How to choose a shower cabin: what to look for before buying + manufacturer rating

The best inexpensive shower cabins: budget up to 20,000 rubles

Inexpensive showers cannot boast rich functionality. Therefore, the buyer should focus on build quality, materials and overall dimensions.

Niagara NG 6708

Rating: 4.8

An example of compactness, accessibility and functionality is the shower cabin Niagara NG 6708. Experts join the high ratings of users and give this model the first place in the rating. The shower cabin of the closed type is equipped with a high tray, the bottom of which has a corrugated surface. Thanks to the Antislip anti-slip system, safety is guaranteed during the adoption of water procedures.The high demand in the domestic market is explained by the reliability and durability of the structure. The metal framework represents the strong basis which is regulated on height.

The shower cabin looks impressive both outside and inside. The central panel is made of black plastic, and frosted glass is installed in front. The model is equipped with a 2-mode siphon and a rain shower option.

• affordable price;

• practicality;

• compactness;

• good ventilation.

not detected.

Niagara NG 3501

Rating: 4.7

An interesting combination of black, gray and white is implemented in the Niagara NG 3501 shower cabin. The second place in the rating is due to a number of reasons. It is objectively inferior to the leader in terms of the height of the pallet (26 cm versus 45 cm), the absence of a seat. At the same time, the model has compact dimensions (90x90 cm) and beautiful tinted glass. It is worth noting the safe acrylic pallet, which has a corrugated anti-slip surface. All of the above factors and low price helped to get ahead of other competitors.

The shower cabin was highly appreciated by consumers and experts for its practicality. It has everything you need for the average Russian buyer. The model perfectly copes with its main purpose, which deserves a place on a pedestal. It is bought for an apartment, a private house and a summer residence.

• affordable price;

• compactness;

• safe tray.

modest set.

Aqualux AQ-41700GM

Rating: 4.6

The Aqualux AQ-41700GM shower cabin has a good value for money. She managed to get into the top three among budget models due to the rich content. Many will not like the low pallet (15 cm), but the model has a full-walled fence.But even more admire and ordinary consumers and professionals functionality. The manufacturer has provided such options as vertical hydromassage, tropical shower, hydromassage of the back. The ventilation works well, and in order not to get bored while taking water procedures, a radio is installed in the cabin.

The user does not have to adjust the mixer handles, as the model is equipped with electronic control. The set includes a faucet, a shower head, shelves and a mirror.

Pros and cons

Shower cabins have a number of advantages:

• save space, because on average they occupy only 1-1.5 square meters. m;
• reduction in water consumption compared to the water consumption in the bathroom by about 3 times;
• multifunctionality - modern models are not just a washing place, but combine many pleasant healing procedures;
• ease of use - the ergonomic organization of the interior of the cabin allows you to quickly reach for a washcloth or detergent;

• high thermal efficiency, if we are talking about closed and combined models - due to the tightness of the structure, it quickly warms up and retains heat;
• a variety of models, thanks to which you can find a suitable model for a variety of rooms (from a bathroom in Khrushchev to a large room in a private house);
• ease of care (for care it is enough to use special tools, it is recommended to dry the surfaces after water procedures and ventilate the cabin);
• safety (the pallet has an anti-slip coating, all surfaces are impact-resistant, the heating elements are “hidden” inside the system);
• the ability to heat water, which is especially valuable if hot water is suddenly turned off.

The disadvantage of the system is the requirement for a constant water pressure. For the operation of additional options, a pressure in the pipes of at least 3 bar is required, for the operation of the shower - at least 1.5 bar. It is possible to level the inconstancy of the pressure by using special pumps. If it is not possible to achieve the latter indicators, special pumps are used, which are recommended to be installed as close as possible to the entry point of the water supply to the apartment or house.

The use of a three-stage water filter will help to avoid such a breakdown.

The higher cost of a high-quality model of a shower cabin can also be considered a minus compared to the price of a bathtub. As a rule, showers are installed instead of it, therefore, in addition to the cost of buying a cabin, you cannot avoid spending on dismantling the bathtub, repairing the room after dismantling.

