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
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 |