Choosing Between Electric Showers and Mixer Showers: Making the Right Decision
In the world of bathroom fixtures, two popular choices stand out: mixer showers and electric showers. Each offers unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision when upgrading your bathroom.
Mixer showers, which cost between £50 and £350, are generally more cost-effective in terms of upfront purchase and installation costs. They rely on your home's existing hot water system, be it a boiler or tank, to provide hot water. Installation costs for mixer showers average around £95.
On the other hand, electric showers heat water on demand using electricity. The cost to install an electric shower ranges from about £150 to over £450, with installation adding roughly £100-£200. Electric showers are more energy-efficient if your water heating system is less efficient, as they avoid standby heat losses associated with hot water tanks.
The main difference between the two lies in their source of heat. Mixer showers use existing hot water from your boiler or tank, while electric showers heat water instantly using electricity. This means that electric showers can potentially lead to higher ongoing costs due to higher electricity usage.
When comparing the two, it's essential to consider factors such as water pressure, energy efficiency, and maintenance. Mixer showers depend on your home's water pressure, potentially limiting performance if your pressure is low. Electric showers, however, are less dependent on existing pressure and can deliver powerful flow, especially with in-built pumps.
In terms of maintenance, mixer showers are dependent on the health of your boiler, while electric showers require minimal maintenance, provided the electric components are in good condition.
When it comes to efficiency, mixer showers are dependent on your boiler's efficiency, while electric showers are generally more energy-efficient due to no heat loss in water storage.
In summary, if you want lower initial and installation costs and already have an efficient hot water system, a mixer shower is more cost-effective. If you prioritize energy efficiency with on-demand heating or have no hot water system, an electric shower may be better despite higher running costs.
It's also worth noting that mixer showers with a thermostatic function tend to cost slightly more than electric showers, and they are more complex to install, requiring a professional plumber. Electric showers, however, are suitable for homes with limited or no hot water supply and are a good option for outbuildings and annexes.
Designers like Jorge Hernandez, head of product design at Britton, believe that designing for the bathroom offers plenty of tools to play with, including material, color, and experience. He emphasizes that electric showers heat water instantly as it passes through the unit, while mixer showers control the temperature by mixing hot and cold water from the mains supply.
In conclusion, whether you choose a mixer shower or an electric shower, both offer unique benefits. By understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.
References:
- Homebuilding & Renovating
- Which?
- PlumbNation
- [Jorge Hernandez, personal communication, 2021]
- [JTP, press release, 2021]
- [Britton, product information, 2021]
- Mixer showers, with costs ranging from £50 to £350, and an average installation price of £95, are more cost-effective initially due to lower upfront costs compared to electric showers.
- Electric showers, with costs ranging from about £150 to over £450 for installation, heat water on demand using electricity, making them potentially more energy-efficient if your water heating system is inefficient.
- In terms of maintenance, mixer showers require the health of your boiler, while electric showers, when their electric components are in good condition, need minimal maintenance.
- Mixer showers, dependent on your home's water pressure, may perform poorly if your pressure is low, while electric showers can deliver a powerful flow, particularly with in-built pumps.
- Electric showers are suitable for homes with limited or no hot water supply and are a good option for outbuildings and annexes.
- Designers like Jorge Hernandez, head of product design at Britton, emphasize that electric showers heat water instantly, while mixer showers control the temperature by mixing hot and cold water from the mains supply.
- When making a decision between a mixer shower and an electric shower, factors such as water pressure, energy efficiency, maintenance, and lifestyle should be considered to best suit your needs and budget.
