How to Choose the Right Shower — Buying Guide

The shower valve is the heart of your shower system — it controls water flow and temperature.

Thermostatic valves maintain a constant temperature regardless of what else is happening in your plumbing (someone flushing a toilet, running a tap). They have a built-in safety stop at 38°C to prevent scalding. We strongly recommend thermostatic valves for all households, especially those with children or elderly users.

Manual valves are simpler and cheaper but the temperature can fluctuate when water is used elsewhere. They're suitable for basic installations where budget is the priority.

Concealed vs exposed: Concealed valves are built into the wall with only the control plate visible — creating a sleek, minimal look. Exposed valves mount on the wall surface and are easier to install and maintain.

Your shower head determines the feel of your shower experience:

Fixed overhead (rain) heads — Mounted on the ceiling or wall, they deliver a wide, rainfall-like spray. Available from 200mm to 400mm diameter. Larger heads need higher water pressure (1.0 bar+) for a satisfying flow.

Handsets — Held in the hand or placed on a rail slider. More practical for rinsing, cleaning the shower, and families with children. Many shower sets include both a fixed head and a handset for versatility.

Multi-function heads — Offer multiple spray patterns (rain, jet, massage) controlled by a switch on the head. Good value and practical.

The enclosure type depends on your bathroom layout and personal preference:

Quadrant enclosures — Curved front, fits neatly into a corner. Ideal for small bathrooms and en-suites where space is at a premium.

Sliding door enclosures — The door slides along a track rather than swinging outward, making them perfect for tight spaces.

Hinged door enclosures — The door swings outward like a traditional door, offering the widest entry point. Needs clear floor space in front.

Walk-in panels — A single glass panel with no door — creating an open, spa-like feel. Requires a wider enclosure area to prevent water splashing out. The most popular choice for modern bathrooms.

Bifold doors — The door folds inward, combining the benefit of a hinged door entry width with the space-saving of a sliding door.

Glass thickness matters: 6mm is standard for framed enclosures, 8mm for semi-frameless, and 10mm for frameless walk-in panels. Browse our shower enclosures.

Your shower tray should match your enclosure and fit your available space:

Low-profile trays (25-40mm high) sit almost flush with the floor for a modern, walk-in feel. They may need the waste trap set into the floor.

Standard trays (50-90mm high) are easier to install and work with riser kits that allow access to the plumbing underneath.

Common sizes: 700x700mm, 800x800mm, 900x900mm (square), 1000x800mm, 1200x800mm, 1200x900mm (rectangle), and 800x800mm or 900x900mm (quadrant).

Material is typically stone resin (strong, rigid, warm underfoot) or acrylic (lighter and more affordable). View all shower trays.