 What Are The Different Types of Showers and Which One is Best For You?One of the most enjoyable things in life is a shower at the end of a long and hard day but if you are in the market for a new shower, you might find that you are overwhelmed by all of the options that are available to you.
After all, there is more to a shower than just turning on the water and letting it flow out of the showerhead. There are many different considerations to make that might determine what type of shower you choose. Therefore, you might need to think about water pressure and even the type of boiler that you have because you don’t want to install a brand new shower, only to find that it is not suited to your home.
So, the aim of this guide is to cover the main types of shower available and these includes:
- Mixer Showers
- Power Showers
- Digital Showers
- Electric Showers
- Smart Showers
Which Type Of Shower is Right For You?
Before we begin discussing the different types of showers, it is important to consider which one is right for you. Your bathroom has to be considered as well as the setup of your home because what works for one person might not work for you, regardless of how much they love their shower. So, what will you need to consider? Your boilerYour boiler is an integral part of your home but the type of boiler you have will determine what shower you can choose. You might have a combi boiler or you might have a gravity-fed system but both work differently.
If you are unsure about which type of heating system you have installed, check it with your plumber. Water Pressure
Your water pressure is also something that you need to think about. If you have low pressure then it can be rectified although if you have main pressure then you might have more options available to you. Your Cylinder
Not all heating systems require a cylinder in order to work but most of them uses a cylinder to storage the water. If you find that you run out of hot water easily, you might want to consider an electric shower.
So, now we are going to look at the different types of showers that are available to choose from.
Mixer showers are different to electric showers as they need a source of hot water and as the name suggests, this type of shower mixes both hot and cold water. This enables you to create the right temperature for your shower.
What this type of shower needs is a hot and cold water supply although it will provide a better flow of water than an electric shower. Therefore, this kind of shower is ideal for gravity-fed water systems.
Unlike electric showers, which need electricity to run, mixer showers do not need electricity in order to operate as they are mechanical. Whether it is better than an electric shower will be determined by your needs but they are compatible with any boiler or water system.
When choosing a mixer shower, there are some things that you will need to think about before making your decision.
Mixer showers can offer more power - In general, if you are looking for a good flow of water then this is the preferred option.
You’ve got a large water tank - If you have a large water tank and a good supply of hot water then a mixer shower is going to be the right option for you.
Boiler problems - You might be worried about not being able to access hot water should your boiler fail. While this is something that does not happen often, if you want hot water, even when your boiler fails, a mixer shower might not be for you.
Household needs - Water pressure can cause problems when it comes to the quality of your shower. If you have low pressure, you can install a water pump but a mixer shower might struggle if more than one person is using water at the same time. The Benefits of a Mixer ShowerA mixer shower is a great option for those who are looking to control the temperature of the water which makes them ideal for use in homes with children. They can provide an excellent flow of water when compared with electric showers and they can prevent scalding. There is no need to have a large water tank which makes them ideal for small homes and electricity is not required to operate them. You might be torn between a mixer shower or an electric shower which means that a power shower might be what you are looking for. They are suitable for homes that suffer from low water pressure or if you are simply looking for an excellent shower experience!
What Do Power Showers Offer?
If you opt for a power shower then you will need to make sure that you have both a hot and cold water supply as they work much like a mixer shower. As mentioned, if low water pressure is a problem then this might be the best option for you although you will need to consider the fact that they do use more water than other types of showers.
Are Power Showers and Electric Showers the Same?
Many people tend to get confused about the differences between power showers and electric showers. However, a power shower won’t contain an electric element that can be found in an electric shower. Instead, it works by taking hot water from a cylinder that is heated up by the boiler while cold water is taken from the cold water feed before both are mixed, which is why it is much like a mixer shower.
The flow rate of the water is enhanced using a pump and this will require electricity but a power shower will not heat the water using an electric current.
Why Would You Choose a Power Shower?
If you have a gravity-fed water system then a power shower is often the better choice. You will need to make sure you have a large water tank to meet your needs because if you don’t, you might find that cold showers become a problem. Should you have a combi boiler, this will mean that your system will operate at mains pressure and so, you might then want to consider other options such as an electric shower or mixer shower.
The Benefits of a Power ShowerAs the name suggests, power showers are designed to deliver a solid flow of water, improving the shower experience. They are ideal for gravity-fed systems while they take hot water from your cylinder and they work much like a mixer shower which means you will have greater control over the temperature. As with most things around the home, technology is now becoming commonly seen in showers. If you are someone who appreciates technology then a digital shower might be for you. Where they really differ is the ability to offer exceptional temperature control that can be easily set at the push of a button. The entire system can be controlled digitally which means that you don’t have to use manual controls like you do with standard systems.
What Do Digital Showers Offer?
These work much like a mixer show and so, hot water will be taken from your boiler but there are options available for a range of water systems and boilers. In addition to this, you can take how you use your shower to a new level as they are compatible with certain smart devices. Why a Digital Shower Might Be Right For You
When it comes to bathroom technology, it is fair to say that digital showers are leading the way. The main feature that makes them stand out is the control panel in which everything is displayed such as water temperature and flow rate. As a result, you will have a greater level of control of the water temperature while some might also give you the ability to create profiles for each person living in the home.
There are a number of digital showers available to choose from and this means that there is an option available for almost any water system. If you have a gravity-fed or low pressure system, then there are some pumped options available. You can also opt to install high pressure versions that have been designed for use with mains-pressure water systems or combi boilers. The Benefits of a Digital ShowerDigital showers have changed the way in which we use our showers and this is because they provide a greater level of control through the use of digital controls. Therefore, you can easily control the flow and temperature of the water with a control panel that is simple to use. You can monitor the temperature and you can even use a wireless control to turn the shower on before entering the shower. Electric showers are considered to be extremely versatile when it comes to showers. They are perfect for those who want an instant hot shower while also taking advantage of possible energy savings. An electric shower uses electricity to head up the water which is ideal for those who do not have a cylinder.
