Hansgrohe has a thermostatic valve and trim with both volume and temperature control, but Grohe requires a separate volume valve and trim. The thermostatic valve only controls the temperature.

I had read about the Hansgrohe valve, but I didn't care much for it. Can't understand exactly how I could control temperature, volume and diverter with only 2 handles...

We recently installed a new shower with a rainshower head and handheld head, run by one of the Hansgrohe controls. It's very simple to operate.

The temperature is controlled by the smaller handle on the outside. I think I've touched it once; after putting it on a temperature both my wife and I apparently find desirable, we never touch it.

The larger, inner handle controls volume and diverter. With the Thermobalance II, shown above, you turn the handle left of center to use one shower head, or right to use the other showerhead. Want to be able to use both at the same time (as I did)? For a few more dollars, you get the Thermobalance III valve and trim...

This unit could control three different showerheads, or the plumbing can be configured to control two showerheads -- which is what we did, and what I think you're saying you want to do. Turn it left to the for one showerhead, turn all the way to the left and the second showerhead runs; in between, both showerheads run. It's easy to adjust the volume between the two, although I have to say I just go mid-way and let them both run full force.

I like the simplicity of having only one control and one handle on the wall. You can certainly configure it with three different handles if you prefer; I just wanted to explain how the Hansgrohe works if you're interested.

-- Eric

Rewok, depending on the brand, some sell individual components, like Hansgrohe, and some "package" the necessary parts together. You can put the rainshower head on a different shorter arm, if necessary.

I would get the 36" slide bar for added flexibility, and the other thing you should consider is the length of the shower head hose.

Have you looked at Jado? I have a setup very similar to what you are trying to do and everything except the body sprays is from Jado, the body sprays are from Hansgrohe. If you do the bodysprays, you'll need additional diverters. My shower is in it's 4th year, no complaints, everthing works great.

Wow, great explanation Jacobse! Those manufacturers have few information for us consumer (nothing to explain how to piece you kit), maybe they want us to rely on our plumbing store? Can't say mine were really helpful, some places they didn't even acknowledge me... Now they'll wonder why people buy online! I've asked a question directly to Grohe, and one to FaucetDirect, and got a complete answer in less than 24h hours!

Now it seems DH is sold on the separate volume controls for each head, and since he doesn't ask for much, well, I'm going his way! So the Hansgrohe loses its appeal, and my shower will look like a control center.

homechef, I didn't look at Jado, I think I have enough with the other brands. My head is spinning already! But they have a wonderful lavatory faucet...

There are also local products (Canada) in the showrooms here. We "wet tested" a 16" rainshower head that comes about the same price as the Grohe 8" I was considering. Should hold up well, it's not a valve or anything, so I'm not stuck on the "best brand" for that one. Not doing body jets, I'm sure we won't use and lots of water usage without cleaning benefits!

There is nothing wrong with Kohler's quality compared to Grohe or Hansgrohe. Anyone who tells you differently is uninformed.

Whatever you choose, you better make sure that your pipes AND hot water heater can keep up with the demand of two features running at the same time.

It sounds like there will be 2 shower heads going at the same time potentially? If so besides taking into account the (supply) pipe and hot water heater demand I'd also think about the drainage keeping up too.

My contractor specifically mentioned having a larger drain to handle the 2 shower head configuration that I'm thinking about in our new bath.

Cheers,
--jans

Definitely go with the inventors of the shower -Hansgrohe. I actually have all the items you need in my personal stock left over from a few projects. This is the easiest and most affordable way to create a shower system. One handle does it all. I can create the shower system you want.
Let me know if I can help you with this shower system.

rewok- are you saying that you priced out everything at $100 total? that seems very low.

We are also in Canada, and we got everything you described from Hudson Reed. We absolutely LOVE having the thermostatic valve (though sometimes I do lower the temp- cuz Hubby seems to like it hotter than me). During the reno Hubby increased the size of the waterpipe to accommodate having both shower heads on at the same time.

I would suggest the 36" slide bar (ours is 42"- though 2" at each end are past the supports and not accessible to the shower head)

Here is a link that might be useful: Hudson Reed

Hi - what did you end up going with here?