9 best hand-held bidets for first-timers
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Writer’s note: The following post was originally published on February 18, 2019 at the now-defunct website Ram Research. The original list featured 12, but three are no longer available. This list has been lightly edited for technical details and readability. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.)
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Walk inside of a bathroom in most areas of Asia, Europe and South America, and it’s pretty much a given that a bidet will be available for use. But in America, where toilet seat covers are far more common than a bidet on a toilet seat or a hand-held bidet, it may be mistaken as just another way to clean the bathroom.
For bidet users though, they’ll immediately recognize what makes the best hand-held bidets. The nozzles effectively aim at the rear and feminine wash areas. They retract and clean as needed. And they should be pretty simple to use.
Eco-friendly customers may be intrigued into helping to avoid adding to the 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper wasted annually. But for first-timers (environmentally friendly or not) who aren’t quite sure how to install a hand bidet sprayer or a toilet seat with a bidet, this can either be a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a nightmare plumbing job that makes you want to go back to a simple toilet seat. Bidet manufacturers know this, too, so they’re trying to make it easier for more potential consumers to get on board.
Recommended Read: “8 electric and non-electric bidets for your bathroom ~ Homegrown Tales listicles: The home upgrade shopping trip you didn't know you needed to take”
One overall agreement, regardless of which hand-held bidet is chosen, is to turn the water pressure off after each use. This helps avoid potential flooding from water leaks or damage if the hand-held bidet is misused or twisted too hard. If your bathroom has a floor drain that makes water leaks easily to drain out, this may not be as much of a concern.
1. MUIHA
Bidets have made quite the transformation. In the 1700s, the original bidet was documented as a porcelain bowl placed inside of a wooden stand or chair that was found in bedrooms. A fan favorite for everybody from mistresses to Napoleon to brothels, it was upgraded in the 18th century to include a water pump and tank. Indoor plumbing transitioned bidets into bedrooms. But with bidets making the transition to indoor plumbing, Joseph Gayetty’s toilet tissue invention was also introduced in 1857. For some groups, bidets remained. For others, toilet tissue won out.
Key Features
Stainless steel sprayer and hose (Head, brass, T-valve)
Rustproof
Anti-corrosion
This all-in-one bidet set contains a sprayer head, adjustable bidet diverter (three-way T-valve often used for rim wash and vertical spray), stainless steel hose, holster and hook.
Cons
Only compatible with 7/8-inch toilet (not ½-inch or ⅜-inch)
Suitable for United States and Canada style bathrooms only, not universal for Europe or other countries
If this bidet set is not for you, make sure to return before the 30-day maximum.
2. SmarterFresh
One of the most handy reasons to use a hand-held bidet sprayer is that it has multiple uses: its original use (i.e., shattaf); to clean baby cloth diapers in a toilet (reducing waste that would normally end up in trash cans, sinks, bathtubs); or to help clean your four-legged friends in harder-to-clean areas.
Key Features
Premium stainless steel (sprayer head and toilet hook holder)
Gentle rinse or jet spray settings
PEX inner tube
This sprayer set also includes a brass T-valve adapter, brass wall mount holder and brass hook holder. The 301 stainless steel outer area of the bidet hose is anti-twist with brass nuts.
Cons
Flexible toilet connector (estimated at $5) may be required for additional purchase
Several bidet attachment reviews reported leaking
Additional bidet attachment reviews mentioned not being thrilled with turning off the water supply each time
The manufacturer claims that this DIY job should be ready in 10 minutes, and the company has 24/7 Customer Service.
Recommended Read: “Should your bathroom include a bidet? ~ What new bidet users need to know before making this bathroom upgrade”
3. RinseWorks
“People who use bidets are much less likely to have issues with rashes and discomfort and irritation,” according to Alan Kamrava, M.D., a California-based colorectal and general surgeon, via a Self interview. Constantly using rough toilet paper and wipes may get the job done, but it may also have the kind of downsides that Dr. Kamrava mentioned.
Key Features
Patented ABS polymer sprayer
Brass T-connector and ball valve
Three interchangeable spray heads
In addition to being able to switch out the spray plates as needed, this bidet set also includes a 54-inch stainless steel hose to accommodate various heights and builds. The solid brass hose nuts and double crimps on both ends are both sturdy and intended to prevent leakage, along with an NSF certified brass EZ-Reach shut-off valve. Although the instructions say that this sprayer attaches without tools or the help of a plumber, keep a sturdy wrench nearby just in case.
This sprayer set promises high-strength, impact-resistant, corrosion-free ABS polymers, and ceramic disk seals to avoid rust and leakage. According to the manufacturer, after running the hose over with an 8000 lb. truck, it still didn’t leak and the sprayer worked. But with that said, this NSF-certified set has a three-year limited warranty if something goes wrong.
4. Brondell
For seniors and caregivers, bidets come in handy for limited mobility. Of course people of any age with health concerns may find a bidet such as this one useful, including those with arthritis, postpartum, injuries and/or after major surgery. The adjustable hose makes cleaning convenient from the front area if reaching your arms backward or wiping becomes a problem.
Key Features
Ergonomic hand-held sprayer
All-metal T-valve
Water pressure control for spray adjustability
This white bidet includes a high-quality, reinforced, PVC braided hose. You have the option of mounting this spray holster onto the toilet mount or a nearby wall.
Cons
Push button is not childproof
Several hand-held bidet reviewers report button becomes hard to press
The holster mounts onto your toilet tank or nearby wall. Because the plate lays flat, this makes it much easier to avoid accidental cracks from flopping down too hard.
