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How brilliant would it be to get the exact water temperature you need in the shower with just a touch of a button? No more fiddling around with bathroom taps — digital showers are the next generation of UK technology. Just set your preferences in a digital controller, and it automatically connects to a hidden processor unit to deliver the exact temperature you want.
In this article, we’re breaking down exactly how a digital shower works, how it’s different from an electric or thermostatic shower, the best smart features to look forward to, and the top product options to choose from.
How Does a Digital Shower Work?
On the outside, a digital shower looks similar to a traditional setup with a showerhead and perhaps a separate handheld spray head. The big difference? No taps. Instead, you control the temperature, water pressure, lighting, and run time all from a digital control.
Once you set your desired preferences, the control signals a processor unit (that is hidden behind a wall cavity or an airing cupboard) either through a wire or wirelessly via Bluetooth. This signal prompts thermostatic mixing (the term for mixing hot and cold water together) to get the perfect temperature.
There are also a few optional add-ons that digital showers have, such as remote start, app control, voice control, and even bath filling.
Digital Shower vs. Thermostatic vs. Electric Shower
Here’s a quick-reference table to compare popular shower types.
Shower type |
Temperature accuracy |
Ease of use |
Price range |
Digital shower |
Precise |
Minor learning curve |
£800-£1200 or more |
Thermostatic |
Precise |
Easy |
£140 to £700 |
Electric shower |
Can vary depending on water pressure |
Easy |
£100 to £450 |
When a Digital Shower Wins
The high price tag might deter some, but the features present in a digital shower setup are unmatched. It offers:
Temperature accuracy
Multi-user presets
Eco modes
Remote start
Smart home integration
Sleek aesthetics
When a Thermostatic or Electric Shower Is the Better Choice
If the budget is tight, the existing pipework is fixed or difficult to change, or there’s no additional space for the processor unit, then a thermostatic mixer or electric shower is fine to use. These common shower types are good if you mainly value temperature control (thermostatic mixer) or on-demand hot water (electric shower), rather than multiple smart features.
Are Digital Showers Reliable? (And What Happens in a Power Cut?)
The reliability of a digital shower is a major purchase barrier for a lot of people. If the power goes out, what happens then?
Since digital showers rely on electronics, no power = no showers. However, digital showers can be reset following a power cut using a simple process: turning off the power again, waiting around 30 seconds, then switching it back on. And since most minor power outages typically last for less than an hour, it’s likely not a big concern in day-to-day life.
Plus, for major brands like Aqualisa and Mira that carry digital showers, they offer five-year warranties to resolve defects by replacing or repairing parts and covering all labour costs.
Best Smart Features To Look For in a Digital Shower
Here’s a complete breakdown of the top features to look for in a digital shower.
Precise Temperature Control
Digital showers use smart showering technology to offer precise temperature control. For instance, Aqualisa’s smart shower kits check the temperature 10 times per second. The dynamic temperature control dial and precise output make it convenient for everyone, especially kids and elderly people who may be more vulnerable to sudden changes in water temperature.
User presets & multiple profiles
With an app, users can create multiple shower presets to control the temperature, duration, and water outlet use (whether that's a rain head, handset, body jets, or a bath fill). Each member of the household can simply tap on their personal profile to get the perfect shower every time.
Eco mode & water savings
Not only do you control the shower with a mobile app, you can also access data about your water usage. You can use this information to adjust your shower duration so you use less water overall. There’s also an eco mode option available to reduce water flow, which leads to real-world savings.
Remote start & app control
Have a hard time getting up some days? With a smart digital shower, you can start the shower from your phone before you even get out of bed. And to be clear, digital showers don’t require wifi to work. They use their own connections (either wired or wireless) to control water output. You can connect via Bluetooth for wireless setups.
Voice control (Alexa & beyond)
Smart devices bring convenience and functionality to your home, so why not connect your shower enclosure to them, too? Digital showers from Aqualisa and Mira can connect to smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home services so you can control your shower experience with just your voice. Voice-activated control is useful for when your hands are tied or for those with limited mobility.
Note: Voice functionality on Mira is currently only available with the Mira Platinum and Mira Activate models.
Bluetooth Speakers
There are a few higher-end and international digital shower brands that offer showerheads with built-in Bluetooth speakers, letting you stream music directly from your phone. For most UK buyers, though, a separate waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the more practical and affordable route to bathroom audio.
Best Digital Showers at QS Supplies
Here are the top picks for digital showers at QS Supplies depending on your style and feature preferences.
Aqualisa Quartz Touch Smart Digital Concealed Shower With Adjustable Head
This features an easy-to-use glide temperature control. Paired with the mobile app, voice control options, and an adjustable showerhead, this digital shower gives you complete convenience and comfort.
Aqualisa iSystem Concealed Digital Shower With Ceiling Fixed Shower Head
With its sleek, slender look, this digital shower offers one-touch control to start and stop the shower, remote setup, and the option to enhance water flow when needed.
Mira Mode Chrome Dual Outlet Thermostatic Digital Shower
The chrome finish matches modern bathroom decor. Control the temperature and water output via the Mira app. Also has a maximum temperature setting for safety purposes.
Digital Shower Installation Tips
Installing a digital shower is more involved than just swapping a shower valve. Most installs need a qualified plumber. Here’s what to consider.
What You Need
A digital shower requires connection to both a hot and cold water supply. Unlike electric showers that instantly heat cold water (similar to a kettle), a digital shower cannot only run on cold water. You’ll also need enough space to house the processor unit, which may be placed in a loft, an airing cupboard, or under the bath. This unit can be mounted up to 6 metres away from the shower.
Compatibility
In the UK, there are three main types of boiler systems, including:
-
Unvented boiler system. Water is heated from the main water supply and stored in a pressurised cylinder.
-
Gravity-fed system. Common in older homes, these systems have a cold-water tank and a hot-water cylinder to feed your shower or bath taps.
-
Combi boiler system. There’s no storage of hot water with this system (so no tanks). Instead, water is heated as needed.
Find which water system you have. Digital showers work with most UK water systems, but the pressure of your system determines which version you need to buy. Gravity-fed systems require a low-pressure digital shower with a built-in pump, while combi boilers and unvented systems need a high-pressure version.
Hiring an Installer
Hiring a professional installer is a great idea due to the complexity of the work involved. With both plumbing and electrical requirements, you’ll need someone who can run the pipework and safely connect the digital system to avoid leaks or electrical faults. In fact, both Mira and Aqualisa require no issues with the installation in order to honour their warranty offer. So, it’s best to skip out on DIY installations and find a qualified installer instead.
Is a Digital Shower Worth It?
Digital showers offer convenience, accuracy, and complete control of your shower setup, all done remotely. With features like dynamic temperature control, eco mode, and voice control, it’s a worthwhile investment for a premium bathroom upgrade. If you’re someone who values a personalised start to the day, a digital shower is a fantastic option.
Shop the full digital shower range at QS Supplies.
Digital Shower FAQs
Find the answers below to the most common questions we get about digital showers.
- What is a digital shower and how does it work?
- What's the difference between a digital shower and an electric shower?
- Are digital showers worth the money?
- Do digital showers need a boiler?
- What's the difference between a smart shower and a digital shower?
- What are the disadvantages of a digital shower?
