The best shower cubicles in the UK 2023

Do you want a well-appointed bathroom? The shower enclosure is the perfect mix of practicality and design. It is less expensive than a custom-made model and just as elegant as an Italian shower. Composed of glass walls and a faucet, the enclosure offers different options such as a hydromassage model or LED lights. To refine your choice, read our buying guide.

May & May Shower enclosure 1
9/10

Best value for your money

May & May Shower enclosure

The best shower enclosure

It is a rectangular enclosure shower enclosure, obviously in a sliding style. Its transparent tempered glass look, which is very safe, makes your bathroom beautiful to have.

303 £ on Amazon

This is a Mai & Mai enclosure shower with a rectangular sliding shower door. Given its size of 8x120cm, this sliding door shower does not take up much space in the bathroom. It is not very large, but offers a very handy opening system.

Its glass is made of ESG material which is very resistant to temperature change as well as to impact. For its finishing, it is also coated by Nano. Thanks to this, the reflections of the light do not degrade the state of the glass. The maintenance of this shower is very easy, by the nano easy-clean, the cabin is modifiable. Moreover, the aluminum profiles allow a very fast assembly.

Idralite Cabin Half Circular Shower Wall 2
7/10

Best value for your money

Idralite Cabin Half Circular Shower Wall

The best entry-level shower enclosure

This shower enclosure by Idralite is the cheapest on the market, but still looks great. Its circular design saves space in the bathroom.

234 £ on Amazon
Schulte integral shower enclosure kit 3
9/10

Best value for your money

Schulte integral shower enclosure kit

The best high-end shower enclosure

This shower enclosure, with its rounded style, includes all the components of a shower enclosure. The design of this one is very modern and easy to assemble because it is delivered in KIT.

487 £ on Amazon
Sogood Rectangular shower enclosure 4
9/10

Excellent

Sogood Rectangular shower enclosure

Alternative quality

A rectangular shower enclosure that is very resistant to shocks and heat. It has a simple but luxurious design.

335 £ on Amazon

This is a rectangular shower enclosure made by the brand Sogood. With a dimension of 90x120x195cm, it is wide enough for a comfortable use, but also less bulky. Its color remains the color of glass, that is to say transparent. Its Ravenna 17-2 display case is made of ESG safety glass, it is very resistant to temperature. Both sides of the glass are covered with Nano, so that it does not get damaged easily.

For its maintenance, it is the easiest to clean thanks to the Nano coating. This shower enclosure can be installed very quickly on a shower tray or Italian style, on the left or right side. You then have more alternatives as to its orientation in your bathroom.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best shower cabin

Any specific needs?

The best shower enclosure

The best entry-level shower enclosure

The best high-end shower enclosure

Alternative quality

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best shower cubicles

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
May & May Shower enclosure 5
9/10
Idralite Cabin Half Circular Shower Wall 6
7/10
Schulte integral shower enclosure kit 7
9/10
Sogood Rectangular shower enclosure 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
May & May Shower enclosure
Idralite Cabin Half Circular Shower Wall
Schulte integral shower enclosure kit
Sogood Rectangular shower enclosure
It is a rectangular enclosure shower enclosure, obviously in a sliding style. Its transparent tempered glass look, which is very safe, makes your bathroom beautiful to have.
This shower enclosure by Idralite is the cheapest on the market, but still looks great. Its circular design saves space in the bathroom.
This shower enclosure, with its rounded style, includes all the components of a shower enclosure. The design of this one is very modern and easy to assemble because it is delivered in KIT.
A rectangular shower enclosure that is very resistant to shocks and heat. It has a simple but luxurious design.
Handle
Square handle; chrome plated
Square handle; Chrome plated
Knob handle; chrome plated
Chrome-plated brass handle
Material
ESG glass/Nano coating
Glass
Glass
ESG glass
Quality
Dimension
80x120x195 cm
90x90x200m
90x90x200cm
90x120x195cm
Structure
Aluminum
Chrome plated aluminum
Silver plated aluminum
Aluminum

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Buying guide - shower cabin

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

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How to choose your shower cabin

We all know that a shower enclosure is the main element of a bathroom. But, it is difficult to find the right and adequate shower enclosure. Therefore, here are some points of reference to make the right choice.

