I wouldn’t try to save money on the grab bars.

Have you seen both? Are there design differences between them? Less expensive ones can look institutional. If you like the look of the less expensive one and it is a name you recognize, with a good warranty on the finish, then get it. For instance, I got a less expensive Delta for the half bath, along with the matching TP holder that is also a grab bar. But I went for the made-to-order fancy plumbing showroom brand for the full bathroom in order to get something that fit the shower size and that resembled the plumbing fixtures in style.

You could tell us which two grab bars?

Or you can not over think it and get a 24 inch that supports 500 lbs for under thirty : ) bucks

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00084F76K?tag=track-ect-usa-1041547-20&linkCode=osi&th=1

You can get relatively generic but sturdy grab bars with exposed mounting screws and such or you can get ones that match the style of the plumbing. There will be a big difference in price and appearance but not necessarily in function.

It would help if you could link or post the two you are viewing. No one here is a mind reader.

You will pay more for bars from a collection in an upscale finish compared to chrome utilitarian grab bars.

This article may help in what to look for/avoid and brand/model pros and con’s. Then shop around and compare prices on the ones you identified as meeting all your criteria.

https://bathroomfind.com/best-shower-grab-bar/

I don’t know how to link but I’m looking at Kohler.com 12” grab bar 25159 $177 vs. Home Depot.com Delta $49 and Moen $78
All come in polished chrome and have decorative features I like.

Finish quality, gauge of material, attachment method of the end plates, etc..

Kohler tends to be more expensive. But Kohler also has a wide variation of prices as well, with some design groups being inexpensive and some being very expensive. I think part of that may be related to how much of which groups they anticipate selling and how much the design process cost.

I see a difference in level of "refinement" I guess, between these two, and the production of the first one would involve more steps and so forth, but both are fine.

The other big difference is that the Kohler specifically matches 79 other items in the Components line, each available in all sorts of finishes, faucets and all sorts of stuff.

The Delta grab bar is a generic, utilitarian grab bar that doesn't "match" anything.

So you are going to pay a premium for something that looks more design-y and if you want something that matches the faucets and towel bars and so forth.

$175

Delta $49

^^^^^^^^^ Also very good points as I did not look at the links.

There is also a difference in the “heft” of the grab bar. It’s usually related to the thickness of the metal, which is how two “generic” bars can be very different prices.

A heavier bar is safer if you have people pulling themselves up from a toilet. Their entire weight is pressing on the bar.

In a shower, it’s more likely you grab it to prevent slipping.

You've already received good advice. I'll add one point: If these are going into a shower, I'd ask whether you're using glass doors or a shower curtain. If the grab bars in question will be behind a shower curtain, the obvious answer is, go with the cheaper option.

IMO you compare apples to apples so if all the same style # then choose the one you can afford . Of course independant plumbing stores tend to be more expenzive since they have less buying power but the only way to compare is to compare the exact same product. I am more worried about if you have planned for these when doing the wall for the shower . I would buy yhe one that seems to be better made so heavier and no screws showing and a good finish.

Kendrah has a good point, you really don't want a grab bar you can cut yourself on

We had edge pulls in our last kitchen and a squared off handle for the fridge and DW and even though they had a slight bevel, the corners were still sharp enough that we had nicked knuckles all the time. Some of these really squared off faucets present the same problem

A knurled bar is a must in my experience. (Osteo arthritis, bursitis and arthritis in one hand courtesy of a 30+years weight room addiction.) This is not a style item.

Healthcraft Products

It's my experience that the less expensive grab bars tend to look too utilitarian and commercial for a residential environment. I'd prefer to pay more to get the bars that match the rest of my faucets. Personally, I don't want my bathroom to look like a hospital or rehab facility.

P.S. I sure hope you've put blocking behind the walls to hang the bars. Otherwise putting any weight on them will pull it right off the wall and could cause the user serious injury.

Delta makes a great grab bar we sell alot

It is around $50 - $100 depending on width. It's ADA complaint and when properly installed

Good luck

This grab bar looks great. It’s a total bathroom redo, so won’t have a problem with install. Next question: we’re getting a separate wand handheld shower on a 24” rod, to the left. Then, the shower head and the controls. Then, a vertical grab bar on the shower exit to the right. Can the grab bar be 12”?

This is my faucet; I think the delta grab bar looks fine with it.

Very similar to Kohler grab bar

@cbnie Not all shower slide bars are rated for use as grab bars. The Kohler 24" shower slider you posted above is not labeled as a grab bar and may not be safe for that function. I couldn't tell from the specs online so I'd call Kohler & ask. Some companies make grab bars that also can be used as sliders; I have this one: https://www.deltafaucet.com/bathroom/product/51600-SS.html

BTW, if you're looking @ Delta products, be sure to check the Delta Faucet outlet for recertified products; the Delta grab/slide bar above is $272 @ build.com but right now I see it @ $139 on the Delta outlet: https://www.deltafaucet.com/bathroom/product/51600-SS-R.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvYKJ9_L3_QIVMhXUAR1zaA5oEAQYASABEgLG6_D_BwE#documents-and-specs

I do not intend to use the slide bar as a grab bar. The slide bar is for the handheld shower. The grab bar would be on the other side of the controls.

I don’t think I’ve seen a grab bar as small as 12”.

I had an OT who specializes in home design consult on our project. She said 12, 18, or 24 works for a vertical entry grab bar. The most important thing is that you hang it at a height that is comfortable for you or whomever else is using it to easily grab. We ended up getting a 24" because my parents will be using it (guest bathroom) and there is a difference in their height.

I would not recommend getting the 12" of the Delta one you are looking out. The circular mounts, if I remember correctly from looking at it, are 3" in diameter and I thought they looked too big for the piece when it was only 12". I think the 18" version will be more pleasing to the eye.

I purchased a Kartner's grab bar, 24" for $138. Kartner's has a fantastic selectin of grab bars.

Brand, Material, Marketing Cost and Certifications.

" Difference between $175 and $68 grab bars"

$107

Red Ryder, the Delta TP holder/grab bar combo is less than 12” wide.

I ordered this already, great idea.