1/2" or 3/4" Shower cartridge

[Stones]

I'm just looking at ordering my showers just now.  Is there any benefit to getting a shower with a 3/4" cartridge other than the far higher potential flow rate (the showers I'm looking at are 14 l/min for the 1/2" or 42 l/min for 3/4" at 3 bar)  I'm happy with an 11 l/min shower so 42 l/min seems like overkill.  However, am I better fitting a 3/4" and if need be a pressure reducing valve?

[Nickfromwales]

What's your means of providing DHW?

[Stones]

I'm going with a 4 cell Sunamp PV, charged with off peak electric.

[Nickfromwales]

Best to determine your max flow velocity through the PHE before deciding if it's worth the upgrade on the shower tbh.

Out of curiosity, how much more would it cost to go for the bigger unit? 

[Stones]

Depending on which of the two 1/2" models I'm looking at, either £2 more or £35 more for the 3/4".  All the showers I'm looking at Grohe showers.

Is there any disadvantage to having the 3/4" ?

[Nickfromwales]

No, none at all. 

I'd say you'd actually be better off with larger flow paths ( internal water ways ) as the valve should offer less resistance and therefore when being used the noise from the water flowing through should also be quieter. 

Another advantage is that if you're the only person using the hot water at the time, you should have a very pleasant, more powerful shower 'experience' so best of both worlds tbh. For the money it's a no-brainer. Long live Megabad.

 

[Stones]

Excellent, thank you.