Unlike other systems, a mixer shower uses both a hot and cold water supply and delivers it through the shower head. They are designed to work with any plumbing systems but some may have minimum water pressure requirements.
Compared to electric or power showers, a mixer shower is available in plenty of attractive designs. Most modern styles include brass components that have been chrome plated for a desirable, luxury look and feel.
If you are in a rush, the best mixer shower is the Bristan Quadrato, which is a stylish complete set that’s suitable for all plumbing systems. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Hausbath alternative is the best option.
In terms of rating the mixer showers within this article, we based our recommendations from plenty of research, experience of installing multiple systems and a number of factors. The factors that were considered included the shower head, ease of installation, design, minimum water pressure requirement, build quality, warranty and value for money.
Table of Contents
Mixer Shower Comparison
| Mixed Shower | Minimum Pressure | Shower Head |
|---|---|---|
| Bristan Quadrato | 0.5 Bar | Fixed & Handheld |
| Derpras Digital | 2.0 Bar | Fixed & Handheld |
| Hausbath Thermostatic | 0.5 Bar | Fixed & Handheld |
| GROHE Euphoria | 1.0 Bar | Fixed & Handheld |
| Mira Excel | 0.1 Bar | Handheld |
| Bristan Zing Cool Touch | 0.2 Bar | Handheld |
| iBathUK Thermostatic | 1.0 Bar | Handheld |
You can have the best rated electric shower on the market but it will still have to hide the heating elements with plastic housing. This is the main reason why mixer showers are popular in most luxury bathrooms. There is a wide array of designs to choose from that consist of high quality components and even digital displays.
Another benefit of choosing a quality mixer shower is that they work with both low and high water pressures. Some examples such as the Mira Excel can even function from just 0.1 bar of pressure, which is very impressive.
Below is a list of the best mixer showers that are suitable for all plumbing systems and consists of luxury designs.
The Best Mixer Shower
1. Bristan Quadrato Mixer
The Bristan Quadrato is a popular mixer shower set that’s available as an adjustable or fixed kit. It has been designed to work with both low pressure or gravity fed systems as well as high pressure systems via a combi boiler.
Included within the complete set is the shower, rigid riser shower kit, hose, handset, wall fixing kit and the instructions.
Other features of the Bristan Quadrato include:
- Thermostatic shower system
- Minimum of 0.5 bar and maximum of 5.0 bar
- Modern styling with a high shine chrome finish
- Choice of a fixed or adjustable head
- Rainfall style shower head
- Includes a 5 year manufacturer warranty
Overall, the Bristan Quadrato is a modern and stylish mixer shower that ticks every box. The kit uses high quality parts and is designed to be easy to install without any pipe alterations to existing units.
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2. Derpras Digital Mixer Shower Set
A premium option that’s designed for those that love technology is the Derpras mixer shower. It uses a LED digital display, which shows the temperature and showering time. It’s also clever because instead of being powered by electricity or batteries, it uses the water flow in order to maximize efficiency.
Included with this shower kit is the rain shower and handheld shower head, LED shower valve control and a wall mounted tub spout.
Other features of the Derpras Digital Mixer Shower include:
- Air Energy Technology to provide good water flow with low water pressure
- 10 inch square rainfall shower head made from stainless steel
- Intuitive LED digital display
- All components have a chrome finish
- Includes a 5 year parts replacement
- Requires 2.0 bar minimum pressure
If you are looking for something a bit different that’s also packed with modern technology, the Derpras system is perfect. If the DPS5008 model is stretching the budget too much, the brand also offer other cheaper models that also feature the desirable digital display.
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3. Hausbath Thermostatic Mixer
The Hausbath is a complete mixer shower set that includes a thermostatic mixer, square rainfall and handheld shower head, hose and metal riser. The brand also provides a ten year after sales guarantee, which is testament to the quality.
In terms of the pressure requirements, this mixer shower requires a minimum of 0.5 bar with the brand stating 1.0 bar provides optimum performance.
Other features of the Hausbath Thermostatic Mixer Shower include:
- Brass construction that has been chrome plated
- Ceramic disc valve for a smooth handle operation
- Easy to fit with standard connections
- Adjustable fixing points
- Outlet water temperature between 20 and 50 degrees
Overall, the Hausbath Kit is an excellent all-round mixer shower that’s easy to install with a modern look and feel. The 10 year guarantee also provides complete peace of mind that the components are built to last and it won’t disappoint.
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4. GROHE Euphoria Thermostat
GROHE are a premium shower brand in the UK that are well-known for their luxurious designs. The Euphoria model is a great example that provides a constant water temperature and effortless transition between the bath and shower.
The brand offer this system with either a fixed head or wing grip and the optional extra of a Bluetooth shower speaker.
Other features of the GROHE Euphoria include:
- Recommended water pressure of 1.0 to 5.0 bar
- Dedicated maximum temperature setting
- Systematically designed to save water and energy
- Robust and high quality chrome finish
- German engineered for maximum performance
- Includes a 5 year manufacturers warranty
As with any shower systems produced by GROHE, they do come with a premium price tag. However, it’s a worthwhile investment because it’s built to the highest standards and is also one of the most stylish systems available.
