How to choose a shower cabin: types and main parameters

Updated: 04/23/2021 15:30:05

Expert: Konstantin Borisovich Polyakov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

A shower has long been an accessible way to invigorate the body and restore lost strength. A large number of property owners prefer shower cabins to classic bathtubs. In some cases, this is explained by the need to save space in a cramped room. Other consumers want more health-promoting services. Indeed, entire massage parlors, Turkish baths and even physiotherapy rooms can be hidden in modern shower cabins. Important factors when choosing a suitable model are design and price. This technique differs in design.

Types of shower cabins

There are three fundamentally different types of hydroboxes, which differ in design features, installation method and price.

Open

Devices of this group represent a space built into the room. In this case, the walls are mounted only on the unprotected part of the wet area, and the role of the side and rear partitions is performed by the walls of the bathroom itself.

The configuration and dimensions of the structure are selected taking into account the characteristics of the room and the wishes of the customer. Installation parts are purchased separately, and this allows for significant savings. In this case, the bottom may be completely absent: its role is played by a floor lined with tiles or mosaics with a drain hole.

Just make sure to maintain the sewer level, otherwise you will most likely encounter a situation where water stagnates in the pan.

As for me, such varieties look very beautiful and fit well into the interior.

Disadvantage: limited functionality. Here you will not find additional benefits such as hydromassage or aromatherapy.

More careful and lengthy preparation for installation will also be required, and the installation process itself will take longer.

Closed

This is a free-standing equipment that has a completely enclosed capsule with its own walls, floor and roof. It is the closed specimens that are equipped with “bells and whistles” to turn ordinary bathing into a complex healing and rejuvenating procedure.

One of the positive aspects is that the connection is quite simple: you only need to connect the water supply and sewerage. Also, if necessary, the equipment can be easily dismantled and reinstalled in another location.

If you decide on such a sample, keep in mind that during installation such a booth “eats” 5–10 cm of space on each side.

You should be aware that a good quality device will cost a pretty penny.

Combined

This is a solution for those who are not ready to give up a shower or bath in favor of just one thing. Of course, the structure is not as compact as a shower corner, but it takes up less space than two separate devices. An ideal option in a spacious bathroom for a private home.

Along the perimeter of the bathroom there are walls that provide protection while bathing in the shower. Such products are distinguished by an expanded range of capabilities: they combine the delights of both advanced fonts and boxes. But the price for all this pleasure is appropriate.

There is a special type of shower that is designed specifically for a summer house or country house. A summer option, which is placed outside, and the water in it is heated in the tank from solar heat. These are the simplest and cheapest installations, which differ significantly in their characteristics from home ones.

Shape and size

The most common configurations are rectangle, semicircle, square and quarter circle. There are also asymmetrical models in the form of an elongated semicircle or even a shell.

The most successful solution for small rooms would be a quarter-circle or asymmetrical shape, since they can be placed in a corner, maximizing the use of the entire area.

Please note that designs with right angles are usually cheaper than rounded ones. This is due to the more complex production process for round samples. But in a small bathroom, it’s better to pay a little more and provide yourself with a more ergonomic environment without protrusions.

The size is limited by the parameters of the room and the wishes of the buyer. Most Popular:

• 90 x 80 cm;
• 90 x 90 cm;
• 100 x 80 cm;
• 100 x 100 cm;
• 120 x 80 cm.

To understand what size shower stall is most convenient, you need to take into account the dimensions of the largest family member. If one of the residents is tall or heavy, then it will be inconvenient for him to wash in a tiny box.

Let's sum it up

When choosing a shower cabin, it is very important to consider not only its appearance and cost, but also the availability of various functions, as well as the material of manufacture. Only a competent approach to business will help you choose a cabin that will serve for many years and not bother you with breakdowns. Our rating presents only the best shower cabins in 2022 according to experts and real buyers - all you have to do is choose the best option for yourself.

Video - How to choose a shower cabin

Pallet

It is needed to collect liquid and drain it into the sewer. Let's look at the characteristics of this part and find out how to choose it correctly.

Material

The durability of the device, difficulty of maintenance and ease of use depend on the material from which the base is made.

