Best Electric Shower
Are you considering installing an electric shower in your home?
If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place!
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about buying a new electric shower, including the different types of electric showers and everything you should look out for when buying an electric shower for your home.
We have also rounded up a list of the best of the best in electric showers. We understand that everyone is looking for something different in terms of an electric shower, so we have created this buying guide to help you find the right type of electric shower for you.
Our electric shower reviews should help you make the right choice in your search for a new shower.
What is an Electric Shower?
Electric showers are very versatile and can be used in any domestic home water system. They are usually very easy to install and can even help you to save energy. They work by heating water very quickly through an electrically charged element.
Electric showers only require cold water to work effectively and don’t require hot water like some traditional showers. An electric shower is usually connected straight to your mains water supply, and this makes them very versatile when it comes to installation.
Electric showers work great for a number of different households, including the following:
- Those who have a small water tank
- Those who are upgrading their bathroom
- Homeowners who want an instant hot shower
- Those who are looking to save on energy
- Homeowners who have a combi boiler
How Does an Electric Shower Work?
An electric shower works by feeding cold water from your system and heating said water up before it flows into the shower head.
To reach a higher temperature, an electric shower will need more to heat the water up and, therefore, it will release water at a slightly slower rate than average. To reduce this issue, more modern systems have been introduced that maintain a high pressure through a higher kilowatt system.
With this in mind, a modern electric shower can produce a very powerful flow at your desired temperature. So if you’re looking to have a powerful hot shower, you will need to invest in a higher kilowatt electric shower.
Types of Electric Shower
There are several different types of electric showers. In the guide below, we will go over the different types of electric showers that are available on the market today, along with a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Mixer Showers
Most mixer showers don’t need electricity to run; however, if you want to increase the pressure of your mixer shower, you will need electricity to work the shower pump. A mixer shower works by mixing hot and cold water from your water supply before sending it out of your shower head.
It requires both a hot and cold water supply Mixer showers are compatible with pretty much all boilers and water systems. They also come in several styles, so you can find the perfect fit to go alongside your bathroom décor.
Power Showers
Power showers provide a very high-pressure stream of water. It uses a pump to boost the flow rate of the water that comes out of the shower head. This part of the power shower requires an electric element; however, a power shower does not heat the water using electricity.
Instead, it works similar to a mixer shower by combining cold and hot water from your system. If you have a low-pressure water system at your home, then a power shower may be the perfect option for you.
Digital Showers
Digital showers are a more modern type of shower. They are ideal for those who like to have all of the latest technology in their homes.
The main difference with a digital shower is that you can control the temperature incredibly precisely. It features a digital temperature control that allows you to change the temperature at the touch of a button.
This type of shower works similar to a mixer shower, where it takes water directly from your boiler. Some digital showers are even compatible with your smart devices. The shower is controlled by a display panel where you can change things such as the temperature and the flow rate.
Some digital showers even give you the option to save profiles for each of your household members where they can program their individual shower settings.
Best Electric Shower
When it comes to buying a new shower, it can be hard to decide which shower is right for you. To help you make the right choice, we have rounded up a list of the best electric showers in each category, along with a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each particular shower.
See the list below for a round-up of the best of the best in the world of electric showers.
Best Electric Mixer Shower
Huiyang Bathroom Thermostatic Valve Shower Mixer Set
The Huiyang thermostatic valve shower mixer set is safe and comfortable. It features a safety locking system that prevents the water from heating up any higher than 38 degrees C – protecting your family from burns and scalds. The built-in thermostat also ensures that the shower temperature remains constant.
It is made up of a solid brass construction that is durable and resistant to high temperatures and pressures. The chrome-plated outer surface helps to prevent corrosion and is very easy to clean. This entire shower is built to last and remains durable throughout its life.
The system is easy to install and suitable for any bathroom. The rainfall shower head allows for a glorious experience in the shower, similar to the type of experience that you could expect at a professional spa.
Things we liked
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
- Rainfall shower head
- Thermostatic controls
- Stylish design
Things we didn't like
- Requires hot and cold water supplies
- High-pressure settings may use up a lot of water
Mira Showers Excel Exposed Mixer Shower
The Mira Excel Exposed Mixer Shower features ‘Mira Magni-flow’ technology which delivers up to 3x more flow than a typical mixer shower, even in lower pressure homes. The shower head features four spray settings, so you can find the right setting to suit your needs and desires.
The shower features thermostatic temperature stability, ensuring that you and your family remain safe from burns or scalds. The system features separate temperature and flow settings so that you can fine-tune your shower to your exact needs.
The shower works on all kinds of systems and pressures and even works well on low pressures. This particular shower comes with a 5-year warranty so you’re guaranteed peace of mind when buying this shower.
