What’s the best mixer shower?

Looking to find the best mixer shower or thermostatic shower? We’ve got you covered. We explain the subtle difference between the two and compare their performance in various scenarios.

What’s the difference between a mixer shower and a thermostatic shower?

A thermostatic shower is a type of mixer shower. These types of showers take hot and cold water from your existing supply and mix the feeds together to reach the desired water temperature.

The difference with a thermostatic shower is that it contains an internal thermostatic valve. This helps to maintain a constant (sometimes pre-set) water temperature and flow.

Safety

Thermostatic showers are ideal for family homes as they prevent the risk of scalding or a sudden drop in pressure if someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the home.

Price

While slightly more expensive than electric showers, thermostatic showers do tend to last longer as they don’t have exposed heating elements that can perish over time.

What’s the best mixer shower for a combi boiler?

Thermostatic mixer showers are generally considered the best type of shower to pair with combi boilers.

A thermostatic shower can automatically adjust its water temperature to prevent any cold or hot spikes in the water. This makes them ideal for family homes where other people could be using hot water elsewhere in the home while you’re showering.

The best thermostatic mixer shower for a combi boiler? Check out the Hansgrohe Ecostat 1001 CL Thermostatic Mixer Shower as a good starting point.

What’s the best mixer shower for low water pressure?

When deciding on the best thermostatic shower or mixer shower, take note of the minimum and maximum water pressure for the models you’re considering.

Mixer showers don’t include a pump (unless you buy one separately), so they rely on the existing water pressure in your home.

However, some models are designed specifically for high or low water pressure, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to get the water flow you desire.

One of the best mixer showers for low water pressure is the Mira Atom EV. It uses Magni-flow technology to give a high flow rate from your showerhead, even at low pressure. Another popular choice worth looking at is the Bristan H0920 FRENZY model.

Contact a trusted professional to help choose the best mixer shower for your home

An experienced plumber is well-placed to advise on the best mixer shower for your setup and your needs.

Use our request-a-quote form to get quotes sent directly to your inbox. Alternatively, search our leading directory to see who comes highly rated in your area. Enter your postcode below to get started.

FAQs

What is the best mixer shower?

The best mixer shower really depends on your needs and budget. There are plenty of decent mixer showers available for all budgets. And with various features – such as concealed or exposed valves, low-pressure suitability, and single or dual outlets – there are many factors to consider when it comes to selecting the right one for your home.

Stewart Woodruff, MBK Design Studio:

“If you want a good bath shower mixer you need to make sure that it is a low pressure fitting if you have a gravity system. If you have any form of pressurised system i.e. Combi or Megaflow then any good quality bath shower mixer will work. Generally, the cost is indicative of the quality.”

What should I look for in a thermostatic shower?

When selecting the best thermostatic shower for your needs, check your water pressure to help you choose the most suitable option for your home. The addition of temperature controls is especially important to avoid accidental scalding, while pressure controls can help to conserve water. Of course, the design of the shower and the price point will impact your decision too.

Are thermostatic showers worth it?

Thermostatic showers are typically more expensive, but they are worth it. They not only last longer, but they ensure a consistent temperature and pressure for a more comfortable showering experience. This makes them ideal if you have young children or elderly family members at home.

How does a thermostatic shower differ from an electric shower?

The main difference between an electric shower and a thermostatic shower is how they heat the water. A thermostatic shower mixes the hot and cold supply to achieve the desired temperature. An electric shower is fed with a cold supply only, which is heated by electricity as it flows through the shower unit.