Finally, even the most modern models will not replace the bath, because the shower is just an alternative.

Which brand of shower tray is better to choose

To select the most suitable model that can last for many years, you need to pay attention to the manufacturers that produce the products. Very often, you can determine the quality of a product by the reputation of its manufacturer, which greatly simplifies the search.

This collection contains products from the following companies:

• Ravak is a company founded in 1991. Produces high-quality interior elements for bathrooms. Each product of the brand has a sophisticated design, together with which it offers practicality in use. The company's products are designed to provide the user with comfort.
• Weltwasser is a company that has been operating in the field of shower enclosures since 2005. Products are manufactured in factories in West Germany.The company is actively engaged in the development of new design solutions that have a higher practicality.
• Wasserkraft is a brand that has been producing high-performance shower systems and accessories since 2004, among which there are many trays with a characteristic design.
• Radaway manufactures high quality, comfortable designer shower enclosures. The company has been operating since 2002. During its existence, its specialists have developed a large number of accessories with a non-standard appearance that can significantly change the look of the room for the better.
• Aquanet is a brand founded in 1997. Within a few years, the company was able to organize its own production of high-quality bathroom appliances. Then it was expanded, which allowed the production of designer accessories for any bathroom.
• Cezares is a Russian company that sells products of the world's most famous brands of sanitary ware/ceramics. Relatively recently, it launched the production of its own line of accessories for shower cabins, among which there are several high quality pallets.
• Rush is a Russian manufacturer that is actively developing in the production of high-tech solutions for bathrooms. Produces products accessible to most people, the quality of which ensures a long active service life.

Shower or bath - which is better? Pros and Cons

Any owner wants to equip his bathroom with maximum comfort and functionality. Therefore, the question of what is better to choose: a bathroom or a shower cabin appears quite often.To solve it, you need to carefully consider the pros and cons of each of these plumbing fixtures.

Shower cubicle: what is it good for

This type of plumbing is becoming more and more in demand. The main advantages of a shower cabin:

• Perhaps the most important plus, thanks to which a booth is purchased, is space saving, because this modern plumbing invention can be compactly placed in a small bathroom or an adjacent bathroom;
• Water is consumed less, respectively, and bills for its payment are reduced;
• Cabin doors are hermetically sealed, eliminating even the slightest splash of water on the floor and walls. In this case, you do not need to additionally purchase a rug and a curtain;
• A variety of sizes, allowing you to choose a cabin not only by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, but also by the dimensions of the body;
• Thanks to the non-slip tray (you can choose its shape and depth), taking water procedures will become more comfortable for the elderly and people with disabilities;
• Inside some models there is a built-in mirror that does not fog up from steam and hot water, as well as special convenient dispensers for bath products (gel, liquid soap, shampoo). It is very comfortable.

And for those who like to take a shower, there are many additional functions:

• "Tropical rain" - a nozzle built into the ceiling, sprays the water stream into small sprays, creating the effect of a summer downpour. This procedure will help relieve stress, calm down and relax;
• "Turkish bath" - a steam generator creates a temperature of up to 60 degrees, allowing you to warm up the body, cleanse it of toxins and improve the functioning of the circulatory system;
• "Aromatherapy" - some models are equipped with a connector that is filled with aromatic incense.Steam, passing through them, creates a pleasant smell and helps to relax;
• Hydromassage - water is supplied to the surface of the arms, legs, neck and back with enhanced power thanks to special nozzles that can be independently adjusted and directed in the right direction;
• You can connect a radio to the cabin and take a shower with music. You can also connect it to your phone, which will allow you not to miss an important call during water procedures.

