Take a look at the Hansgrohe ThermoBalance series. There are three different types, depending on how many outputs you're trying to control. A showerhead and a handheld (without a tub spout) would use the ThermoBalance II. Add a tub spout, and you've got a ThermoBalance III (which is what I'm installing).

I have the Hansgrohe charlikin mentions in two bathrooms and I really like them. I think that Grohe (which is a different company) makes them, too.

Thank you charlikin and astridh for your replies. The Hansgrohe ThermoBalance II series will get a closer look this week.

kawfeeaddict,

As the others have mentioned, pretty much any "standard" shower/tub valve will work for you, but they will limit you to an "either/or" situation...water out of the shower head, or water out of the hand held, but not both simultaneously.

Pressure balanced valves usually have a single knob to turn the water on/off, and the amount that you spin the knob also sets the temp.

Thermostatic valves usually have one knob for volume and another for temp.

Read down a bit on this thread for more about PB versus TS valves.

If you're looking for "simple" and "affordable" then look at the Symmons valves. They are not going to win any awards for style, but they have been around forever and they are an excellent product.

And yes, the "shower" port on the valve can serve your shower head, the "tub" port can serve the hand held. Or vice-versa.

Be well-caffeinated,

Mongo

The Hansgrohe Thermobalance III, at least, lets you run the showerhead and the handshower at the same time. There are four positions: off is in the center. Turn the knob to the left, you get the tub spout. Turn to the right, you get the fixed showerhead. Turn more to the right, you get a mix of showerhead and handshower until you're all the way to the right, where you get handshower only.

At least that's the way I understand it operates. I'll let you know if it's true in a few weeks. :-)

charlikin,

Yup, there's a whole range of opportunities to be had out there.

3, 4, and even 5-way valves, with varying degrees of mixing between the different ports. The Thermobalance 3 is a nice valve. You'll like it.

Mongo

We have the Hansgrohe Thermobalance III valve and the Retroaktiv trim on a showerhead and handleheld (only two functions; no tub spout). The Thermobalance II does not allow you to use two functions at once.

If you want to use the shower head and handheld at the same time, you will need to use the Thermobalance III, and follow the "special instructions" for installing. On ours, if you turn the handle to "I" you get the showerhead, if you turn it to "II" you also get the showerhead, if you turn it to "III" you get the handheld. BUT, if you turn it midway between "II" and "III" you get both showerhead and handheld on at once.

There is some volume control when using the showerhead, ie, it's possible to turn the volume down very low. But if you are using both at the same time, you can't really adjust the volume.

It works really well for us, but we purchased and installed it on the word of our dealer and Hansgrohe, who said it would work. We didn't know anyone who had it at the time. I LOVE the showerhead; my husband wishes it had a finer spray.

Thanks, Mongo! Can't wait to use it - gotta beat my current shower which changes temperature so much, I spend more time adjusting the knobs than shaving my legs. ;-)