Upgrading your bathroom can be a super rewarding project, but there's no denying it can be a daunting undertaking. There are so many different types of showers out there, so narrowing your choice down to just one type can take a lot of time and research.
Fortunately, here at Bathroom & Beyond, we have the technical knowledge and experience to make your shower buying experience a breeze! In this blog we breakdown the different types of shower to help you decide which will work best for you.
Electric showers
Electric showers are heated by a built-in heating element, making them ideal for any type of home. They enable the user to access instant hot water without needing to take it from your hot water tank or boiler. This means that electric showers can help save on energy because they only heat the water that you actually use, rather than heating an entire water tank.
If you're on a water meter and are looking for ways to cut down your water bill, electric showers can help as they tend to have lower flow rates.
One thing to keep in mind with electric showers is that they will require decent water pressure. If yours isn't great, you can overcome that by installing a shower pump.
Power showers
Power showers are a popular choice in spas and other luxurious settings, but they can also be installed at home! The high pressure makes for a lavish shower experience from the comfort of your own bathroom – what's not to like? They're also built with a pump, making them an ideal choice for a low-pressure system.
One down side of power showers is that they're not as energy efficient as electric showers. This is because they require both a cold and hot water supply, meaning you will be using energy to heat your entire water tank for just one shower. Another factor to bear in mind is that these shower types also consume a lot of water, which can ramp up your water bill.
Mixer showers
Mixer showers are some of the most common types of shower and are suited to most water systems. Unlike electric showers, they don't need a source of electricity to function, which is good if your electricity bill is already high.
Despite being one of the more common shower types, mixer showers can add a pop of style to any bathroom. Whether it's a traditional or a more modern look you're after, mixer showers are very versatile.
Both the temperature and water pressure can be controlled by handles on your shower or, if you have a bath and shower mixer, the bath taps will do this.
As the name suggests, to heat your shower to your chosen temperature, mixer showers mix hot water and cold water together. There are two types of mixer shower:
1. Manual mixer shower – these will simply mix the hot and cold water supply to create your desired temperature.
2. Thermostatic mixer shower – these are designed with a pre-set thermostat to keep the water temperature consistent and prevent your shower from becoming extremely hot when using water elsewhere in the house.
One thing to bear in mind with mixer showers is that they're better suited to homes with larger hot water supplies. If yours is on the smaller side, consider opting for an electric shower instead.
Digital showers
Digital showers are similar to mixer showers in that they require hot water taken from the boiler or hot water tank. However, digital showers come with a few more benefits; these types of showers can be used in practically any home, regardless of what boiler system you have. These types of showers can be used in practically any home regardless of what boiler system you have. They also give the user a lot more control over the water temperature.
If it's a hyper-modern feel you're going for, some digital showers are even compatible with smart technology, meaning you can control them from your phone and other smart devices.
These types of showers do tend to cost more to purchase and install, though, so they're not a great option for everyone.
Different types of showers: Buying guide
Here are a few things to bear in mind before choosing your new shower:
- Size – Showers come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them will fit every bathroom. Make sure you take measurements before purchasing a new shower. Consider how much floor space you have before choosing a shower tray, for example.
- Style – Your ideal aesthetic will have a huge impact on the type of shower you choose. For example, if you’re going for a super modern look, then a digital shower might be a good fit.
- Water pressure – Some shower types, such as electric showers, require a relatively high water pressure so you’ll need to be aware of your water pressure before purchasing. Fortunately, if yours is low, you can boost it by installing a shower pump.
- Type of boiler – Certain showers aren’t compatible with all boiler types, make sure you’re aware which showers will work for you. The size of your boiler tank should be considered too. If you have a small hot water tank, you might find yourself running out of hot water a lot. If this is the case, it might be best for you to go with an electric shower.
It's clear that when it comes to choosing your dream shower, there's something for everyone! We hope you found this guide useful, but if you have any questions regarding different shower types, or need help choosing a product, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We can even provide a quotation or arrange a consultation to help you get a better idea of the next steps of your project.
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