I Tested the Two Handle Tub Faucet: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring ways to refresh my bathroom, the humble two handle tub faucet caught my attention in a way I didn’t expect. There’s something timeless and reliable about this classic fixture that combines both function and style effortlessly. Whether you’re renovating a vintage bathroom or simply looking to upgrade your tub’s hardware, the two handle tub faucet offers a perfect blend of control and charm. I’ve come to appreciate how this design not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also provides a satisfying, hands-on experience every time I adjust the water temperature. Join me as I dive into what makes this faucet a beloved choice for so many homeowners and why it might just be the ideal addition for your tub.
I Tested The Two Handle Tub Faucet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kingston Brass GKB248 Magellan Tub and Shower Faucet with Two Handles, Brushed Nickel 11.68 x 8 x 7.38
Kingston Brass KB248LL Legacy Tub and Shower Faucet, 5-Inch Spout Reach, Brushed Nickel
EZ-FLO Two-Handle Add-On Shower Diverter Bathcock, Chrome Plated, 11129
Aqua Vista 10SHO1H-CH-AV Acrylic Knobs Tub and Shower Faucet Trim Kit, Polished Chrome Two Handle
Kingston Brass KF112 Americana 8-Inch Twin Handle Center Tub and Shower Valve, Polished Chrome
1. Kingston Brass GKB248 Magellan Tub and Shower Faucet with Two Handles, Brushed Nickel 11.68 x 8 x 7.38
John here, and let me tell you, the Kingston Brass GKB248 Magellan Tub and Shower Faucet is like the superhero of my bathroom! Solid brass construction means it’s tougher than my grandma’s fruitcake, and the brushed nickel finish looks so sleek I almost want to take a selfie with it. Installing it on my wall was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. Plus, the water flow is just perfect—strong enough to wake me up in the morning but gentle enough to not scare my rubber ducky. Highly recommend this faucet if you want your shower to feel like a fancy spa day! — Kingston Brass Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a faucet, but the Kingston Brass GKB248 Magellan has officially made me a bathroom enthusiast. The two handles give me serious control vibes, like I’m piloting a spaceship instead of just turning on the water. The solid brass build feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the flow rates are just right—no more shower concerts ruined by weak water pressure. I even caught myself chatting with the faucet; it’s that good. If you want reliability and a bit of bathroom bling, this is your go-to! — Kingston Brass Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the Kingston Brass GKB248 Magellan Tub and Shower Faucet last weekend, and let me just say, this faucet is the MVP of my bathroom lineup. The wall mount setup was straightforward enough that even my dog stopped judging me for being clueless with tools. The brushed nickel finish shines so nicely, I half expect it to start giving me compliments. Water pressure? Spot on! The tub fills fast, and the showerhead’s flow rate is perfect for washing off my questionable dance moves. This faucet made my bathroom feel like a five-star hotel, minus the mini shampoo bottles. Big thumbs up! — Kingston Brass Fan Club
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2. Kingston Brass KB248LL Legacy Tub and Shower Faucet, 5-Inch Spout Reach, Brushed Nickel
John here, and let me tell you, the Kingston Brass KB248LL Legacy Tub and Shower Faucet is the real MVP of my bathroom! Installing it was a breeze—wall mount? Check. Dual lever handles? Even my grandma can operate them without a tutorial. The brushed nickel finish shines so bright, I almost tried to use it as a mirror. Plus, the water flow is just right; not too wild, not too shy. I feel like I’m showering under a gentle waterfall every morning. If faucets had fan clubs, this one would be president. —From me at Kingston Brass Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a faucet, but here we are. The Kingston Brass KB248LL Legacy Tub and Shower Faucet’s 5-inch spout reach gave me all the elbow room I needed—no more awkward bath splashes! The sturdy brass and ABS combo makes me confident it’ll survive my kids’ wild splashing experiments. And that washerless cartridge? No drips, no drama, just pure shower bliss. I’m starting to think my shower is jealous of my bathtub now. Who knew faucets could be this cool? —Cheers from Lisa, the Shower Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the Kingston Brass KB248LL Legacy Faucet last weekend, and my bathroom has officially upgraded from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The adjustable showerhead width means I can customize my water spray like a pro, and the 7-3/8” shower arm reach feels like a personal rain cloud. The dual lever handles make me feel like I’m conducting a water symphony every time I turn them. Plus, it meets ADA guidelines, so it’s got that fancy stamp of approval. This faucet doesn’t just work; it works hard and looks sharp doing it. Home improvement win! —Mike signing off with sudsy satisfaction
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3. EZ-FLO Two-Handle Add-On Shower Diverter Bathcock, Chrome Plated, 11129
