Bath or shower - which is better? Comparative review

Relaxation

Nothing better than water will allow you to relax and unwind after a hard day. The effectiveness of relaxation largely depends on which water procedures you have chosen.

A shower cabin will easily give you the opportunity to relax your body and soul. Substitute your tired muscles under the directed jets of water, beating under strong pressure from wall nozzles, and in a few minutes you will feel as wonderful as after a professional massage session.

By the way, the nozzles can be mounted at different levels, which will allow every member of the family, including the smallest ones, to regularly enjoy such hydromassage.The soft pressure of water pouring from the ceiling shower will create the effect of a summer rain and help calm overexcited nerves. Some models are equipped with steam generators, which allows you to simulate the microclimate of a bath inside the shower cabin.

As you can see, it is quite possible to relax in the shower. But how can this compare with the opportunities that a bath provides you? Only in the bathroom can you lie down calmly with your eyes closed and your legs stretched out. Only in the bathroom you can soak up the fragrant foam and enjoy the smell of essential oils. Only in the bath your skin is deeply steamed, which guarantees the preservation of its elasticity and blooming appearance, and gives you a feeling of lightness and good mood. Only in the bathroom, finally, you can retire with your favorite book - here, for sure, no one will distract you.

And in the bathroom you can spend pleasant moments alone with your soulmate. Is it possible for you to enjoy the flickering of candles in your soul? Drink champagne? Throwing rose petals on the waves? Have intimate conversations, after all? It is unlikely that you will choose a shower cabin if you still have at least a little romance left in you.

Types of shower cabins

1. Open models are considered the most affordable and simple. They do not have a ceiling, so they communicate with the space of the room. In some cases, this is a significant disadvantage, for someone openness is not crucial. The most common today are open cabins in the shape of a quarter circle. They are also called corners.

2. Cabins of a closed type are called monoblocks. They are a sealed capsule, which is completely isolated from the room.Such models usually have large dimensions, a wide range of functions, and the microclimate inside the box is much warmer than in the room.

3. People who like to take a shower and bathe in the bath choose combination showers. Their distinguishing feature is the presence of a high or deep pallet. And given that some models have a length of up to 150 cm with a height of about 60 cm, the user receives two pieces of plumbing equipment in one shower. However, spacious models will take up a lot of free space in the room.

Our review includes the best showers. When compiling the rating, the experts took into account the technical parameters of the applicants, the price range, as well as consumer reviews.

shower cabin

Flaws:

• It is impossible to take a bath - even showers with a deep tray will not be able to use it as a full-fledged bath

• Your apartment will not have the same large capacity

• The shower cabin has moving parts (hinged or sliding doors), which means that there may be breakdowns that can reduce the comfort of using the cabin

Advantages:

• Takes up less space than a bathtub

• Cabin - a single construct - it includes a shower head, and shower racks, and curtains that protect the bathroom from splashes, many models include radio, Charcot's shower, and rain shower

• Less water consumption when using the cabin

• Taking a shower takes less time than taking a bath

It's not bad too. The question remained open - what is better bath or shower?

You can search for answers or reviews on the Internet, or you can use our tips.

Varieties

Shower cabins can be closed and open.Closed - completely closed around the entire perimeter and have a roof - this allows the steam to condense, and a sauna effect is created.

Open - partially enclose the shower area, since there is a shower door or partition between the walls. Cabin doors are made of high-strength glass (they can be frosted, transparent and rough), some models have sliding doors.

When purchasing a shower cabin, it must be taken into account that it must be at least 0.8 × 0.8 m in size, otherwise being in it will resemble a rack in a bottle.

Shower tray

For the manufacture of pallets, cast iron, steel, ceramics, artificial marble and acrylic are used. Each of these materials has its own characteristics.

For example, cast-iron enameled pallets are durable, but warm up for a long time, steel ones create noise with high water pressure, and ceramic pallets can break when a heavy object falls on them. Marble - durable and comfortable, have a beautiful view and create the effect of luxury.