Things we liked
- Excellent flow rate
- Various spray settings
- Easy to clean
- Thermostatic controls
- Works on all systems
- 5-year warranty
Things we didn't like
- Expensive
- Requires hot and cold water supplies
- High-pressure settings may use up a lot of water
Triton Senata Bar Diverter Mixer Shower
This Triton mixer shower provides great flow with perfect temperature controls. It features thermostatic controls, so the water is constantly regulated, giving you precise control and protecting you from burns or scalds.
It benefits from an automatic shut down if the hot or cold water supplies fail, providing safer showering for you and your family.
This particular shower features two interchangeable heads - the main rainfall shower head and the smaller single spray pattern showered for more precise cleaning.
This shower is suitable for high-pressure water systems and low-pressure water systems with the addition of a pump. It features 5-year full parts and labour guarantee for peace of mind.
Things we liked
- Thermostatic controls
- Automatic shutdown
- Two shower heads
- Rainfall shower head
- Easy to clean
- 5-year full parts and labour guarantee
Things we didn't like
- Low-pressure systems require a pump
- Requires hot and cold water supplies
Best Electric Power Shower
Mira Showers Vigour Thermostatic Power Shower
The Mira Vigour thermostatic power shower features four different shower head settings so that you can find the perfect setting for your desired shower. The shower itself and the nozzles are all easy to clean.
This shower delivers an amazing flow rate of 14 litres of water per minute, ensuring you receive a continually powerful shower throughout. It also features thermostatic temperature controls that ensure your family stays safe throughout the showering experience.
This shower is best suited to those who have low water pressure and have a plentiful supply of hot water.
Things we liked
- Four showerhead settings
- Easy to clean
- Amazing flow rate
- Thermostatic controls
Things we didn't like
- Requires a lot of water supply
- Won’t work if the boiler breaks down
- Requires hot and cold water supply
Triton Silent Running Thermostatic Power Shower
This Triton power shower consistently holds the water temperature regardless of any changes in pressure and features an adjustable maximum temperature stop to avoid accidentally turning the temperature too high.
This particular shower is suitable for low-pressure gravity-fed systems only and requires a hot and cold water supply from a cistern and hot water cylinder.
There is an easy start/stop button so you can easily turn the shower on without having to change the temperature settings. The powerful pump on this shower is very quiet which allows you to have a relaxing shower every single time.
It’s very easy to clean and also features three different spray settings so you can customise your shower experience.
Things we liked
- Three showerhead settings
- Easy to clean
- Good flow rate
- Suitable for low-pressure gravity-fed systems
- Thermostatic controls
- Quiet pump
Things we didn't like
- Requires a lot of water supply
- Won’t work if the boiler breaks down
- Requires hot and cold water supply
Mira Showers Event Thermostatic Power Shower
This particular show is a powerfully invigorating and practical shower. It features four different spray patterns so you can customise your shower to the way you want it. The thermostatic temperature controls ensure that the shower remains safe for everyone to use and prevents any chances of burning or scalding.
It features separate power, temperature, and flow controls so that you can completely fine-tune your showering experience. You can select and save your preferred control settings on this system so that you can always return to a perfect shower every time.
Things we liked
- Four spray settings
- Easy to clean
- Thermostatic controls
- Separate shower settings
- Option to save preferred settings
Things we didn't like
- Requires a lot of water supply
- Won’t work if the boiler breaks down
- Requires hot and cold water supply
Best Digital Electric Shower
Bristan Bliss 3 Electric Shower
The Bristan Bliss digital shower is a very sleek and modern-looking shower with some amazing features. It is all controlled by a touch panel which provides an advanced technological aesthetic.
The anti-limescale feature on this shower reduced build-up and the easy wipe-clean surface helps to extend the life of the shower.
You can choose your ideal temperature using the digital display and you can save these settings for later so you always have the perfect shower set up.
It also features a warm-up mode where the on/off button will flash until the shower reaches your desired temperature. This means that you never have to hop into a surprisingly cold shower again.
Things we liked
- Easy electric shower installation
- Sleek, modern design
- Anti-limescale
- Thermostatic controls
- Warm-up mode
- Digital display
Things we didn't like
- Not as powerful as mixer or power showers
Triton HOME Digital Mixer Shower
With this advanced shower system, there is no need to route wires to the shower area as the shower controls are completely wireless, meaning you’re free to position the controls just about anywhere.
The digital display features full text and full-colour indicators including the temperature and flow settings.
You can create three separate pre-sets so that your perfect shower is set up without any fuss – you could even use this feature to customise shower settings for each of the members of your household.
With brand new brushless quiet motor technology, the shower runs silently and smoothly. This shower is suitable for all low-pressure systems including gravity-fed systems.