What Do Electric Showers Offer?
This type of shower does require a good water pressure and this can come from a shower pump or it can come from your mains supply. You also won’t need to rely on hot water being taken from the boiler or tank while they are simple to install and compact.
What Do Electric Showers Offer?
This type of shower does require a good water pressure and this can come from a shower pump or it can come from your mains supply. You also won’t need to rely on hot water being taken from the boiler or tank while they are simple to install and compact.
What is an Electric Shower
You have probably seen an electric shower without realising what it actually is but this kind of shower heats the water using an electrical heating element. What makes them different from other types of showers is that they only need a cold water supply, as they instantly heat water. If you do choose an electric shower then you should make a note of the kW rating as the higher the number, the better the flow of hot water will be. What Are the Benefits of an Electric Shower?One of the main advantages is the fact that you don’t need a hot water supply in order to enjoy all that it offers. So, you won’t run out of hot water if you have a cylinder that is small as it delivers hot water on demand. Furthermore, an electric shower can also help you to save energy as they will only heat the water that you actually need, so there is no unnecessary heating up of a full tank just for a single shower. Additionally, the water flow is better than pump-assisted showers and if you are on a water meter then you could also save money on your water bills.
For those houses that have a combi boiler, then an electric shower is a good option while you won’t need to worry about your boiler and your hot water settings as you can use your shower at any time.
Smart showers are much like digital showers in the fact that they still offer you a digital temperature display and the ability to alter other settings. However, they do offer slightly more and could be considered the next step up from a digital shower. The smart feature gives users greater control over how the shower is used while they can create individual settings for different users.
What Do Smart Showers Offer?
When you opt for a smart shower, you will benefit from WiFi connectivity which means that you can control the shower from within and outside of your home while it will integrate with your existing smart home system. Furthermore, you will also be able to activate your shower using voice commands and even control the flow and temperature. All of this can be done using a smart app that gives you control and insight into how you use your shower.
What Are the Benefits of a Smart Shower?Smart showers are ideal for those who want to create the perfect smart home system but they are also ideal for those who have certain disabilities. You can ensure that you set your shower at the right temperature and that can help you to save money and energy while you can control how long it is used for and even control the flow to reduce water wastage. The great thing is that smart showers are also suitable for almost every home and water supply, which means that everyone can take advantage of them.
With many different types of showers available and options to consider, you might be wondering which is best for you. However, with our handy guide, we hope that you can make an informed decision and find a shower that is ideal for your home and your needs. Compare Shower Types When buying a new shower, you need to consider what type is your existing shower as well as the main details from your water system at home such as water pressure, boiler type and cylinder. Another factor that needs to be considered is the dimensions for the existing shower and the fitting dimensions as you probably won´t consider changing your existing tiles and finding similar sizes may help you avoid this extra step.
Looking for the perfect shower? Find below tab with the main considerations for each shower type.
| |
Always Provide Hot Water |
Need Hot and Cold Water Supply |
Require Electricity |
Takes Water From Boiler |
| Mixer Shower |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Power Shower |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Digital Shower |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
| Electric Shower |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Smart Shower |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Showers FAQsAre shower heads universal?Most of the shower heads in the UK have a universal size so they can be used with most shower hoses. The standard pipe thread is half-inch. We advise you to make sure the hose connection is the right one before you order and make sure the model is compatible with your needs.
Are shower hoses universal?Most shower mixers have a 1/2 inch thread, and almost all shower hoses are standardised to this size (on both ends). However, there is also 3/4 inch thread that is much rarer but it´s always worthy to check what is your existing one before getting a replacement.
What shower do I need?The shower you need will depend on the system you have at home. If you need the shower for a replacement, we advise you to check the model you have and check if we have any similar or compatible showers for an easy replacement.
If you are buying a shower for a new property, you will need to find out more details about the existing water pressure and water system to make sure what is the best shower type for your house. How does a shower trap work?Shower waste is an essential component of any shower, as it helps to support the water flow and prevent waste water from flowing back into the shower. Shower traps are typically made of metal or plastic, and are designed to connect to the shower tray beneath the floor of the shower.
Shower trap piping is usually made of PVC or ABS plastic, and is designed to connect to the shower trap beneath the shower tray. The primary purpose of a shower trap is to keep waste water from flowing back into the shower, and to provide support for the water flow. They are typically located in the drainage area beneath the shower floor, and are connected to the shower drain via a drainpipe. How does mixer shower work?Mixer showers are a great option if you want to be able to control the temperature of your shower. They work by mixing hot and cold water together in a valve before sending it to the shower head. This means that you can have a strong flow of water at whatever temperature you like. Mixer showers also tend to be more efficient than electric showers, as they don't waste as much water waiting for the water to heat up. However, one downside is that mixer showers can be a bit more difficult to install, so it's worth getting a professional to do it for you. How can I improve my shower water pressure?Low water pressure can be due to a wide range of factors such as having an old pipe system, having the wrong pipe size or having an obstructed shut-off valve. If you are suffering from low water pressure some quick fixes could be: cleaning out the sediment and considering replacing the shower head as some units can have a "water-saving" system that reduces the water flow.
Other options would be installing a shower pump or a pressurised unvented cylinder. We always recommended checking your water system with a qualified plumber to identify the best solution for you. |
