Best Thermostatic Shower Mixer Valve

Thermostatic mixer valves are the most common type of shower control. A thermostatic shower valve can either be concealed or exposed. This means that not all the important working parts of the valve are buried within the wall or they leave a neat control plate to show or they are contained outside of the wall in a bar shape. Concealed thermostatic shower valves always look neater and definitely are much safer but need more work when installing.

They accurately regulate the temperature of the water whether the volume of water entering the valve is warm or cold. This automatic adjustment to the flow of water, both hot and cold is barely noticeable as it builds up. This makes it safe for your household especially if you have children. Choosing the best thermostatic shower mixer valve can be a tedious task with so many options to choose from. We have narrowed down some of your options below:

KES Thermostatic Mixing Valve

This valve is ideal for bathrooms, washrooms, and kitchens. It has a shape memory alloy cartridge that ensures precise and long lasting control. It has a premium brass faucet body that ensures quality and longevity. If you need water higher than 38 degrees Celsius, press the red button.

Features

• High-quality brass material
• Connection: 1/2” male straight threads
• Inlet cold water temperature requirement: 1-29 degrees Celsius
• Outlet water temperature requirement: 20-48 degrees Celsius
• Inlet hot water temperature requirement: 45-99 degrees Celsius

Pros

• Value for money.
• Easy to install.
• Temperature accuracy in regulation

Cons

• You need a hose connection with a seal for both the input and output sides.
• Not very sturdy.
• Non-rated mixing valve by any inspection board.

GROHE Grohtherm Smart Thermostatic Trim

This is one of the best thermostatic shower mixer valve with a minimalist design that aesthetically enhances any modern bathroom. It has a chic, slim thermostat that’s flexible as ever, allowing you to have an enjoyable shower. Its turbo stat technology prevents any unpleasant temperature fluctuations. Its SafeStop override button prevents scalding. It has a quick fix system that makes it fast to install.

Features

• Temperature control
• Triple function control
• Turn knob to control water volume
• Push ON/OFF button
• Scratch and tarnish-resistant surface.
• In-built check valve dirt strainer

Pros

• Family-friendly.
• Value for money.
• Volume control.
• Easy to install.
• Temperature regulation accuracy.

Cons

• Must be installed in combination with Grohe Rapido Smartbox which is sold separately.
• Volume control only reduces output by 10%.
• Features are a little complicated to learn to use.

Rozin Thermostatic Mixing Valve

This thermostatic mixer valve has temperature control with non-return inlets. Has stepless adjustments and ½” male connections. It connects hot and cold water to give a mixed output. Rozin is a registered brand in the USA.

Features

• Brass body material
• Shape memory alloy cartridge
• Inlet cold water temperature requirement: 1-29 degrees Celsius
• Outlet water temperature requirement: 20-48 degrees Celsius
• Inlet hot water temperature requirement: 45-99 degrees Celsius

Pros

• Temperature regulation accuracy.
• Value for money.
• Precise control.
• Mixes well.

Cons

• Does not come with instructions making it hard to use.
• Needs thread adapters.

GROHE Grohtherm 1000 2-handle Thermostatic Shower Valve

This shower mixer valve is one of the best thermostatic shower mixer valves with unrivaled performance and ultimate enjoyment. Offering optimal ergonomics and highest safety standards in its market segment, it is the ideal mixer for any household. Its contemporary design gives your bathroom a modern feel. This option is great for renovation purposes of a private residence or extensive commercial project.

Features

• Metal grip ergonomic handle
• Scratch and tarnish-resistant surface
• CoolTouch feature to reduce the risk of scalding
• EcoJoy to reduce water consumption by up to 50%
• Dirt strainers
• Turbostat technology delivers water at the desired temperature

Pros

• Temperature regulation accuracy.
• Easy to use.
• Good mixer.
• Aesthetically pleasing.

Cons

• Heavy for an RV.
• Override buttons are not obvious.

LITTLEGRASS Thermostatic Mixing Valve

This thermostatic bar mixer shower has an exposed valve and round chrome bathroom design. For a suspended shower, just turn off the flow switch. Hot and cold water will not turn the clock back and re-opens but the water is still the original set temperature. Suitable for the elderly and children.

Features

• Approximate size: 10.6×2.7in
• Has mounting hardware
• Wall mounted installation with ½ IPS male connector

Pros

• Easy installation.
• Great valve.

Cons

• Brass fittings don’t fit.
• Not good quality.
• Not durable.

How a thermostatic valve works on a shower

Thermostatic showers store water at a high temperature before mixing it with cold water to a pre-set. They do not have internal heating systems, unlike electric showers.

The valve reacts instantly to changes in water temperature and immediately adjusts the mixed water to its initial pre-set temperature.

A thermostatic shower will also shut down instantly if the cold water supply fails to avoid injury. This simply makes thermostatic mixers stand out from others.

How to adjust a thermostatic shower valve

What you’ll need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Hex wrench
• Phillips screwdriver

Steps

1. Inspect the handle if it allows direct access to the temperature limiter or the limiter may be on the other side of the handle.
2. With a flat-head screwdriver, rotate the limiter clockwise to increase the temperature and anticlockwise to decrease it.
3. Remove the handle to change the maximum temperature on a faucet that controls both temperature and volume.
4. Locate the handle screw and unscrew it with a Phillips screwdriver.
5. Pull off the plastic limit disk by hand. On some faucet models, you can adjust the maximum temperature by rotating the disk and putting it back on. Rotate it counterclockwise to increase the maximum temperature and clockwise to decrease it. Reattach the handle.
6. Pull off the metal sleeve around the outside of the valve if the temperature adjustment is part of the valve cartridge.
7. Grip the front of the cartridge and pull it out. Rotate it counterclockwise to increase maximum temperature and the other way to decrease it. It should snap in place when you let it go.
8. Push the sleeve back in, replace the plastic disk then reattach the handle. 

Conclusion

The majority of the best thermostatic shower mixer valve is crafted from solid brass material and finished with a luxurious polished chrome. The ones recommended above are also from good brands. The differences between them are very subtle and your pick will definitely have to come from their functionality differences depending on which one stands out more for your household needs. I strongly recommend the GROHE Grohtherm Smart Thermostatic Trim and the GROHE Grohtherm 1000 2-handle Thermostatic Shower Valve for your ultimate satisfaction.