Rethinking energy efficiency: GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery

• Sustainable showering: concealed shower system transforms waste heat into savings for the environment and users

• Uncompromised experience: GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery comes with two different efficiency grades and offers up to three shower functions

• Responsible energy consumption: GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery aligns with LIXIL’s Environmental Vision for Zero Carbon

Düsseldorf, March 2025 – GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, is expanding its comprehensive shower portfolio with a new sustainable solution: GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery. Developed with the Dutch startup Hamwells, experts in sustainable shower solutions, the concealed heat recovery shower system collects warm water from the drain and circulates it to preheat fresh water, without mixing the two. This results in significant energy savings without compromising the shower experience or design. In these times of volatile energy prices in Europe, a four-person household can save up to €299 per year¹, reducing both energy costs and CO2 emissions by up to 48%².
GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery is compatible with GROHE single-lever mixers, thermostats and SmartControl. Consumers can choose between mono or duo versions for a one- or two-spray head shower combined with a hand shower. The shower system also offers two different efficiency grades: a single-pipe version or the double-pipe option.

“Striving for the highest levels of sustainability is an essential part of GROHE’s DNA, driving us to offer ‘Pure Freude an Wasser’ through solutions that facilitate sustainable living,” says Daniela Stawinoga-Carrington, Leader Marketing and Communications, LIXIL Europe. “After our water-recirculating shower GROHE Everstream, we are thrilled to introduce GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery, which is specifically designed to minimize energy consumption—reducing impact on both the environment and our customers’ wallets. With showers accounting for a significant portion of warm water usage in homes, it’s crucial that energy doesn’t go down the drain. GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery offers the same enjoyable shower experience as a traditional shower, but with the added benefit of reduced energy use and lower carbon emissions, making it a smarter choice without compromising comfort.”

How the system works

1. Similarly to a traditional shower setup, cold water (around 10°C) enters the house and is heated to around 60°C.

2. The thermostat mixes the hot and cold water to a comfortable shower temperature of 38°C.

3. After the shower, water usually flows down the drain at approximately 34°C. However, with GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery, the warm wastewater is pumped through a separated pipe surrounded by the cold water supply, transferring some of its residual heat.

4. With the cold water now preheated, less hot water is needed to achieve the desired shower temperature, thus saving energy. The double-pipe version maximizes efficiency by providing a larger contact surface for the wastewater to transfer its heat. Once the heat has been transferred, the wastewater is disposed of.
    

As part of LIXIL’s strong brand portfolio, GROHE’s sustainability initiatives and product innovations are integral to LIXIL’s Environmental Vision, which champions Zero Carbon and Circular Living. A key focus is the responsible use of energy, with the aim of helping people enjoy water while at the same time promoting the sustainable use of resources globally to make a positive impact on the planet. GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery is the next installment in this vision of empowering consumers and professionals to contribute to a greener future. The launch date will be confirmed in due course.

¹ This example calculation is based on the following parameters: household of 4 people, each taking 350 showers, showering for 5 minutes at 38°C and 9.2 l/min with GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery double-pipe version. The costs are based on an estimated electricity cost of €0.30/kWh.
² Depending on individual shower habits

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