#1 - The shape

It is important to know that the stall you choose depends on the space of your room, i.e. the shape and dimensions of your bathroom. Different configurations and geometric shapes are available:

  • square in the format 70x70 cm up to 90x90 cm,
  • rectangular in an area ranging from 80x115 cm up to 90x180 cm,
  • semi-circular up to 135 cm radius

Designers can eventually offer you custom-made models, which therefore justifies that the shape of your bathroom is the first criterion to consider. In the category of shape, it also comes to mind the materials that adorn your wall, for example: tile, wood, concrete or simple plaster, as it is possible that some cabins require a specific wall covering. Then comes to impose the shape of the enclosure you want to buy which depends mainly on your preference, what is certain is that there will be something for everyone.

#2 - The materials to be used

Geometrically, a shower enclosure is composed by:

  • Receiving compartment (tray) made of acrylic, ABS (reinforced acrylic) and possibly ceramic
  • Doors with various openings, which can be made of acrylic or safety glass
  • A set of taps, mixer or thermostatic mixer in chrome steel, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum epoxy or even PVC
  • A draining system or a siphoid bung
  • Acrylic, safety glass or ABS back walls.

Generally, the large elements of the enclosures are made of acrylics or securit glass. To make the right choice, you should know that acrylics are known for their light weight while securit glass is heavier, but still offers interesting thicknesses of 3 to 8 mm.

#3 - The use

The choice of a shower enclosure is based on its use and your needs. A shower enclosure can have various equipment and features designed to improve your comfort while showering. For example, a standard model will have a shower head or a hand shower, which will correspond to a basic use. On the other hand, for a better comfort you will find models better equipped like the presence of hydromassage jets for better relaxation.

In a word, evaluate your needs and choose a shower enclosure with the equipment that best suits your habits. Some are equipped with LED lights and music for light therapy.

#4 - The style of the opening

The access to the cabin is through a bay, which can accommodate different styles of opening. This criterion is important in the aesthetic aspect of your enclosure knowing that the opening can be covered by means of a pivoting shower door. This type of opening is the most classic, but is bulimic in terms of space.

Similarly, the opening can be sliding, this style is modern and frees up a considerable amount of space with sliding openings between them. The style of the opening also concerns the construction material of the door, which can be acrylic or glass, and is a major detail for the user.

How to install a shower enclosure by yourself?

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can install your own shower enclosure. It's not difficult, you just have to follow certain steps.

First of all, you need to prepare the shower tray for the enclosure. This task consists of setting up a flat, clean and adequate base for the equipment to be installed. To this end, do not forget to stop the water supply to connect and install all the pipes of the new shower, separating the pipe for hot and cold water.

Next, the preparation of the back wall of the shower cubicle, which will accommodate the mixer and the hand shower, according to the installation guide included with the material, is carried out, as well as the connection of the tap to the supply network and the mixer.

Then, the walls of the cabin will be mounted, so as to screw them well together. Once they are rigid, they can accommodate the cabin door. Finally, it is important to ensure that the enclosure is working properly and that it is watertight. A shower enclosure takes an average of two to three hours to install.

The different types of shower cubicles

There are different types of shower enclosures. They can be classified according to their configuration, functionality or type of opening. For this purpose, there are :

Hydromassage cabins

A simple hot shower was already soothing after a hard day's work, imagine what a luxury it would be to be massaged in the shower. For your well-being, there are now hydromassage cabins. This is possible by playing on the water jets whose pressure ensures the massage function.

The device can be provided in multi-jet or sequential jets. The nozzles in the faucet system can thus all operate at the same time to give more pressure to the targeted part which is called multi jet or operate independently with different rhythms for sequential jets.

Pivoting and swinging cabins

The opening differentiates well the shower stalls between them. Just like the doors in a house, shower stalls can be swinging or hinged. The big drawback to these types of stalls is that they require a larger space to allow the opening to swing open.

They can open inwards or outwards. In addition to the space requirement, they present a risk of water running off outside the cabin, so it is necessary to lay out mats outside, which is less practical and can be tedious. Despite these disadvantages, these cabins are very classic and are preferred for this usual swivel appearance.

Sliding cabins

Contrary to swivel cabins, these cabins are more modern and have the advantage of saving space. They are usually encountered in quarter-circle cabins, the sliding system is more accessible due to the overlapping of the doors with the opening.

The small drawback with these cabins is the difficulty of maintaining them, which requires users to handle them with great care. However, this should not be a problem if you buy a good quality cabin.

Monobloc or masonry cabins

Monobloc cabins

Also known as full cabins, these cabins offer maximum luxury in terms of comfort. Indeed, they can be accompanied by various features such as radio, aromatic scents, lighting. So you can sing and listen to music while bathing.