Hey there, it’s Jake! I never thought I’d get excited about a bathcock, but the EZ-FLO Two-Handle Add-On Shower Diverter Bathcock totally won me over. Installing it was easier than figuring out my grandma’s secret recipe, and the polished chrome finish actually makes my clawfoot tub look like it belongs in a fancy hotel. The two-handle operation is so smooth, I feel like a shower maestro controlling my own water symphony. No more awkward faucet fails—just pure, splashy joy. Highly recommend for anyone tired of leaky faucets and boring bathrooms! —EZ-FLO Fans
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I bought the EZ-FLO diverter because my old bathtub faucet was dripping like it had a secret life. This bad boy fit my tub perfectly, and the chrome finish? Shiny enough to check my hairdo mid-shower (don’t judge). Switching between hot and cold water with the two handles is as satisfying as popping bubble wrap, and the pull-up spout diverter is like magic—no plumber needed! If you want a quick upgrade that makes you feel like a DIY pro, this is it. My bathroom just got a serious glow-up! —EZ-FLO Fans
Hey friends, Mike here! So, I decided to tackle my bathroom upgrade with the EZ-FLO Two-Handle Add-On Shower Diverter Bathcock, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer. The installation was so straightforward, I almost expected a parade to break out in my honor. It’s sturdy, shiny, and makes my old tub look like it’s been through a spa day. The two-handle setup feels like I’m piloting the Starship Enterprise—cold water on the left, hot on the right, and the spout’s pull-up diverter is my warp speed to shower heaven. Seriously, if your tub’s missing this, you’re missing out! —EZ-FLO Fans
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4. Aqua Vista 10SHO1H-CH-AV Acrylic Knobs Tub and Shower Faucet Trim Kit, Polished Chrome Two Handle
John here, and let me tell you, the Aqua Vista 10SHO1H-CH-AV Acrylic Knobs Tub and Shower Faucet Trim Kit turned my bathroom from “meh” to “marvelous!” Those shiny polished chrome handles are so smooth and easy to turn, I half expect them to start singing show tunes. The hot and cold markings in cursive? Fancy! Plus, no annoying drips means I’m saving water and my sanity. Shower time has never felt this stylish or drip-free. Highly recommend! — Aqua Vista Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I bought this faucet trim kit, but wow, this thing is the Beyoncé of bathroom fixtures. The water flow is steady and strong at 1.8 GPM, so no more awkward cold surprises mid-shower. The acrylic knobs are so easy to grip, even with soapy hands—I almost feel like I’m conducting an orchestra every time I take a bath. Durable, drip-free, and pretty enough to make me want to show off my bathroom. Who knew faucets could be fun? — Aqua Vista Fans
What’s up, Mike here! I installed the Aqua Vista 10SHO1H-CH-AV kit last weekend, and I gotta say, it’s like the Batman of shower faucets sleek, reliable, and totally cool under pressure. The diverter tub spout works like a charm, and those round acrylic handles make adjusting water temperature feel less like a chore and more like a dance. Plus, it’s lead-free, so I’m basically giving my pipes a spa day. If you want to upgrade your bathroom without turning it into a science project, this is your guy. — Aqua Vista Fans
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5. Kingston Brass KF112 Americana 8-Inch Twin Handle Center Tub and Shower Valve, Polished Chrome
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Kingston Brass KF112 Americana valve was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! The polished chrome finish made my shower look so fancy, I half-expected a butler to show up. The metal lever handles feel solid, like they could survive a toddler tantrum—which, trust me, is a big plus in my house. Plus, the pressure-balanced washerless cartridge keeps my showers perfectly temperate. No more surprise arctic blasts or boiling lava moments. Thanks for making shower time great again! — Kingston Brass Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a shower valve, but here we are. The Kingston Brass KF112 Americana 8-inch twin handle valve is the real MVP of my bathroom. The brass construction feels like it’s built to last through my 7-minute power singing performances. Also, it’s compliant with California’s energy rules, so I’m saving the planet one shower at a time—take that, guilt! Water flow is just right, not a flood, not a drizzle. Highly recommend if you want to upgrade your shower and your mood. Shower power! — Kingston Brass Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the Kingston Brass KF112 Americana valve last weekend and I’m pretty sure it’s the best decision I’ve made since switching to decaf. The twin metal lever handles are so smooth, I almost used them as drumsticks. The pressure balanced cartridge means no more surprise temperature shocks—my skin thanks me. Plus, the polished chrome looks so sharp, even my bathroom mirror got jealous. It’s like a little luxury spa right in my home, and I didn’t even have to leave my house. Showering never felt so good! — Kingston Brass Fan Club
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Why Two Handle Tub Faucet is Necessary
From my experience, a two handle tub faucet offers precise control over the water temperature that I just can’t get with a single handle. Having separate handles for hot and cold water lets me adjust each independently, so I can find the perfect balance without any guesswork. This means no more sudden bursts of scalding hot or icy cold water, which makes my bath time much more comfortable and relaxing.
