shower

Choosing the Perfect Shower: Which Type Suits Your Bathroom?

Written by: Taps UK

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

A shower is one of the most used features in any bathroom, so choosing the right type can make a big difference to your daily routine. With so many options available—electric, mixer, thermostatic, power, and even digital showers—it can be hard to know which one will work best in your home.


The right shower depends on factors such as your water system, bathroom layout, budget, and the level of convenience you want. This guide breaks down the different types of showers, their benefits, and things to consider, so you can make an informed choice and enjoy the perfect showering experience.

Electric Shower
Thermostatic Shower
Power Shower

Electric Showers – Simple and Cost-Effective

Electric showers heat cold water instantly using a built-in heating element. Because they only draw from the cold-water supply, they don’t rely on your boiler, making them an excellent choice for homes with limited hot-water storage or for anyone who wants a reliable backup if the boiler fails.


They are compact, easy to install, and highly energy-efficient since they only use the water you need—no heating up large tanks or wasting stored hot water. High kW ratings (typically 8.5–10.5kW) provide stronger flow and better performance, though they work best in homes with good mains water pressure. In low-pressure households, an additional shower pump may be required.


One consideration is that electric showers won’t operate during power outages, and in hard water areas, they can be prone to limescale build-up without regular cleaning.

Thermostatic Showers – Safe and Consistent

Thermostatic showers keep water safe and comfortable by automatically adjusting temperature and flow. They’re especially useful in family homes or where extra safety is needed.


  • Maintain a stable temperature by reacting to changes in water flow

  • Mix hot and cold water automatically

  • Shut off the flow if the cold supply fails (important for children or elderly users)

  • Do not require electricity to operate

  • May need a certain pressure level or a flow regulator

  • Can be paired with rigid or rail kits

  • Plumbing can be concealed for a clean, modern look

  • Downsides: higher cost, possible dripping, and reduced flow if not maintained

Power Showers – Extra Boost for Low Pressure

Power showers use an integrated electric pump to increase water flow and pressure. They’re ideal for certain systems and deliver a strong, comfortable spray.


  • Boost flow and pressure by mixing hot and cold feeds

  • Best suited for gravity-fed systems with large storage tanks

  • Provide a more luxurious showering experience

  • Higher upfront and installation costs compared to other options

  • More expensive to run due to increased energy and water use

  • Not suitable for homes with a combi boiler

Digital Showers – Smart and Modern

Digital showers offer precise control with a wired or wireless panel. They provide advanced features for convenience, efficiency, and comfort.


  • Electronic control panel for accurate temperature and flow

  • Options for wired or wireless installation

  • Highly customisable with user presets

  • Eco modes to reduce water and energy use

  • Family-friendly settings for safe showering

  • Deliver uninterrupted performance

  • Compatible with all plumbing types, including low-pressure systems with a pump

  • Downsides: higher price and usually need an electrician for installation

Comparison at a Glance

Type Best For Pros Cons
Electric Compact bathrooms; any boiler type

Hot water on demand

• Easy to install

• Energy efficient


 • Needs electricity• Lower flow in gravity-fed systems• Can suffer limescale in hard water areas
Mixer Homes with gravity-fed or combi boilers • Stronger flow than electric
• Wide design choice (exposed or concealed)
• Reliable performance

 •Temperature can fluctuate if other water outlets are used
• Requires a compatible system
Thermostatic Families, safety-conscious households • Consistent temperature
• Anti-scald protection
• Works with most systems
  • Higher upfront cost
• Requires maintenance
• Can drip if not serviced
Power Homes with low water pressure (gravity-fed) • Powerful flow with built-in pump
• Luxurious showering experience

 • More expensive to buy and run• Not suitable for combi boilers
• Needs large hot water tank
Digital Modern bathrooms; tech-savvy users • Precise temperature and flow control
• Eco and preset modes
• Compatible with most systems		 • Higher purchase price
• Requires professional installation• Needs electricity

Can I fit a power shower if I have a combi boiler?

No, power showers are not suitable for combi boilers. They work best with gravity-fed systems that have large hot and cold water tanks.

Do thermostatic showers need electricity?

No, thermostatic showers work mechanically by balancing hot and cold feeds. They don’t require electricity.

Are digital showers worth the extra cost?

Yes, if you value convenience, eco modes, and user presets. They’re more expensive upfront and usually need an electrician to install, but they offer precision and modern features.

How do I choose the right shower for my home?

  • Check your water system (combi boiler, gravity-fed, or unvented).

  • Decide if you want advanced features like presets or eco modes.

  • Factor in the cost of purchase, installation, and running.

Introducing the hansgrohe DogShower

Bath time for your dog just got a major upgrade. The hansgrohe DogShower is an ergonomic shower head designed to clean and soothe your four-legged friend with ease. It’s packed with thoughtful features—like 74 soft, rubberized nozzles to reach deep undercoats and a one-touch “Select” button for smoothly changing spray modes—that make grooming a stress-free experience for both of you. Plus, with hansgrohe’s EcoSmart technology, you get effective rinsing with low water usage (just 8 L/min), keeping your pet clean and the planet happy. Available in a variety of fun finishes, it transforms a daily task into a pampering ritual.
Our Full Shower Range

Conclusion

Choosing the right shower depends on your water system, space, budget, and the features that matter most to you. From simple electric showers to high-tech digital models, there’s an option to suit every home. By understanding how each type works and what it offers, you can invest in a shower that makes your daily routine more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.

Match your system – Electric showers suit homes with limited hot water storage, while power showers are best for low-pressure systems.

Think about users – Thermostatic showers offer safety and consistency for families, while digital showers provide convenience and precision.

  • Balance budget and features – From cost-effective electric models to luxury digital designs, there’s a shower to fit every budget and lifestyle.

Taps UK is a prominent online retailer in the United Kingdom, specializing in a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The company boasts a large selection of taps, sinks, and accessories from both well-known industry brands and its own exclusive lines, catering to a broad customer base that includes the general public as well as trade professionals like developers and builders.

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