The Best Electric Showers

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• Electric showers draw cold water directly from the mains and heat it instantly, working independently from your boiler.

• Choosing between 7.5kW and 10.8kW power ratings balances water flow strength against energy consumption and running costs.

• Leading brands like Triton, Mira, and Aqualisa offer reliable thermostatic models with advanced limescale protection.

How electric showers work

Electric showers heat water on demand, drawing cold water directly from the mains supply. This means they don't rely on a stored hot water cylinder, making them a great option for homes with limited hot water or multiple users. The water is heated as it passes over an electric heating element, providing instant hot water for your shower.

Key considerations

When looking for the best electric shower for your home, several key factors will help you make the right choice.

Power rating (kW)

Power ratings for electric shower units range from 7.5kW up to 10.8kW.

7.5kW to 8.5kW: lower kilowatt models draw less electricity, making them budget-friendly to buy and run.

9.5kW to 10.8kW: a powerful electric shower heats water faster, providing a stronger flow rate during cold winter months.

Pressure requirements

An electric shower requires reliable cold water mains pressure. Most standard models need a minimum working pressure of 1.0 bar, but you should check your home's water pressure to ensure it meets the specific shower's specifications.

Flow rate

This refers to the amount of water the shower delivers per minute. While higher kW ratings can improve flow, other factors like your home's water pressure also play a role.

Temperature control

Look for models with precise temperature control to ensure a comfortable and safe showering experience. Thermostatic controls are beneficial because they keep temperatures stable within 1°C, preventing sudden shifts if someone opens a tap elsewhere in the house.

Safety features

Essential safety features include overheat protection and residual current devices (RCDs) for electrical safety.

Design and finish

Modern electric shower units come in various styles to complement your bathroom: Finishes: options include classic chrome, sleek matt black, or clean white. Compact designs: slimline casings save wall space in smaller shower enclosures.

Installation

Installing an electric shower involves both high-voltage electricity and cold water plumbing. You must hire a qualified electrician and plumber to fit your shower safely in compliance with regulations.

Running costs

Because electric showers heat water instantly, you only pay for energy used while showering. A typical 10-minute shower with an 8.5kW unit costs around 35 to 40p. Choosing an eco-setting or a lower kW rating can help keep household energy bills down.

Electric shower brands

Here at Wickes we offer a selection of trusted electric shower brands, including:

Triton

Known for offering a selection of affordable, easy-to-install units with intuitive controls.

Shop Triton

Mira

Renowned for their sleek, modern designs and patented Clearscale technology, which reduces limescale build-up by up to 50% for longer lasting performance.

Shop Mira

Aqualisa

Offers exclusively powerful shower units with stylish contemporary finishes for a luxurious daily shower experience.

Shop Aqualisa

Additional features to look for

Phased shutdown: this feature continues to run for a short period after the shower is turned off, flushing out any residual hot water and reducing limescale build-up.

Multiple spray patterns: some shower heads offer various spray patterns for a customised showering experience.

Eco-settings: these settings can help conserve water and energy.

Push-button controls: easy to use, especially for those with limited dexterity.

Digital displays: provide clear information on temperature and power settings.

Maintenance tips

To ensure your electric shower performs optimally and lasts longer:

Clean the shower head regularly: remove limescale by soaking the shower head in a descaling solution.

Check for leaks: address any leaks promptly to prevent damage and maintain efficiency.

Consider professional servicing: periodically have a qualified professional inspect and service your electric shower.

Hopefully this guide has helped you learn a bit more about electric showers and figure out the best electric shower for your home. If you’d like some more inspiration for your bathroom, feel free to check out our bathroom ideas and advice page.

Yes, electric showers draw cold water directly from your mains supply and heat it instantly inside the unit. They work completely independently of your central heating boiler or hot water cylinder.

Yes, you can easily install an electric shower over a bath. Just make sure to fit a quality bath screen or shower curtain to catch overspray.

A good electric shower for lower energy costs is an 8.5kW unit with an eco-setting. Heating water on demand prevents energy loss and keeps running costs predictable.