For three sprays, pick the Kohler Purist. For one large spray, the Kohler Bancroft. For eight functions with pause, the Moen Hydro Energetix 200W0SRN. For four settings and Touch-Clean nozzles, the Delta 52401-SS.
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This guide compares four brushed nickel shower heads using Kohler, Moen and Delta spec sheets.
Brushed nickel shower heads compared (maker spec sheets)
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| Model | Maker’s finish name | Sprays | Face size | Pause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohler Purist K-22170-G-BN | Vibrant Brushed Nickel | 3 | 5-1/2 in. | No |
| Kohler Bancroft K-14519-G-BN | Vibrant Brushed Nickel | 1 | 5-15/16 in. | No |
| Moen Hydro Energetix 200W0SRN | Spot Resist Brushed Nickel | 8 incl. pause | 4-3/4 in. | Yes |
| Delta 52401-SS | Stainless (Amazon: brushed nickel) | 4 incl. pause | 5-13/16 in. | Yes |
Brushed nickel is a soft, satin silver finish. Makers name and code it differently: Kohler uses BN for Vibrant Brushed Nickel, Moen uses SRN for Spot Resist Brushed Nickel, and Delta’s product page calls the 52401-SS finish Stainless, while the Amazon listing calls it brushed nickel. For other finishes, see our black shower head guide; for flow, our low-flow and high-pressure shower head guides.
Kohler Purist K-22170-G-BN: three sprays
Choose the Purist for three sprays in Kohler’s brushed nickel. Kohler’s spec sheet (resources.kohler.com) lists full coverage, pulsating massage and silk sprays changed with a thumb tab, a MasterClean sprayface that Kohler says withstands mineral buildup, a 1.75 gpm flow and a 1/2-14 NPT connection, with the shower arm and flange sold separately.
It lists a 5-1/2-inch face and a 4-5/16-inch depth, EPA WaterSense, and notes it coordinates with Kohler’s Purist, Stillness and Composed faucets. The warranty is Kohler’s faucet lifetime limited warranty. On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Build.com was in stock with model 22170-G-BN. More in our Kohler shower head guide.
Check Kohler Purist K-22170-G-BN brushed nickel shower head on Amazon →
Kohler Bancroft K-14519-G-BN: single spray, Katalyst
Choose the Bancroft for a single 48-nozzle spray with Kohler’s air induction. Kohler’s spec sheet (resources.kohler.com) lists a single-function head with 48 nozzles on a 5-15/16-inch sprayface, Katalyst air-induction technology, a MasterClean sprayface, a 1.75 gpm flow at 80 psi and a 1/2-14 NPT connection.
It lists a 4-13/16-inch depth and EPA WaterSense, notes it complements Kohler’s Bancroft faucets and accessories, and lists brushed nickel among three finishes. On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com was in stock with model 14519-G-BN.
Check Kohler Bancroft K-14519-G-BN brushed nickel shower head on Amazon →
Moen Hydro Energetix 200W0SRN: eight functions
Choose the Hydro Energetix for the most functions here, including pause. Moen’s spec sheet (maker page: assets.moen.com/shared/docs/product-specifications/200w0sp.pdf) lists a fixed-mount head with eight functions including pause, selected by rotating the outer ring, a 1/2-inch IPS connection and a 1.75 gpm maximum flow at 80 psi, with WaterSense certification.
Moen says all spray settings deliver 40% more force than the minimum EPA WaterSense performance specification, and three sprays use an oval pattern for 40% more coverage; those are the maker’s comparisons. It lists a 4-3/4-inch face and a 3-inch depth, and the warranty is lifetime against leaks, drips and finish defects to the original homeowner. On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com was in stock with model 200W0SRN. More in our Moen shower head guide.
Check Moen Hydro Energetix 200W0SRN brushed nickel shower head on Amazon →
Delta 52401-SS: four settings with pause
Choose the Delta 52401 for a simple four-setting head with Touch-Clean nozzles. Delta’s spec sheet (media.deltafaucet.com) (Rev. A) lists four settings: full spray, massage spray, full spray with massage and pause, a 1.75 gpm flow at 80 psi and a standard 1/2-14 NPT fitting. Delta notes the pause is a non-positive shut-off.
