Types of showers: varieties, the best manufacturers + selection tips

Specialized stores offer various types of showers, equipped with all sorts of additional features. To make the right choice, it is important to consider a number of parameters, manufacturer reliability and product design.

Agree, at first glance at the variety of models it is quite difficult to evaluate all the characteristics and buy the right plumbing. We will try to make it easier for you to choose.

The article provides a detailed classification of shower enclosures, describes the strengths and weaknesses of each option, identifies the best manufacturers of sanitary ware of different price categories. The proposed information will help you navigate the assortment of offers and choose the best cab option.

The main types of shower boxes

All produced models fall into two broad categories: open and closed. In addition, another type of cab is highlighted - combined.

Option # 1 - open showers

The easiest option are open boxes, which are integrated into the space of the bathroom. Their characteristic feature is the lack of a ceiling.

Structures of this type are usually mounted in the corner zone, less often, against the wall. In the latter case, a pallet is laid on the floor, which is connected to the sewer.

Along the perimeter, one or two partitions are installed, combined with sliding or swing doors. The role of the missing panels is performed by the walls of the bathroom, finished with ceramic tiles.

Sometimes the option of designs without a pallet is used. The box is mounted directly on the floor, which is concreted under a slight slope. After that, a drain is made on a horizontal surface, and then tiled withnon-slip surface.

Despite the simplicity of design, open booths can look original and impressive. Properly selected and beautifully designed boxes will decorate not only the interior of the bathroom, but also the bedroom

Consider the positive and negative sides of the boxes of this type.

Among the advantages of models in this category include:

• budget cost;
• simplicity of design, which ensures its durability;
• the ability to install even in a compact room.

The latter factor is especially applicable to booths without a pallet, since in this case the size is determined arbitrarily.

But such devices have tangible disadvantages:

1. Limited functionality. Open cabs provide a minimum of comfort. Most often, functionality is limited to a shared shower. Other modes, as well as the installation of a steam generator, ozonizer or other additions, are not provided. You can take a shower in open booths only while standing, in rare models a folding chair is provided.
2. The complexity of the arrangement. The design requires a complete installation with pipe and drain connections.
3. The complexity of repair work. When installing an open box, access to plumbing and sewer communications is difficult, which makes it difficult to carry out repairs.
4. The need for a powerful hood. During the operation of such showers, steam enters the room, which contributes to increased humidity. This negatively affects the state of furniture and household appliances, which is located in the room.

Open boxes are more suitable for those who do not pursue fashionable functions such as hydromassage or aromatherapy. Owners of small bathrooms will also appreciate them.

Option # 2 - enclosed cabs

This category includes models with a completely autonomous design. Such systems consist of shower tray, walls and top panel. Boxes are installed on special legs, which allows you to move the structure, if necessary.

Convenient and functional closed shower cabins are available in a huge assortment. This makes it easy to find a model that meets your criteria.

Such designs are in high demand, due to the high level of comfort and the variety of functions offered.

Among the positive aspects of boxes of this type are:

• huge functionality;
• design isolation;
• convenient filling;
• ease of installation and disassembly;
• a large selection of models on the market.

Closed models offer a variety of additional features: rain shower, use of a steam generator, hydromassage, voice control, radio and more.

The fully enclosed design effectively maintains the microclimate in the cabin, almost without affecting the temperaturehumid environmental characteristics. In addition, such boxes have excellent sound insulation.

Despite the apparent complexity, boxes of this type are easily mounted and dismantled. If necessary, the systems are disassembled, transported to a new apartment and installed again.

The disadvantages of closed boxes include a higher cost compared to open cabs.

It can also be noted that cabs of this category, which provide a large number of additional functions, require increased electricity consumption.

Option # 3 - combined type boxes

Models of this category are boxes in which there is a deep reservoir-pan or bath. Most of these systems have a closed design, but there are open options in which there is no ceiling panel.

Comfortable combined models can first of all be recommended to families with children. They are well suited for people who like to use relaxing water treatments.

The main advantage of this type of cabin is an increased level of convenience, because users can simultaneously enjoy the benefits of both a shower and a bath.

Different models have a different set of additional functions: fromjacuzzi before sauna mode, from voice control to aromatherapy.

Among the disadvantages include:

• increased cost;
• big sizes.

In stores there are quite compact angular structures, the installation of which can be done even in a small bathroom.