Acrylic pallets also look very nice, but the surface is not scratch resistant. In principle, scratches on acrylic can be easily removed at home, for this you do not need special skills.

pros

• Saving bathroom space. A shower cabin is ideal for small bathrooms, as it takes up 2.5 times less space than a bathtub.
• Safety - there is no possibility of injury while taking a shower. They are made from a safe to use and non-slippery material (plastic), so slipping in the shower is quite difficult.
• Profitability - 2-3 times less water is consumed than when taking a bath.

• Availability of additional features. In the shower cabin there can be radio, telephone, sound therapy.Some models have the function of a Turkish bath - a special roof that holds steam. This cabin contributes to the maintenance of good health and mood.
• Health care. You can take inhalations or take treatments such as aromatherapy. Of course, this is possible only in expensive and multifunctional booths. Some shower cabins help rejuvenate you after a hard day's work with chromotherapy, or light therapy. Many multifunctional showers have built-in massage functions.
• Lots of installation and configuration options.

Minuses

• High-quality rectangular showers with good doors have a fairly large width.
• With a weak water pressure (less than 1.5 bar) in the house, in the shower stall you can only take a shower, no matter how multifunctional it is.
• Over time, a white coating remains on the glass doors and walls, from dried drops of water. It is necessary to wipe the walls and doors very carefully after taking a shower.

But the dimensions of this type are larger than the dimensions of a conventional box. But don't worry - the purchase is worth it.

Video: Shower cabins How to choose and install a shower cabin

Quantity and quality of procedures in the bathroom and shower

It all depends on personal requirements and preferences. Many simply need a cool morning shower, while others cannot live without a hot bath in the evening. Well, if there is an opportunity to compare the requirements and resolve the issue positively, but if you make a strict choice, you will have to think carefully.

Choosing a bath, you will be sure that on any day you can relax in a cool, warm or hot bath, take procedures for rejuvenation, treatment, weight loss, and so on, which is unrealistic to do in a shower cabin. Also, a hot tub, a spa bath with serious modern features, a double jacuzzi bath and so on can always be installed.

Speaking about the shower, you can find no less advantages, for example, an imitation of a sauna or a steam room, which is unrealistic to do in a bath. In addition, you can always get a cool hydromassage, simultaneous and versatile, and a huge number of pleasant procedures that are programmed in showers.

Our advice

No matter how trite it sounds, but first of all, you need to start from your own needs.

Are you young and dynamic? Never filled a bathtub completely? Does it take you 5-10 minutes for a full bath?
Most likely, a cabin or shower enclosure will be more comfortable for you.

1-2 times a week do you fill the bath with hot water, in which you can soak for about an hour? Do you use fragrances? Is taking a bath a kind of ritual for you, which allows you to fully relax, gain strength?
Of course, your choice is a bath.

But what if you usually use a shower head, but are worried that a bath may be needed, but it will not be?

If you have children or you are a young married couple, be sure to install a bath.
With the advent of the baby, you will immediately understand all its advantages - it will be convenient to put a baby bath in it, and the splashes will almost not scatter, you can put a stool or a high chair next to it and sit with your baby, it will be much more convenient to photograph the baby with it.
If you have small children or plan to have them, don't even think about it - a bath will be better, more convenient.

If you want to put a shower in order to “win a place” in a small bathroom (this is especially true for “Khrushchevs”), and you take a bath, although occasionally, but take a good think - in order to return the bath back you will have to completely redo it repair. Yes, the cubicle will allow you to squeeze a washing machine into the scanty Khrushchev bathroom, but do this only if you are 100 percent sure that you don’t need a bath.

If you've fallen for the trend and want a neat splash-proof enclosure for your bathroom, take a look at modern glass bath screens (we've prepared an entire article for you with examples). Perhaps you will find a beautiful and stylish solution here.

And finally, if you are absolutely sure that you do not need a bath, you have never taken it and will not take it, install a shower stall or shower enclosure (corner).

