Are Electric Showers Better Than Mixer Showers?

Wondering whether an electric shower would suit your needs better than a conventional mixer shower? Find out which is right for you with our expert guide.

We’ve got the answers to help you decide which shower works best for your home, your budget, and your showering experience.

Mixer Showers: Consistent Flow and Plenty of Power

Mixer showers are a favourite in many UK homes, offering a strong, steady flow by mixing hot and cold water straight from your system. If you’ve got good water pressure and love a powerful, luxurious shower, this might be the one for you.

Why You’ll Love a Mixer Shower:

• Great for busy homes: Gas-heated water means you won’t run out mid-shower, even after the whole family’s been in.

• Thermostatic control: Keeps your shower temperature consistent — no more icy shocks if someone runs the kitchen tap or flushes the toilet.

• Stylish options: From sleek, concealed designs to more traditional models, there’s a style for every taste and bathroom aesthetic.

• Tailored showering: Thermostatic mixer showers give you full control over temperature and flow, perfect if you want to fine-tune your experience.

• Safety first: Thermostatic valves offer an additional layer of safety, with anti-scald technology. This feature is especially useful in homes with children or elderly family members.

But Be Aware of These Drawbacks:

• Temperature fluctuations: If you don’t have a thermostatic valve, your shower temperature might fluctuate when other water sources in the house are used, which can be unpleasant.

• Requires good pressure: If your water pressure is low, you might not get that satisfying flow—meaning you could need a pump to enhance the experience.

• Installation complexity: Mixer showers need both a hot and cold water supply, which can complicate things if you’re revamping your bathroom or adding a new shower room.

Electric Showers: Convenience and Hot Water on Demand

Electric showers are perfect if you need instant hot water, no matter how many showers have already been taken that morning. They heat the water as it passes through the unit, so you never have to worry about running out of hot water. Easy to install and energy-efficient, they’re a popular choice for en-suites, rentals, or anywhere a fast fix is needed.

What Makes Electric Showers Stand Out:

• No hot water issues: Since electric showers heat water on demand, you’ll never run out—even if your boiler’s struggling, or if the rest of the family’s already showered.

• Energy-saving: Only heat the water you use, helping keep your energy bills in check. This makes electric showers a smart choice if you’re on a water metre or want a more eco-friendly option.

• Great for tricky spaces: Ideal for extensions or en-suites, they only need a cold water supply—making installation quicker, easier, and more cost-effective.

• Perfect for rentals: Don’t want to rely on your home’s hot water system? Electric showers are easy to fit, low-maintenance, and perfect for properties where the plumbing is limited.

But Keep in Mind:

• Lower flow rate: Electric showers don’t always have the same powerful flow as mixer showers. If you’re after a really strong blast, you might notice the difference in pressure.

• Pressure can affect performance: Low water pressure could mean less-than-ideal heat and flow. If your home’s pressure isn’t great, you’ll want to check before installation.

• Limescale build-up: In hard water areas, limescale can accumulate over time, affecting performance. Consider models like the Mira Azora with Clearscale technology to reduce limescale build-up by up to 50%.

• Not as sleek: The electrical unit and pull cord can stand out in a minimalist bathroom design — but modern options like the Aquas Aquamax are getting sleeker, blending in with contemporary styles.

Which Shower Is Right for You?

It all comes down to what matters most to you. If you’ve got solid water pressure and love a powerful, indulgent shower, a mixer shower is a great option. But if you need reliable, instant hot water and easy installation, especially in tricky spaces, an electric shower could be the perfect match.

If you’re focused on cutting energy costs or need a shower for a rental or en-suite, an electric model’s efficiency is a major plus. On the other hand, if you have a large household or want more control over your shower’s temperature and flow, a mixer shower might suit you better.

Need More Shower Advice?

Still unsure which shower fits your space? Check out our expert shower buying guide to find the perfect match for your needs. And if you’re all about design inspiration, take a peek at our latest blog — we’ve got something to suit every bathroom style.

Shop Our Showers Now

Whether you’ve settled on an electric shower, a mixer shower, or are still deciding, we offer one of the widest selections out there. Browse our top-rated models today and let us help you find the perfect shower for your home.

Love our content? Share it with your friends or family on social media to help them make the right shower choice too!