Power shower vs electric shower: Which is best for your home?

Choosing the right shower is an essential part of your bathroom renovation. For many people, the choice is often between a power shower vs electric shower. But how do you choose which is the best type of shower for your home and your needs?

Here, you’ll discover the key differences between a power shower and an electric shower, the benefits and drawbacks of each, the costs to weigh up, and the suitability for different types of households.

What is a power shower?

A power shower relies on hot and cold water supplies from your home’s plumbing system. It uses a built-in pump, which boosts the water pressure to deliver a stronger flow.

How does a power shower work?

• A power shower combines hot and cold water from your home’s water supply to provide a consistent temperature
• It uses an in-built pump to increase water pressure

What are the benefits of power showers?

• Great for homes with a gravity-fed system, which often have lower water pressure
• Delivers a consistent flow of water
• Offers a luxurious spa-like experience

Do power showers have any drawbacks?

• They’re generally not compatible with combi boilers
• They tend to use more energy and water vs electric showers

Is a power shower right for your home?

If you live in an older home with a gravity-fed system, a power shower would make an ideal choice as a low-water-pressure solution.

Power showers also offer a powerful flow, so if you enjoy the type of shower experience found in a posh hotel or spa, consider a power shower for your home.

What is an electric shower?

An electric shower is independent of your home’s hot water supply. It heats cold water on demand using a built-in heating element, making it energy-efficient and versatile.

How does an electric shower work?

• An electric shower heats water instantly from your home’s cold water supply via an element inside the unit itself
• It works independently from your boiler or water heater

What are the benefits of electric showers?

• Electric showers are energy-efficient as they only heat the water you use
• If your boiler breaks down, you can still enjoy a hot shower!
• Hugely versatile – being suitable for any home – however, if you have low water pressure, you may need a pump

Do electric showers have any drawbacks?

• Comparing electric showers with power showers, they won’t offer the same flow strength – the water pressure will depend on your home’s mains pressure
• Aesthetically, electric showers tend not to be as sleek and stylish as other types of showers

Is an electric shower right for your home?

Electric showers are compact, easy to install, and affordable, making them a great choice if you have a smaller space and/or budget.

They’re also a popular option for homeowners prioritising energy efficiency in showers as they minimise water and power usage.

Key differences between power showers and electric showers

Comparing power showers vs electric showers side-by-side, let’s look at some of the key factors to weigh up before making your decision.

1. Hot water supply

• Power showers mix hot water from your boiler with cold water
• Electric showers heat cold water using an in-built heating element

2. Water pressure and flow

• Power showers boost water pressure in homes with low pressure systems
• Electric showers rely on your home’s mains pressure (if you have very poor pressure you may need a pump)

3. Energy efficiency

• Power showers use more power and water to get that spa-like experience
• Electric showers are energy efficient, minimising water and power usage

4. Shower installation 

• Power showers need both hot and cold water supplies and a pump system
• Electric showers need an electrical connection and a cold water supply – in most homes, they’re easier to install

5. Cost comparison

• Power showers have higher upfront and running costs due to increased water and energy usage; power showers average around £350 with installation averaging around £350 on top
• Electric showers are typically a cheaper shower option in terms of purchase, installation, and ongoing operation; they average around £200 with approximately £200 extra for installation

How to choose the right shower for your home

Whether you’re comparing power showers vs electric showers, or any other type of shower for your home, there are a few key factors that will help guide your decision.

Water pressure

Water pressure is the force that pushes water through your home’s pipework. It has a major role in the performance of your shower, so it’s not to be ignored.

• Low pressure system? Opt for a power shower
• Adequate mains pressure? An electric shower works well with mains pressure

Heating system

• Older home with a gravity-fed system? A power shower is ideal
• For any other type of home… the versatile electric shower will do, however, a pump may be needed if you have low mains pressure
• Combi boiler? Power showers are generally not suitable

Cost and preferences

• Power showers are great if your water pressure needs a boost, you value a luxurious, spa-like shower experience, and you don’t mind spending a little more
• Electric showers are ideal if you prioritise energy costs and water efficiency and want a more affordable shower solution

Which is better, a power shower or an electric shower?

All things considered, if you need (or want) a more powerful water flow, opt for a power shower vs an electric shower. However, if you’re more focused on an economical option, that’s more affordable and more economical, choose an electric shower.

Find a qualified tradesperson for your shower installation

Whichever type of shower you’ve settled on, make sure you hire a qualified tradesperson for installation.

Find qualified and experienced plumbers for your shower installation by searching your postcode, below. For an electric shower, ensure your plumber is Part P certified (or hire a qualified electrician).

FAQs

What’s the difference between a power shower and an electric shower?

A power shower relies on the hot and cold water supplies from your home’s plumbing system. It uses a built-in pump, which boosts the water pressure to deliver a stronger flow. An electric shower, however, is independent of your home’s hot water supply. It heats cold water on demand using a built-in heating element, making it energy-efficient and versatile.

Can I install a power shower in a low-pressure home?

Yes, power showers are an ideal choice for homes with low water pressure.

Are electric showers cheaper to run?

Electric showers run on electricity, which tends to be more expensive than gas. However, electric showers only heat the water you use, so they are generally more energy efficient.

How much does it cost to install a power shower or electric shower in the UK?

Costs vary depending on the shower you choose and the complexity of the install, but as a guide, expect to pay around £350 for the installation of a power shower and around £200 for electric shower installation.

Do I need a plumber or an electrician to install a shower?

A plumber can install a power shower, however, an electric shower will need to be installed by a plumber who is Part P certified to work with electrics. Otherwise, hire a qualified electrician for safe and competent installation.