What's more, these cabins are easy to install, you could put them in place yourself, as they are delivered in kit form. The installation is limited to the fixing to the ground and the connection of the pipes to the sewage system.

Masonry cabins

For those who love to do-it-yourself, shower stalls can be built with bricks. You can build your own enclosure with the materials of your choice (bricks, glass blocks, wood, etc.) or have your mason do it.

These cabins are arranged by using a corner of the wall. They usually come without doors and their walls are tiled. These cabins are ideal for custom configurations.

Verdict

Monobloc cabins are more suited to users looking for modern amenities, but this does not detract from the quality of small masonry cabins, which are preferable for those who are not familiar with classic styles. The same is true for the type of opening pivot, swing or sliding, each of which has its advantages as well as its slight setbacks. In terms of functionality, hydro massager cabins seem to be a must for those seeking nirvana.

Why buy a shower enclosure?

To shower in a warm cocoon

This is the main strength of the shower cubicle. Indeed, you can shower in comfort because it keeps the heat inside. Whether it's a fixed or a modular enclosure, you're always warm. Apart from the door and the shower tray, which limit the exchange of heat with the outside, some shower stalls have a closed top. This further enhances heat retention.

A clean bathroom

Every time we take a shower, we leave water droplets everywhere, on the floor. It's sometimes annoying because you always have to sweep the carpet afterwards. With a shower stall, this problem will no longer exist. The water will stay inside the enclosure so that your bathroom floor will not get wet. This reduces your work in the shower.

For a perfect installation with less maintenance

Nowadays, shower stalls are becoming more and more sophisticated. Manufacturers are making sure to produce quality equipment for a reasonable price. The materials are chosen very carefully so that the cabins are very resistant. The glass doors have an anti-calc coating that is very easy to clean. It does not require any further maintenance. Once the enclosure is installed, there is nothing else to do. You can shower in comfort and tranquility.

For a personalized shower

It is possible to customize your shower enclosure. From luxury, classic, neutral, you can conform it to your taste. All you have to do is choose each element of the cabin so that the whole reflects your imagination. In addition, there are several additional possibilities such as hydromassage jets, radio, lighting... Everything is managed centrally.

Easy to assemble: in KIT

With a shower enclosure, you will have a complete structure, there is nothing to add because the equipment is included in the same package. So, you don't have to worry about choosing the right faucet, the right shower tray... It's both an easy and quality solution for everyone. In addition, there are several choices on the market. Everyone can have their own shower enclosure according to their possibilities.

The best brands of shower cubicles

In our opinion, the best brands of shower cubicles in 2022 are :

Mai & Mai
Idralite
Aica
Sogood
Schulte

It is a rectangular sliding shower enclosure ideal for small spaces. It offers decent quality in terms of strength and functionality at a very decent price. By purchasing their product, you will be getting a great deal.

This enclosure is for those with limited budgets, but looking for good strength. With a circular structure, it will beautify your shower room.

Thesmall size of Aica's corner stall is made for any type of space. It can be placed from right to left, and does not take up much space. With this cabin, the maintenance becomes simple, thanks to the anti-calc treatment integrated in it.

By its rectangular shape, the Sogood cabin adapts easily in your bathroom which will be embellished with all the necessary resistance and an excellent transparency. This stall is as its name suggests so well designed.

The Schulte stall stands out for its superior quality to other shower stalls. Schulte focuses on functionality, design and minimal maintenance. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate.

What is the price for a shower cabin

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
200 £ to 300 £
Mid-range
300 £ to 500 £
High-end
more than 500 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Install a shower stall

Most of the time, shower stalls are sold in kit form to facilitate their installation. First, there is the installation, which requires the preparation of the shower tray, in this case the planning of the surface and its cleaning. Secondly, it is necessary to prepare the back wall of the cabin, the preparations concern the assembly of the elements of the fittings and the fixing of the hand shower supports. Then comes the connection of the piping to the wastewater channels. It is after that the walls of the cabin can be built.

Maintain your shower stall

Being daily frequented and regularly wet, shower cabins depending on their type usually require maintenance and cleaning. The products that can be used for this purpose are: cleaning and washing solutions, white vinegar, essential oil of eucalyptus, baking soda.

What color to choose for your shower

The color is a means that conveys and message to the mind, the coloring in the decor allows to enhance a room. The color of the cabin will obviously be made according to that of the bathroom. The colors to be favored are curry yellow, blue, pine green and soft pink. The color to avoid is the green water for reasons of brightness.

