What Is an Electric Shower and How Does It Work?

If you're planning a bathroom upgrade or simply looking for a more efficient way to enjoy hot showers, you’ve likely come across electric showers. But what exactly is an electric shower, and how does it work? In this guide, we’ll explain the basics, outline the benefits, and help you decide if an electric shower is the right fit for your home.

What Is an Electric Shower?

An electric shower is a self-contained shower unit that heats cold water on demand using an internal heating element. Unlike mixer showers (which rely on hot water from your boiler or hot water tank), electric showers only need a cold water supply and electricity to function.

This means:

• No need to rely on your boiler
• Instant hot water, anytime
• Consistent performance, even if someone else is using hot water in the house

It’s no wonder they’re a popular choice in UK homes.

How Does an Electric Shower Work?

Here’s a simple breakdown of how an electric shower delivers hot water in seconds:

Cold water flows in:
The unit connects directly to your home’s cold mains water supply.
Water passes through the heating element:
Inside the unit, an electric element heats the water as it flows through, similar to how a kettle works, but much faster and more controlled.
You control the temperature:
Most electric showers have simple controls for adjusting temperature and flow rate. The shower balances the power of the element and the speed of the water flow to reach your chosen setting.
Hot water comes out immediately:
There’s no waiting for a tank to fill or a boiler to kick in, the water is heated instantly and flows directly to the showerhead.
Because of this direct and efficient system, electric showers are ideal for busy households, second bathrooms, or homes where the boiler system may be unreliable.

What Makes Electric Showers Different?

Unlike other types of showers, electric showers are:

• Independent of your central heating system
• More energy-efficient, as they only heat what you use
• Easier to install, especially in homes with limited hot water plumbing
• Great for backup use if your boiler ever fails

They’re particularly useful in properties with limited hot water storage or combi boilers, and perfect for en-suites or guest bathrooms.

Do Electric Showers Need High Water Pressure?

Electric showers work best with mains water pressure. In most UK homes, this is suitable, but if your mains pressure is low, a shower with an integrated pumped unit may be a better choice. Gainsborough also offers models designed for a variety of pressure requirements.

How Much Power Does an Electric Shower Use?

Electric showers come in different kW ratings, with our electric showers ranging from 8.5kW to 10.5kW. The higher the rating:

• The faster the water can be heated
• The stronger the flow, especially in colder months
• But, the more electricity it uses per minute

A 9.5kW model is often a good balance between performance and efficiency.

Is an Electric Shower Right for You?

You might benefit from an electric shower if:

• Your home has inconsistent hot water from the boiler
• You want to add a shower where there’s only a cold water feed
• You want to reduce your energy bills with a more efficient setup
• You need a quick, reliable backup in case of boiler problems

Electric showers are especially handy in households where multiple bathrooms are in use, helping to avoid the dreaded “no hot water” scenario.

An electric shower is a practical, energy-efficient solution that gives you hot water whenever you need it, independent of your boiler. It's simple to install, easy to use, and ideal for modern UK homes.

At Gainsborough Showers, we offer a range of high-quality, affordable electric showers to suit every home and budget. Whether you're replacing an old unit or fitting a brand new one, we’re here to help you choose the right option. Explore our electric shower range or get in touch with our friendly team for expert advice.