Brand Spotlight: How Kohler’s Faucet Innovation Stacks Up Against JunoShowers & BathSelect

Brand Spotlight: How Kohler’s Faucet Innovation Stacks Up Against JunoShowers & BathSelect

Prepared for archfaucet.com as a technical overview for architects, engineers, and specifiers working on commercial and institutional restrooms.

Regulatory and Standards Context for Specification-Grade Faucets

Accessibility and ADA Framework

For public restrooms in the United States, product selection must align with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Key faucet-related considerations include:

ADA Reach Ranges (Section 308) – Controls and operable parts must fall within 15–48 in (380–1220 mm) above finished floor for forward reach (adjusted for obstructions).

Reference: ADA Guide: Chapter 3 – Reaching Ranges

Lavatories and Sinks (Chapter 6) – Clear floor space, knee/toe clearance, and compliant rim heights must be met.

Reference: ADA Standards: Chapter 6

Touchless faucets, lever controls, and low-operating-force mechanisms from all three brands (Kohler, JunoShowers, BathSelect) can be installed in ADA-conforming configurations, but compliance depends on architectural coordination—mounting height, basin geometry, and accessible clearances—not the brand alone.

Water Efficiency: WaterSense and CALGreen

The EPA WaterSense program defines maximum flow rates and performance for high-efficiency lavatory faucets.

References:

WaterSense product specifications: EPA WaterSense Product Specifications

WaterSense bathroom faucets: EPA WaterSense Bathroom Faucets

WaterSense faucets shall not exceed 1.5 gpm at 60 psi.

For California, and jurisdictions like it, CALGreen adds more-stringent thresholds:

Nonresidential lavatory faucets shall not exceed 0.5 gpm at 60 psi.

Reference: CALGreen 2022 – Chapter 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures

Aerator and flow control shall be model-specific and verified for compliance.

Mechanical Standards: ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1

The main benchmark for product safety and the performance of plumbing fittings is:

ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 Plumbing Supply Fittings

Reference: ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 Plumbing Fittings Overview

Most Kohler and many BathSelect and JunoShowers products state compliance with this standard. AEC teams should always verify listing certificates (cUPC, CSA) and include them in Division 22 submittals.

Kohler: Integrated Commercial Faucet Platform

Portfolio Orientation

Kohler keeps a highly commercially developed catalog.

References:

Commercial Fixtures: Kohler Commercial Fixtures

Commercial Faucets: Kohler Commercial Faucets

Studio KOHLER Commercial Faucets: Studio KOHLER Commercial Faucets

The broad availability of deck-mount, wall-mount, sensor, and low-flow faucet families supports standardization across healthcare, education, and hospitality facilities.

Durability and Construction

Commercial-grade registries from Kohler generally specify:

Corrosion-resistant finishes and brass bodies

Ceramic cartridges

Below-deck solenoid & mixing assemblies for sensor models

Well-documented geometry and BIM/CAD resources

This makes coordination easier, as well as long-term maintenance.

Water Efficiency and Code Alignment

Many Kohler commercial faucets are available in:

0.35–0.5 gpm configurations for CALGreen compliance

WaterSense-eligible variants to align with federal efficiency

Flow options are clearly listed in technical sheets, and that improves commissioning accuracy.

Controls, Electronics, and Systems Integration

Kohler provides:

AC or battery power options

Replaceable solenoid and mixing modules

Diagnostic indicators

Compatibility with the broader Kohler commercial platform (flush valves, lavatories, accessories)

Although not a full IoT/BMS faucet ecosystem, the infrastructure supports conventional commercial monitoring.

Product Positioning

JunoShowers is known for decorative and feature-heavy systems, with selected models applicable to commercial environments.

Sources:

JunoShowers Official Site

Commercial Bathroom Faucets: JunoShowers Commercial Bathroom Faucets

Commercial Faucets: JunoShowers Commercial Faucets

Standards and Certification Transparency

One of the motion sensor faucets from JunoShowers stipulates:

ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 certified

Product: JunoShowers Commercial Bathroom and Residential Bathroom Motion Sensor Sink Faucet

Other models may require deeper review; specifiers should request full technical data and verification of:

Flow rates

Certification lists

Electrical and pressure requirements

Durability and Use Cases

The catalog of JunoShowers includes:

Multifunction shower panels

LED-integrated systems

Sensor lavatory faucets

These fixtures can serve boutique hospitality but may introduce more complex maintenance profiles compared to conventional commercial fittings.

BathSelect: Hospitality-Aligned Touchless Faucet Systems

Portfolio Orientation

BathSelect’s catalog is oriented toward hospitality and public restrooms, emphasizing touchless operation.

