What is the Difference Between Electric and Power Showers?
Choosing the right shower can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you're faced with options like electric showers and power showers. They sound so similar, but are they really? And if they’re not, what’s the difference between an electric and power shower? Well, while both types of showers will help you wash off the day, they work in pretty different ways, and the key difference lies in how they heat and pump water. Want to know more? Keep reading and we’ll go through everything you need to know.
What Are the Key Differences Between Power Showers and Electric Showers?
Electric showers heat cold water on demand with an internal heating element, so you don’t need a hot water supply. Power showers, on the other hand, rely on both hot and cold water supplies and use a built-in pump to boost water pressure. They both have their own set of pros and cons, depending on your needs, so keep reading to find out more.
What is a Power Shower?
If what you’re after is pressure, a power shower is going to give it to you. It uses water from both your hot and cold supply, combining the two to reach your ideal temperature. But what really sets power showers apart is the built-in pump that boosts water pressure, giving you that full-force, invigorating experience. It’s what makes them so popular.
This kind of shower is ideal if you live in a home with low water pressure or if you just love the feeling of standing under a powerful stream of water, and they’ll often feel more luxurious because you get a strong, steady flow, even if your water pressure would otherwise be a little on the weak side. So, if you want a shower that feels like you’re at a spa, a power shower could be the way to go!
What Are the Main Benefits of Power Showers?
The biggest selling point of a power shower is, of course, the water pressure. But that’s not the only benefit. Here’s why a power shower might be perfect for you:
- Strong water flow: The built-in pump means you’ll always have a powerful water flow, even in homes with low pressure.
- Consistent temperature: Power showers mix hot and cold water, so you get a steady temperature throughout your shower.
- Customisable: You can easily adjust the water temperature to your liking by mixing the two supplies.
On the downside, power showers do require a hot water supply, so if your water heater is on the fritz, you might find yourself without a hot shower. They also tend to use more water, which could be a concern if you’re looking to conserve.
What is an Electric Shower?
Now, electric showers are a little different because instead of relying on your home’s hot water supply, electric showers heat cold water on demand using an internal heating element, similar to a kettle (but way less dangerous to have in your bathroom, thankfully!).
This means even if your boiler breaks down, you can still have a nice, hot shower. Electric showers are connected to the cold water mains, and the temperature is adjusted based on how much cold water flows through the heating element, which means it’s a super convenient option for people who want hot water anytime, without worrying about the hot water running out.
What Are the Main Benefits of Electric Showers?
Electric showers offer a ton of convenience, especially for homes with unreliable or limited hot water supplies. Here’s why you might want to go the electric route:
- Hot water on demand: There’s no need to wait for the boiler to fire up; you’ll have instant hot water whenever you need it.
- Energy efficient: Since it heats water on demand, you’re not wasting energy by heating an entire tank of water.
- Works even if your boiler fails: Because it only uses cold water, you’ll still have a hot shower even if your boiler decides to take a break.
Electric showers are great for busy households where everyone needs to get ready in the morning, as you won’t be waiting around for the hot water tank to refill. However, they do tend to have a lower flow rate than power showers, so if you love that strong water pressure, you might find electric showers a bit lacking.
What Shower Is Right for You?
So, now that we’ve broken down the difference between electric and power shower, which one should you choose?
If you live in a home with low water pressure and you want a strong, consistent flow, a power shower is your best bet. Just make sure your hot water system can handle the demand!
If you’re more concerned about energy efficiency and having hot water on demand without relying on your hot water system, an electric shower is a convenient and practical choice.
At the end of the day, both options have their strengths. It just comes down to what matters most to you - whether it’s the water pressure or the convenience of instant hot water.
At Plumbworld, we offer both electric shower and power showers, so once you know which path you want to go down, you’ll find everything you need right here.
If you found this post useful, you may also like – The Ultimate Shower Trays Buying Guide, What Type of Shower Pump Do I Need? A Guide on How to Design a Shower Room
________________________________________
We love seeing your bathroom and kitchen makeovers and sharing them on our Instagram page - if you've had a Plumbworld renovation, tag us in your photos to be featured!
We would love to see, so why not share your favourite designs on social media with us?
Find us at: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest
Alternatively, sign-up to our newsletter for the latest offers, newest product launches and advice.
Are you planning a new bathroom or kitchen makeover? Shop online with Plumbworld for guaranteed lowest prices and next day delivery options.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more bathroom and kitchen advice.