Are you renovating your bathroom and wondering whether it is time to switch from a traditional mixer shower to an electric shower? Are you wondering which shower would best meet your needs? Here is the lowdown to help you decide.
Points to consider
One of the major factors to consider when choosing which shower to install is the running cost. Gas is often cheaper than electric, meaning a mixer shower could be the least expensive option. If ease of use is your priority, however, electric showers using a supply of cold water are the ideal choice.
Mixer showers
Mixer showers are a good choice if you are looking for an option that is easy to install with not much more than some copper pipe connectors, simple to use, and makes use of your gas boiler.
The downsides of this type of shower are that flow rates can be less as hoses run up from taps, manual mixers can be difficult to control, and you need access to hot and cold water. A shower pump may be needed if you have low water pressure in your home.
Electric showers
Water is heated in the unit without having to rely on your boiler. The majority provide precise temperature control and many give you the option of choosing your water pressure. They are also easy to fit by qualified professionals who know everything from which copper pipe connectors to use to how to ensure your electricity supply is safe. The Citizens Advice website has tips on finding a trusted tradesperson.
Some of the major benefits of electric showers are that you only have to heat the water you use, they offer consistent temperatures even in cold weather, and they can use less water.
Where a digital shower fits in
A digital shower mixes hot and cold water in a processing unit and uses an on-board thermostat to hold the temperature you set. It works much like a mixer shower but with far more accuracy, so there are no sudden spikes when someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the house. That makes it more comfortable and safer for children and older people.
Digital showers work with any kind of heating system, so they can suit homes where a power shower would not. Useful features include presets, a coloured LED that shows when the water is ready, remote controls that let it run before you step in, and in some cases touchscreens or Wi-Fi.
They are the most expensive type of shower, though entry-level models are available. If you are retrofitting, choose a model whose processor box can be installed separately from the control in the shower, as this saves cutting into tiles. You may still need new pipes and cables, so plan the features you want before fitting.
Cubicles, wet rooms and shower heads
Before settling on the type of shower, think about the enclosure. If there is space, a separate cubicle feels more contemporary, and many homeowners now remove the bath altogether in favour of one spacious cubicle. A walk-in shower or wet room suits an en-suite well, but it needs separate glass panels rather than a pre-formed cubicle, and the room must be tanked so it is completely watertight. Thicker panels, such as 12mm glass, add safety where panels stand freely.
A power shower uses a separate pump to boost the flow, which makes it a good choice where mains pressure is low and you like a strong, invigorating spray. With an electric shower, a higher kilowatt rating gives better performance, although units of 9.5kW and above may need a heavier electrical cable.
The shower head matters too. A fixed head suits a designer shower room, while families often prefer a riser rail, which lets the head move up and down for different users.
