A practical, honest review for UK homeowners
Choosing a shower mixer isn’t just about brand names or shiny chrome. It’s about safety, durability, water control and how well the valve performs after years of daily use. As bathroom fitters, we install dozens of thermostatic mixers every year - and we see what fails, what lasts and what customers actually enjoy living with.
The GROHE Grohtherm 800 (Product 34562000) is one of the most commonly requested mixers we install. This guide explains why it’s so popular, what we genuinely like about it and whether it’s worth your money in 2026.
First Impressions: Why This Model Stands Out
The Grohtherm 800 sits in GROHE’s mid-range lineup. It’s not their cheapest thermostatic shower mixer and it’s not their luxury flagship either. It’s designed for everyday households that want reliable temperature control without paying premium designer prices (and some online retailers selling this below £150 price tag).
What makes it immediately appealing:
- Clean, modern design that suits most bathrooms
- Solid weight and build quality
- Smooth temperature dial
- Recognised safety certifications
- Strong reputation among installers
- Access to spare parts
From an installer perspective, the difference between a budget mixer and a well-engineered one becomes obvious the moment it’s mounted.
Core Features That Matter in Real Life
1. Thermostatic Safety Control
The main reason people upgrade to a thermostatic mixer is scald protection.
The Grohtherm 800 includes:
- 38°C safety stop button
- Fast reaction to pressure changes
- Stable temperature even when taps run elsewhere
This is especially important in homes with:
- Children
- Elderly family members
- Combi boilers with pressure fluctuations
In cheaper mixers, temperature spikes happen. With this unit, temperature stability is noticeably better.
👉 Safety alone makes thermostatic mixers worth it.
2. Build Quality & Materials
We’ve removed old mixers during renovations that lasted 10–15 years. GROHE units are often among them.
Why?
| Component | What We Notice as Installers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Brass body | Heavy, dense casting | Long lifespan, fewer leaks |
| Chrome finish | Thick, consistent coating | Resists corrosion & peeling |
| Controls | Smooth rotation | Less internal wear |
| Internal cartridge | Reliable engineering | Stable performance over time |
It doesn’t feel hollow or flimsy. That’s usually the first sign of long-term durability.
3. Ease of Installation
Some mixers look nice but are a nightmare to install. This one is installer-friendly.
- Standard 1/2″ connections
- Adjustable wall unions
- Good tolerance for pipe alignment
- Clear internal layout
This reduces fitting time and avoids stress on pipework. That’s good for both installers and homeowners.
👉 A product that installs cleanly is less likely to develop future issues.
4. Everyday Usability
A shower mixer should be simple. No one wants to fight with knobs every morning.
The Grohtherm 800 offers:
- Clear temperature markings
- Easy grip handles (even with wet hands)
- Consistent water flow
- Quiet operation
Small details matter when you use something daily.
Why Is the Grohtherm 800 So Popular?
Popularity isn’t accidental. It’s a combination of reputation, performance and price.
Reasons homeowners choose it:
- Trusted brand recognition
- Strong online reviews
- Good value mid-range pricing
- Modern neutral design
- Compatibility with UK plumbing systems
Reasons installers recommend it:
- Low failure rate
- Easy servicing
- Spare parts availability
- Predictable performance
- Fewer callback issues
When a product saves installers time and reduces complaints - it naturally becomes a favourite.
Pros and Cons (Honest Assessment)
No product is perfect. Here’s the balanced view.
✅ Pros
- Excellent temperature stability
- Strong safety features
- Durable materials
- Installer-friendly design
- Reliable long-term performance
- Good value for money
- Available spare parts
❌ Cons
- Not the cheapest option
- Basic design (not luxury styling)
- No digital or smart features
- Chrome finish shows water marks if not cleaned
Most drawbacks are cosmetic rather than functional.
Is It Worth the Money?
Short answer: yes - for most households.
The Grohtherm 800 hits the sweet spot between:
- Budget thermostatic shower mixers that fail early
- Premium designer mixers that cost 2–3× more
If you want a shower that:
- stays safe
- feels solid
- lasts years
- doesn’t cause maintenance headaches
…it’s a sensible investment.
Bathroom repairs caused by cheap shower mixers often cost more than buying a quality mixer in the first place.
👉 Paying slightly more upfront usually saves money long-term.
Who Should Buy This Mixer?
This model is ideal for:
- Family homes
- Rental properties needing reliability
- Bathroom renovations on sensible budgets
- Landlords wanting low maintenance
- Anyone upgrading from manual mixers
It’s not aimed at luxury spa bathrooms or smart-home enthusiasts - it’s built for dependable everyday use.
Final Verdict from Builders Squad Ltd
As bathroom fitters, we judge products by what happens after installation, not just how they look in a box.
The GROHE Grohtherm 800 consistently performs well. Failures not been reported to us yet by our customers (and we as bathroom fitters fitting lots of bathrooms and shower rooms).
It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. It’s simply a well-engineered, safe, reliable shower mixer - and that’s exactly what most homes need.
Verdict: A strong recommendation for practical homeowners.
Our Clients Reviews
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
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