How to Choose the Best Shower for Your Home
A hot shower is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s to energise you in the morning, refresh you after exercise, or wash away the day’s stresses, choosing the best shower for your home is crucial. With so many shower types and features to explore, this guide will help you make informed decisions to ensure your shower meets your needs and enhances your bathroom.
First Things First: Water Pressure and Boiler Type
To select the right shower, understanding your home water pressure and boiler system is essential. Water pressure—the force driving water through your pipes—directly impacts the performance of your shower. A compatible shower system ensures efficient operation. For example:
- If you have low water pressure, consider power showers with built-in pumps for a boosted flow.
- For high water pressure systems, digital showers or mixer showers offer flexibility and luxury.
Types of Showers: Find the Right Fit
Electric Showers
Electric showers are a top choice for homes needing hot water 24/7. Powered by your cold water supply, they heat water instantly with built-in elements. For greater performance, select a model with a higher kilowatt (kW) rating—perfect for ensuring a strong flow year-round.
Manual Mixer Showers
For those seeking an affordable yet effective option, manual mixer showers combine hot and cold water to achieve your desired temperature. While delivering better flow than electric models, they are sensitive to pressure drops when other taps are in use.
Thermostatic Mixer Showers
Say goodbye to fluctuating water temperatures with thermostatic mixer showers. These systems maintain your selected temperature, making them ideal for family homes. If you’re using a gravity-fed water system, enhance performance by installing a booster pump for greater flow.
Power Showers
Do you have a low-pressure water system? A power shower could be your best option. With an integrated pump, these showers deliver a high flow rate, combining practicality and indulgence.
Digital Showers
For the ultimate in convenience, choose a digital shower. These advanced systems allow you to precisely control temperature and flow via a digital interface. Some even offer remote operation, meaning you can turn on your shower before getting out of bed. Compatible with both high and low-pressure systems, digital showers combine cutting-edge technology with style.
Features and Performance to Consider
Diverters
Achieve the best of both worlds with a fixed shower head and diverter. This setup offers both wide-coverage immersion and a smaller handheld shower for more targeted use. Ideal for homes with multiple spray settings.
Fixed vs. Flexible Heads
Fixed shower heads, whether ceiling or wall-mounted, deliver a sleek, modern look, while adjustable heads offer more flexibility, perfect for families.
Safety Features
If safety is a priority, look for models with temperature limiters. These prevent the water temperature from exceeding your set maximum, making them ideal for households with children.
Water-Saving Options
Eco-conscious homeowners will appreciate water-saving shower options. Features like aerating shower heads and flow restrictors minimise water usage without compromising performance.
Spray Patterns for Ultimate Comfort
Select a shower with multiple spray patterns to customise your experience. From massaging sprays to mist and rain-like settings, these features elevate your daily routine. Many modern showers also include eco-friendly spray options, ensuring a sustainable choice for your bathroom.
Shower Controls: Tailored to Your Preferences
Single Lever Mixers
Simple yet effective, single lever mixers control both temperature and flow with one valve. Available in surface-mounted or recessed designs, these are compatible with all water systems.
Bar Mixers
For easy adjustments, bar mixers feature controls on either side of the valve, offering a balanced mix of hot and cold water. Their surface-mounted design makes them a popular, user-friendly choice.
Concentric Mixers
Looking for precision? Concentric mixers provide higher flow rates and offer precise control over temperature. Available in recessed or surface-mounted designs, they suit all water systems.
Sequential Mixers
Sequential mixers simplify controls with a single dial that adjusts water temperature while maintaining consistent flow. Like other mixers, they’re compatible with any water system.
Upgrade Your Bathroom with the Perfect Shower
Now that you’ve explored the best showers for your home - from electric showers and mixer showers to digital showers —it’s time to choose the one that suits your needs. Whether you’re prioritising powerful performance, eco-friendly options, or luxurious features, our shower buying guide ensures you’ll make the right decision. Ready to upgrade? Discover our full range of modern shower designs and start transforming your bathroom today.