If you decide to install a bath, find your glass curtains in the bathroom in our article.

If you prefer the usual fabric curtains, find out what bathroom cornices can be.

It can be summed up - in our opinion, a bathtub has more advantages than a shower one, and modern accessories (glass curtains or a comfortable cornice, a shower block or a rack) can completely transform it.

Water consumption

The widespread introduction of individual water metering devices made us finally seriously think about saving, and in the dispute between the bathroom and the shower, a new argument appeared. The volume of a medium-sized bath is about 200 liters. This is the amount of water you will spend on bathing.Nightly repetition of this procedure for many may be too expensive.

Those who prefer to rinse in the shower spend three to four times less water, which means that installing a shower cabin leads to a significant reduction in utility bills, which means it is beneficial for the family budget.

Here again the word “but” appears ... We used the verb “rinse” above for a reason, which implies that you will spend a few minutes in the shower just to wash the dirt and sweat off your body. If you prefer not to rush anywhere, if you love to sing while in the shower, if you like to stand under tight jets of water for a long time, then this means that you spend no less water each time than you need to fill the bath. Of course, there can be no talk of savings in this case.

The best shower cabins 120x120 with a low tray

Another popular category of such products is overall shower cabins 120 120, which you can buy in the case of a fairly spacious bathroom. With an area of ​​​​120x120 cm, the cabins are equipped with both a low and a high pallet. To begin with, the experts considered the first option, where the height of the lower section is on average 15-20 cm. The review included those models that have standard and advanced features.

SSWW BU108A

A spacious bathroom can allow the installation of a double box from the well-known brand SSWW. The lifting height of the BU108A structure is only 15 cm, the back wall is hollow without joints, made of reinforced acrylic. For a comfortable stay, 2 seats and shelves are installed inside. Extended functionality offers not only a tropical shower, but hydromassage of the back, legs, ozonation, chromotherapy.High safety is ensured by protection against overheating, temperature control.

Advantages:

• capacity;
• High level of comfort;
• Wide functionality;
• High-quality, durable fittings;
• FM radio, Bluetooth;
• Receipt already assembled;
• High security score.

Flaws:

• High price;
• Fixed pallet type.

There are a lot of reviews about this model due to its popularity around the world. After ordering, you do not need to wait for assembly by a specialist, pay for the service, the design arrives already assembled.

WeltWasser WW500 EMMER 12015

The quality and durability of this box is ensured not only by German impeccability, but by silicone-free assembly, durable tempered glass 5 mm thick, closed design, high safety indicators. The height of the acrylic tray is 16 cm. Of the main options, top rain, hydromassage jets, a watering can, and a flexible hose are noted. Of the additions - a mirror, shelves, ventilation, lighting, touch control panel, radio, speaker, Bluetooth.

Advantages:

• All fittings made of chrome-plated metal;
• Modern LED lighting;
• Touch control;
• A wide list of additional options, features;
• Ease of operation.

Flaws:

Price.

At the first glance at this offer, the country of origin, the high quality of fittings, faucet, many innovations, modern options are immediately evident. Also a good indicator is the control over the temperature regime, which increases the service life, the safety of the box.

Which is better, a bathtub or a shower cabin: we compare the advantages of these devices

When asked what to choose, a bath or a shower, it is impossible to get the right answer without comparing all the advantages that these plumbing fixtures have. Although everything is ambiguous here, since in addition to their advantages, other equally important factors can affect the choice. But about them a little later, but for now we will focus on the merits of a shower cabin, which may affect your decision.