Cleaning shower stall doors

For the cleaning of the doors of shower cubicle, you simply need a micro-fiber cloth and white vinegar. It is a very effective disinfectant and very practical for glass materials. To do this, you need to dilute white vinegar and soak the microfiber cloth. Afterwards, we clean the walls and let it act for at least an hour. Finally, we rinse with cold water and dry with a shower scraper.

To clean shower seals

Limescale stains are the common problems in all showers. Well, they are also present in the shower stalls if you don't do the maintenance periodically. Moisture and not working properly VMC are the main causes. To combat limescale, you should not wait to find major defects before acting. Cleaning is done with a toothbrush, hydrogen peroxide and toothpaste. Gently scrub the walls to remove white spots and rinse thoroughly afterwards. Always finish by drying with a shower scraper.

FAQ

What is the height of a shower enclosure?

There is no upper limit on the height of a shower enclosure, however a lower limit of 200 cm under the ceiling has been found in the models analyzed. But with the existing ranges, it is possible to find some enclosures with ceiling heights of 190 cm.

How do I measure a shower enclosure?

A shower enclosure generally has three free sides. The distances to be measured are those between the two outer edges and the wall and the front edge of the shower.

How do I calculate the radius of a semi-circular shower tray?

The dimensions of the shower enclosure are also an important selection criterion. One should place marks on the perimeter of the shower tray where the straight parts end. After that, we draw two perpendiculars from these points to get the radius.

Do I have to seal the shower enclosure inside?

To

ensure that the enclosure does not let water through, it should be sealed on the outside, never on the inside. If silicone is coated only from the inside, water will eventually get between the profiles. However, if silicone is used on both the inside and outside, water will not spill over.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to choose the perfect shower enclosure, kohler.co.uk
  2. Which shower enclosure should be chosen?, sanplast.pl
  3. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHOWER ENCLOSURE., hindwarehomes.com
  4. The 7 Best Shower Kits of 2021, thespruce.com
  5. The top five shower enclosures classified by ease of cleaning, ideagroup.it
  6. Benefits of shower enclosure, salledebain-online.com
  7. How to choose your shower enclosure?, leroymerlin.fr
  8. How to install a functional shower enclosure, prix-pose.com
  9. How to choose your shower enclosure, batinea.com
  10. Shower enclosure | Leroy Merlin, conseil.manomano.fr
  11. Shower enclosure : complete, rectangular, integral ..., leroymerlin.fr
  12. Shower enclosure - Shower | Cedeo, castorama.fr
  13. Integral shower enclosure : 70x70, 80x80 & 90x90 - Brico ..., cedeo.fr
  14. Buy cheap shower enclosure | BUT.fr, bricodepot.fr
  15. Shower enclosure | Espace Aubade, but.fr
  16. Shower enclosure, 90x90 shower enclosure | Bricomarché, espace-aubade.fr
  17. Shower enclosure - ManoMano, bricomarche.com
  18. Shower enclosure archives - Aurlane, manomano.fr
  19. Shower enclosure and shower accessories- GEDIMAT, aurlane.fr
  20. Integral shower enclosure - Permanent deals on ..., gedimat.fr
  21. Shower Enclosures | Bricoman, sanitaire.fr
  22. Shower Enclosures - Bathroom - Lapeyre, bricoman.fr
  23. Shower Enclosures - Habitat Destockage, lapeyre.fr
  24. Shower Enclosures | Kinedo, destockage-habitat.com
  25. Shower Enclosures - Showers | Cedeo, kinedo.com
  26. Leda Full Shower Enclosures | Espace Aubade, cedeo.fr
  27. The 7 Best Shower Enclosures - Comparison, Test ...., espace-aubade.fr
  28. Shower Enclosures - Bathroom | Black Friday fnac, ecomparatif.fr
  29. Integral Shower Enclosures | Moment Détente | SCHULTE, fnac.com
  30. Fitted Shower Enclosure - Weldom, schulte.fr
  31. Shower, Shower Tub & Walk-In Shower - Brico Dépôt, weldom.fr
  32. , bricodepot.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
May & May Shower enclosure 9
May & May Shower enclosure
Idralite Cabin Half Circular Shower Wall 10
Idralite Cabin Half Circular Shower Wall
Schulte integral shower enclosure kit 11
Schulte integral shower enclosure kit
Sogood Rectangular shower enclosure 12
Sogood Rectangular shower enclosure

Lecteurs

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