Things we liked
- Wireless control panel
- Full letter and colour digital display
- Create three pre-sets
- Silent motor
- Suitable for all low-pressure systems
Things we didn't like
- Expensive
Mira Mode Dual Digital Shower
The Mira Mode digital shower provides a smart and simple showering experience at the touch of a button. The digital shower controller features LED indicator lights that flash while the shower is warming up.
Once the LED lights stop flashing, you’ll know that your shower is at the perfect temperature to step right into.
Another major feature of this digital shower is the Mira Showers app which allows you to control your shower right from your phone. You can choose from four different spray settings to find the perfect shower mode for you.
It comes with two shower heads that can be used individually or together for an even more powerful and luxurious shower experience. The system is easy to fit and has the benefit of coming with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
Things we liked
- LED light indicator
- Mira Showers smartphone app
- Four spray settings
- Two shower heads
- Easy to fit
- 5-year warranty
Things we didn't like
- Expensive
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Shower
There are a number of things that you may need to consider when purchasing a new shower. If you are thinking about upgrading your current shower to a new or different shower system, then you’ll need to consider the following points:
Water Pressure
In order to install an electric shower, the water at your mains must have a minimum running pressure of at least 1 bar. Your water must also flow at a rate of 8 litres per minute and you will need to have a maximum static pressure of 10 bar.
Before purchasing an electric shower, you need to be sure that the water pressure in your home is adequate for handling this type of shower. If you are unsure at all, it’s best to consult with a plumber who can attend your property and advise on the best type of shower to buy for your home.
Brand
While brands may not matter to some people, they may matter to others. There are some well-known shower brands such as Triton electric showers and Mira electric showers.
Some people believe that it may be better to purchase from a reputable brand to ensure you’re getting a good product. With this in mind, it may be relevant to take a look at what brand of shower you’re buying before going ahead with the purchase.
Price
Whenever you decide to do something new to your home, it’s always a good idea to have a budget in mind first. This prevents any possibility of you overspending. With this in mind, you should always look for the best electric shower that is within your budget.
Features
When looking for a new shower to buy, you should have a good idea of the features that you’re looking for before making the purchase. Some of the features you may be interested in with an electric shower include; digital controls, smartphone features, temperature stop, extra power, and many more features.
FAQs
Q: How do you install an electric shower over a bath?
A: An electric shower can be installed over a bath in the same way as a shower that is installed in its own enclosure. The steps below are a simple guide to fitting a shower over a bath:
- Put the shower unit into position and put marks on the walls where the fixing holes will be.
- Drill these holes with a masonry drill bit.
- Insert wall plugs into the holes and squeeze silicone sealant into each one.
- Feed the pipe and electric cable through the back plate on the shower unit and then screw it to the wall using the screws provided.
- Connect the inlet pipe to the shower unit.
- Fit the cable to the unit by connecting the neutral and live cores to the relevant terminals and fit the earth core to the earth terminal.
- Fit the cover to the shower unit and ensure that all of the relevant seals are in place.
- Fit the rail to the wall using the fixings provided.
- Finally, connect the hose to the shower head and shower unit and position it in the rail holder.
- Check that the shower is working properly before use.
Q: How much does it cost to replace an electric shower?
A: The price for a replacement shower will vary depending on a number of factors including the type and brand of shower that you buy, the type of labourer that you choose to do the work, and your location in the UK. On average, it costs around £160-£500 to replace an electric shower.
Q: Should you seal the gap between the electric shower unit and the wall?
A: You should never seal an electric shower to the wall. There are small gaps in each of the corners of the shower casing that allow ventilation around the back and sides of the shower unit. Without proper ventilation, the unit may be prone to condensation or overheating.
Q: What level of water pressure is required for an electric shower?
A: For any mains operated shower to work effectively, you will need a minimum pressure of between 0.7-1 bar. For a gravity-fed electric system, the minimum head required for the shower to work is between 0.008 to 1 bar. This pressure will need to be maintained throughout for the shower to work effectively.
Q: How much water does a shower use?
A: The amount of water that a shower uses will depend on the type of shower and the pressure of the shower. An electric shower will typically use between 3-10 litres of water per minute. Mixer showers tend to use around 5-30 litres of water per minute and a power shower will use around 10-16 litres per minute.
Sources
- https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/electric-shower-buying-guide
- https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/mira-recommends/kw-ratings-explained
- https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-shower
- https://goodwinelectrical.com/2018/08/11/read-this-before-buying-an-electric-shower
- https://www.bigbathroomshop.co.uk/info/blog/how-to-fit-an-electric-shower
- https://pricethisplease.co.uk/electric-shower-installation-cost
- https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/professional-zone/news/faq-feature-electric-showers