1. Saving bathroom space. If you are the owner of a small apartment, then this advantage of a shower cabin may have an impact in favor of choosing it. Despite the seemingly impressive dimensions of the shower cabin, it takes up much less space in terms of area than a bathtub. After its installation, there is space not only for the toilet and a small washbasin, but also for the washing machine. Moreover, if you choose a small shower cabin (for example, 800x800mm), then not only a narrow top-loading washing machine, but also a horizontal-loading washing machine, which is somewhat wider, can fit on the side of it.
2. Water saving. Few people pay attention to this factor - as a rule, we pay not so much for water. But if you think about it and compare the amount of water consumed by a bathroom and a shower during the year, then the difference in bills for payment will be impressive. By the way, it will be noticeable even after a month of using one or another plumbing fixture.
3. Hygiene. A shower washes away dirt from you and sends it straight down the drain, and while taking a bath, you bask in hot water, forgetting that, in fact, you are swimming in microbes washed off your body, which, despite the transparency of the water, are quite numerous.
4. Rapidity. With a shower, you don't have to wait for the water to fill up like in a bath.Of course, this statement can be countered with a shower curtain, but one should not forget about such inconveniences of a bath when taking a shower in it, such as the height of its walls and splashes flying in all directions, from which the curtains are weak protection.

Benefits of a shower cabin

These are all the main advantages that a shower cabin provides us. The reasons, of course, are weighty, but without opposition from the side of the bath, they mean little, and the answer to the question of which is better, a bath or a shower enclosure, will be incomplete. What are the benefits of using a bath?

• The opportunity to relax and steam your bones well. You can’t do this in a shower cabin - while standing in a shower, most of the muscles remain tense. As for the phrase “steam the bones”, then in the shower such an effect can be achieved after a rather long period of time, which will undoubtedly entail water overspending, negating one of the advantages of a shower cabin.
• The ability to take therapeutic baths with the addition of herbs, oils, salt and other additives to the water to improve the body. In addition, if we talk about a bathtub with a hydromassage installation, then not a single shower cabin can compete with it in its beneficial properties for human health.
• In a shower, unlike a bath, the hostess will not be able to rinse the washed blanket, bathe and temper a small child, and do many other things that require a water tank with high sides.
• If we talk about strong pollution of the body, then the shower cabin will not cope with them - in the bath, the dirt simply sours from the body, and no extra gestures are needed to remove it.

Which is better: bath or shower

I don’t know what conclusion you came to after familiarizing yourself with the advantages of these two plumbing fixtures, but you have not yet decided on the decision of the question of which is better, a bath or a cabin. It will help to make the right decision comparing the functionality of these plumbing fixtures.

The video clip clearly shows the advantages and disadvantages of a shower cabin and a bathtub, and also provides assistance in answering the question, which is better, a shower cabin or a bathtub?

Modern bathtubs

Long gone are the days when we had to choose between a cast-iron or steel bathtub in a rectangular shape and standard sizes. Today, the range of baths in diversity is hardly inferior to shower cabins.

In addition to the classic rectangular shape, they are now angular, oval and round. Their sizes vary in a very wide range from 120 cm to 210 cm.

The material of manufacture also expanded its boundaries. Acrylic, ceramics, natural stone and glass were added to the well-known cast iron and steel.

In terms of functions, a modern bathtub also does not lag behind a shower cabin. Many models have a hydro, aero or turbo massage mode. And the widest range of colors makes it possible to choose them for any design of the bathroom.

In addition, now there has been a fashion trend, which is increasingly preferred by many designers - a free-standing bathtub or a model of an unusual shape.

Shower cabin - advantages and disadvantages

People who love to take a shower note its following advantages:

It is difficult to argue that the positive qualities are undeniable. But there is another side of the coin:

1. Good quality models with a tight door often take up a lot of space, saving little space.They are not suitable for small rooms.
2. Many functions such as tropical rain, hydromassage are only possible with good water pressure. Otherwise, they will not function.
3. The shower does not allow you to relax, leaving the muscles in tension.
4. After drying, the water leaves plaque on the walls and doors.
5. Caring for cabins is more complicated than for bathtubs. The presence of a large number of metal elements takes additional effort when cleaning.
6. Such devices cost much more than bathtubs.
7. Installation of a shower cabin is not so simple. It will require special skills from the owner.
8. Lie down in warm water in the shower will not work.
9. It is difficult to bathe children and pets in the shower.

