How to choose a shower: selection rules and rating of the best models

Due to the convenience and versatility of shower cabins are increasingly installed in domestic bathrooms. They vary in material of manufacture, in configuration and size. Manufacturers are pleased with the assortment of the model range with diverse functionality.

But how to choose a shower cabin so that it not only turns out to be as comfortable as possible when taking water procedures, but also blends in harmoniously with the interior of the bathroom?

How should I choose a shower cabin?

On the one hand, the shower is designed to perform hygiene procedures, and on the other, it is a piece of furniture in the bathroom. When choosing its model, it is necessary to take into account both purely functional capabilities and the general appearance of this hydrobox.

And first you need to determine the expectations from the acquisition of this plumbing, that is, determine the purpose, why it is bought. Otherwise, a sophisticated device with a lot of unnecessary functions or an unpresentable and unnecessary “closet” with one shower head can appear in the bathroom. As a result, this whopper will occupy such a precious place in the bathroom, but no use to it.

The shower cubicle is a plumbing fixture consisting of water supply and drainage devices, a pallet, and the design of the enclosure of the inner box from the common space of the bathroom

The main limitation when choosing a shower cabin is the dimensions of the bathroom. The desire to have at your disposal a hot tub or Turkish steam mini-bath is understandable, but not always feasible. The size of the bathroom is limited, part of the additional functions often have to be abandoned in favor of small size and the minimum necessary set of features.

We will find out how to choose the right shower cabin so that it meets the criteria listed below.

Criterion # 1 - material and shape of the pallet

Some shower cabins are sold at all. without pallet. However, this option requires the arrangement of a special floor inside the shower box with high-quality waterproofing.If you plan to independently install a shower cabin on your own, it is better to immediately prefer a product with a mini-bath.

Such a model is easier to assemble, anyone who can read the instructions and handle a wrench and a screwdriver can mount it.

If there are children in the house, then it is better to give preference to a pallet in the form of a full bath 40–50 cm deep, in which the child can be redeemed without any problems

Shower trays are made of:

• cast iron - classic and durable, but long heating material;
• steel - durable, but rather noisy option;
• acrylic (plastic) - cheap, easy to install and stylish models;
• faience - a solid and elegant variation;
• faux marble - durable, quiet and the most expensive option.

Metal trays are not afraid of falling heavy objects. And their acrylic, ceramic and marble analogues in such a situation will immediately crack or crack.

And if a small crack in acrylic can still be repaired, then earthenware and marble will have to be thrown out, buying a new pallet.

On the other hand, enamel on steel and cast iron can darken over time. With plastic, ceramic and marble, such an attack is excluded.

It is better to choose a pallet with a ribbed surface or with a bottom covered with protruding hemispheres, you can slip on an even surface (if the bottom is smooth, then you should take care of the rug)

The shape of the shower cabin itself directly depends on the shape of the selected bath. Its enclosing structure during installation is installed directly on the pallet. The most commonplace option is a square or rectangle.

But wall-mounted shower cabins are also made in the form of a circle or its half, and corner models - in the form of a quarter of a circle or an ellipse.

Rounded pallets look more elegant and take up less space in the bathroom. From the protruding corner is still a little useless. But if the bathroom is large, then a classic rectangular bathtub or a Jacuzzi with lockable doors for showering in such an interior would be preferable.

In size, the pallets are very different. Each side can be from 0.6 to 2 meters long. Shallow models are made with a flat bottom without any ledges and supports. They should be chosen when you just need a shower.

Deep options with high sides of 30 cm or more are already “lying” and “sitting”. In the second case, they are equipped with a small protrusion in the corner or on one side of the cabin, on which you can sit. We also invite you to familiarize yourself with the article, which discloses the question of choice in more detail pallet for a shower cabin.

Criterion # 2 - way to open doors

The opening casement in the shower can be one or two. If the shower box is small, then a single door will be enough for him. The choice here depends only on the design of the bathroom.

In one interior, a compact shower cabin with a single opening sash will ideally look, and for another, the best option is a spacious model inside with a pair of classic swing doors.

