Buying guide for Best shower caddies
Do you have a big collection of products you use in the shower? Or do you simply need a convenient place to stash your soap and washcloth? Either way, a shower caddy is the easiest solution to keep your things readily accessible and organized in your bathroom.
Shower caddies come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate a lot or a few items and to fit both small and large showers. You can also choose from fixed or removable caddies as well as different materials to fit your bathroom design, décor, and budget.
Benefits of using a shower caddy
Once you own a shower caddy, you will notice how it makes your bathroom more tidy, and how it improves your overall showering experience in several key ways.
Organizing small spaces: It will keep the items you use in the shower neatly organized and is perfect for small bathrooms, apartments, and dorms.
Easy access: Your showertime products will be at arm’s reach when you need them, eliminating the need to jump out of the shower to search for them while you’re dripping wet.
Inexpensive solution: Shower caddies aren’t very expensive and come at different price points, so you are likely to find one that won’t overstretch your budget.
Save space: You’ll be able to free up a bit of storage space in cabinets, drawers, vanities, and closets.
What can I put in a shower caddy?
From the basic bath essentials to the not-so-obvious grooming supplies, a shower caddy works well for almost anything you may need. Here are a few ideas:
Expert Tip
Shower caddies made of stainless steel pair nicely with classic chrome fixtures.
STAFF
BestReviews
Fixed vs. removable options
Fixed models are designed to stay put and can be secured in place in one of three ways.
- Tension bars secure the caddy to the shower floor and ceiling, and can be adjusted by several feet to fit different specifications.
- Screws and bolts that attach a caddy to a shower stall offer excellent stability and look like part of your bathroom fixtures when installed properly.
- Adhesive is another way to attach your caddy, but it’s important to know that it can cause damage to the shower stall surface if you need to remove it.
Keep in mind that while permanent or semipermanent options can be attractive and spacious, they are also less convenient to clean than caddies that you can empty, remove, wash, and put back into place. They also tend to fall a bit higher on the price scale than other designs.
Removable caddies are versatile and great for small bathrooms, tight budgets, renters, and dorm life. Here are a few installation options to consider.
- Suctions cups are used on some inexpensive caddies, but they aren’t designed to hold heavy bottles and will detach if overloaded.
- Hooks that slip over the showerhead or shower door make installing your caddy as easy as opening the package and putting it in place.
- Innovative clamps that fit more securely over showerheads are often found on premium shower caddies. They can be installed and replaced without tools.
- Freestanding caddies are also available that simply sit on a shower floor.
Did you know?
Corner shower caddies can be installed in pairs — one in each corner of your shower stall for extra storage space.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Designs
Over-the-door: These models, which fit over most standard shower doors, feature several tiered compartments. Some are adjustable to fit short or tall bath products, and most are rectangular in shape to prevent being obstructive to shower occupants.
Corner: Shower caddies that are triangular in shape fit neatly in the corners of shower stalls. They typically come with several shelves and are available in different lengths. Most that fall into this category attach with hardware or spring-loaded poles.
Suction cup: Although easy to put in place, shower caddies with suction cups usually have only one or two shelves. They aren’t designed for large items, but are practical for consumers who don’t use a lot of products in the shower.
Over-the-showerhead: Caddies that fit directly over the showerhead are arguably the most versatile. They are easy to put in place and come in different shapes, sizes, and with varying numbers of shelves, baskets, and hooks. Some also have adjustable shelves, and some are designed to work with handheld shower hoses.
Freestanding: These models can be placed on shower floors and be carried from room to room. They are ideal for college students who live in dorms or anyone who uses a shared bathroom and can’t store bath items in the shower.
Materials
Plastic caddies are inexpensive and lightweight, but are also prone to cracking or breaking over time.
Metal caddies that fall on the lower end of the price scale are often constructed of chrome-coated base metal, but tend to rust with repeated exposure to moisture.
Aluminum and stainless steel caddies are strong metals that resist rust and corrosion, so caddies made of these materials are typically the most durable.
Caddies made of softer materials, such as PVC, vinyl, and mesh, are lacking when it comes to durability and longevity. However, this type of caddy is worth considering for bathrooms with limited space or traveling.
Shelves, baskets, and pockets
Shelves, baskets, and pockets are handy ways to store your items. Baskets are deeper than shelves and provide better stability for tall bottles, especially when it comes to over-the-door caddies that can jiggle when the door is being opened or shut. Both have open wire or grid-like patterns to allow water to drain. Storage pockets are found on caddies made of soft materials and are perfect for holding everything from hair ties to extra razors.
Soap holders
Some shower caddies have small, flat compartments that are designed especially for holding bar soaps. They also have openings so water doesn’t pool around the soap.
Hooks and loops
Shower caddies with hooks are perfect for hanging sponges, washcloths, loofahs, and other bath accessories. Some caddies that are designed to hang over a shower door even have outside hooks for hanging clothing, towels, or robes. Loops are usually situated on the sides of caddies’ shelves or baskets and are constructed to hold razors.
"A shower caddy is practical to give for certain occasions such as a going-away gift for a college student or as a housewarming gift for new homeowners. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Shower caddy prices
Inexpensive
For $7 to $20, you will find plastic models and smaller units. Though they are cheap, longevity can be an issue.
Mid-range
If you don’t mind spending around $25 to $45, you’ll find a wide variety of designs and well-made, multi-tiered caddies made of stainless steel or aluminum.
Expensive
Caddies of superior quality can cost $50 to over $130. These caddies are often permanent, although some removable models with state-of-the-art features, such as clamp attachments and adjustable shelves, are also available.
Tips
- A shower caddy that fits over a showerhead and has a compact size is a good choice for frequent travelers because it’s easy to pack and will provide plenty of space for shower items in hotel bathrooms.
- If you use products that come in tall bottles, choose a shower caddy with adjustable baskets. You’ll be able to move the components to fit your products, plus the added depth of the baskets will provide better stability than shallow shelves.
- Check your metal shower caddy frequently for early signs of rust. If you dry it a bit in between showers, you’ll be able to keep the rust from spreading quickly, and hopefully increase the caddy’s longevity.
- If you are on a limited budget, don’t overlook a plastic shower caddy. It may be all you need to keep your shower items organized until you can afford a more durable model.
- If you have more than one bathroom, consider purchasing a shower caddy for each one.
FAQ
Q. How do I clean a shower caddy?
A. First, remove all of your items from the shower caddy. If it’s fixed, wipe it down with a sponge and mild cleaner, then rinse it by pouring water over it or spraying it with the showerhead. Wipe it dry before putting your products back on it. If your shower caddy is removable, take it down and soak it in warm water with a mild cleaner, and rinse and dry it before putting it back in place.
Q. Can I use a shower caddy to store other items?
A. Not all shower caddies are versatile for use outside of the bathroom, but models that have hooks that go over showerheads can easily be hung on walls in almost any room of the house. They can be used for storing crafts, sewing supplies, toys, kitchen utensils, and more.
Q. What is the best type of shower caddy for a contemporary custom bath?
A. A shower caddy that's made of durable materials like stainless steel and that attaches with hardware is your best option. Once installed, it will blend in and look like it's part of your bathroom fixtures.
