Showers

Types of Showers - Shower Buying Guide

Showers come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and designs, but they can all be broadly classified into two main categories: 

Mixer Showers and Electric Showers

Mixer showers draw hot and cold water from your existing hot water system and mix them to deliver the ideal temperature. In contrast, electric showers heat cold water on demand using an internal element, ensuring a steady stream of warm water even if your household's hot water supply is unavailable.

Under the mixer shower category, you’ll find several subtypes, including power showers, thermostatic mixer showers, and bar showers, each designed to work with your domestic hot water system.

Manual Showers & Valves

Manual mixer showers operate by drawing hot and cold water from your home’s supply and mixing them based on your chosen temperature setting. This option is cost-effective, but it comes with limitations; any fluctuation in water pressure or temperature (like someone flushing the toilet) can affect your shower's performance. As seasonal water temperatures change, you may also need to adjust your shower's temperature manually.

Thermostatic Showers & Valves

For a more stable and enjoyable showering experience, thermostatic mixer showers are ideal. These showers maintain a constant water temperature by automatically adjusting the mix of hot and cold water, even if someone else in the house uses water. While they are more expensive than manual options, their safety and comfort benefits are often worth the investment.

Bar Showers

Bar showers feature a long, slim mixing unit with separate controls for temperature and flow. These showers often include thermostatic controls for consistent temperatures and are a popular choice in modern households thanks to their sleek design and reliable performance.

Power Showers

If your home suffers from low water pressure, power showers offer a robust solution. These are essentially thermostatic mixer showers with an integrated pump to boost water flow. Alternatively, a thermostatic mixer shower combined with an external shower pump can deliver similar results, although this setup is typically more expensive.

Digital Showers

Digital showers are an advanced option, concealing the mixing unit and placing digital controls remotely for added convenience. These showers can be used with a pump or directly connected to your home’s water system. Digital units often come with modern features such as LED lights, preset user profiles, and safety settings, making them a stylish and functional upgrade.

Electric Showers

Electric showers work similarly to a high-powered kettle by heating cold water via a built-in element. The higher the kilowatt rating, the faster and stronger the water flow. While they may not match the power of mixer showers, electric models are perfect for homes with only a cold water supply or as a backup during boiler outages.

Exposed vs. Concealed Showers

Shower units can be exposed or concealed, depending on your style and installation preferences. Exposed showers are easier and cheaper to install and offer a traditional aesthetic. Concealed showers, on the other hand, hide all plumbing and fixtures behind the wall, giving your bathroom a sleek, minimalist appearance. A Semi-Exposed Shower combines both styles for a balanced solution.

Complete Ready-to-Install Shower Sets

Save time and money with our shower sets, which include everything you need—valves, heads, rails, and more—all in one package. We offer concealed, semi-exposed, and traditional sets, many of which come with extra features like LED lighting and digital displays. Use our website’s intuitive filtering system to easily find the set that suits your needs.

Shower Accessories & Finishing Touches

To complete your shower setup, explore our wide range of shower enclosures & doors, shower trays, and showering accessories. We also carry a variety of spare parts and replacement items, from showerheads to controls, so you can refresh your setup without a full overhaul.

Showers from Leading Bathroom Brands

At Tap 'n Shower, we stock high-quality showers and accessories from top brands to ensure durability and long-lasting performance. Browse offerings from trusted names such as Burlington, Grohe, Bristan, Hudson Reed, Ideal Standard, Mira, Roca, Hansgrohe, Bayswater, Vado, and many more. You’re sure to find the ideal solution for your dream bathroom.