5. SmarterFresh
Depending on who’s asked, the freshwater temperature is either startling and a deal-breaker or you get used to the cool water. If you want to test out whether you can deal with the temperature, try washing off with the immediate temperature coming from your sink. If that is too cold, invest in a hand-held bidet with hot, warm and cold water options. This particular sprayer attaches directly to the sink to avoid an additional T-valve needed to connect from the sink hot water to the toilet.
Key Features
Hot and cold water options for cleaning and rinsing
Premium brass faucet diverter with removable aerator
Male-threaded adapter for sink connection
While the 86-inch stainless steel hose may be mounted to the wall or the toilet, the sink faucet can still be used per usual. Unlike electric and non-electric toilet seat bidets, the hose coming from the sink may help warm water release faster than the water supply from your toilet.
Cons
Incompatible with sinks that do not have a removable aerator
One verified reviewer could not get the bidet to fit on seven different sinks; adapter needed
This has a lifetime guarantee and no additional plumbing needed.
6. Star Jiajie
In addition to hand-held bidets coming in handy for family seniors and those with physical disabilities, investing in a hand-held bidet may be a relief to caregivers who are strangers to seniors. It’s already awkward for someone to clean up behind an adult person. And with a stranger who is a caregiver instead of a familiar face, this can feel especially invasive. A bidet adds an extra layer of security, and using a hand-held bidet is a much less awkward alternative for both parties when it comes to wiping residue after bathroom use.
Key Features
Dual spray setting (jet spray or gentle rinse)
Sprayer made from heavy-duty ABS polymer
Stream is steady without splashing
The internal cleaning option can be accessed through the nozzle, with the help of a coin. The retractable spring hose comes in handy to make sure the hose does not end up on the floor from other users or falls.
However, because this product does not include a T-valve, holder, diverter or any mounting parts, you should become familiar with your toilet before purchasing this so you know what to ask for in a hardware store.
Cons
Only nozzle and hose are included
If you’re unhappy with this product, Star Jiajie will send a replacement or a refund. Check the timeframe for both on the site.
7. RinseWorks
A hand-held bidet does not just have to be attached to a sink or a toilet. It can also come in handy for shower use for those with mobile issues, and for users who want to be able to clean more precisely and efficiently. Advertised as the “world’s first and only hand-held bidet with dual thumb controls on both sides,” this sprayer can be mounted right next to your shower head. Enjoy the mix of hot and cold water temperatures as preferred.
Key Features
Super EZ Pressure Control
Impact-resistant spray wand
Corrosion-free ABS polymers
The hose for this hand-held bidet reaches 96 inches long. This stainless steel hose is high pressure with a 270 pounds per square inch (PSI) rating. The three-way diverter valve is brass and screws on shower pipes with 1/2-inch male threads. There are also thumb pressure controls on both sides of the sprayer.
Cons
Water only comes from the bidet or shower, not simultaneously
This hand-held bidet sprayer is backed by a three-year limited warranty.
8. FOOFOO
Using a bidet at home on a regular basis may make you feel like something is missing when using public toilets or those at other family members. It’s like finding the perfect body wash that lathers nicely only to go to someone’s home with thin soap. Enter the portable travel bidet that you can take with you wherever you go. Just fill it with water and make sure it’s charged.
Key Features
Two-stage power switch (low spray, high spray)
USB power bank and car charger
Waterproof and can be washed under water
This 1.96 inch x 5.51 inch hand-held bidet can be folded, has a 180-degree swivel and a low noise motor inside.
When not in use, the spray tip can easily fold down to store in a large purse or bag. And this empty travel bidet weighs 11.68 ounces, so it will not weigh down your bag.
Cons
Lithium Polymer batteries required
The USB charging station for this travel bidet is easy to charge. Charge at home and enjoy this bidet as needed while hanging out in airports and on vacation in areas where bidets are not available.
9. YumSur
If you’d rather have a hand-held bidet that doesn’t require electricity or searching for a USB charging option, this bidet can be used without power or batteries.
Key Features
Travel bag included
7 outlet holes
60-degree angle
The pore-free design is easy to carry and has a wide cleaning area. Just squeeze for the preferred pressure and angle the hand-held bidet on the areas that should be cleaned. Instead of depending on electricity or your given water pressure, your hand determines just how much pressure you prefer to use.
Cons
Not ideal for arthritic consumers who have trouble with pressurized holds
Hand-held bidet reviewer ended up with more water on her pants and floor than the cleaning area
The hand-held bidet can be stored in a travel bag and additionally in a purse. When filled up, it can hold approximately 1.9 cups worth of water. When you’re ready to use it — whether on a road trip or someone else’s home, the nozzle extends up and locks into place.
Bottom Line
From the nine options above, you may still be wondering why you should invest in a hand-held bidet versus a traditional bidet. For some, a hand-held version may be easier to use. Depending on the aim of a bidet toilet seat, users may find themselves wiggling around more than being cleaned in the nether regions. An ideal bidet toilet seat will be on the mark. But considering a variation in body shapes, one nozzle not be built for all.
A hand-held bidet removes this factor altogether. You can point and aim wherever is needed. With a hand-held bidet, there can arguably be less of a need for feminine wash versus a bidet (rear) wash. You can avoid the worry about whether one won’t work. The hose goes wherever you want it to and retracts back into its place once you are done with the restroom. (Arguably, you may need feminine washes less too.) While there are no right or wrong answers for which ones are best, just find a bidet that works best for you and your family.
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