Choosing the best shower will make your daily routine and bathroom life better. Understanding the hygiene and health benefits of showering will help you see why investing in the right water system is worth it. Looking at the different shower types available will help you find the perfect combination of hot and cold water, water pressure, and temperature control for your bathroom, wet room or shower room.
From mixer showers to electric showers and digital showers, each is designed for a specific need, low water pressure or hot water supply limitations. This guide also looks at practical considerations for layout and small shower room ideas to make the most of any bathroom.
What are electric showers?
Showering has many benefits; it is good for hygiene and relaxation with every wash. A hot shower with hot and cold water relieves muscle tension and gets the blood flowing. Different types of showers, electric showers, mixer showers and power showers cater for every water system and low water pressure situation.
Controlled water temperature and precise temperature control from thermostatic mixer showers or digital showers mean a perfect shower every time. Showers, whether from a shower head in a shower enclosure or a shower bath, can improve mental alertness and invigorate you. Using shower pumps, built-in pumps or gravity-fed systems can boost water flow and consistent water temperature for a more luxurious shower.
Mains-fed electric showers
The most common choice, these draw directly from the household’s mains cold water supply, avoiding the need for a separate shower pump. Strong enough to deliver an effective hot shower, they suit modern plumbing systems and usually provide steady water pressure. They are straightforward to install and dependable for homes with an adequate supply from mains-fed water systems.
Gravity-fed electric showers
These are designed for homes facing low-pressure water system issues, using a cold-water storage tank often located in the loft. A compact pump within the shower unit increases water flow to create the perfect shower despite a weak supply. This option is especially helpful in older houses with gravity-fed systems or low water pressure challenges.
Kilowatt (kW) rating
An electric shower comes in different kW outputs, where higher ratings heat cold water faster and offer stronger performance. Improved heating capacity ensures quicker adjustment to the desired temperature and a more consistent water temperature. This feature plays an important role in creating the ultimate shower experience.
Outlet type
Single outlet models feature one hose with a flexible shower handset, directing steady water flow into the shower enclosure. Dual outlet designs allow water diversion between a handset and an overhead rain-style shower head. This option gives more control over shower style, supporting both practical and luxurious shower preferences.
Safety features
Good models include protective measures like thermal cut-off switches, temperature control limits, and fail-safe features. These prevent overheating, scalding, or dangerous fluctuations in shower temperature and keep every hot shower safe.
The hygiene and health benefits of showering
Showering has many benefits, improving hygiene and relaxation with every wash. A hot shower with hot and cold water relieves muscle tension and gets the blood flowing. Different types of showers, electric showers, mixer showers, and power showers cater for every water system and low water pressure situation.
Controlled water temperature and precise temperature control from thermostatic mixer showers or digital showers means a perfect shower every time. Showers whether from a shower head in a shower enclosure or a shower bath can improve mental alertness and give you an invigorating shower. Using shower pumps, built-in pumps or gravity-fed systems can give you more water flow and consistent water temperature for a better shower.
What are the different types of electric showers?
Choose from a variety of different electric shower types, including standard, thermostatic, digital and energy-efficient electric showers.
1) Standard electric showers
A standard electric shower takes water directly from the cold water supply and heats it instantly within the shower unit. These are among the most popular electric shower types, as they work independently of a hot water system. Because electric showers work without relying on a hot water tank, they provide a hot shower whenever needed. Standard models are ideal for low-pressure water systems, as they are not affected by weak supply from gravity-fed systems.
They often are supplied with adjustable shower heads to improve water flow and create the perfect shower. Installation is simple and does not usually require major changes to existing types of showers or plumbing. They are one of the most reliable and versatile options for UK homes needing instant hot water.
2) Thermostatic electric showers
A thermostatic shower is an electric shower with added temperature control for safety. These showers use a thermostatic valve to maintain the temperature even when the water pressure changes. Great for families or multiuser bathrooms where the hot and cold water supply can change. Many designs also come with thermostatic mixer showers as an option. Instant heating and consistent temperature control makes them a safe choice. Consider the Mira Escape Thermostatic Electric Shower 9.8kW - All Chrome as a good option.
