Have questions? We're here to help you make an informed decision. Call us on 01785 596001 or email us here.
Key Takeaways
Digital showers offer precise temperature control, pre-set user profiles, and remote operation, making mornings easier
While starting around £400-£500 (plus installation), they can save water long-term and enhance property value
They're particularly worth it for multi-person households, luxury designs, or anyone who values exact temperature control
Standard showers remain a solid, cost-effective option for many situations
Are you standing in your bathroom wondering if digital showers live up to the hype? Maybe you've seen them in a hotel, tried one at a friend's house, or spotted them while browsing Instagram. When you're investing in a new bathroom, you want to know that your hard-earned money is going towards features you'll actually appreciate.
I've been installing both standard and digital showers for over 15 years now, and I've seen firsthand how people react to both. The thing is, what's worth the extra cost is different for everyone. It depends on what you value in your daily routine and what your bathroom priorities are.
We can take you through exactly what makes digital showers different, how much extra you'll actually pay, and whether it belongs in your renovation, or if you’d be just as happy saving the money for other features.
What exactly is a digital shower?
Before we talk about value, let's be clear about what we're discussing. A digital shower isn't just a fancy name for an electric shower – it's a completely different system with its own processor unit and digital controls.
With a digital shower, you get:
Precise temperature control – Set the exact temperature in degrees rather than fiddling with a dial
Pre-set user profiles – Different temperature and flow settings for each family member
Remote operation – Some models let you start your shower from your phone or with a remote control
Automatic safety features – Anti-scald technology that maintains safe temperatures
Water-saving options – Flow control that helps reduce water consumption
The biggest difference compared to electric showers is the digital shower has a separate processor unit that precisely mixes the hot and cold water to your exact specifications. This gives you incredibly accurate temperature control that stays consistent, even if someone flushes the toilet or turns on a tap elsewhere in the house.
How much extra do digital showers actually cost?
Let's talk numbers.
A standard Thermostatic shower can range between £100-£250 and an electric shower can range between £75-£250.
Digital showers, on the other hand, start from around £400-£500 for entry-level models. Premium options, from brands like Aqualisa, Mira, and Grohe, can reach £800-£1,500+.
Then you've got installation costs to consider. I would say installation costs for digital showers are often slightly higher than standard showers – you're looking at about £250-£350 for a straightforward digital shower installation, compared to £150-£250 for a standard shower.
Why the difference? Digital showers require:
More complex installation with additional wiring for the control panel
Easily accessible positioning of the processor unit.
More time and expertise to set up correctly
And don't forget, there might be additional costs if you need any special requirements like tiling adjustments or extra electrical work. At CSI Bathrooms, we include all these factors in our quotes so there are no surprises.
The real benefits: What you'll actually notice day-to-day
This is what matters, right? Looking beyond the technical specifications, here's what our customers tell us they love about their digital showers after living with them:
Consistent temperature means no more shower surprises. One of the most common comments we hear is how much people appreciate never experiencing that sudden freezing or scalding water when someone at the same time turns a tap on. The processor unit compensates instantly, keeping your shower temperature exactly where you set it.
No more fiddling with controls. We had a customer in Stafford who told me, "I used to spend ages trying to get the temperature just right with my old shower. Now I just press a button and it's perfect every time." This is especially helpful for those early mornings when you're half asleep!
Family harmony. A couple in Stone recently told me their digital shower had "ended bathroom arguments for good" because each family member has their own profile. The husband likes it piping hot, the wife prefers it cooler, and the kids each have their own settings. One button press and everyone gets exactly what they want.
The luxury factor. I won't pretend this isn't important – there's definitely something special about having a shower that feels like it belongs in a high-end hotel. It's one of those small daily luxuries that can make your home feel that bit more special.
Remote control convenience. One of my customers, a busy mum in Newcastle-under-Lyme, absolutely loves being able to turn on her shower from her bedroom. By the time she's walked to the bathroom, the water is already the perfect temperature. No more waiting around for it to warm up!
When digital showers are DEFINITELY worth it
Based on my experience installing and getting feedback from hundreds of customers across Staffordshire, I'd say digital showers are particularly worth the investment if:
Your household has multiple users with different preferences. The ability to save individual profiles makes a huge difference in busy households.
You're creating a premium bathroom. If you're investing in high-quality fixtures, tiles, and design elements, a standard shower can sometimes let down the overall aesthetic. Digital showers have a contemporary, luxury feel that complements premium bathrooms.
You have water pressure issues. Many digital showers have pumps built in, which can solve problems with weak water flow in older properties.
You value precise control. For some people, being able to set the exact temperature is a genuine quality-of-life improvement, especially those with sensitive skin or who are particular about their shower experience.
You're environmentally conscious. The water-saving features on many digital showers can reduce your water usage significantly over time.
You have elderly or vulnerable users. The anti-scald technology and simple controls make digital showers safer and easier to use for elderly people or children.
When you might want to skip the digital shower
I'm not going to pretend that digital showers are essential for everyone. There are definitely situations where sticking with a standard shower makes more sense:
You're working with a tight budget. If you're renovating on a limited budget, the £300-£600 you'll save by choosing a standard shower might be better spent on higher quality tiles, better lighting, or more storage.
