Want to revamp your bathroom but feel overwhelmed by the different types of showers on the market? There’s a lot to consider. Do you choose something with a strong flow? Or, is on-point temperature control a priority?
These are just a few of the things you need to think about. After all, you want something that suits your preferences; something that will offer a top-shelf shower experience for years to come.
Don’t worry! Our detailed shower guide sheds light on the different shower types, helping you make a choice that fits your style and preferences to create that dream bathroom. Let’s take a look at the following shower types and find out which one is right for you!
1. Mixer Showers
Most of us are familiar with mixer showers. This is the most common type of shower and can be a separate installation or part of your shower bath. These bath-shower combos are great space-saving options for smaller bathrooms. A mixer shower blends (or mixes) hot and cold water from your home’s supply.
Take a look at our great collection of shower heads. They add a touch of style and round off your mixer shower beautifully.
Harbour Clarity Round Shower Head with Shower Arm - Brushed Brass
£109.99
Drench Slimline Round Thin Shower Head
From £39.99
Butler & Rose Caledonia 200mm Fixed Shower Head
From £114.99
How do mixer showers work?
Mixer showers blend cold and hot water to balance the temperature. There’s a valve in the handle, and by turning it, you control how much hot or cold water comes through. This means you can make your shower hotter or colder as you like it.
Advantages of a mixer shower
Mixer showers are versatile and a sure fit in almost any bathroom. Typically, these showers deliver higher water pressures than their electric counterparts, so you can look forward to stronger flows. But, keep in mind that your shower’s water pressure also depends on the strength of the feed to your home.
Disadvantages of a mixer shower
Mixer showers don’t work that well in homes with low water pressure. Installing a water pump may give low water pressures a leg up. This type of shower also needs hot and cold water feeds; a mixer shower doesn’t heat cold water. So, if your boiler is on the blink, you’ll miss out on a hot, relaxing shower or two before it gets fixed.
Plus, there’s no worry when it comes to finding the perfect shower temperature. With digital showers, you can simply set the desired temperature, and this nifty unit takes care of the rest.
Types of mixer shower
These showers are typically sold as complete shower kits, which provide the full set up for your enclosure or shower bath. Each set comes with either an exposed or concealed thermostatic shower valve, additional rails if necessary and a shower head and/or handset.
When purchasing a complete shower set, you are able to choose from either a concealed or exposed valve shower. This usually depends on where you are fitting the shower, what you had installed previously (if you don't want to add any additional work) and your style preference.
Exposed valve shower
Exposed showers are fitted onto the wall of your bathroom either separate or as part of your bath. You do not need to bury the working parts of the shower into the wall which does minimise the installation time. These types of mixer showers are controlled thermostatically so as to prevent any temperature extremes. Check out some of our bestselling exposed valve showers below.
Drench Exposed Square Rigid Riser Thermostatic Shower Kit
£129.99
Harbour Clarity Cool Touch Exposed Thermostatic Rigid Riser Shower Kit with Round Handset
From £174.99
Core Exposed Thermostatic Rigid Riser Shower Kit
From £179.99
Concealed valve showers
Concealed shower sets still have everything you need to install a working shower straight away - including valves, shower head and handset. The difference is that this type of shower typically has a 1, 2 or 3 outlet shower valve that is hidden in the wall with just the temperature control plate on show. These have become popular for those liking a minimalist and chic aesthetic where special finishes can be used to add a real statement to your space. Here are some of our bestsellers, and to give you a closer look at how they appear in your bathroom.
Nina Concealed Shower Valve, Fixed Shower Head & Handset
From £189.99
Bath shower mixers
If you don't want to install a full shower or just like to have a rinse option while you take a bath, then bath shower mixers is the way to go. This combines your bath taps with a shower handset or hose. They add convenience and functionality to your space, while also being a great way to add another element to your traditional or modern aesthetic.
Butler & Rose Beatrice Brushed Brass Bath Shower Mixer & Kit
£179.99
Vellamo City Matt Black Bath Shower Mixer & Kit
£159.99
Vellamo Twist Freestanding Bath Shower Mixer Tap
£229.99
2. Electric Showers
If you like a steamy shower at any time, this one’s for you. Unlike mixer showers, electric showers come with their own elements that warm up cold water for a nice, relaxing hot shower whenever you want it. We have a small yet expertly picked range of electric showers to choose from. Chosen for their performance, efficiency and overall style.
Vado Elegance Electric Shower Kit 8.5KW - Metallic
£248.99
Vado All Chrome Shower Kit 8.5KW
£255.99
Vado Elegance Electric Shower Kit 9.5KW - Grey
£259.99
How do electric showers work?
Thanks to their built-in elements, electric showers only need a cold water supply. These units heat the water whenever you take a shower. So, you can count on a lovely warm stream to wash the day’s strain away, even if your boiler has hiccups.
Advantages of an electric shower
An electric shower lets you enjoy a hot shower whenever you choose. This means boiler issues won’t interfere with your piping-hot shower. It is also an eco-friendly solution since it only heats water when you take a shower. Some models even come with built-in thermostats, so you can set the exact temperature for that perfect shower.
Disadvantages of an electric shower
The flow rate of an electric shower is not as strong as that of a mixer or power shower. When making a decision on whether to get an electric shower or not, we recommend you install a water pump or get a model with a built-in water pump. This will sort those water-pressure issues.
Electric showers may also lead to limescale build-ups, which can hobble water flows. This is especially an issue in the case of hard water and weak water pressure. You can combat this with mixtures of vinegar and lemon juice (a pocket-friendly, yet effective solution), water softeners, or commercial limescale removers.
