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How to buy an electric shower FAQs

Mira Galena

Showers don't have to be plastic - chrome and slate-effect models are now available

How much water do they use?

The water flow rate will vary depending on the temperature setting you've chosen, and the temperature of the incoming cold water. In our tests, the average flow rate was 5.4 litres per minute with a summer water temperature, but only 4 litres per minute in winter.

One way of making the shower feel more powerful is to choose a water saving shower head that has a 'blast' spray pattern. Water then flows only through inner, more concentrated, spray holes.

Are electric showers stylish?

In the past, electric showers have been the ugly ducklings of the shower world compared to sleek shiny mixer showers. Recently some manufacturers have moved away from white or silver wall-mounted plastic boxes, and developed glass or slate-effect boxes with chrome controls.

How much should I pay for an electric shower?

How much you pay will depend on what you want from your shower.

  • £50 buys you a basic 8.5kW model. 
  • Increasing your budget to £100 can get a slightly sleeker plastic unit, with a thermostat.
  • At the £150 mark, it’s possible to get 10.5kW and a few more features.
  • Paying £400 gets a 9.8kW designer model with a glass or stone-effect fascia and polished chrome controls.

Although it might be tempting, given their low starting prices, buying the cheapest shower you can find might be a mistake. Cheaper units can suffer from drawbacks such as being hard to install, having poor spray force or less ability to heat up very cold water.

Are they reliable?

Electric showers aren’t the most reliable type of shower, as by their nature they’re susceptible to limescale build-up on the heating element, which can then fail as a result. 

To avoid the cost and inconvenience of repairs, you may be better off choosing a brand that has a longer-than-average guarantee period, such as Mira and Triton who offer two years, or Redring with three.

Anything I should know before I replace my old electric shower?

Simply replacing a shower could involve as much electrical work as installing a new one. You'll need to check the electrical cable and fuses are suitable for the shower you're intending to install. For example, upgrading a 7.5 kW shower to one that is 9 kW or more is likely to require new cable and fuses.