1. Cast iron - lasts at least 20 years, holds heat well and provides good sound insulation. But it weighs a lot, which is both a plus and a minus. Due to the large mass, the bottom is very stable, but difficulties arise with transportation and installation.
2. Steel is a lightweight and inexpensive product that comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The disadvantages include poor sound insulation and the fact that they cool quickly. Steel is also less wear-resistant and, with strong impacts, can sag and deform, which causes the enamel to chip off and cracks to appear.
3. Acrylic has earned recognition due to the fact that it is lightweight, and pallets of any configuration are made from it. Well absorbs the sound of pouring water, resistant to chemicals. The use of abrasives causes damage, but this can be eliminated by grinding and polishing.
4. ABS plastic - only wins at a low price. Manufacturers give it a guarantee of no more than 4 years, due to its fragility. It is characterized by a porous structure and is susceptible to moisture, which is why it collapses quite quickly. The appearance is also not the most impressive: the grayish tint and rough surface leave the feeling of dirty plumbing.
5. Polymethyl methacrylate and ABS plastic is a technology where a combination of two bases is used and one is layered on top of the other. This improves the consumer properties, making the base more like acrylic, but at the same time maintaining low cost. But keep in mind that sudden temperature changes often cause the top layer to become covered with cracks.
6. Artificial stone – exclusive samples, heavy, making the structure stable. However, such pallets take a long time to heat up, so it may not be very comfortable for a person to sit on them, and require delicate care.
7. Ceramics - this group includes sanitaryware and sanitary porcelain. These are environmentally friendly and safe materials. They absorb noise well. When connecting, you will have to carefully prepare the floor, since the base is installed directly on it and does not have a fixing frame: its own weight provides sufficient stability and rigidity. Ceramics are strong, but fragile, and impacts can cause chips and cracks.

For light foundations, a rigid frame is required! It is most reliable if it is a welded metal skeleton.

Height

Pallets up to 15 cm from the floor are considered low. They are convenient in terms of entry/exit, but you need to control the drainage speed. Otherwise, there is a risk that water will overflow and flow onto the floor.

Medium sides of 15–35 cm are also convenient in terms of entry and exit, but they take longer to fill and are more preferable in apartments than low ones.

A device with a deep tray of 35–50 cm is inconvenient because it is more difficult to enter. But leakage here is practically impossible due to the large capacity. They have a seat on which you can comfortably sit for water procedures. In some cases they can replace a bath, for example, when bathing children.

Tips for choosing shower cabins

If the water flows from the pipes in an apartment or private house is hard, then it is better to abandon the “tropical shower”, otherwise its sprinklers with small holes will quickly become clogged with sediment and it will simply stop working properly.

When choosing the model you like, be sure to check the functionality of the doors: how they open and close. The doors should move/swing smoothly, silently and without much effort, and when closed they should be airtight.

They are a barrier to splashing water, so at the point of contact with each other there must be a magnetic tape along the entire length from top to bottom.

The smaller the size of the shower cabin you choose to purchase and the fewer different electronics it contains, the easier it will be to install it yourself

If the cabin is needed solely for taking a shower in the morning and evening, then the model should be chosen without all kinds of hydromassages, steam generators and radios. A simple box with a low tray and one watering can will be enough, and this option will be inexpensive. There is no point in purchasing expensive plumbing fixtures whose functionality will not be fully used.

Before you go to the store to choose a shower stall, you need to correctly and objectively evaluate the space available in the bathroom and take a closer look at the sizes of showers available for sale. A box that is too large in a tiny bathroom will take up the entire floor area and leave no room for other plumbing fixtures. Moreover, when drawing up a plan for the placement of plumbing fixtures, we must not forget about the supply of pipelines and electricity.

Everything is quite simple with the electrical wires; they can be placed under the decor anywhere in the bathroom. With sewerage, everything is somewhat more complicated. As a rule, the drain in the pan is located in one of its corners. And at this angle the shower cabin should be placed against the wall with the sewer pipe. The shorter the sewer line from the shower box to the riser, the less likely it is to become clogged.

If there are children in the family, then it is better to select a shower stall with a deep tray. Such a box with open doors easily turns from a shower into a bathtub for bathing a child. You can also wash clothes by hand in this bath or soak them before washing.

Door

Its purpose, I think, does not need to be explained, but not everyone knows about the nuances of choice and the differences between varieties.

Look how tightly the door fits to the walls or to each other, if the leaf is double-leaf: a loose fit can lead to leaks. To avoid this, magnets are attached to the edges.

Material and design

First of all, it is important what the door is made of. There are two options here: tempered glass or plastic.

Plastic elements cost less, but are of worse quality. Firstly, dirt and limescale deposits accumulate on them more strongly, which is not so easy to get rid of: after all, you cannot use powders and aggressive cleaning agents.

Secondly, no matter how carefully you handle such a door, scratches and abrasions will inevitably appear on it. Therefore, it is recommended to choose opaque models, since imperfections are less noticeable on them.

Tempered glass looks very presentable, it is more reliable than plastic, is not afraid of chemicals and retains its visual appeal longer. It is easy to care for because dirt comes off easily from the smooth surface.

You may not know, but there is a special water-repellent coating from which liquid simply rolls off. It lasts for at least several years and is applied at the factory during manufacture.

Among the disadvantages of glass, it is worth noting the high cost and heavy weight, which can cause difficulties in assembly.

