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The Best Suction Cup Grab Bar
Suction cup grab bars are important for aging populations and those recovering from injury or surgery because they offer a secure and safe way of preventing falls in the bathroom. They provide support when transitioning from a standing to a seated position, and when getting in and out of the bath or shower. The grab bars are easy to install and remove and can be used on any smooth, flat surface such as tile, fiberglass, and acrylic. The suction cups offer a secure grip with no need for drilling holes in walls or tiles. The grab bars provide additional stability for those who are at risk of falling.
Unsure where to start with aging in place products and guidance? Check out AgeInPlace.io for a digital home assessment!
Our Rankings of Suction Cup Grab Bars
Best Overall - Safe-er-Grip Changing Lifestyles Suction Cup Grab Bar
Runner Up - AquaChase 17-inch Suction Shower Grab Bar with Indicators
Most Reliable - Bridge Medical Tile Grip Portable Suction Telescoping Grab Bar
How we analyzed suction cup grab bars
- Ease of Installation - What type of mechanism the suction cups use and the versatility in mounting them in a bathroom. Mounting surface is critical for suction-based grab bars. They much be mounted on smooth, flat, non-porous surfaces. Be sure to not cover grout lines and keep in mind they will not work on drywall, fiberglass, or marble tile.
- Security - While they're not intended to support total body weight, some suction grab bars meet various weight limits. Some also have additional features to boost their security rating such as suction indicators that will change color if suction is lost. We also consider the brand and company presence. We score down products without a presence beyond amazon listings because of the safety risk presented if these products are faulty, poorly designed, or improperly used.
- Gripping Surface - We looked at the various gripping surfaces both for tactile feel and coverage on the grab bar.
- Aesthetic Score - As with any product in your home, aesthetics are important. We take into consideration the way grab bars look and if they offer various styles to select from.
Best Overall
Safe-er-Grip Changing Lifestyles Suction Cup Grab Bar
Affordable, simple, and good looking.
Balancing function, aesthetic, and price, you can't go wrong with this grab bar.
The Safe-er-Grip Changing Lifestyles Suction Cup Grab Bar is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and easy installation. This grab bar has a strong suction cup design that provides the security you need while in the bathroom. The textured gripping surface ensures a secure grip and peace of mind. Changing Lifestyles' parent company, MHI, is a trusted name in home safety products, and this grab bar is no exception. With its strong suction cup design rated to 200 lbs, and textured gripping surface, you can trust that you’ll have the support you need in the bathroom. The Safe-er-Grip Changing Lifestyles Suction Cup Grab Bar is available in both white and chrome colors. While that's not a lot to choose from, most will find white or chrome products blend into bathroom spaces very well.
Runner Up
AquaChase 17-inch Suction Shower Grab Bar with Indicators
Affordable and good selection.
Full length gripping surface, suction indicators, and various color options makes this s standout option though lacking in company presence outside of amazon.
This AquaChase Grab Bar is the perfect solution for those looking for a safe and secure way to age in place. It features a nearly full length gripping surface that provides great security and stability. While they're not foolproof, it has suction strength indicators to ensure correct installation. It also scores high on aesthetics, with a variety of color choices available to match any bathroom style. Though they don't have a company presence outside of Amazon, they do make a whole range of products for aging in place which gives us a little more confidence in their products than many other brands that are exclusively online.
Most Reliable
Bridge Medical Tile Grip Portable Suction Telescoping Grab Bar
Reputable, robust, and versatile.
Leading brand, excellent features, but limited design.
The Bridge Medical Telescoping Grab Bar is a top-of-the-line grab bar designed to provide superior support and stability. Its innovative telescoping feature allows it to fit seamlessly into any bathroom without overlapping grout lines or other imperfections on the mounting surface. Its large suction toggles are strong and easy to manipulate for secure installation. While its design is a bit more medical-looking than some may prefer, and only comes in white, its superior functionality makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable grab bar.
Be sure to also check out this incredibly clever offering from Bridge Medical as well. The Large Pivot Grip Telescoping Portable Suction Grab Bar. It has everything we love about the standard telescoping grab bar, but they also added a pivoting joint to the grab bar to create the most versatile mounting options out of any grab bars we've researched and reviewed.
Considerations
Regardless which option you chose, it's important to consider the following:
- These are not permanently mounted solutions. They dramatically simplify installation. It reduces the barriers to trying out such products before doing a full permanent installation. They are also great for renters, for traveling, or as a temporary solution while recovering at home.
- The strength of suction is dependent on the surface you mount it to. All suction based grab bars will loose strength over time, so it is critical to check them before use, and be mindful of the surface you mount them to. Generally only use on smooth flat non-porous surfaces, such as acrylic, fiberglass, and ceramics. Always follow the guidance of the specific product you purchase.
- Another consideration on mounting surface. These products will not adhere well if they cross grout lines of tile. Most suction cup sizes can accommodate a 4"x4" tile, however be sure to measure if you're mounting to a tiled surface!