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5. Mira Showers Excel Variable
Mira are another popular brand in the UK and their Excel mixer shower is by far the most expensive. However, for the additional cost, it uses high quality components and is designed to be easy to install with multiple water entry points.
The brand also claim that it’s able to provide up to 3 times more flow than other mixer showers at a low pressure.
Other features of the Mira Excel Variable Mixer Shower include:
- Patented Magni-flo technology for more water flow
- Separate temperature and flow controls
- Includes a 4 spray shower head
- Thermostatic system
- Suitable for all systems
- Minimum water pressure of 0.1 bar
- Ceramic flow control resists limescale
- Easy to fit and maintain
If you are able to stretch your budget, the Mira Excel mixer shower offers superior quality. The clever Magni-flo technology also ensures that homes with low pressure can still achieve high water flow, which is very desirable.
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6. Bristan Zing Cool Touch Bar
If you require a cheaper alternative that’s still made from a reputable brand, the Bristan Zing Cool Touch Bar is the best option. It’s available as a standard fit or a more expensive alternative designed for an easier installation.
Included with the kit is the shower, wall fixing kit, adjustable riser and instructions for installing the system. In terms of the operating pressure range, the brand state that it will operate at a minimum of 0.2 bar and maximum of 5.0 bar.
Other features of the Bristan Zing Cool Touch Bar include:
- Thermostatic system
- Cool Touch technology
- Separate temperature and flow control dials
- Suitable for low and high water pressure systems
- High shine chrome finish
- 5 year manufacturers warranty
Overall, the Bristan Zing Cool Touch Bar is the best affordable option if you wish to buy from a reputable brand. It’s also great for those that suffer from low water pressure because it can operate at just 0.2 bar.
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7. iBathUK Thermostatic System
The cheapest option is the iBath UK Kit, which is a thermostatic mixer shower system that comes with a 10 year guarantee. This system requires a minimum of 1.0 bar of water pressure and 3.0 bar to achieve optimum performance.
Included with the kit is the shower, handheld shower head, hose, riser rail, adjustable brackets and all the fittings.
Other features of the iBath UK Shower System include:
- Thermostatic system
- Solid brass components to prevent corrosion
- Modern design with a shiny chrome finish
- Works with combi boiler and gravity fed systems
- Available with a round or square handset
- Includes a 10 year guarantee
Overall, if you require a cheap replacement mixer shower that’s easy to install, the iBath UK system is the answer. It includes everything you require in the box to install the shower and works with a range of water systems.
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How We Rated The Mixer Showers
Compared to other shower systems, mixer showers are often the most expensive and it’s worthwhile spending your time to find the best. The recommendations within this article are based from our own research, experience of installing mixer shower systems as well as multiple factors. The factors that were considered include the shower head, ease of installation, design, minimum water pressure requirement, build quality, warranty and value for money.
Mixer Shower Buying Guide
A mixer shower delivers water flow to the shower head from the hot and cold water supply. The system requires no electricity and is available in a range of luxury designs to suit your home decor.
Almost all expensive homes or hotel bathrooms will use a mixer shower as they provide a luxury look and feel. Unlike an electric or power shower, they don’t need to hide the heating elements within a plastic housing. There is also a wide offering of high quality designs available to best suit your requirements.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding mixer showers.
Benefits of Mixer System
Mixer showers are a great addition to any home and are available in multiple designs. Some of the main benefits of choosing a mixer shower system include:
- No electricity required – Reduces installation work and costs.
- Will function in a power cut – As there is no electrical heating element.
- Stylish designs available – No need for unattractive plastic housing.
- Suitable for all plumbing systems – Many can run from low and high water pressures.
- Thermostatic or manual – Most people choose thermostatic for safety.
- High flow rate – This provides a more luxurious showering experience.
Water Pressure Requirements
An important factor to consider before purchasing any mixer shower is the water pressure. Some systems can run from as little as 0.1 bar whereas others need at least 1.0 bar of water pressure to run at it’s optimum performance. If you choose an incorrect system, you will be left disappointed with the water flow coming from the shower head.
Installation
Depending upon the system that you choose, installing a mixer shower is one of the easiest systems to install. However, if you are replacing an electric shower, you will need to plumb in a hot water supply, which can extend the installation time. All the UK mixer showers will use standard connections and many include multiple water entry points.
Shower Heads
Many people have certain preferences when it comes to the shower head of the mixer shower. Most fixed designs will have the desirable rainfall effect but others prefer a handheld unit, which is more versatile.
Construction
The majority of mixer showers will use brass components with a high shine chrome plating. The main reason is because the brass components will not rust and the chrome plating provides the luxury finish, which is also easy to clean.
Conclusion
Mixer showers are the best option if you are trying to build a luxurious bathroom. They don’t require unattractive plastic housing and there are several different designs that you can choose from to best suit your requirements.
All of the recommendations above are suited to a range of budgets and plumbing systems. We advise that you choose a system that provides optimum performance based upon the water pressure of your home to avoid disappointment.