Despite the huge list of advantages, this device also has disadvantages:

• The main disadvantage is the direct dependence on the pressure in the water supply system. This problem is especially acute in high-rise buildings. Therefore, before purchasing equipment, it is better to consult a qualified plumber;
• It is very difficult to hand wash clothes in a shallow pan;
• Bathing young children or washing pets is quite problematic;
• It will not work to lie horizontally in a large amount of water or foam;
• Relatively high cost of plumbing fixtures. If there are many additional functions, then the price increases even more;
• The service life of the product, even with the necessary proper care, is no more than 10 years. Pollution occurs especially quickly in regions where various impurities are present in large quantities in the water.

Bath: is the usual better?

Many still prefer the already familiar high-quality plumbing and do not want to change it to a modern one. The following advantages of the bathroom can be distinguished:

• An ideal place to relax - in the bathroom you can relax more comfortably, relieve muscle tension and calm down, taking a horizontal position.Water procedures can be supplemented with herbs, aromatics or sea salt;
• It is better to wash, lying in a plentiful amount of foam. This will help wash dirt and sweat from the body after a workout or hard physical work;
• It is more convenient to perform water procedures with children and accustom them to water and hardening;
• Easier to wash pets;
• Ease of maintenance and longer service life;
• Buying and installing a bath will cost much less.

The two main disadvantages are the increased water consumption and the need to allocate a large area for installation.

Disputes about what is still better - a shower and a bath, will always be. But, before making a choice, carefully weigh all the above pros and cons and select the option you need.

The principle of operation and the device of the shower cabin

Shower cabins are devices designed for taking water-hygienic procedures in a standing (sitting) position.

Depending on the design, variety of amenities and installation features, shower cabins are divided into:

1. Closed - these are sealed boxes that are made in different geometric shapes and are installed at your choice anywhere in the bathroom. They consist of a pallet, frame, door, ceiling and wall panels, rich functionality, outlets for sewerage, water supply and electricity,

2. Open there are only front (side) partitions with a door, a mixer, a shower head, a tray - fastening is carried out to one solid or two corner waterproofed walls.

3. Combined - the same closed and open models, the basis for which is a bath.There are also modifications built into room niches with a waterproof floor and an aesthetic ladder.

In closed cabins, characterized by versatility, available:

1. Normal, contrast and "tropical" shower;

2. Horizontal and vertical hydromassage;

3. Chromo- and aromatherapy;

4. Finnish sauna and Turkish bath;

5. FM radio, MP player and mobile communication.

The use of open modifications comes down to taking a regular shower, for which it is enough to raise the mixer lever and adjust the water temperature.

The operation of the combined versions provides for both bathing in the bathroom and receiving the above procedures.

Which shower cabin is better to buy

The main criteria for choosing a cab are size, design and availability of additional functions. On sale there are both compact models and large-sized ones, made in the correct shape (rectangle, quarter of a circle, etc.) and asymmetric. Which one to choose depends only on the size of the bathroom and personal preferences.

A hydrobox is the same shower cabin, but with additional options and technically better equipped.

By design, shower boxes can be open, closed and combined. The first two types have low or high pallets, they come with or without a roof. Combined cabins suggest the presence of a small bath instead of a pallet - they are also made open and closed.

The standard package of shower cabins includes a pallet, a supporting structure and walls, as well as the simplest plumbing.

More expensive and functional boxes can have an impressive number of additional options:

• hydromassage;
• chromotherapy;
• ozone therapy;
• sharko shower;
• steam generator;
• cascade and rain shower;
• aromatherapy.

Also, the design can provide a seating area, built-in FM receiver, control display, backlight and other functions.

The best premium enclosed showers

Monoblocks can have rich functionality, thanks to which they turn into a corner for relaxation. The presence of hydromassage, lighting, radio allows you to completely relax after a hard day.

WELTWASSER Eider S

Rating: 5.0

The shower cabin WELTWASSER Eider S has the entire set of modern functions. It became the leader of the rating thanks to its exquisite design and high-quality materials. The user can experience all the delights of the Turkish bath, herbal medicine, ozonization, therapeutic hydromassage and chromotherapy without leaving their home or apartment. At the same time, the model is quite compact, its rectangular dimensions are 98x88 cm. The manufacturer has equipped the cabin with only one hinged door;

The touch panel helps to manage this complex technique. Get real pleasure from water procedures allows multi-color lighting and radio.

