When choosing a shower for your UK bathroom, one of the biggest decisions is whether to install an electric shower or a mixer shower. Both have their own benefits and are suited to different types of homes and water systems.

In the UK, where water pressure can vary from house to house, choosing the wrong shower type can lead to a poor experience — like weak water flow, temperature issues, or energy waste.

This blog will explain the differences between electric and mixer showers in simple terms and help you decide which one fits your water pressure and lifestyle best.

What Is an Electric Shower?

An electric shower takes in cold water directly from the mains supply and heats it using an internal element, much like a kettle. It does not rely on your home’s boiler or hot water system.

Key features:

• Heats water instantly on demand
• Works even if your boiler is off
• Typically rated between 7.5 kW to 10.5 kW

What Is a Mixer Shower?

A mixer shower blends hot and cold water from your existing supply and sends it through the shower head. The temperature and flow are adjusted using valves or controls.

Key features:

• Relies on your home’s hot water system (combi boiler or hot water tank)
• Can be gravity-fed or mains pressure-fed
• Can be installed as a manual or thermostatic mixer

Water Pressure Considerations in the UK

UK homes have different types of water systems:

1. Mains-fed (high pressure) – Common in modern homes with combi boilers
2. Gravity-fed (low pressure) – Found in older properties with water tanks in the loft
3. Unvented systems (high pressure) – Use a hot water cylinder and mains cold water

Your shower choice should match your system’s pressure level.

Electric Showers and Pressure Compatibility

Best for:

• Homes with low hot water availability
• Properties with combi boilers, but where water demand is high
• People wanting an independent shower system

Electric showers work directly from the cold mains supply, so they generally perform well in homes with stable mains pressure. However, in areas with low mains pressure, a booster pump may be needed.

Pros:

• Hot water anytime, even if boiler is off
• Energy efficient for short showers
• Easy to install without plumbing into the hot water system

Cons:

• Lower flow rate compared to mixer showers
• Can be affected by poor mains pressure
• Limited temperature adjustment during use

Mixer Showers and Pressure Compatibility

Best for:

• Homes with a good hot water system
• Households using combi boilers or pressurised cylinders
• Users wanting better water flow

Mixer showers depend on both your hot and cold water pressure being balanced. In gravity-fed systems, flow may be weak unless you install a shower pump.

Pros:

• Stronger flow rate (especially in high-pressure homes)
• More luxurious feel
• More precise temperature control with thermostatic models

Cons:

• Won’t work if hot water system is off
• Not ideal for homes with limited hot water supply
• More plumbing required

Energy Efficiency

• Electric showers heat water only when in use and are usually more energy-efficient for light usage or guest bathrooms.
• Mixer showers may use more energy depending on your boiler type and how long you shower.

Installation and Maintenance

Electric showers:

• Need both plumbing and electrical wiring
• Must be installed by a qualified electrician (due to high wattage)
• Easy to add to homes where no hot water feed exists

Mixer showers:

• Require connection to both hot and cold water feeds
• Easier to install if you're replacing an existing mixer
• Can be wall-mounted or concealed for modern aesthetics

Cost Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose an electric shower if:

• You want hot water on demand, separate from your boiler
• You live in a home with limited hot water or a small boiler
• You want energy savings in a guest or second bathroom

Choose a mixer shower if:

• You want stronger water flow and a more luxurious feel
• Your home has a powerful combi boiler or unvented system
• You're replacing an existing mixer system

Final Thoughts

Both electric and mixer showers can work well in UK homes — the key is understanding your water pressure and heating system. An electric shower is often more flexible and easy to use, while a mixer shower gives better performance in homes with good hot water pressure.

Before buying, always check your home’s system type and water pressure. If you’re still unsure, a qualified plumber or bathroom installer can help you make the right choice.