Our Top 10 Shower Taps

We like

• Genuine thermostatic control locks at 38°C to prevent scalds and cold surprises
• Wide 20 to 50°C outlet temperature range
• Ceramic disc valve for smooth, drip-free operation
• Strong 18.6 L/min flow rate

Worth checking

• No stated minimum pressure in the listing

We like

• Single-lever thermostatic control, simpler to use than dual-handle bars
• 38°C safety lock as standard, with a push-button override for hotter showers
• Automatically balances hot and cold water pressure to hold a stable temperature
• Solid brass construction with a chrome finish that resists tarnish and corrosion
• Fits any standard G1/2 shower hose

Worth checking

• Single outlet only, no built-in diverter for a second shower head
• No stated flow rate or minimum pressure in the listing

We like

• Adjustable hot limit stop acts as a built-in scald guard
• Grohe LongLife cartridge technology for smooth, accurate control
• Long-Life chrome finish resists tarnishing, wipes clean with a microfibre cloth
• Strong 43.9 L/min flow rate
• 5-year manufacturer warranty from an established name in bathroom fittings

Worth checking

• Not thermostatic, so it won't self-correct for pressure changes elsewhere in the house like the other picks on this list
• Noticeably pricier than the budget picks on this list

We like

• Temperature stop button helps prevent scalds for children or vulnerable family members
• Works across low-pressure gravity fed systems through to high-pressure combi boilers
• Fits into a standard UK wall cavity needing just 35mm of depth
• Salt spray tested chrome finish for lasting durability
• 5-year manufacturer warranty from an established UK brand
• Supplied with a full fitting kit including faceplate, wall outlet, and fixings

Worth checking

• Noticeably pricier than most other picks on this list
• Recessed fitting is a bigger job than the exposed bars on this list, best left to a confident DIYer or plumber

We like

• Square profile is a sharper, more modern look than the usual round bar
• 38°C safety lock as standard, with a push-button override for hotter showers
• Automatically balances hot and cold water pressure to hold a stable temperature
• Brass and chrome construction resists corrosion and tarnishing
• Pipe adaptor included for hoses with a G1/2 fitting

Worth checking

• No stated flow rate or minimum pressure in the listing
• Two-handle design rather than a single lever for adjustment

We like

• Matte black finish is a striking change from the chrome bars elsewhere on this list
• Anti-limescale cartridge designed for the UK's harder water areas
• Insulated inner tank keeps the exterior cool to the touch, reducing scald risk
• 38°C thermostatic lock with a one-touch safety override

Worth checking

• No stated flow rate or minimum pressure in the listing
• Two-handle design rather than a single lever for adjustment

We like

• Reaches your set temperature within seconds and holds it steady throughout the shower
• Anti-scald valve locks at 38°C for safety
• Eco-friendly flow control designed to cut water consumption by up to 40%
• Solid brass construction with a scratch and tarnish-resistant Starlight finish

Worth checking

• No stated flow rate or minimum pressure in the listing
• Two-handle design rather than a single lever for adjustment

We like

• Rated to work on as little as 0.5 bar, worth considering for a weaker gravity fed system
• Pre-sets to 38°C with an anti-scald override for safety
• Automatically shuts off if the cold water supply fails
• Adjustable 135-170mm connector spacing fits slightly different existing pipework
• Solid brass construction with a polished chrome finish

Worth checking

• 1-year guarantee is shorter than several rivals on this list
• No stated flow rate in the listing

We like

• Concealed design hides all pipework behind the wall for a cleaner look
• Anti-scald protection automatically cuts water flow if the cold supply fails
• Designed to be serviced without needing to re-plumb the wall behind it
• Solid brass construction throughout with a durable chrome finish
• Backed by an unusually long 10-year guarantee

Worth checking

• Concealed fitting needs pipework routed into the wall, a bigger job than the exposed bars on this list
• Handle fixing screws are on the light side, worth checking they are seated firmly during installation
• Inlet threads are 3/4" BSPP rather than standard UK metric fittings, worth checking compatibility before buying

We like

• LED display shows real-time water temperature, powered by water flow rather than batteries
• Two outlets can run simultaneously or independently via separate push buttons
• Removes the need to test water temperature by hand, a genuine help for children or elderly relatives
• Embedded box design avoids opening up the wall for maintenance
• Solid brass construction throughout

Worth checking

• A newer listing than most on this list, worth weighing the premium price against a less established track record
• No stated minimum water pressure in the listing