• unlimited functionality;
• touch control panel;

• multi-color backlight;

• thermostatic mixer;

• artificial marble tray.

not found.

Timo Puro

Rating: 4.9

The Timo Puro shower cabin has become a worthy competitor to the leader. Experts highly appreciated the model's rich equipment and lower price. But at the same time, the manufacturer saved on the pallet by making it from acrylic, not marble. There is also no such healthy option as ozonation. The user will not be able to feel the effect of a summer thunderstorm.

But for those people who cannot tear themselves away from the phone even while taking a shower, the presence of a hands-free telephone will obviously be pleasant. By the way, in addition to listening to the radio, it is possible to connect another audio source. This feature is most useful to music lovers. This whole complex structure is controlled using a touch panel. The fullness of sensations from water procedures will be complemented by multi-color lighting.

• rich feature set;

• loud telephone connection;

• connecting external audio media.

simple design.

Luxus 535

Rating: 4.8

The spacious shower cabin Luxus 535 enjoys high popularity among domestic consumers. With the dimensions of the corner structure of 110x110 cm, the model bypasses its competitors due to its low price. Of course, the functionality is very limited compared to the leaders of the rating. Inside there is a rain shower, hydromassage of the back, located in the seat area. Eight jets are able to qualitatively stretch the muscle mass, half of which are located in the back area, and the rest are directed to the lumbar region.

The cab has a modern look with hands-free telephone, vertical and overhead lighting. The set includes a two-tier shelf, soap dispenser, towel holder, mirror. Select the desired mode of operation helps electronic control.

• thoughtful set of functions;

• loud telephone connection;

• stylish design;

• acceptable price.

there are quality issues.

Timo T-7701

Rating: 4.7

The Timo T-7701 shower cabin was just a little short of being in the top three. Certain disadvantages of the model have not gone away from the insightful look of experts. For example, some users may be put off by the lack of a speakerphone.Timo T-7701 loses to its closest competitor Luxus 535 in dimensions (100x100 cm). It will not be possible to massage the legs due to the lack of such an option.

Vertical massage looks very serious, where the manufacturer used 6 jets for the back and lower back. The positive qualities of the booth include an affordable price and a pleasant appearance. FM radio and overhead lighting make showering enjoyable and fun. And the convenient clik/clak drain system allows you to drain the water with the push of a hand or foot.

Best Medium Shower Trays

The category contains models of medium height, as balanced as possible and suitable for the vast majority of rooms. The purchase of such models will be the best solution in cases where it is not possible to correctly determine the required characteristics of the shower cabin components. When selecting the nominees, experts evaluated the popular models on the market of this type, and selected the best two options.

Cezares Tray-A-AH-120/100-15-W

Acrylic shower tray designed to be installed on the floor surface or specialized podiums. The height of the product is 150 mm, length - 1200 mm, width - 1000 mm. It has a rectangular structure with symmetrical sides. The pallet is made in a simple style, painted white. Mounted in shower cabins adjacent to the corner of the room.

The design of the product consists of a metal frame, which provides high resistance to weight loads / mechanical damage. The outer coating has anti-slip properties, making it user-friendly. The coating also has massage properties.The delivery kit includes a siphon capable of draining up to 25 liters of water per minute.

Advantages

• Rugged construction;
• Anti-slip surface;
• massage properties;
• High efficiency;
• Advanced, user-friendly design.

Flaws

High price.

Users note that the model has a rather high price, but it is fully justified. The pallet is very durable, easy to install and use, has useful properties (slip protection, massage). At the same time, it looks beautiful and fits well into any design. The delivery set includes an effective siphon, as well as a set of legs to increase the height of the pallet.

