In the world of bathroom fittings, the debate between electric showers and mixer showers has been a long-standing one. Each type comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the decision of choosing between them quite tricky.
In this blog post, we will delve into the characteristics of both types of showers, exploring their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision for your bathroom. Let’s begin by examining mixer showers and uncovering what makes them a popular choice for many households.
Key Takeaways
- Electric showers are more energy efficient as they heat water directly within the unit but can be more costly to run.
- Mixer showers offer constant temperature with thermostatic valves and have better temperature control than electric showers.
- Technical faults can disrupt the functioning of electric showers, such as malfunctioning thermostats or faulty heating elements.
Mixer showers
Mixer showers have several advantages to consider. They offer a constant temperature with thermostatic mixers, ensuring a comfortable and consistent showering experience.
Additionally, mixer showers come in various models and styles, providing options that suit different preferences and bathroom designs.
However, it’s important to note that mixer showers may have temperature inconsistencies if you buy a manual mixer (although these are rare) and require access to both hot and cold water supplies.
Advantages of mixer showers
One advantage of mixer showers is that they offer a wide variety of designs and styles to suit your individual preferences. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, there are numerous options to choose from.
Another advantage is that mixer showers provide the convenience of regulating temperature and pressure by simply turning dials. With thermostatic mixers, you can enjoy a constant and comfortable water temperature, ensuring a pleasant showering experience. You also have control over the pressure and use a shower pump if the water if the pressure isn’t high enough (if you have a gravity-fed system)
Additionally, mixer showers can be cost-effective as they utilise the existing gas boiler or cylinder to heat water, potentially reducing energy costs. Furthermore, they’re relatively easy to install, especially in homes that already have hot and cold pipework in place.
Disadvantages of mixer showers
The disadvantages of mixer showers include potential temperature inconsistency due to the water temperature being affected by other plumbing outlets. Unlike electric showers, which heat water internally, mixer showers rely on a separate hot water supply from a gas boiler. This means that if other taps or appliances are being used simultaneously, the water temperature in the shower may fluctuate, resulting in discomfort.
In addition, the flow rate of the mixer shower may be negatively impacted, affecting the overall shower experience. Another drawback of mixer showers is the need for access to both hot and cold water supplies, which can pose a challenge in some settings. Furthermore, the installation of mixer showers may be impractical in certain areas of the home, limiting the flexibility of placement.
Read more: Best mixer showers
Electric showers
Now let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of electric showers.
With an electric shower, you can enjoy precise temperature control and water pressure selection, providing a tailored shower experience.
They’re also easy to install, making them ideal for extensions or new shower rooms.
However, it’s worth noting that electric showers will result in increased electric bills and have limited options when it comes to choosing shower heads.
Advantages of electric showers
Electric showers have several benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners.
One of the main advantages is their ease of installation. Unlike mixer showers, electric showers don’t require a hot water supply, which simplifies the installation process and reduces costs. There are also models available to suit any budget to further control costs.
Additionally, electric showers offer precise temperature control and water pressure selection. With electric showers, you can easily adjust the temperature to your liking, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable showering experience.
Furthermore, electric showers ensure a consistent flow of hot water, regardless of the demand from other appliances in the house.
Disadvantages of electric showers
Electric showers provide convenience and independence as they don’t require a boiler to function. However, there are drawbacks to using electric showers.
Firstly, they can be more expensive to run compared to mixer showers, resulting in higher electricity bills. Additionally, electric showers have limited design choices especially compared to mixer showers, which may limit your options for customisation.
Furthermore, during the winter months, the water temperature from electric showers may be colder due to the cold water supply. Lastly, the electricity consumption is influenced by the kW output of the shower, meaning that higher kW outputs will consume more electricity, and there is nothing you can do to improve the pressure. The most powerful electric showers will not match the performance of a mixer shower.
It’s essential to weigh these disadvantages before choosing an electric shower.
Read more: Best Electric Showers
So which is best
To determine the best shower option for your needs, consider the advantages and disadvantages of electric showers and mixer showers. Both types have their pros and cons, so let’s weigh them out:
Electric showers offer precise temperature control and water pressure selection. They are quick and easy to install, making them ideal for new bathrooms or extensions. They can still be used if the boiler breaks, ensuring you always have a functioning shower. However, electric showers may lead to increased electric bills and have limited design choices for shower heads.
On the other hand, mixer showers require a gas boiler or cylinder for hot water and regulate temperature and pressure by turning dials. They offer constant temperature with thermostatic mixers and have various models available to suit your preferences. However, they may have temperature inconsistency with manual mixers and require access to both hot and cold water supplies.
For me, an electric shower should only be used when it is the only option, you will always be able to get a more satisfactory experience from a mixer shower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most efficient type of shower?
Electric showers are technically close to 100% efficient, however, electricity is more expensive to buy than the gas that is normally used to heat the water used in a mixer shower. So while electric showers are efficient, they could be more expensive to actually run than a mixer shower.
What can go wrong with electric showers?
Electric showers, although convenient and energy-efficient, can sometimes encounter certain problems. One common issue is related to the water supply. If the water pressure is low, it can affect the performance of the electric shower, resulting in a weak flow of water. Additionally, if there are any problems with the water supply, such as a blockage or a leak, it can disrupt the functioning of the shower.
Furthermore, electric showers can experience technical faults, such as a malfunctioning thermostat or a faulty heating element. These issues can result in the shower not producing hot water or the water temperature being too high or too low.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between an electric shower and a mixer shower depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Electric showers offer quick installation and energy efficiency. They are easy to install as they only require a cold water supply and an electrical connection. Electric showers are also energy-efficient because they only heat the water that is being used at the time. This can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
On the other hand, mixer showers allow you to regulate temperature and pressure easily. With a mixer shower, you can control the temperature and pressure of the water to your liking. This can be especially beneficial if you have specific preferences for your showering experience.
When deciding between an electric shower and a mixer shower, consider factors such as your budget, availability of hot and cold water supplies, and desired design options for shower heads. Electric showers may be more budget-friendly initially, but they can have higher running costs due to the electricity used to heat the water. Mixer showers may require access to both hot and cold water supplies, so make sure these are available in your bathroom.
Ultimately, it’s important to select a shower system that meets your requirements and provides a comfortable and enjoyable showering experience. Consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences before making a decision.
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