Design features of shower boxes

Designs of shower boxes differ by the following criteria: type of booths, size and shape, depth of the bowl and the material from which the tank is made, especially door systems. Below we will consider these factors in detail.

Criterion # 1 - the size and shape of the boxes

Showers also vary in parameters and shape, which determines the configuration of the pallets.

By size range Three main types of cabs stand out:

• small-sized - up to 100 * 100 cm;
• medium - up to 130-130 cm;
• full-sized - 170 * 80 cm.

The minimum parameters of a shower cabin are 80 * 80 cm, using a smaller box is inconvenient and even dangerous.

The shape of the model also depends on the pallet. On the market, there are more common universal designs designed for installation both in the corner and along the walls. Special options are also available for installation in corner or wall areas.

The height of the designs of shower boxes varies between 170-250 centimeters. As a rule, the instructions indicate the recommended height of the room where the cabin will be installed

The following types of structures are considered the most popular:

• square;
• rectangular;
• trapezoidal;
• semicircular;
• asymmetric.

The choice depends on the parameters of the bathroom, the personal preferences of the owner, the design idea in the design of the space.

Criterion # 2 - depth and material of the pallet

When choosing, you should pay attention to the shower box reservoir, since ease of use largely depends on it.

The following categories of pallets are distinguished:

• flat, up to 3 cm deep;
• small, 10-18 cm deep;
• deep - up to 45 cm.

In the latter case, it is important to provide comfortable access to the bowl, for which it is desirable to install one or two steps.

When choosing a shower cabin model, it is important to consider the size of the room. For small bathrooms, miniature corner boxes are suitable, while in spacious rooms, asymmetric or semi-circular configurations look better

The quality of the shower is affected by the material of the tray.

The most common options include:

• cast iron;
• steel;
• artificial marble;
• a natural stone;
• faience;
• acrylic.

Cast iron pallets - The classic version, characterized by increased resistance. Products from this metal are designed for decades. However, cast iron is unnecessarily heavy and also slowly heats up.

Steel options also strong and durable, moreover, they weigh less than cast iron. The disadvantages include lightning-fast cooling of products and excessive noise caused by falling trickles of water.

Faux Marble Pallets either natural stone They are not afraid of chemical and mechanical influences; they quickly heat up and store heat for a long time.

Moreover, such pallets have an exquisite appearance, over which the years have not dominated. The only minus of pallets made of stone is the excessively high cost.

Plumbing Faience It has a massive presentable appearance, but requires careful handling due to fragility. With careful handling, such products serve for a long time.

Acrylic products are hygienic because they almost do not absorb dirt. They are practical because minor damage is invisible on a glossy surface and serious damage can be repaired.

Acrylic Products Got the most distribution today. They look good in the interior, cheap, easy to install. In addition, modern technologies make it possible to produce models of different colors and shapes from this type of plastic.

Criterion # 3 - way to open doors

Both model design and usability depend on this factor.

By the method of opening the door, the following types are distinguished:

• swinging;
• sliding;
• articulated;
• folding ("book").

Swing doors. Folds are attached using hinges to the room wall or side panel. In this case, they lean back out, forming the widest passage.

Sliding systems consist of one or two panels, sliding along the facade with the help of rollers or guide rails. For the cabin to serve for a long time, it is important to use a high-quality sliding mechanism.

Articulated structures. They are characterized by the use of rotary mechanisms (hinges) on the upper and lower ends of the door. This provides a convenient and safe opening with the formation of a wide passage. Experts consider such fastening the most reliable.

Folding doors. Sashes open inward, while they overlap each other. A similar option is more often used for rectangular shower boxes or cabinets of an elongated shape.

The pallet should be edged with bumpers 1-2 cm high. They are designed to hold water that is discharged through special grooves to the bottom, preventing leakage to the floor

If during installation you have to count every millimeter, it is better to use sliding or folding structures as the most compact.

Since additional opening space is required to open swing and hinged options, they are best used in spacious rooms.

To equip a shower cabin, glass doors are most often used. Read more about choosing and installing a partition in this article.

The best manufacturers of showers

The stores offer a wide selection of plumbing products belonging to different price categories. We mention only a few reliable manufacturers whose products deserve attention.

Elite products of famous companies

Among companies supplying goodsVIP-class can be called:

• Jacuzzi (Italy);
• Villeroy & Boch (Germany),
• Esbano (Spain);
• Huppe (Germany);
• Laufen (Austria).