3) Digital electric showers
A digital shower combines modern design with technology, with programmable settings for temperature and flow rate. Many have smart shower features or can be controlled remotely or through your mobile. They still use the cold water supply, heat the water to the perfect temperature instantly. So, it is a practical upgrade for homes that want both efficiency and style. With extra features it’s the ultimate shower experience in any modern bathroom. A great example is the Triton Amore Digital Electric Shower 8.5kW with Riser Kit – Black.
4) Eco or energy-efficient electric showers
An eco electric shower is designed to be energy efficient, uses less water and energy while still being comfortable. These units only heat the amount of cold water needed, reduces waste and bills. Many have settings to control water temperature and water flow, so you can have an invigorating shower with less resource usage. These are perfect for eco homes and small bathrooms where space and energy are a priority. With these you can shower without compromising sustainability. The AQUAS Aquamax Flex Manual 9.5KW Electric Shower - Matt Black is a good example.
10 Small shower room design ideas
Space and comfort are key in small shower room design for any home:
1) Built-in pump - add a pump to low pressure water systems. It gives consistent water temperature and the ultimate shower experience
2) Compact bath - add a small shower bath combo to maximise function. It has hot and cold water supply and perfect shower conditions
3) Corner shower - use the unused corners to create a larger shower enclosure. Works with all shower types and shower units
4) Glass panels - add clear panels to open space. Suitable for electric showers or mixer showers
5) Inset shelving – built into walls for storage without reducing floor space. It keeps shower heads, shower valves, and bath products organised
6) Light colours - choose pale tones for walls and tiles to create the illusion of a larger space. They complement hot and cold supply or thermostatic mixer showers
7) Mirror placement- strategically position mirrors to reflect light and add depth. They improve the appearance of water flow and shower temperature control areas
8) Shower handsets - use adjustable handsets to control water temperature and flow rate. They are compatible with power showers and manual mixer showers
9) Sliding doors - replace swinging doors with sliding options to save space. They fit perfectly with shower enclosures and low water pressure setups
10) Wall-mounted units - use wall-hung sinks and toilets to free floor space. They suit gravity-fed systems and modern electric showers
What are the key features of modern electric shower types?
Modern electric shower types combine efficiency, convenience, and precise water control for an ideal bathroom experience:
1) Built-in pump - designed to improve water flow in low-pressure water systems. A pump regulates water temperature and enhances the ultimate shower experience
2) Digital shower - allows simple temperature control and easy adjustment of the shower head with energy-efficiency
3) Electric shower - heats water instantly using a cold water supply. It works independently of the hot water tank for constant hot water
4) Flow rate control - enables adjustment of water flow to match water pressure. This regulates a perfect temperature for a relaxing shower
5) Mixer showers - combine hot and cold water for obtaining the optimum temperature. They are ideal in homes with a hot water cylinder or combi boilers
6) Smart shower – incorporates advanced digital controls and programmable settings to achieve precise water temperature. It ensures consistent thermal regulation and delivers an enhanced, comfortable shower experience
7) Thermostatic shower - maintains a constant temperature even when water pressure changes. This delivers perfect shower conditions for daily use
8) Varied shower heads - include power showers, exposed valve showers, or shower handsets. These are suitable for use with different types of showers and shower units.
Final thoughts on the different shower types available
We provided many of the answer to choose the right shower for your lifestyle and bathroom. The benefits we mentioned go well beyond clean, relaxation, improved circulation, and constant water temperature. Electric showers are flexible and reliable, especially in homes with hot and cold supply or limited hot water tanks. Add features like thermostatic mixer showers, built-in pumps, or smart showers, and the ultimate shower experience will be even better. Finally, planning and the right shower choice will support practicality and style in small shower room ideas.
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We hope you have enjoyed our exploration of the different shower types and our list of 10 small shower room design ideas. We appreciate that you may wish to discuss these topics further. If so, why not contact us?
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