Looking for the best showers for your combi boiler in 2024?
When it comes to selecting the right type of shower for a combination boiler, compatibility and efficiency are key factors to consider. From electric showers to digital and smart showers, there are various options available to cater to different needs and preferences.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for showers that work seamlessly with combi boilers. Whether you’re looking for the best value shower like the Bristan Frenzy, a rainfall shower such as the Aqualisa Midas MD110SC, a shower tailored for the elderly and vulnerable like the Mira Select Flex, or a smart shower like the Mira Activate Twin, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to discover the ideal shower for your combi boiler setup and answers to common questions about shower compatibility and performance.
What is the Best Type of Shower for a Combination Boiler
For most situations a thermostatic mixer shower is the best shower for a combi boiler. Their ability to deal with fluctuating pressures and temperatures mean they are the perfect choice for the majority of households.
When it comes to choosing the best type of shower for your combi boiler, it’s important to understand how combination boilers differ from other boilers.
Combination boilers provide both hot water for heating and hot water on demand for your home, so when choosing a shower, you need to ensure it can efficiently handle the demands of the system.
With their reliable water supply and efficient performance, thermostatic mixer showers are often considered the best type of shower for combi boilers, as they are capable of stabilising any fluctuation in temperature that may be caused by other occupants of your household opening a tap elsewhere.
It is for this reason that you should avoid manual mixer showers, it can be difficult to find manual showers nowadays as most models are thermostatic, but it is definitely worth checking before purchase, all of the models in this article are thermostatic and compatible with combi boilers.
Our top picks
- Best value shower for a combination boiler – Bristan Frenzy
- Best Rainfall (dual) shower for a combi boiler – Aqualisa Midas MD110SC
- Best shower for the elderly or vulnerable with a combination boiler – Mira Select Flex
- Best smart shower for a combi boiler – Mira Activate Twin
Which other showers are compatible with a combi boiler?
When it comes to finding showers that work well with your combi boiler, there are a couple of options that you can consider:
Electric showers are a popular choice as they have their own heating element, providing instant hot water without relying on the combi boiler.
Digital showers are another great option, offering advanced temperature and flow rate control, along with additional features and a modern design.
Both electric and digital showers are compatible with combi boilers and can provide a satisfying showering experience.
Electric showers
Electric showers are ideal for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective option that works well with a combination boiler. These showers are a great choice for those looking for reasonably priced shower without the need to make expensive adjustments to plumbing.
With an electric shower, you can enjoy a consistent flow of hot water at your desired temperature, thanks to the built-in heating element. An electric shower doesn’t use the boiler at all so you can continue to run the heating at the same time as having a shower!
The flow rate of an electric shower is determined by the power rating of the unit, typically ranging from 7.5 to 10.8 kW.
Additionally, electric showers offer easy installation and are energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Read More: The best electric showers you can buy today.
Digital/Smart showers
Looking for a shower that offers advanced technology and modern design? Digital showers are a great option that complement a combination boiler.
A digital shower is a shower unit that allows you to control the temperature and flow rate digitally, providing you with a comfortable and personalised showering experience. Digital showers use thermostatic mixer technology to ensure precise temperature control.
This not only enhances your showering experience but also ensures safety. With a digital shower, you can easily adjust the temperature and flow rate to suit your preferences, giving you the ultimate control over your shower and some models have smart features like app/voice control.
Read more: The best digital and smart showers you can buy today.
What are the best showers for a combination boiler?
When it comes to finding the best shower for your combi boiler, there are a few options to consider.
If you’re on a budget, the Bristan Frenzy offers great value for money.
For those looking for a rainfall (dual) shower system, the Aqualisa Midas MD110SC is perfect.
If you’re looking for a shower for a vulnerable user the Mira Select Flex is a great option.
For those seeking a smart shower with advanced technology, the Mira Activate Twin is a top choice.
Best value shower for a combination boiler – Bristan Frenzy
If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable shower option for your combi boiler, the Bristan Frenzy is a top choice. This shower offers great performance and is suitable for all water systems and pressures above 0.5 to 5.0 bar. It features a smooth ceramic 1/4 turn flow cartridge for easy use and temperature control, with intuitive markings on the valve.
Safety is also a priority with the Bristan Frenzy, as it provides thermostatic anti-scald temperature stability and a maximum temperature stop at 43 degrees C. The shower valve is designed for easy installation, thanks to its unique isolating fast fix easy install wall mounting brackets and compatibility with 3/4 Inch male threads at 150 mm pipe centres, it is also a great replacement for most bar shower mixers.
Best value shower for a combination boiler
Bristan Frenzy
- Suitable for all water systems and pressures
- Smooth ceramic 1/4 turn flow cartridge for easy use
- Thermostatic anti-scald temperature stability
- Easy installation with unique isolating fast fix easy install wall mounting brackets
Best rainfall (dual) shower for a combi boiler – Aqualisa Midas MD110SC
You’ll love the Aqualisa Midas MD110SC as the best dual shower option for your combi boiler. This shower column offers a perfect combination of style, performance, convenience, and safety. With its integrated diverter, it’s an ideal choice for all family bathrooms. The Aqualisa MD110SC comes with a bar valve fixing kit and is backed by a 5-year guarantee on Midas shower valves, as well as a 2-year guarantee on shower heads and kits.