Rush Victoria VI-S90

Compact enameled shower tray with a square shape. The height of the product is 150 mm. In the delivery set there are legs, the height of which can be adjusted. This provides maximum installation flexibility and makes the product optimal for installation in a variety of environments. Also included in the package is a classic siphon and a decorative overlay for a drain hole made of chrome.

The framework of the pallet is made of two-layer sanitary plastic with an enamel covering. A sturdy frame made of galvanized steel is mounted inside. The outer surface of the model has an anti-slip property. It is equipped with small points, which provides a pleasant massage effect. At the same time, the surface is resistant to bacteria that form fungus or mold. Type of installation - wall, corner.

Advantages

• Sturdy steel frame;
• Convenient building;
• massage effect;
• Slip protection;
• Beautiful design;
• Flexible setting.

Flaws

The model is difficult to install.

In general, the tray is the most balanced option for any shower, as it has an adjustable height and a practical shape. It is as simple and pleasant as possible to use, as it has many useful properties. However, for proper installation, certain building skills are required that will help build the pallet as accurately as possible.

Functions

In addition to the standard shower, cabins may include the following options to increase comfort:

• Hydromassage;
• Tropical shower;
• steam generator;
• Ozone therapy;
• aromatherapy;
• Finnish sauna;
• Turkish sauna;
• Sharko shower;
• Internal illumination;
• Radio;
• Telephone;
• Seat.

Designs with a Turkish bath allow you to pleasantly relax after a busy day and strengthen the body. The steam generator is equipped with closed-type cabins, which are characterized by high tightness parameters and are equipped with a roof. Products with a sauna provide for quick heating of steam to a pre-set temperature and allow you to enjoy the benefits of a Turkish steam room without leaving your home.

Additional comfort is provided by models with a bathtub, which are characterized by increased capacity and organically combine the functionality of a cabin with the opportunity to soak in a classic font.

The multifunctional shower box is also equipped with a hydromassage system, which helps to heal the body and increase muscle tone. The option provides for a set of different types of massage jets and their layouts, which allow you to influence certain areas of the body with different strengths.

Internal lighting, molded seats and mirrors help to increase the convenience when taking procedures.The presence of a radio and telephone allows you to enjoy swimming to the pleasant sounds of music and always stay in touch, and the presence of ozonation and aromatherapy functions make it possible to improve your health.

How does a shower cabin work, the principles of its functioning

Before choosing a shower cabin for your home, you will need to study the principles of its operation, so that if something happens, you can know exactly where it needs to be fixed. In addition, the shower cabin is a rather complex mechanism, therefore, in order to use it, it is necessary to find out in advance its main functionality.

In fact, any shower cabin designed for the bathroom is designed in such a way that you can take water procedures in it in a standing or sitting position. The designs of such devices are very different, so for you, first of all, there is a choice of the design of the shower stall. Such devices are divided into separate types, which differ not only in functionality, but also in a variety of amenities, as well as installation features. Therefore, many users are worried about how to choose a shower enclosure in a small bathroom, because for most buyers, bathrooms do not take up very much space.

For such buyers, it is especially important to understand what shower stalls are. They, in turn, are divided into the following types:

Closed showers. These are booths that are hermetically sealed so that water does not spill onto the floor and flood your walls, since water in such devices splashes in different directions. In addition, these shower stalls can be of various shapes, so you can install them in the places where it is convenient for you.Often, such booths consist of a pallet, a frame, a special door, several panels and a rather rich functionality. Such boxes are great for those who would not like to take up a lot of space in the bathroom with just a shower, but at the same time are ready to pay for a device in which you can not only take a shower, but also give yourself a massage or aromatherapy.
Open showers. They have only side and front doors, as well as a shower head and a special faucet. The water flow is directed towards two walls that have insulated gaskets to keep water from seeping in and dripping onto your floor.
Combined showers. Such showers have universal properties and functionality that combines the features of open and closed showers.

However, in the combined cabins there are some improvements that have a waterproof floor, as well as a rather beautiful ladder, with which you can carefully and safely climb inside the cabin.