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General: Electric shower recommendations

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthormarsaday
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022
     
    I am looking to buy an electric shower for the first time.

    It will be used in a holiday let property. So all new rewiring going in.

    All i am concerned with is getting the best shower for the lowest amount.

    I can see showers range from £80 up to £300.

    Are they not all just the same, but have different size elements ?

    Any brand which is a better option ?

    I just want a good shower which has a decent flow rate really.

    Not sure what is the minimum size i need to be looking at to get a decent flow rate.

    The water pressure is average, so above 1 bar.

    The wiring set up does not limit me as all new going in depending on the size of shower used.
    • CommentAuthorphiledge
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022
     
    What you put in likely depends on your anticipated clients and their expectations. If its a luxury let then youll want a high spec bathroom and nice shower to match with a good flow of hot water ie max KW rating you can get. If its a budget let its likely not so important but even so people want to enjoy their holidays and washing under a dribble of tepid water isnt enjoyable unless the bathroom is toasty hot
  3.  
    The shower unit alone can't produce a nice blast of hot water unless the water pressure is good. You might want a booster pump. In my experience it completely transforms a cheap shower.
    • CommentAuthormarsaday
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022
     
    Thanks, I will look into the booster idea.

    I will try get something a little more high powered, as we will be using the flat as well.
    • CommentAuthorbhommels
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022 edited
     
    Is there really no option for a more renewable energy source? Solar thermal, or PV heated hot water tank with an electric booster? I probably don't have to tell you that an electric shower is likely the least flexible option, committing you to paying electricity rates for the time to come. And, it depends on your supply of course, for most places, (even) a 10kW one is not much of a power shower in winter.
  6.  
    If you have a high pressure and an aerating shower head, you get a good shower feeling without needing as much flow (fewer litres of water so fewer kW of electric heat).

    We don't have an electric shower but are pleased with our Bristan mixer showers, feel good quality but not very expensive.
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022 edited
     
    Posted By: marsadayAre they not all just the same, but have different size elements ?
    No. As already mentioned some have pumps while others don't. Some have more sophisticated electronic control systems while others use simpler mechanical systems.

    We have Bristan mixers showers as well, but aren't as pleased with them. At some point I'll replace them, likely with Aqualisa which I've had before and did like. The current showers are prone to delivering bursts of water at different temperatures (usually colder than set) and the particular model we have has difficult to operate controls. But that's mixer showers rather than electric ones.
    • CommentAuthorowlman
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022
     
    IMO go for a bathroom instantaneous water heater. These can be remoted leaving standard shower fittings in the cubicle.
    If you want a nice wet shower experience its volume not pressure, good flow coupled with a large overhead sprinkler head, plus a separate hand held spray. Standard electric showers can't give that in my experience.
    • CommentAuthormarsaday
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2022
     
    Been watching some videos on utube.

    A normal flow rate on a combi shower is 9l and this is classed as good by the reviewer. He wanted to find out what a bad shower felt like so looked at an electric. This gave a flow rate of 6L and was still, to him, good.

    His inlaws shower was rubbish, so he measured it and it was 2.8L.

    So i am looking for a 6L flow on an electric.

    The mira sport max with air boost is 6L, 10.8 KW, £220 and looks decent.

    But just found the Triton Amala 9.5kw, and it gives 8L !!! Also £160 at screwfix.

    I will call them to find out why they get such a good flow rate.

    I will be using instantaneous water heaters for the cold feeds on the bath sink plus the kitchen sink. So also need to research this area.

    No energy saving options in this small flat. I cant stick anything on the roof unless everyone agrees in the block and that wont happen plus conservation issues. I really think electric is going to be ok. I am insulating this really well. All the walls will be lined with kingspan, plus the roof is getting 125mm as well. Currently no insulation apart from 100mm soft insulation in the loft area, but this has now been ripped down to allow full height up to the ridge.
    • CommentAuthorRobL
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2022
     
    In my experience elec showers have a flow restricting dial that cuts down the water, so that you can get an acceptably warm shower. An elec shower will then be limited by the power, rather than anything else.
    With 10kW available, in winter, cold water starting at 10C, and leaving at 40C, the maximum flow would be:
    Flow = 10kW * 60 / ( 4.2kJ/kg * 30degC ) = 4.8 lpm
    Probably will feel better using an aerating shower head though.
    • CommentAuthorbhommels
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2022 edited
     
    Posted By: RobLIn my experience elec showers have a flow restricting dial that cuts down the water, so that you can get an acceptably warm shower.
    ...
    Probably will feel better using an aerating shower head though.


    My experience with (admittedly cheapo) 7.5 kW electric showers is that the pressure drop is too much for the aerating shower head to work well. Perhaps a fancy 10 kW one will fare better?
    BTW: A water buffer vessel at room temperature would boost the max flow/reduce energy use by 50% as it reduces the delta T from 30 to 20 degrees.
    Edit: this is probably one of the best use cases for a waste water heat recovery device!
    • CommentAuthorRobL
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2022
     
    WWHR is a great idea for greening up an electric shower, and it would also make it a lot better experience, with higher flow possible at a given temperature and power rating.
    Of course, the WWHR won't come cheap - I've heard ~£600 for 2m tall pipe in pipe ones that install vertically below shower tray height - but green stuff is generally more money and effort up front for longer term rewards.

    The psychology of a small ~30l buffer tank is interesting... better shower to start, capability falling off 5 mins later to get people out :devil:
    • CommentAuthorSteveZ
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2022
     
    A quick look around the interweb gave me this comparison article - worth a quick look I think

    https://heatingforce.co.uk/blog/best-electric-showers/

    The point it makes about power rating and electrical supply and water pressure is worth considering.

    There is also a reference to an article on their site about showers with built-in pumps

    Hope this helps.
    • CommentAuthordb8000
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2022
     
    I recently replaced our broken (ancient, already fitted when we bought the house) Mira Elite with a new one. It's really quiet for a pumped shower & has a good flow rate. It has a built in pump so that might mandate a cold water tank to draw from (like we have). I fitted the 10.8kW version and am v pleased.

    FWIW, we're in a very hard water area and the old one had a replacement water heater mid-way through it's life, so spare parts are pretty easy to obtain too.
    • CommentAuthormarsaday
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2022
     
    Thanks all for the comments.

    I need to do a lot more research.

    I have seen the shower with a build in pump, triton do one. This might be something to consider.

    A buffer tank might be an option as well. again more digging needed.
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeJan 5th 2022
     
    Posted By: marsadayI have seen the shower with a build in pump

    I think the generic name is 'power shower'. They used to have a bad reputation because they wasted water, but maybe there are some good ones out there nowadays.

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