Sliding (sideways) doors do not take up useful space in the bathroom, but their oversized design counterparts always look more profitable

Doors at the shower cabin are:

• swing or articulated;
• sliding;
• folding in the form of a "book".

Hinges for swing wings should be selected only all-metal. Cheap counterparts from pressed powder metal or silumin are short-lived. In sliding doors, the main thing is the material of the guides for rollers. Do not save here.

It is unreasonable to take models with cheap plastic guides. They will not last long. The best option is steel or aluminum "rails".

Most shower cabins, regardless of size and shape, are equipped with two sliding doors, this is a classic version of cheap boxes

Door manufacturing material may be:

1. Plexiglass.
2. Glass (tempered or triplex).
3. Polystyrene.

The safest and most durable is triplex. However, it is often too expensive for a home shower. Polystyrene doors are considered the most budgetary for the price. But they have a short life and a cheap look. The classic is tempered glass. Although it is heavy, it looks more advantageous than plastic.

Plexiglass on the set of characteristics is in the middle of the last two options. However, when choosing it, it is worth remembering the serious minus of this material: it is easily scratched. And then polishing or otherwise eliminating a scratch on it is then impossible. If damaged, the shower glass will have to be replaced, and how to do it, read Further.

Criterion # 3 - open and closed box types

By type of structure and its tightness, all shower cabins are divided into two types: closed and open. The choice by this criterion is due to the financial capabilities of the buyer and the functionality of the box. For example, a steam bath is only possible in a closed model.

And here the price of the latter will always be higher than that of an open cabin with an ordinary shower and spray nozzles.

An open shower cabin means opening doors and blank panels on the sides plus a tray below, the top remains unclosed (only the ceiling of the bathroom is at the top)

Due to the modest set of functional elements (often this is just a shower head) and the minimalism of the design, open cabs are cheaper than closed hydroboxes. The latter have a top cover and are sealed.

Their device eliminates the exit of steam into the bathroom when taking a shower. But the cost of such models is two to four times higher than open alternatives.

When deciding which one to choose - an open or closed shower, it should be understood that the bathroom for the first type of model must have high-quality waterproofing. Steam from hot water during operation comes out a lot, the humidity in the bathroom will be high. The cost of interior decoration and more moisture-proof furniture often exceeds the savings from choosing a cheap open shower.

Criterion # 4 - additional functionality

A watering can on a hose is the minimum that a shower cabin cannot do without. However, in addition to it, most models have a side panel with nozzles adjustable in the direction of spray and a sprayer at the top, and are also equipped with a backlight and a fan.

Mid-range and premium-class shower cabins are equipped with a whole range of different accessories and accessories for comfortable washing.

As an additional function in the shower can be present:

• Radio and telephone - for fans to sing along to themselves in the shower and waiting for an important call.
• Hydromassage for legs - water jets, adjustable in pressure, which tone the skin and relax muscles.
• Backlight - obligatory for a closed shower cabin.
• Ventilation - to ensure air circulation inside the cabin and to extract excess steam from it.
• Rain shower - A special water dispersion system that creates the effect of rain in the tropics inside.
• Turkish steam bath - implies the presence of a steam generator.
• Cold and hot shower - automatics regulating water jets, which alternates very hot and extremely cold water in accordance with the established time intervals.
• Aromatherapy system - addition to steam generator, allowing to add aromatic oils to the created steam.
• Heat mixers - devices that maintain the water temperature in the specified parameters, regardless of pressure drops in the water supply.

The choice of each of these elements, as far as it is needed, depends only on the preferences of the buyer. But the more of them there are in the chosen model of the shower cabin, the wider the functionality of the shower box and its price is higher. And each additional function is an inevitable increase in the dimensions of the cabin.

Shower Cabin Tips

If the water from the pipes in an apartment or a private house flows hard, then it is better to refuse the "tropical shower", otherwise its sprinklers with small holes will quickly become clogged with deposits and it will simply stop working correctly.

When choosing a model you like, you must definitely check the performance of the doors: how they open and close. The shutters must move / swing open smoothly, silently and without much effort, and when closed, be airtight.

