I found the Statement collection while searching for the latest innovations in custom showers, and immediately after stumbled upon Kohler’s Anthem digital shower control system. The system showcases a refined mix of engineering and design features that indicates attention to the details. The centerpiece of the Anthem system is a modern touch pad that gives you precise control over a whole host of shower features in a way that isn’t possible with simple hand-operated valves. The elegant, black, rectangular touch pad screen can control a shower with up to six separate heads, regulating both pressure and temperature either independently or on all heads at once. The system comes with several presets, so you don’t have to fiddle with the controls every time you take a shower; plus there are nine editable presets for programming custom showers for relaxing or recovering from a workout, or to accommodate different family members’ preferences. The simple dial on the face of the touch pad provides a tactile way to turn the system on and to adjust the water temperature. An optional separate dial can be mounted outside the shower to allow you to turn the system on without getting wet. You can use the Kohler Konnect app to pair the system with Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit for true remote control. One more thing to note: Kohler is about to introduce a new Anthem+ controller, which will operate a shower with up to 12 heads, and adds controls for steam, light, and music.

The Anthem digital control touch pad costs $640 and must be installed with a digital thermostatic valve (a two-port version costs about $760), but the control system works best with multiple multifunction showerheads. The trim around the Anthem control pads comes in the same choice of finish as the fixtures in the Statement collection mentioned above, making them a winning combination. 

—Rob Wotzak, remodeler

Photo courtesy of the manufacturer

From Fine Homebuilding #322

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