Best dual shower for a combi boiler
Aqualisa Midas MD110SC
- Stylish modern rainfall shower
- Easy to install
- 5 year guarantee
Overall, the Aqualisa Midas MD110SC is a top choice for those looking for a dual shower option for their combi boiler, offering both style and functionality.
Best shower for the elderly and vulnerable with a combination boiler – Mira Select Flex
Choose the Mira Showers Select Flex Mixer Shower for the perfect showering experience for the elderly with a combi boiler. This shower is designed with the needs of the elderly in mind, providing a safe and comfortable showering experience. The thermostatic temperature stability ensures that the water remains at a constant temperature, preventing any sudden changes that could be dangerous for the elderly. The separate temperature and flow controls allow for easy adjustment, making it simple to find the perfect shower settings.
With Magni-Flo technology, this shower provides up to 3 times more flow, ensuring a powerful and invigorating shower. Additionally, the Cool Shield technology prevents the valve from getting hot, reducing the risk of burns. The Mira Everclear showerhead with its extra long slide bar and hose provides flexibility and ease of use.
Best shower for the elderly and vulnerable with a combination boiler
Mira Select Flex
- Safe and comfortable showering experience
- Easy temperature and flow control
- Powerful and invigorating shower
- Cool Shield technology reduces risk of burns
- Flexible and easy to use showerhead
Best smart shower for a combi boiler – Mira Activate Twin
Upgrade your shower experience with the Mira Activate Twin, the best smart shower option for a luxurious and convenient showering experience. With its digital shower and app control, the Mira Activate Twin offers a range of features and benefits that make it the perfect choice for your combi boiler.
Designed for high-pressure water systems, this shower includes a luxurious deluge head and a convenient handset. The digital controller features a modern display that shows live temperature and flow rate, allowing you to customise your shower experience to your liking. The Mira App also provides remote control capabilities, so you can easily switch up temperature, water flow, and more, all from the convenience of your smartphone.
Best smart shower for a combi boiler
Mira Activate Twin
- Remote control capabilities through the Mira App
- Personalised shower experiences for different moments and users
- Bezel accessories for further customisation of colours including Brushed Nickel, Matt Black, Chrome and Titanium
- Large 250mm deluge head option for a spa-level experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of showers are compatible with a combi boiler?
One of the most recommended options is a thermostatic mixer shower. This type of shower offers precise temperature control, ensuring a comfortable and safe showering experience.
Alternatively you can use an electric shower bypassing the boiler altogether or a digital shower that is designed for high pressure systems (unpumped).
How can I raise the pressure in my shower fed from a combi boiler?
If you are struggling to get pressure from your shower the first thing to check is that you have good water pressure elsewhere, check you have decent cold water pressure at your kitchen tap. If you don’t then a Salamander Home boost might be the best solution for you (just make sure you check your flow rate first). However if you do then try the hot water as well, if the flow rate is poor then scale in the plate heat exchanger in the boiler may be the issue, contact a heating engineer to diagnose this for you, a water softener or conditioner will prevent this for you going forward.
Can you have a rain shower with a combination boiler?
The answer is yes, you can enjoy the luxurious experience of a rain shower with a combination boiler.
However, just make sure you are getting a good hot water flow rate, and that your incoming mains pressure is strong enough.
Finally, consider the heat output of your combination boiler. Ensure it has enough power to provide sufficient hot water for a rain shower. A 30kw+ boiler should provide enough hot water for a rain fall shower.
Can a Combination Boiler Run Two Showers simultaneously?
When it comes to operating multiple showers with a combination boiler, the answer depends on the water pressure and flow rate of your boiler.
A combination boiler is designed to provide hot water on demand, but it has limitations in terms of the amount of hot water it can produce at once.
If the water pressure and flow rate of your combination boiler are adequate, it may be able to operate two showers simultaneously. However, it’s important to note that operating two showers at full power will result in reduced water pressure and flow for each shower.
If you are going to be using two showers at the same time regularly it is worth investing in the largest output combination boiler you can, or use a storage combi, these store hot water ready to be used and will provide a superior experience especially when using two showers.
Can I use a power shower with a combination boiler?
No, you can’t use a power shower with a combination boiler. They are not suitable for high pressure water systems and will break if plumbed in to one.
Can I install a digital mixer shower with a combi boiler?
Yes, you can install a digital mixer shower with a combination boiler. It provides advanced technology, temperature control, and extra features. Make sure it is compatible with the hot water system of your combination boiler for the best performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting a shower for your combination boiler in 2024, it is vital to take into account factors such as water flow rate, temperature control, design, and energy efficiency.
Various kinds of showers, including thermostatic mixer showers, digital mixer showers, and electric showers, provide distinct features and benefits.
Ultimately, the most suitable shower for your combination boiler will be determined by your individual requirements and preferences but avoid manual mixer showers.
Prior to making your decision, check the flow rate your boiler is providing and the incoming mains pressure also.
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