They are an obstacle to splashing water, so they should have magnetic tape along the entire length from top to bottom in contact with each other.

The smaller the dimensions of the shower cabin chosen for purchase and the smaller the different electronics in it, the easier it will be to install it yourself

If the cabin is needed exclusively for taking a shower in the morning and in the evening, then the model should be chosen without all kinds of hydromassages, steam generators and radios. A simple box with a low pallet and one watering can will be enough, and this option will cost inexpensively. There is no sense in acquiring expensive plumbing, the functionality of which will not be used in full.

Before you go to the store to choose a shower, you need to correctly and objectively evaluate the space available in the bathroom and take a closer look shower sizes commercially available. Too large a box in a tiny bathroom will occupy the entire floor area and leave no room for other plumbing. Moreover, when drawing up a plan diagram of the placement of plumbing devices, we must not forget about the piping and electricity.

With the wires of the power supply, everything is quite simple, they can be thrown under the decor to anywhere in the bathroom. With sewers, everything is somewhat more complicated. Usually, drain in the pan located in one of its corners. And at this angle, the shower cubicle should be set against the wall with a sewer pipe. The shorter the drainage from the shower box to the riser, the less likely it is clogged.

If there are children in the family, then it is better to choose a shower cabin with a deep tray. Such a box with open doors easily turns from a shower into a bathtub for bathing a child. Also in this bath it will be possible to wash the laundry manually or soak it before washing.

Rating of the largest manufacturers

In the domestic plumbing market, showers are presented both Russian and foreign assembly. Moreover, their cost is highly dependent on the manufacturer. For the same functionality, you can overpay two to three times more. In fact, this is a brand fee.

For the equipment of the famous company "Jacuzzi", which has become a household name, in shops they ask a lot. But the quality of the sanitary ware of this manufacturer from Italy is certainly high.

Outside of any ratings, showers under the Jacuzzi brand, the equipment of this Italian company is the standard for plumbing and belongs to the premium segment

Among domestic manufacturers, it is worth highlighting Radomir and BAS. These are the oldest and largest firms on the market. Good shower cabins with an acrylic tray offer "Aquanet" and "Watercolor".

When looking for a compact box, you should pay attention to the Aqua Joy company, which specializes in plumbing for large bathrooms. And if you need a designer model, then it is better to stop your choice on the Laniver showers.

The budget segment of imports is represented by a global factory - China. At the same time, there is a purely Chinese product of disputed quality, and there are shower cabins manufactured in the Celestial Empire at European-controlled plants.

The latter have a completely decent performance, without marriage and of high quality materials. You can choose among the brands “Appolo”, “Aqualux”, “AquaStream”, “Goldman” and “Optima”.

When choosing Chinese cabs, they should be divided into those manufactured in China under the control of Europeans and independently developed by the Chinese - the former have very good quality, and the latter can please only with a low price

The Germans (“Edelform”, “Wasserfalle”, “Westerhof”), Czechs (“Luxus” and “Riho”), Finns (“Oras”, “Ido”, “Nimo”, “ Master Finn ") and Italians (" Primo "," Valencia "). All their products are of high quality workmanship and a wide range of various additional functions. And the more recent, the higher the price of equipment.

In fact, all European manufacturers of a mid-cost segment offer showers of equal quality. Here, when choosing, you need to pay more attention not to the brand, but to the proposed functionality and design.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can find important recommendations about the selection, technical specifications and operation of showers in the following videos.

All about the characteristics and filling of showers:

How to buy a shower cabin, what you should pay attention to:

It is rather difficult to choose a suitable shower cabin from the variety presented on the market. But if you try, then the ideal ratio of "price-quality" will certainly be found. It is only necessary to immediately decide which functions and "lotions" are needed, and which can be discarded.

According to the functionality and filling of shower cabins, a variety of options are now offered, so there is always the opportunity to search and find the model that is optimal in terms of characteristics and cost.

Please leave your comments on the article in the block below. And if you purchased a new model of a shower cabin, share photos of bathroom equipment, impressions of its use. Perhaps there are some nuances? Tell visitors about our site about them.