References:

BathSelect Hospitality

Touchless Faucets: BathSelect Commercial Touchless Bathroom Faucets

Sensor Platforms, Durability, and Operating Range

Examples:

White/Gold Touchless Faucet: BathSelect White/Gold Commercial Automatic Sensor Faucet

Matte Black Touchless Faucet: BathSelect Matte Black Commercial Automatic Sensor Faucet

Common traits:

Brass bodies

Infrared sensors

Changeable sensing distance

Wide operating envelope regarding pressure of about 10–125 psi

AC and battery power options

ADA and Accessibility

BathSelect’s ADA-related content emphasizes adjustable sensor ranges and low-force operation.

Reference:

BathSelect’s ADA-Compliant Touchless Faucets for Public Buildings

While ADA does not certify products, BathSelect fixtures can be installed in accessible layouts when mounting heights and basin clearances follow ADA Chapters 3 and 6.

Many BathSelect products operate within 0.35–0.5 gpm ranges. Automatic shut-off features contribute to water savings in high-traffic applications.

Specifiers must still validate model-specific flow performance for CALGreen compliance.

Comparative Analysis

Durability and Construction

Kohler

Consistent construction of brass, ceramic cartridges

Detailed dimensional and BIM resources

JunoShowers

Hybrid portfolio demands a model-by-model technical assessment.

BathSelect

Heavy-use brass sensor platforms – appropriate for

General finishing for hospitality and public restrooms

Water Efficiency and Codes

Kohler: Wide alignment with WaterSense and CALGreen

JunoShowers: Need to verify for each SKU

BathSelect: Many models meet efficient flow rates; documentation varies and must be verified

ADA Application

All brands can be installed in ADA-compliant restrooms when installed to specification:

Kohler provides the most consistent documentations.

BathSelect and JunoShowers require closer coordination with basin geometry and mounting locations

JunoShowers: Stand-alone solutions, suitable for selective commercial use

Specification Guidance for AEC Teams

Standards and Listings

Shall comply with ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1

Request cUPC, CSA, or equivalent third-party listings

Maintain Division 22 submittal documentation

Water Performance

WaterSense: ≤1.5 gpm

CALGreen Nonresidential: ≤0.5 gpm

Confirm aerator rating and pressure conditions in commissioning

ADA Coordination

Ensure reach ranges, controls, knee/toe clearance follow ADA:
ADA Standards: Chapter 3 – Reaching Ranges
ADA Standards: Chapter 6 – Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Mechanical/Electrical Coordination

Confirm power type (AC, DC, or hybrid)

Ensure service access for solenoids, strainers, and mixing valves

Lifecycle and Maintenance

Verify availability of cartridges, solenoids, sensors

Require O&M manuals for facility staff

Consolidate SKUs when possible for spare parts efficiency

Conclusion

Kohler provides the most thoroughly documented and institutionally proven commercial faucet platform, particularly strong in regulated environments requiring WaterSense and CALGreen compliance.

JunoShowers offers selective commercial-appropriate models and is well-suited for boutique hospitality where visual design and feature complexity are prioritized.

BathSelect delivers a focused touchless ecosystem for public and hospitality restrooms, with efficient flow rates and ADA-capable configurations when installed correctly.

For architects and engineers, brand selection should prioritize verified standards compliance, detailed technical documentation, and maintainability, rather than marketing descriptors.

All three brands can be integrated effectively into commercial and institutional restrooms with correct specification and commissioning.

Brand Comparison Table

Aspect Kohler JunoShowers BathSelect
Portfolio focus Full commercial platform (deck, wall, sensor, low-flow) Decorative/feature-heavy; selective commercial use Hospitality & public restrooms; touchless-focused
Durability & construction Brass bodies, ceramic cartridges, strong finishes Varies by model; needs case-by-case review Brass sensor bodies; built for heavy-use restrooms
Water efficiency & codes Broad WaterSense & CALGreen alignment; 0.35–0.5 gpm options Must verify flow and listings per SKU Many models 0.35–0.5 gpm; CALGreen-capable when verified
ADA & documentation Most consistent technical and ADA-related documentation ADA layout compliance depends on careful coordination ADA-capable layouts; emphasizes adjustable sensors/low force
Commercial readiness Institutionally proven in regulated environments Best for boutique, design-driven projects Strong fit for hospitality/public restrooms
Maintenance profile Good parts availability; clear tech docs Feature complexity can increase maintenance Auto shut-off, efficient in high-traffic; docs vary