You prefer simplicity. Some of my clients, particularly older ones, actually prefer the simplicity of traditional controls rather than digital interfaces and multiple settings.
You're renovating to sell. While a digital shower might appeal to some buyers, it's unlikely to significantly increase your home's value on its own. If you're renovating purely to sell, there are usually more impactful ways to spend your money.
Your bathroom has unusual plumbing configurations. In some older properties with non-standard plumbing, the installation of a digital shower can become more complex and costly than expected.
Customer experiences: Real feedback from Staffordshire homeowners
I had a client called Jane in Stafford who was initially very hesitant about spending the extra money on a digital shower. Six months after installation, she called me to say it was the best decision she made in her entire bathroom renovation. Her exact words were: "I thought it was just a fancy gimmick, but I use and appreciate it every single day. Worth every penny!"
On the flip side, I worked with a couple in Stone who opted for a high-quality traditional mixer shower instead of a digital one, putting the savings towards a larger shower enclosure with luxury tiles. They've been equally thrilled with their choice because it matched their priorities perfectly.
The key is understanding what matters most to you in your bathroom experience. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here.
Quality considerations: Not all digital showers are created equal
If you do decide to go digital, it's worth knowing that there can be significant quality differences between models and brands. The standard options around £400 will give you the basic digital functionality, but they may lack the durability and advanced features of higher-end models.
In my experience installing bathrooms across Staffordshire, brands like Aqualisa, Grohe, and Mira have proven to be reliable choices for digital showers. I've had very few callbacks or issues with these brands, which is important because repairs on digital showers can be more complex than standard models.
The warranty is something to pay close attention to – look for at least 2 years, but 5+ years is even better. And make sure your installer has experience with digital systems. At CSI Bathrooms, we've installed hundreds of digital showers, so we know how to position everything for optimal performance and easy maintenance.
The maintenance factor: What to know before you buy
One thing people don't always consider is the maintenance aspect. Digital showers are more complex than standard mixers or electric showers, which means:
They have more components that could potentially require servicing or replacement. However, quality brands are designed to be reliable for many years.
The processor unit needs to be accessible for servicing – we typically install these in loft spaces, airing cupboards, or under bath panels where they can be reached if needed.
The good news is that digital showers often have self-diagnostic features that make identifying problems easier, and many issues can be resolved with simple fixes rather than complete replacement.
Making your decision: Practical next steps
If you're still on the fence about whether a digital shower is worth the extra investment for you, here are some practical steps you can take:
Experience it firsthand. Visit bathroom showrooms in Staffordshire like Plumbits or Easy Bathrooms where you can see digital showers in action and try the controls yourself.
Consider your daily routine. Think about how you use your shower and whether the specific benefits of a digital system would genuinely improve your experience.
Evaluate your budget holistically. Look at your overall bathroom budget and consider whether the extra cost of a digital shower would mean compromising on other elements that might be more important to you.
Talk to someone who has one. If you have friends or family with digital showers, ask them about their experience and whether they feel it was worth the investment.
Get expert advice. A good bathroom installer should take the time to understand your specific needs rather than pushing you towards the most expensive option. We're always happy to discuss the pros and cons based on your unique situation.
Key Takeaways
Digital showers offer significant benefits in terms of temperature consistency, user convenience, and modern aesthetics.
They typically cost £300-£600 more than standard showers, including installation.
They're particularly worth the investment for multi-user households, luxury bathrooms, and anyone who values precise control.
Standard showers remain a perfectly good option for many situations, especially when working with tighter budgets.
The "worth it" factor depends entirely on your personal priorities and how you use your bathroom.
What's the right choice for your bathroom?
In our years of experience fitting bathrooms across Staffordshire, we've found that the best decisions come from understanding what matters most to you in your daily routine. Digital showers are genuinely fantastic – but they're not essential for everyone.
If precise temperature control, convenience, and that touch of luxury would make a meaningful difference to your daily routine, then yes – a digital shower is absolutely worth the extra cost. If other aspects of your bathroom are more important to you, there's nothing wrong with opting for a quality standard shower and allocating your budget elsewhere.
At CSI Bathrooms, we're here to help you navigate these choices, not push you towards the most expensive option. We've installed hundreds of bathrooms across Staffordshire, from standard installations to high-end luxury designs with all the latest technology.
If you'd like to discuss your specific bathroom needs and whether a digital shower would be right for you, we’re always happy to have a chat.
Get in touch (call us on 01785 596001 for honest, practical advice tailored to your home and preferences – with no pressure or sales tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a digital shower work with my existing water system? Most digital showers are designed to work with all standard UK water systems, including combi boilers, gravity-fed systems, and high-pressure systems. We can assess your specific setup to recommend the right model.
How long do digital showers typically last? A quality digital shower from a reputable brand should last 7-10 years or more with proper maintenance.
Do digital showers require electricity? Yes, they need a power source for the processor unit and controls, but this is typically low voltage and safe for bathroom use.
Can I install a digital shower myself? I wouldn't recommend it unless you have professional plumbing and electrical experience. Incorrect installation can lead to performance issues, water damage, or even safety hazards.
Do digital showers save water? Many models have eco settings and flow controls that can reduce water usage by 15-40% compared to traditional showers, potentially offsetting some of the higher purchase cost over time.