The products of these companies are of high quality, attractive design, solid service life. In the manufacture of elite materials and accessories are used, thanks to which the products last for a long time, while maintaining an attractive appearance.

However, models of well-known brands are expensive, because in this case the buyer pays for the name.

Mid-priced products

The upper segment of the mid-price range includes products from such reputable brands as:

• Roca (Spain);
• Geberit (Switzerland),
• Timo (Finland).

More affordable prices from manufacturers from Eastern Europe, for example, Ravak (Czech Republic), Cersanit (Poland). The products of these companies are of decent quality, practicality, nice design, excellent fittings.

Budget segment of the market

Thrifty buyers should turn to goods manufactured by domestic manufacturers, as well as boxes from well-known Chinese companies that have been manufacturing shower cabins for many years.

Decent products are supplied by such companies as:

• Niagara (China);
• Appollo (China);
• Optima (China);
• River (Russia);
• Watercolor (Russia).

The quality and design of shower boxes is quite acceptable, although it naturally lags behind elite brands. First of all, it is worth paying attention to budget brands if you plan to purchase a simple model with a minimum set of functions.

Recommendations to potential buyers

Since showers are expensive plumbing products, the cost of which starts at twenty thousand, the choice must be approached carefully.

Before going to the store, it is advisable to draw up a diagram of the bathroom, indicating the area for installing the box. The size of the product should be commensurate with the area of ​​the room, where it is also necessary to leave room for other plumbing.

Unpretentious open shower structures are indispensable in the country. They allow you to wash in almost any conditions, because even a weak pressure of water is enough for their functioning

The plan should also indicate the locationelectro- andwater networksas well as sewage. As a rule, the drain in the pallet is placed in one of the corners, which is installed against the wall with a sewer outlet. The shorter the area, the greater the risk of clogging.

It is important to note that you need to add 1-3 cm to the mounting seams to the size of the cabin.

If you plan to install the box in a compact room, it is better to limit yourself to a shower corner or a small booth with a low pallet. In the latter case, special attention should be paid siphon selection and assembly.

It is advisable to choose a shower with sliding doors, which will also help save space.

The proposed functionality has a cardinal effect on the cost of models. It is advisable to purchase a design with a steam generator, ozonizer, and other “bells and whistles” if it is planned to use such functions constantly.

If boxing is necessary for taking a shower, it is better to buy an elementary and, accordingly, a budget model.

For multifunctional shower boxes, a high pressure in water pipes. For problems that sometimes occur on the upper floors, it is better to abandon the expensive design, and limit yourself to an open booth that works great even at a pressure of 1-1.5 bar.

The low shower base is suitable for older people, as it is the most comfortable and safe to use. At the same time, such structures are more prone to blockages than others.

For families with small children, a combination box with a bathtub or a deep tray is best. A useful function would be precise temperature control. It is better to choose the same option if you plan to use a tank for washing or soaking laundry.

Some restrictions are associated with the quality of water that is supplied to the house. With excessive rigidity, it is better to abandon complex models that include a "tropical shower" mode.

The small holes provided in the sprinklers are quickly drawn in by lime deposits and fail.

Before making a final purchase decision in a store, you need to make sure that the materials of which the frame and the pallet are made are durable. You must also check that the thickness of the parts is normal.

Try boxing to determine your degree.deflection pallet as well as comfort level. It is important that the surface of the tank has a rough rather than slippery surface.

Check the functioning of the doors: the leaves should open smoothly, without noise and effort, and when closed, be airtight.

The walls and doors of showers are usually made of plastic or tempered glass with a thickness of 6-8 centimeters. The latter option is more expensive, but more reliable and more beautiful.

Carefully read the instructions for assembling the cab and the rules for operating plumbing. Check the manufacturer’s obligations and the possibility of warranty repairs.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The following is a video about open and closed showers:

The specialist gives tips and advice on choosing shower boxes:

In modern plumbing stores, an inexperienced buyer may be confused due to the abundance of goods, in particular showers.In order for an expensive purchase to fully live up to expectations, clearly identify preferences and price category before going to the store.

In this case, it will be easier to consider the positive and negative sides and make an informed choice with the ideal ratio of quality and value.

To select the optimal model from a huge assortment of different types of showers, a number of factors need to be taken into account: design features, brand reputation, compliance with the desired characteristics.

Share with your readers your experience of buying and using a shower box. Tell us what the cabin was based on and whether you are happy with the purchase. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.