It lists a 5-13/16-inch face and a 3-5/8-inch depth, Touch-Clean spray holes and EPA WaterSense, with a lifetime limited warranty on parts and finish for residential buyers. On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com showed limited stock with model 52401-SS. More in our Delta shower head guide.
Check Delta 52401-SS brushed nickel shower head on Amazon →
Matching brushed nickel finishes
Because each maker names its finish differently, a Kohler brushed nickel head and a Moen or Delta valve trim may not look identical. To keep finishes consistent, you can buy the head in the same maker’s finish code as your shower trim: BN for Kohler, SRN for Moen, SS for Delta. Kohler’s sheets name the faucet lines each head is meant to coordinate with, which helps if you are matching a Purist or Bancroft faucet.
Spray settings and pause
The Bancroft has one spray, the Purist three, the Delta four including pause and the Moen eight including pause. A pause setting slows the water while you lather; Delta notes its pause is not a full shut-off. Kohler uses a thumb tab to switch sprays, and Moen a rotating outer ring. If you want a head you can take off the wall, see our handheld shower head guide.
Cleaning the nozzles
Both Kohler heads list a MasterClean sprayface, which Kohler says withstands mineral buildup, and Kohler recommends its K-23723 faucet cleaner. Delta lists Touch-Clean spray holes on the 52401. Moen’s sheet does not describe a nozzle-cleaning feature on the Hydro Energetix. If you have hard water, check it with a kit from our water hardness test kit guide.
Flow and water use
All four heads are rated at 1.75 gpm at 80 psi and carry the WaterSense label from their makers, below the 2.5 gpm federal maximum Kohler lists under the Energy Policy Act. Because the rating is at 80 psi, flow at lower home pressure can be less. Moen notes that products marked 1.75 gpm meet California water efficiency rules, and Kohler lists California Energy Commission compliance on both of its heads. If you want to use less water, our low-flow guide covers 1.5 gpm models.
Installing the new head
All four use a standard 1/2-inch connection. Unscrew the old head, clean the shower arm threads, wrap them with thread seal tape and hand-tighten the new head, using a wrench over a cloth if needed to protect the finish. Kohler lists the arm and flange as sold separately for the Purist and recommends its K-7395, K-7397 or K-933 arms. If your arm is too short or low, see our shower arm extender guide.
Check these before you order
- Finish code. BN, SRN or SS by maker.
- Sprays. One to eight settings.
- Pause. Moen and Delta only.
- Face. 4-3/4 to 5-15/16 inches.
- Arm. Sold separately for the Purist.
- Seller. Purist via Build.com.
Which brushed nickel shower head should you buy?
For three sprays, the Kohler Purist K-22170-G-BN. For a single large spray, the Kohler Bancroft K-14519-G-BN. For eight functions including pause, the Moen Hydro Energetix 200W0SRN. For four settings and Touch-Clean nozzles, the Delta 52401-SS. To fit it, see our thread seal tape guide.
Frequently asked questions
What finish codes mean brushed nickel?
Kohler BN and Moen SRN; Delta’s 52401 is listed as SS (Stainless) by Delta and as brushed nickel by Amazon.
Which brushed nickel head here has the most sprays?
The Moen Hydro Energetix, with eight functions including pause.
Are these WaterSense listed?
Yes; all four sheets list WaterSense at 1.75 gpm.
Which has the largest face?
The Kohler Bancroft, at 5-15/16 inches.
Do they fit a standard shower arm?
Yes, all four use a 1/2-inch connection.
How we chose
This document-based guide makes no hands-on testing claim. We read Kohler’s sheets for the Purist K-22170-G and Bancroft K-14519-G, Moen’s sheet for the Hydro Energetix 200W0 series and Delta’s sheet for the 52401. On October 15, 2026, we checked each linked standard new Amazon offer for model, seller, stock and an add-to-cart button. Read our selection method and about Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- Kohler K-22170-G spec sheet (resources.kohler.com): Purist.
- Kohler K-14519-G spec sheet (resources.kohler.com): Bancroft.
- Moen 200W0 spec sheet (maker page: assets.moen.com/shared/docs/product-specifications/200w0sp.pdf): Hydro Energetix.
- Delta 52401 spec sheet (media.deltafaucet.com): four-setting.