The only thing that eliminates all the negative aspects is the quality of modern models.

Description of shower installations

If the room where the equipment will be installed is small and the bath is difficult to fit, then alternative options should be considered. A well-chosen shower system will make the washing process convenient and will not take up much space.

Finishing materials

The design of the cabin and the corner is different. However, the materials used are the same. Doors require tempered glass. Its thickness can be 4, 6 and 7-8 mm. More often than others, they take 6 mm glass. The service life of such doors reaches 30 years.

Glass is transparent and frosted. In the first case, streaks of water will be visible. The second option is chosen to create a private environment. On matte doors, stains and scratches are less visible.

Pallets for cabin and corner are made from:

• enamelled cast iron
• become;
• acrylic;
• ceramics;
• plastic;
• stone;
• marble;
• tree.

Acrylic products are the most common.They are characterized by lightness, quickly heat up under the influence of warm water, and are easy to clean. Due to the lack of enamel, they do not darken over time. However, the strength of acrylic is low.

With intensive use, the service life will be 2-3 years, with moderate use - 10 years. For the manufacture of pallets, they also use quaryl - acrylic with the addition of quartz sand, which makes the material harder.

The second most popular material is steel. In this case, high strength of the product is provided. But such pallets rattle loudly when water is drawn. In addition, the alloy does not retain heat well.

Cast iron is durable. A pallet made of this material will last for several decades. It keeps heat well. Disadvantages: large mass and high price.

The advantage of ceramic products is a long service life. Components made of natural and artificial stone are expensive. They are heavy but durable.

shower cabin

This system is completely closed, there is no need to mount it to the walls. The set includes a faucet, shower and fittings. The back panel is opaque, it contains a control panel, shelves, hydromassage nozzles, showers, etc.

The side and front sides (sliding or folding doors, as well as panels) are made of glass. The tray can be high, which makes it possible to take a bath.

The shower cabin includes many functions.

shower corner

This structure is formed by a metal frame, glass walls and doors. The system can be mounted in the corner of the bathroom, then 2 sides are closed by the walls of the room, the other 2 - by glass panels.

Mount the corner with seals and sealant to avoid leaks. The building has no roof. Plumbing is built into the wall or installed on it.

Compact shower enclosure

Main differences

The cabin is a finished piece of equipment. It is already equipped with everything you need. It is a complex with different types of shower, seat, hydromassage, sauna, aromatherapy and ozonation. Installed in an already renovated bathroom. It has 4 walls, a roof and a pallet.

The corner is a simple glass railing, the owner of the apartment or house fills it with the necessary components on his own.

What is a shower corner

The corner for the shower is a banal fence. But! Having met him in the department of the store, it is quite possible not to understand what it is. After all, there it is installed on a pallet and looks like a shower cabin. But there is one sign that clearly distinguishes it even at first glance - there is no mixer and shower head.

Sellers, purely for the sake of beauty, install shower enclosures on pallets, after which beautiful photos are shown on websites. But no one just bothers to install a faucet. But it is clearly visible, even if the doors are closed. Here's what you should focus on when buying.

Differences in design

Bath device

Bath device

Any bath is a monolithic bowl with high sides and a hole for draining water. The exception is the combined models made of acrylic and glass, which have sealed seams on the body. Due to the large capacity, bathtubs provide an opportunity not only to wash, but also to relax, enjoy the bathing procedure.

Bathtubs from various materials

Standard models are oval and rectangular in shape, which allows a person to lie down comfortably and straighten his legs, if, of course, the size is correctly selected. For small spaces, there are corner models in which you can comfortably sit in a reclining position. And then there are sitz baths, which appeared not so long ago, but are already in demand. They are compact, ergonomic, ideal for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Bathtubs of an unusual shape

Baths for the elderly and disabled

Baths differ in size, height of the sides, the presence of additional accessories. Many models have legs, which makes it easier to connect to the sewer. Lightweight structures require a supporting frame, which is usually covered with a decorative screen.

