Which Electric Shower Should I Choose?
If you’re wondering how electric showers work, they heat water instantly as it passes through the unit using an internal heating element.
Before examining some of the many brands available in the marketplace today, let’s look a little deeper at what things need to be considered when looking at one brand against another.
Why Should You Choose An Electric Shower?
An electric shower heats cold water directly from the supply line. The heating unit inside the shower uses electricity and controls the water temperature by adjusting the flow of the water. The faster the water flows the colder it gets.
The main advantage of this type of system is its versatility. Traditional systems cannot be installed everywhere due to size and plumbing restrictions. Because the water does not need to have been preheated prior to being used, you will never experience running out of hot water in the middle of your shower, especially important to families with multiple users.
A second, and considerable, advantage of electric showers is their energy efficiency. Water is only heated as it is needed, rather than stored in tanks. Simply put, electric showers waste significantly less energy than other types of systems, which is especially good news for families wanting to conserve energy.
What To Consider When Choosing An Electric Shower
The Thermostatic Controls
Thermostatically controlled showers maintain precise water temperature regardless of whether another person in the home opens up a faucet. That’s particularly helpful when there are multiple faucets in your home that have different water pressures.
With a non-thermostatic electric shower, you will need to manually adjust the flow rate to reach your ideal temperature. A slow flow rate gives water more time to be in contact with the heating element, producing hot water, while a faster flow rate produces cooler water due to limited time in contact with the element.
The Safety Functions
Most modern electric showers come with additional safety features, including automatic shutdowns (in case the hot water line fails or gets too hot), which protect both the unit itself from damage and the people using the unit from injury.
When looking for an electric shower unit, look for those that clearly show their safety certification(s) and have built-in temperature controls. While these safety features are sometimes considered ‘add-ons’, they should always be included as part of your overall consideration for purchasing an electric shower unit.
The Size (Watts)
Power output has a big impact on the overall performance of an electric shower. Most electric showers operate within a kW power output range of approximately 7.5-10.5kW. A higher kW figure typically translates into improved heating ability and, as a result, a greater water flow rate at comfortable water temperatures. Where possible, choosing a higher kW model will provide you with a much more pleasant showering experience.
The Efficiency And Energy Use
Electric shower units by their very nature of operation are very energy-efficient. Electric shower units use power only when in operation; however, the overall efficiency of each unit can vary greatly.
Many electric shower models now have various additional features available to help users save even more energy. For example some units have an eco-setting for lower usage, and others have intelligent flow control which automatically adjusts the flow according to your needs.
The Limescale Protection Features
If you live in a hard water region, it may be worthwhile to research how your new electric shower will handle scale accumulation, as many good quality electric showers now include some sort of protection from the effects of scale accumulation. These features might involve a coating on the inner workings which could prevent scales from forming, a filter which would require regular cleaning, or an automated cleaning system.
The Water Pressure
Unlike pump-fed showers, electric showers cannot provide an increase in mains water pressure. Electric showers, therefore, require sufficient mains water pressure to operate effectively. If your mains water pressure is relatively low, you will probably want to select a low-pressure electric shower model that has specifically been designed for use at lower pressures.
The Installation
Installation is not always straightforward. Electrical requirements must match the shower’s power rating, and wiring may need upgrading.
It is often best to choose a model that fits your current setup to avoid extra costs. If you are replacing an existing unit, sticking to a similar specification can simplify this process considerably.
The Cost
Electric shower prices in the UK vary by power and features. Basic models cost around £70 to £130 and suit light use. Mid-range options, often the best electric shower choice for most homes, sit between £150 and £300 with better performance and control. Premium models range from £300 to £500+ and include advanced features.
The best way to get accurate pricing is to request a tailored quotation for your specific needs and situation. Choosing the best electric shower depends on your water pressure, budget, and desired features.
What Are The Best Electric Showers?
Triton
Triton is an established UK brand that offers consumers an array of electric showers ranging from affordable entry level models through to high specification designs.
Reviews consistently praise Tritons for their reliability, user-friendly operation, and simplicity of installation. Many of Triton’s products feature thermostatically controlled temperature systems and clear digital temperature displays.
Affordability and functionality are the positives associated with Triton’s low-cost product lines, such as the T80 series; however, these products have been criticized for having a very basic design and construction.
The mid-range product lines reviewed by customers were commended on providing reliable performance and adequate water pressure. The higher-end models received positive reviews for being built to last longer and included additional functions over the mid-range alternatives.
Gainsborough
Gainsborough electric showers have an emphasis on functionally simple design, which makes them easy to install and to operate.
The majority of models available from Gainsborough fall into the 8.5kW to 10.5kW power output range. Lower-powered units tend to be cheaper and consume less energy than the larger ones, but may lack pressure when operating. Higher powered versions will deliver better performance at greater expense both in terms of ongoing running costs as well as installation.
Many reviewers praise the ability of Gainsborough showers to heat water quickly, occupy very little room, and represent good value for money generally falling within budget or mid-range pricing brackets.
There are however many varied opinions regarding the general quality of Gainsborough products. Some users report that their temperature control can be inconsistent at times, and occasional faults arise after long periods of operation.
Aqualisa
Aqualisa is known for innovative design and advanced shower technology. Its electric showers offer a range of models with different power levels, finishes, and controls. Many models provide good temperature stability, efficient performance, and easy-to-use controls, with some including digital features. Advantages include consistent performance and modern design, while drawbacks include higher prices, potential durability issues, and sometimes complex installation.
Customer reviews are mostly positive, praising quality and performance, though some mention faults over time. Prices are generally mid- to high-range, and many users feel the quality justifies the cost.
So what should you choose
Finding the best electric shower comes down to understanding your priorities and matching them with the right features. Power rating, thermostatic control, and safety functions all play a role in how satisfying your shower will feel day after day.
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May 21st 2015 | 4 min read | By Owen
