
To keep your shower chair from slipping, add a slip-resistant pad to each leg or use a rubber-backed bath mat.
Will I need a shower chair after knee replacement?
Yes, you will.
Shower chairs are built to provide extra safety for users with bad balance in the shower.
Conclusion
The market is getting crowded with more and more shower chair variations each year. For novice shoppers, it’s a real challenge to find the safest shower chair for themselves or their loved ones. That’s the reason we made this list. Hopefully, it was helpful to you. Thanks for reading!
