Combi boilers are very common in new homes. These boilers don't have any tanks or water cylinders. Instead, the water is heated when you need it. If you want to learn more about the different types of boiler, take a look at our comprehensive guide to water pressure.
With a combi boiler you can usually expect to have between 1 and 2 bar pressure. This means you have a large range of showers to choose from including those with multiple outlets.
What Are The Best Showers For Combi Boilers?
Thermostatic Shower Valves
Thermostatic shower valves are the ideal choice for combi boilers as they can provide a reliable and continuous temperature.
If you have a combi boiler and someone else in your home uses the hot water, the temperature of the water can fluctuate as the boiler can only produce a certain amount of hot water at any given time. Thermostatic mixer valves are designed to maintain the temperature within a few degrees of what you set. This means if someone else uses the hot water, your shower won't suddenly become very hot or freezing cold.
Digital Shower Valves
Digital shower valves are also a great choice for anyone with a combi boiler. They allow you to set the temperature and flow rate of the shower using a digital panel, so you can be sure the temperature of the water is always perfect.
You can find digital showers with other great features including LED indicator lights and handy remotes. You can also set a maximum water temperature to keep you and your family safe.
Manual Shower Valves
Manual shower valves can also be used with combi boilers. They can usually be used with both high and low pressure systems so you should be able to find one which is compatible with your combi boiler.
Manual shower valves are simpler than thermostatic shower valves so they are cheaper to install. However, unlike thermostatic valves the temperature isn't controlled by the valve. This means if you have a combi boiler and someone else in your home uses the water supply, you could get a nasty hot or cold surprise. As a result, we don't recommend their use in homes with young children.
Outlets
A combi boiler with a reliable water pressure opens you up to having multiple outlets in your shower. This could be 2 outlets with a fixed shower head and a separate handset. Or, both of those and a separate body jet with a 3 outlet shower.
Which Showers Won't Work With Combi Boilers?
Power Showers
The main type of shower that won't work with a combi boiler is the power shower. These are designed to increase the flow rate of tank fed water supplies. Combi boilers will produce hot water at a fixed flow rate, so their pressure can't be increased by power showers.
However, as the majority of combi boilers can produce at least 1 bar of pressure, you shouldn't need to worry about increasing flow rates.
