What could be better than a refreshing and revitalizing shower to begin your day? Find your perfect shower with our expert buying guide.

For many of us, our shower is a vital element of our daily routine. It’s where we can do some of our best thinking, wake up after a good night’s sleep or let us wash away our worries and worries following a hectic life. That’s why a good quality shower that works effectively as well, can be arguably one of the most important purchases you’ll make.

In this shower buying guide will help you choose the ideal shower, along with a brief overview of the items you’ll have to think about in deciding. In this guide, we’ll glance at water systems for domestic use and shower types as well as all those essential extras that you’ll need to install the shower.

What should I consider when selecting a shower?

When purchasing a shower, the first thing you’ll need to consider are your water pressure as well as the kind of water system you have in your home. This could ultimately decide what kind of shower you end up buying.

What is your water pressure ?

The pressure of the water in your home will affect the strength of your shower and will affect the kind of appliance you’ll need. You can check the water pressure yourself using the simplest and fastest method, but it may be easier and safer to get a professional instead.

Which water system do you currently

Different water and heating systems can affect the choices of showers. UK homes are generally built with one of three types of water system.

1. Gravity fed system

One of the most common types, it is usually a cold water tank in the loft area and a water cylinder in the airing cabinet. This can lead to an insufficient pressure for water, but you can utilize a shower pump to boost it. One pump can serve three or two showers at once and is the ideal option for properties that have multiple showers.

2. Combi boiler system

The boiler usually has no tanks or water cylinders, designed to heat water depending on the time you use it. Combi boilers usually have the highest possible water pressure and are compatible with shower mixers to provide hot water on demand.

3. Unvented system

A water cylinder is heated with an boiler or an immersion heater under the pressure of a high, allowing huge quantities of hot water to be delivered.

Once you know the water pressure and system, you’ll be able to determine which shower models will work for your house, as well as the kind of accessories you’ll require. Our experienced team will also be happy to advise you.

Types of shower

Manual mixer shower: Mixes hot and cold water sources manually. They are easy to fit and use.
Thermostatic mixer shower — Incorporates a thermostatic valve which keeps the water at a constant temperature. It is especially suited for families with small children or the elderly as it reduces the risk of burning.
Electric showers are quick and simple to put in, electric showers have an individual heating element which means only a cold supply of water is needed.
Power showers are often mistaken for electric showers because of their similar design Power showers draw on both hot and cold water supplies and contain an internal pump that increases the water pressure to give you a more satisfying experience.
Digital shower–An advanced form of thermostatic mixers the shower uses digital technology to allow users to set a precise water temperature. With certain models, you can also turn your shower on and off using a remote control or smart phone.
Smart shower: The most advanced kind of showering system on the market A smart shower works effortlessly with intelligent home systems like Amazon Alexa, so you can customize and control it the shower, including using voice activated.

In addition to the technical considerations when choosing a shower for at home, should consider its style and look, to make sure it matches the bathroom you have and your preferences. There are lots of different designs of valve controls, shower rails, and shower heads that you can pick from that are compatible with modern bathroom suites.

We’ll now explain more about the different types of showers.

Manual mixer showers

This kind of shower is effective well in homes with plenty of hot water along with high water pressure. It blends the cold and hot water supplies to allow you to alter the temperature every the time that you bathe. Manual mixer showers are simple to set up and simple to work.

Requirements: Cold and hot water sources. The minimum requirement is 0.1 bar of pressure in the water.
Recommendations: For families with young children the use of a thermostatic mixer will avoid the risk of getting burned.
Benefits: Easy to install and simple use.

Showers with thermostatic mixers

The mixer controls in this shower have an electronic thermostat that maintains water at a constant temperature that can be adjusted manually by the user. This makes it a great option for infants or older adults, as there is more security over the temperature of the water.

Requirements: Cold and hot water supply required. At least 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use an electric pump , to boost the flow of water.
Benefits: Reduces the chance of scalding, and the temperature is not dependent on water usage elsewhere in the home.

Electric showers

Electric bathroom showers are a simple and convenient way to install showers in virtually any home. They have their own heating units , and don’t need to be connected to a hot water feed which makes them perfect to be installed in bathrooms or shower rooms that are downstairs.

Requirements: Cold water supply. Minimum 0.1 bars of pressure. To install by a trained electrical engineer and plumbing expert.
Recommendations: Use them as an easy way to create shower rooms and bathrooms.
Benefits: More efficient. Temperature is not affected by any other water usage within the home.

Showers with power

The phrase “power shower” is frequently used to describe any type of shower that produces an intense flow of water, but (if we’re being technical!) it’s actually a particular type of shower.

Sometimes confused with electric showers because of their identical appearance, power showers have an integrated pump that draws water from both your hot and cold water supply and boosting the flow.

Power showers may have manual or thermostatic controls, in accordance with your preferences. They’re great for water systems that have low pressure however, you’ll require a stable, high-quality supply of water for efficient usage.

Requirements: Hot and cold water supply needed. At least 0.1 bar of pressure.
Recommendations: Use gravity fed water systems if your pressure is too low.
Benefits: It boosts your water pressure without the necessity of an additional pump

Digital showers

A newer version of showers that are thermostatically controlled, digital showers give you precise control of your temperature due to a simple processor box. Certain digital showers offer remote control that requires an additional controller or smartphone, meaning you can enjoy the luxury of switching on your shower from the comfort of your bed.

With the option of either concealed or exposed valves digital showers are straightforward to set up, making them perfect for modern bathrooms and ensuites.

Requirements: Hot and cold water supply and an electricity supply. Minimum 0.1 bar of water pressure.
Recommendations: Use with an electric pump , to increase the flow of water, if required.
Benefits: Easy controls minimizes the risk of scalding . The temperature isn’t affected by the use of water elsewhere in the home.

Smart showers

If you’re looking to take your shower journey beyond the norm entirely A smart shower is the perfect option.

Requirements: Cold and hot water supply needed. At least 1 bar water pressure.
Recommendations: Use with an electric water pump in order to increase water flow, if needed.
Benefits: You can completely customize your shower experience using sequenced programs. Connects seamlessly to popular smart home appliances like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Look up elderly relatives and develop safe programs for children. Over The Air updates continually make your experience better.


The choice of a shower head

Shower heads are probably the most crucial element in the design of your perfect shower as different shower heads can result in very different experiences. There are three types of shower head available:

Fixed shower head

Ideal for bathrooms with a designer look The shower head is generally installed on the ceiling or on the wall, giving it a smooth and luxurious look. They are great for creating elegant and fashionable looks, and are luxurious and enjoyable to use.

However, they may not be the best option in a bathroom that is busy with family because the head can’t be detached for more versatile use. There are contemporary and more traditional styles available which can be combined to any bathroom look.

Riser kit shower head

This type of shower head can be mounted on a bracket fixed on the walls of your shower enclosure. This is because its position can be adjusted depending on the level of the person using the shower head, and disconnecting to wash your hair, or cleaning the bath or shower. There are also lots of styles available for this style of shower head, so they are suitable for a broad selection of bathrooms.

Combination shower head

A set that is combination allows you to have both one fixed and detachable shower head that can be used in a variety of ways to maximize versatility. There are a variety of designs available in both traditional and contemporary styles making it easy to locate what you want to create the perfect style.