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Digital & Electric Showers – What’s the difference?

Thinking about redoing your bathroom? One of the choices you’ll need to make is what kind of shower to put in. Digital and electric showers are becoming really popular because of their fantastic features and advanced technology. But a lot of people aren’t quite sure what sets them apart.

Let’s break down the main differences between digital and electric showers to help you figure out which one might be best for your bathroom makeover.

What Are Electric Showers?

Electric showers have been a popular choice in UK households for decades. They take water from the mains cold water supply and heat it as you shower, ensuring you never run out of hot water.

Key Features of Electric Showers

  • Instantaneous Heating: Electric showers heat water on demand, ensuring you get hot water whenever you need it without waiting.
  • Energy-Efficient: Since they heat only the water you use, they can be more energy-efficient than traditional tank systems.
  • Independent Operation: They aren’t reliant on your home’s central heating system. Even if your boiler breaks down, you’ll still have access to a hot shower.

What Are Digital Showers?

Digital showers, a more recent innovation, combine the best of design and technology. They allow users to control the flow and temperature of their showers remotely via a digital control panel or even a smartphone app.

Key Features of Digital Showers

  • Precise Temperature Control: Offers accurate control over the water temperature, ensuring your shower is always at your preferred warmth.
  • Flow & Spray Options: Users can select from a variety of flow strengths and spray patterns for a customised showering experience.
  • Remote Operation: Start your shower from the comfort of your bed, ensuring it’s warm and ready by the time you step in.

Electric Showers vs Digital Showers: The Breakdown

Choosing the right shower involves more than just personal preference. It’s helpful to know the key differences between electric and digital showers. Let’s compare them quickly:

Installation:

Electric showers are known for being easy to set up. You just need a cold water supply and an electrical connection, making them a popular choice for simple installations. Digital showers, however, can be a bit trickier to install. They might need a power unit placed in spots like the attic or airing cupboard, which can make the process more complicated.

Cost Efficiency:

When it comes to price, electric showers often take the top spot for being budget-friendly. They usually cost less to buy and run. On the other hand, digital showers tend to be more expensive, but they come with a range of great features. For those who value extra functionality and ease of use, the higher price of digital showers might be worth it.

User Experience:

Electric showers are known for being straightforward and dependable, and they usually come with different power options you can adjust. On the other hand, digital showers take things up a notch. They offer a wider range of settings you can tweak, including some you can control from a distance.

Maintenance Requirements:

If you have an electric shower, you’ll need to tackle limescale now and then, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Digital showers are usually better at handling limescale, but you might need to update their software or change the batteries in the control unit from time to time.

Which One Is Right for You?

Both electric showers and digital showers have their benefits, so the right choice boils down to your personal preferences, budget, and bathroom setup.

Consider an Electric Shower if:

  • You’re on a tight budget.
  • You want a straightforward and efficient showering solution.
  • Your primary concern is instant hot water, irrespective of your boiler’s status.

Go for a Digital Shower if:

  • You’re willing to invest in advanced features and a modern aesthetic.
  • You want a customised and luxurious showering experience.
  • Remote control and precise temperature adjustments are a priority.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best shower for your needs, you’ve got two main options: electric and digital showers. Both have their own special features that cater to different wants and needs. At G&M, we can help you find a shower that fits your lifestyle, budget, and the look you’re going for. Simply visit our bathroom showroom in Colchester or get in touch with us at 01206 212913 for more information.