Electric vs mixer shower
The main difference between electric and mixer showers lies in the supply and creation of hot water. An electric shower’s built-in element guarantees a steamy shower on demand, and it doesn’t need your boiler for hot water. It’s also an energy-saving option because it uses less water and electricity. So, if a green choice is on your agenda, this might be the shower for you.
Can I use any shower head with my electric shower?
If you want to switch out your electric shower head for one of our fancy rainfall, square or round shower heads, we would recommend speaking first to our team of consultants over on Live Chat to make sure you purchase an appropriate replacement. While most standard shower heads can be used with an electric shower, not all will be suitable. Electric showers are designed to work with specific flow rates and altering this could affect the performance and result in damage to the unit.
3. Power Showers
Want a robust stream to wash the day’s cares away and ease those tense muscles? A power shower comes with a built-in water pump to deliver a vigorous flow. So, if you battle with low water pressure, this might be the answer.
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How do power showers work?
Power showers have built-in water pumps, so you don’t have to worry about iffy water pressure. Apart from this feature, they work like mixer showers and blend both hot and cold water from your mains. There’s also a valve in the handle, so you adjust the temperature manually.
Advantages of a power shower
A power shower delivers a strong water flow and is just the thing for sore muscles. Some models even have different massage settings, taking a relaxing shower to a whole other level. It’s also ideal when you need a brisk, energising shower (especially in the mornings before work or school). If low water pressure is your main concern, then this shower, with its strong, steady flows, is for you.
Disadvantages of a power shower
A power shower is not the most eco-friendly option as it uses lots of water and energy. Installation and maintenance can also be complicated and costly. There are models that push air through the system to maintain strong flows while saving water. These are more environmentally friendly, if you’re looking for an efficient option without sacrificing a robust flow.
Electric vs power shower
Compared to power showers, electric showers are a more environmentally friendly option. They only use electricity when you’re taking a shower. Power showers, on the other hand, channel a hot-water supply from your boiler, which constantly heats water. But (and this is a big but), power showers provide strong, steady flows regardless of your home’s water pressure situation.
4. Digital Showers
When it comes to shower types, digital showers offer something a little extra for those smart-tech lovers. It’s a fusion that offers the ultimate shower experience. Our incredible selection of fixed shower heads are the perfect companion to your digital shower. We love these below, but check out the full range for more options.
Harbour Status Matt Black 300mm Fixed Shower Head & Ceiling Arm
£89.99
VOS Round 250mm Overhead Shower - Brushed Bronze
£189.99
Harbour Clarity Round Shower Head with Ceiling Arm
From £129.99
How do digital showers work?
Digital showers work with an electronic panel that controls every single aspect of your shower. This technology turns your shower on and off, gets the temperature just right, and sets the flow strength. Like a mixer shower, it mixes hot and cold water, but its built-in thermostat ensures precise temperature control. This means you get a shower that’s exactly as hot (or not) as you want it. Pressure sensors, in tandem with a water pump, deliver spot-on flow strengths for either relaxing, tension-relieving, or invigorating showers.
Advantages of a digital shower
With a digital shower, you’re in complete control. Accurate temperature settings are especially helpful when it comes to the elderly and children. It also means you can enjoy the perfect shower every single time.
Some models even have remotes, so you can turn the shower on before you even set foot in the bathroom. This means you can get your shower ready from neighbouring rooms and guarantee everything is just so by the time you step into the shower.
This unit is also energy and cost-efficient, making it a must in any smart bathroom.
Disadvantages of a digital shower
The digital control panel of this shower type needs extra installation space, which may be a challenge in smaller bathrooms. Although you’ll save in the long run, the initial installation may be a bit more expensive than other shower types, as it’s certainly one that you’ll need a plumber support on.
How to choose the right shower for you
Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can talk about the shower choice that’s right for you, your bathroom, and your home.
1. Consider your water heating system
Showers need hot water, except electric ones, of course. For this reason, it’s important to know if your chosen shower channels heated water from your boiler or if it comes with a thermostat and element (such as an electric or digital shower).
Consider combi boilers and showers suitable for combi boilers. These trend in newer homes. If you’re prone to power cuts, remember electric and digital showers have elements that depend on electricity. So, if the power’s out, you won’t have a hot shower.
2. Consider the style you would like
There are many styles to choose from, ranging from classic to modern and chrome or black. Your choice should align with your taste and preferences to create your personal haven of relaxation.
If your shower is part of a bathroom upgrade, think about the overall design and what you want for your dream bathroom. Your shower head and controls (mechanical or digital) should fuse with external elements such as shower enclosures and accessories.
Lastly, think about the colour. You can make a dramatic statement with contrasting darker shower colours. Or, emphasise elegance with softer tones.
3. Consider water pressure
Your water system influences water pressure and, ultimately, your shower choice.
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High pressure: Combi boilers are the most prevalent heating system for high-pressure flows and work well with mixer showers.
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Low pressure: Gravity-fed systems generally have low-pressure flows, and a power shower with a built-in pump is ideal.
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Cold water mains: If your water supply reaches your home via a rising main, an electric shower may be for you. If low water pressure is an issue, consider installing an electric shower with an integrated pump.
Find the Perfect Shower with Drench
Drench is your partner when it comes to selecting and installing your perfect new shower. Our extensive range of classic and modern designs blends perfectly with any type of bathroom. Contact our bathroom experts and create your ultimate shower experience today!
