Electric showers are a great purchase because they save people money on their heating bills. They work by instantly heating the mains water pressure just before it flows through the shower head, so there is no excess heating of unused water.

Unlike mixer showers, an electrical shower runs separately from the hot water system. If equipped with a stabiliser, it will still work during times when the boilers fail and the sinks are only running cold water.

Electrical showers can be purchased from many different sources, from catalogues to plumbing specialty stores. The only requirements for an electric shower are plumbing to the mains water supply and a connection to an electrical circuit. The standard, optimal power ratings for an electrical shower are 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 kW, with higher powered models supporting better spraying and temperature control capabilities.

Depending on the style and features, prices range from £60 to £400. The cheapest models tend to have performance drawbacks such as limited capabilities and a shorter lifespan. Therefore, it is best to start in the mid-priced range when shopping for an electrical shower. Models with optimal features and 10.5kW start around £150. For more expensive name brands, it's advisable to do some shopping around for the best deal.

When selecting a model, it's advisable to look for certain features that can optimise the experience of using an electrical shower. On models with push-button control, the flow and temperature settings can be standardised for each use. Models with LCD display can be money savers over the long run, because they show the exact temperature settings of the water. Some of the more expensive models are equipped with a memory function, which records the temperature settings preferred by each user.

The amount of water that an electrical shower will use depends on both the temperatures selected by the user and the pre-existing temperature of the incoming water. The use of a water-saving shower head can better concentrate the outflow of water for a more powerful effect upon the user.

Electrical showers are not the most reliable of shower types due to the possible build-up of lime scale deposits on the heating portion, which can ultimately cause them to fail. Since repairs can be costly, it's best to choose an electric shower that comes with an extended warranty. Upgrading to a higher powered electrical shower can be even more costly, since it would likely require a whole new set of cables and fuses.

An electrical shower is best installed by a professional electrician. The costs for having an electrical shower installed can be more expensive that the unit itself, even when there's an easy route between the electrical supply and shower. The easiest models to install are the ones with cable entries on all sides, because those provide the greatest cable routing flexibility.

In response to the increasingly stylish mixer shower, electric showers have taken on a sleeker look with chrome and black models, making them a more aesthetically appealing unit for the bathroom.