In open booths, glass walls are mounted in metal profiles made of aluminum, steel or brass.

There are transparent, colored, corrugated, tinted and matte products. Drawings and sandblasting patterns are applied to them. In general, any whim for your money.

Opening system

This is not the most obvious characteristic, but it is advisable to take it into account. There are five opening systems.

1. Hinged doors are a common system where the door opens outward and is secured on side hinges. The inconvenience is that opening requires free space, which sometimes simply isn’t there.
2. Hinged - fasteners are located at the top and bottom of the opening. The door also opens outwards, but this system is considered stronger than the previous one.
3. Folding - folded in half inward, which saves space in the bathroom, but somewhat reduces it in the shower itself.
4. Rotating, swinging - open thanks to a hinge moving along a hidden track.
5. Sliding is a very common solution. They do not eat up space either in the room or in the box itself. They move relative to each other and along the side walls.

In sliding systems, special attention should be paid to the rollers on which the canvas runs. Plastic ones quickly fail; it would be correct to choose rubberized metal options made of stainless steel or brass.

Walls and roof

In open types of equipment, the role of the rear base is played by the wall of the bathroom, and the roof is completely absent. But in closed units the back surface is made of glass, plastic or acrylic.

Glass is expensive, and it is also quite heavy compared to plastic and acrylic. Products made from the latter two materials usually have a variety of features such as built-in ledges, shelves and benches.

The roof is a mandatory part for cabins with a steam generator; a rain shower head and lighting are often built into it.

In some cases, the absence of a top is even an advantage, because it ensures free air circulation. But in spacious bathrooms, where it can be cool, the roof will help maintain a comfortable temperature during washing.

Another pro tip: pay attention to how the cabin is assembled. Does it require sealant treatment or are there factory silicone inserts? The second is preferable, since the sealant requires updating once a year, does not look very aesthetically pleasing and becomes moldy.

Shower partitions: materials and components

The frame of the shower cabin is a metal profile filled with tempered glass or plastic.
Glass fencing is very practical - they are easy to clean from dirt and are not susceptible to the destructive effects of moisture and household chemicals. After special treatment, the glass acquires increased resistance to impact loads. Cases of damage to the walls are extremely rare, but if this happens, there is no need to worry about cuts - the smooth edges of the fragments are harmless. In addition, reflective surfaces of shower cabins visually expand the square footage of bathrooms. More expensive examples use triplex instead of glass - a high-strength composite of two sheets of tempered glass, between which a reinforcing film is laid. It is extremely difficult to damage such a product. If you do manage to break the fence, the safe fragments will not scatter around the room, but will remain on the tape. When looking at a glass or triplex shower stall, make sure that the load-bearing capacity of the metal frame is sufficient to support the weight of the partitions and roof. The best option is a stainless steel profile with an anti-corrosion coating.

For budget models, partitions are made of polystyrene - transparent or matte moisture-resistant plastic. Unlike glass and triplex, plastic fences get very dirty, but they are much more difficult to clean - polystyrene does not tolerate detergents with aggressive reagents and abrasive particles. In addition, plastic products are easily deformed and wear out quickly. However, a plastic shower block can be a good solution for arranging bathrooms in country houses or guest houses where showers are not taken every day.

Shower panel

This is the “heart” of the entire installation. It houses a mixer, a watering can and a control panel. It is made of metal, plastic or glass. Metal is the most durable, glass is beautiful, and plastic is cheap.

Let's talk in more detail about what control options there are.

1. Mechanical - traditional levers and rotary switches.
2. Electronic - the system is configured using buttons.
3. Touch - switching modes, adjusting pressure and temperature are carried out by lightly touching the highly sensitive panel.

Some units are additionally equipped with a remote control, which allows you to set up operation from a distance.

Functions

In addition to its main function - quick washing - the cabin can be equipped with a number of capabilities. We list the most popular of them.

1. Hydromassage - jets are emitted from the nozzles under pressure. They can be located in all planes: vertically, on the side, in the center of the wall or on the bottom.
2. Cascade shower - a strong continuous stream with a temperature of 35-36 degrees Celsius pours onto a person from a height of at least 1 meter.
3. Rain shower - a large number of thin jets located strictly vertically.
4. Charcot shower - the body is washed simultaneously by 6-10 streams of water from different directions, while the intensity of the impact is moderate and the temperature is regulated.
5. Contrast shower - automatic change of hot and cold streams.
6. Steam generation - steam is supplied, and the effect of a bathhouse is obtained at home. For equipment with such equipment, it is better to choose glass. Plastic can release chemicals when exposed to extreme heat.
7. Chromotherapy is the effect of jets of different colors and lighting on a person. Some energize you, while others, on the contrary, relax you.
8. Aromatherapy – goes in addition to steam generation. Essential oil is placed in a special container, and its vapors are distributed throughout the box.
9. Ozone therapy is the effect of air bubbles on the skin.