Bath shapes and sizes

Depending on the type, bathtubs are installed close to the wall, in a corner or in the middle of the room, in addition, they can be built into the floor.

Dimensions of a standard rectangular bath:

• length 150-180 cm;
• width 70-85 cm;
• the height of the sides is 40-75 cm.

Depending on the material, the weight of the product varies over a very wide range - from 25 kg (acrylic) to 1200 kg (natural stone).

Freestanding oval bath

Built-in bath

Bath massage systems

Shower cabin device

Unlike a bathtub, a shower enclosure includes several elements: walls, a shower panel, a tray and a cover. There are three types of such structures - with an open top, completely closed and combined.

Components of a shower cabin

Cabins without a top cover (open) are the most budget option.To assemble the cabin, a pallet is installed in one of the corners of the bathroom, connected to the sewer, walls and a door are mounted on an aluminum profile from the open side along the edge.

A shower cabin today is not just an alternative to a bath, but also an interior detail that should harmoniously fit into the bathroom.

The faucet and shower head are attached to the walls of the bathroom. Due to the simplicity of the design, the dimensions of the cabin can be selected at your discretion, and the installation process does not require special knowledge. But open cabins also have disadvantages: due to the lack of a top cover, it is not possible to install additional options in the form of a steam generator, several shower modes and ozonation, and during procedures, wet fumes spread throughout the room.

Shower cabin - convenient and practical

Simple shower cabin

Closed models are a self-contained design, isolated from the bathroom microclimate. It consists of a pallet, walls with a door, a top base and a multifunctional panel. Such a cabin can be placed in any convenient place, the main thing is to be able to connect it to the water supply and drain pipe. In the case of a major overhaul of a bathroom or a move, the structure can be easily dismantled and folded, and it will not be difficult to install it even for a non-specialist.

shower roof

Shower cabins of the closed type

Combined structures, or shower boxes, are equipped with bathtubs instead of a pallet, and the walls are attached along the edge of the sides of the bowl. They are made both in open and closed versions, depending on the model. Here all the advantages of both cabins and baths are combined, for example, you can install a cascade shower or a Charcot shower at the same time as a jacuzzi.Design cons: high price and large dimensions (compared to a conventional cabin).

Bath and shower combination

Standard sizes of shower cabins:

• open and closed models of a symmetrical shape - 80x80, 90x90 and 100x100, 120x120 cm;
• asymmetrical shape - 100x80, 120x80, 110x90, 120x90 cm;
• height - from 170 to 240 cm.

Dimensions (dimensions) of shower cabins

Final comparison and conclusion

Bath	shower cabin
Footprint	Requires more space	Can be installed in small spaces
Water consumption	More	Less if you take a short shower
Multifunctionality	Many ways to use not for its intended purpose	Ways of use not for its intended purpose are much less
What is best for children	Children love to bathe more	The shower is less attractive to small households
What is best for people with disabilities	In some cases, a bath is contraindicated or available	Cabins with low pallets are better suited
Relaxation	More possibilities	Fewer features
Additional functions	Comes with a few extra features	Can be equipped with many additional features
Care and cleaning	Less demanding	More demanding

So, after weighing all the pros and cons, you can decide what to choose - a bath or a shower. There is no single answer to this question. You will have to make the final decision yourself. As you may have noticed, the pros and cons of each option are approximately equal, which means that you will not only have to focus on the advantages and disadvantages of this or that type of plumbing equipment, but also understand what you want yourself.

Are you a supporter of a calm and measured lifestyle? Do you think that the best way to relieve tension and stress is to soak in warm water? Then a traditional hot tub, as if created for you to relax, is undoubtedly your choice.

Do you love the speed of modern life? Do you consider yourself to be a practical and constantly in a hurry people, for whom water procedures are just a hygienic norm? We have no doubt that you will give preference to a stylish shower cabin - a modern solution for a dynamic life.

Think, evaluate, weigh...