Showering: The Modern Choice - Advertisement Feature

Showers are one of the most important parts of any bathroom or en-suite. We have all experienced the frustration and torture of water temperature extremities, and those showers where it feels as if you are just standing under a tap, so as the vast majority of us start our day with a shower it is important that you own one that provides want you want: a revitalising burst of hot water.

Showering technology has advanced dramatically over recent years, and now fashion, style and aesthetics are as important as the rudimentary operations of the shower itself.. There are two basic types of shower - the electric shower and the mixer shower - and their use is based on personal taste and the owner's existing central heating system.

Electric Showers

Electric showers are the easiest source of hot water for any bathroom or shower environment. They provide instant and constant hot water at the touch of a button, as they do not rely on hot water fed from the central heating system. Electric showers come in a range of styles, colours and power ratings, and simply require a cold water supply linked to the unit plus a link to a power supply. The electric shower has proven itself over the last 30 years as a pivotal aspect of the bathroom, with manufacturers such as Mira, Triton and Aqualisa leading the way in design, reliability and practicality.

The days of just a standard white box have now come to an end, and whilst these are still extremely popular, there is now an increased emphasis on modern designs and colours. The Triton "Inscriptions" and Mira "Azora" electric showers provide coloured glass fronts, fitting perfectly into the sleek designs of the modern bathroom and en suite, whilst the all black Aqualisa "Quartz" provides a slick look. For those of you looking for something a little bit special, you can opt for a luxury electric shower with the Mira "Galena", which provides a black granite effect that acts as a centrepiece for the bathroom.

Mixer Showers

Mixer showers rely on the hot water and water pressure generated from the central heating system, so the system in place dictates whether you require a pumped or an unpumped shower. Hot water tanks are typical of gravity fed systems, where the hot water of a house is stored and taken to the shower as-and-when required. The problem with a gravity fed system is that the water pressure can be compromised and appear as more of a tap than a shower. There is also the risk that the hot water will run out in a busy household, leaving you with a cold shower. In a gravity fed household it is normally recommended that a pumped mixer shower is used to increase the flow of water, which provides the same effect as an electric shower.

Where a house uses a combi boiler, hot water is in plentiful supply and there should always be adequate pressure to provide you with the showering experience you desire. A pumped mixer shower could always be added, however, for an even more intense showering experience, especially if you opt for one with body jets.

The mixer shower comes in both exposed valve or recessed valve options, depending whether you want to see the complete shower attached to your wall or whether you want the inner workings hidden apart from the handle and shower head.

As with electric showers, style is just as important, with mixer showers available from traditional Victorian gold through to modern chrome. Aqualisa, Mira, Triton and Grohe lead the way in the mixer shower market and offer a range to suit any taste or environment. For that added luxury why not opt for a Grohe "Rainshower" with a six inch shower head for a complete drenching first thing in the morning? If that doesn’t wake you up then nothing will!

Whichever model you opt for, be sure to select one that is fit for your purpose - your priority should be to select one that works with your current central heating system, so think of fashion second.