Multifunctional cabins are also equipped with a built-in radio and audio player, and you can listen to the news or your favorite music right during water procedures. Also, some units have a built-in telephone. With them you won’t miss an important call and will combine two things at once: wash and chat.

Other useful additions include a built-in fan and ionizer, which dry, ventilate and disinfect internal surfaces, preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.

All this sounds beautiful, of course. But there is no need to rush headlong into searching for a universal device. It’s worth judiciously assessing which features you really need. According to experts, all additional features are used only at first, and then they are used only occasionally.

Additional options

Hydromassage - special nozzles control streams of water, turning the cabin into a relaxing device. Horizontal hydromassage is possible in showers equipped with a full bath. The jets are supplied from nozzles located on the body and bottom of the bathtub. Vertical hydromassage is possible when the nozzles are located in the walls of the shower box itself.

Rain shower - the body is washed from a wide shower head, the jets from which fall parallel to each other. Water mixes with air, breaking into small drops, which creates the effect of tropical rain.

Chromotherapy - special LEDs are placed on the ceiling and walls of the cabin, which change the color and intensity of the lighting according to a special algorithm. It is believed that this effect helps to relax the body.

Telephone and radio will allow you to stay in touch while taking a shower.

Forced ventilation - removes water vapor from the closed cabin, allowing you to feel more comfortable. The function will be useful for older people and those who cannot stand stuffiness.

Ozonation allows you to maintain the hygiene of the shower cabin, refreshing the air and destroying microorganisms, especially in hard-to-reach places - on walls and joints. Prevents the occurrence of fungus and mold

Finnish sauna - the cabin has a special compartment lined with wood, where dry air is heated to a very high temperature.

Manufacturers

Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer. A wide range of models and positive reviews of products can serve as a guarantee of brand reliability.

In the budget price segment, the rating is headed by the following companies: “1Marka”, Erlit, Niagara, Faro, Comforty, Domani-Spa.

Among the middle-class products, the brands Appollo, Aquanet, RGW, Roltechnik, SSWW, and Orans stand out.

In the premium segment, Eago, Kermi, Kolpa-san, Novellini, Radaway, Ravak, IDO are considered the best.

An important condition is the availability of a guarantee. It is valid from 1 year to 10 years depending on the company and model. During this period, specialists repair plumbing fixtures free of charge and replace them if necessary.

But you must contact a certified specialist for connection and comply with the operating conditions.

Choosing a package

Faucets

The right choice of a mixer for a shower stall with a tap (they probably don’t produce another one anymore) is reliability and functionality. Washing and showering become a pleasure. The faucet will not fall off, the shower hose will not leak, and there will be no rust.

The choice of mixer is influenced by:
• Installation of a shower cabin. Here your needs are solved - simple water procedures or a massage shower.
• Manufacturer. There are well-known quality brands.
• Material that can withstand the effects of aggressive additives and hard water.
• Mixer design. Lever or with taps. Despite the popularity of lever faucets, faucets with separate taps have their advantages:

• Taps are more durable.
• Adjusting the water temperature is easier.
• Turn the tap slightly to open the water (for some models).
• Special valve material (for some models) eliminates heating.

It is possible to have a shower stall with a separate faucet for washing, but this is more of an exotic option with a very minimal bathroom area.

Shower head

What to look for when choosing a shower head:
• Attaching the shower head. Can be done on the side wall of a small shower stall, on the ceiling or on the wall of the room. When the watering can is firmly attached, water pours out from above. It is optimal, depending on your desire, to wash yourself partially or completely. A special mount with a non-rigid fixation of the watering can is suitable for both showering and partial water procedures. Taking the watering can in your hands, adjust the direction and height of the stream.
• Shower hose material. Rubber and silicone last longer and are stronger on bends than metal hose.
• Watering can throughput. Depends on the number of holes - the more, the stronger the pressure and splashes.

An interesting aspect is the choice of shower head from a medical point of view:

And lastly, a knowledgeable consultant in the store will select the mixer equipment to match the model of the shower cabin, the needs and capabilities of the buyer.

Where can I buy

Not all localities in the country have a decent selection of plumbing fixtures, so online stores come to the rescue. And in large cities it’s convenient: you don’t have to go anywhere, but you can look for a good sample, immediately read reviews about it, and if you like everything, then place an order directly to your home.

The following stores are among the verified online platforms.

1. Plumbing-Here - many bonuses, discounts, promotions
2. Leroy Merlin – shower boxes and accessories for them.

Even the cheapest cabin is an “expensive” pleasure, so it would be a shame to throw away a couple of tens of thousands of rubles and buy a low-quality product. So don't deal with dubious sellers.

Watch a useful video on the topic.