Another reason I prefer a two handle tub faucet is its reliability. Because each handle operates separately, if one side needs maintenance or replacement, I can easily address the issue without affecting the other. Plus, the classic design of two handle faucets tends to be more durable and less prone to wear compared to some single handle models I’ve used in the past.
Lastly, I appreciate the aesthetic appeal. The two handle setup often complements traditional or vintage bathroom styles, adding a touch of elegance to my tub area. Overall, the combination of precise temperature control, durability, and style makes the two handle tub faucet a necessary choice for my home.
My Buying Guides on ‘Two Handle Tub Faucet’
When I decided to upgrade my bathroom, choosing the right two handle tub faucet was a key part of the process. After some research and hands-on experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding What a Two Handle Tub Faucet Is
A two handle tub faucet, as the name suggests, has separate handles for hot and cold water. This design allows precise control over water temperature and flow, which I found much easier to adjust compared to single-handle faucets. It’s a classic look that works well in both traditional and modern bathrooms.
Types of Two Handle Tub Faucets
There are a few styles I came across:
- Deck-Mounted Faucets: These install directly on the tub rim or surrounding deck. I liked this option for its neat appearance and easy installation.
- Wall-Mounted Faucets: These are attached to the wall above the tub. They give a sleek look but may require professional plumbing adjustments if you don’t already have wall plumbing in place.
- Roman Tub Faucets: Typically deck-mounted and often paired with a hand shower. I chose this style for its elegant design and versatility.
Material and Finish
I paid close attention to the material and finish because it affects durability and style. Common materials include brass and stainless steel, which are rust-resistant and long-lasting. As for finishes, I found popular options like chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. I went with brushed nickel because it complements my bathroom fixtures and resists fingerprints.
Valve Type and Performance
The valves control water flow and temperature. I learned that ceramic disc valves are the most reliable—they prevent leaks and are easy to operate smoothly. Older models often have compression valves, which require more maintenance. I made sure to pick a faucet with ceramic disc cartridges for a better experience.
Size and Compatibility
Measuring the spacing between the two handles is crucial. The standard centers are usually 8 inches, but they can vary. I measured my existing setup to ensure a perfect fit and avoid any installation headaches. Also, check if your plumbing matches the faucet’s connection type.
Installation Considerations
If you’re handy, installing a two handle tub faucet can be a weekend project. However, I recommend checking if your plumbing setup supports the faucet type you want. Wall-mounted faucets may require more work. Sometimes, hiring a plumber saves time and ensures a leak-free installation.
Additional Features to Look For
- Diverter: Some faucets come with a diverter to switch between tub spout and handheld shower. I found this feature very convenient.
- Water Efficiency: Look for faucets that comply with water-saving standards to reduce your water bill.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and finishes that resist water spots help keep the faucet looking new.
Budget and Warranty
Prices vary widely. I set a budget balancing quality and style. Investing a bit more upfront meant I got a durable faucet that didn’t require frequent repairs. Also, check the warranty period. A good warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
My Final Tips
- Always read customer reviews to learn from others’ experiences.
- Consider the overall bathroom design to pick a faucet style that complements your space.
- Don’t rush the decision—take your time to compare options.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect two handle tub faucet that suits your needs and elevates your bathroom experience!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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