Steam generators for baths and saunas: operating principle, models, reviews

A traditional Russian bath requires a stove-stove. However, its design and operation is not easy and requires skills. If we talk about “extracting” soft and light steam from the stove, then this skill is akin to talent - there are a lot of features and nuances that need to be taken into account. And the choice and installation of even the most basic iron stove is a troublesome and complex matter - you need to think through and ensure fire safety, take care of the construction of the chimney and its proper wiring through the roof, strengthen the foundation if this was not provided for during planning. In general, there is enough trouble. An easier solution is to install a steam generator. These are small (relative to the size of the oven) devices equipped with a control system that are capable of producing steam of different humidity and temperature.

Steam generators can work in tandem with a furnace or separately from it. But they can only fully heat a small steam room - about 4-6 m3 - depending on the model and power.

Steam generators - small devices

Types of steam generators and operating principles

In short, the operating principle of electric steam generators is to convert water poured into a tank into steam. This can only be done with heated surfaces. They can be heated using any coolant: gas (liquefied and natural), solid and liquid fuel, electricity. Household steam generators are only electric. Moreover, they also mainly work on heating elements. Other types - induction and electrode - are mainly used in industrial models. So for home use, only steam generators on heating elements remain.

Design and principle of operation of electric steam generators

Depending on the connection method, steam generators can be autonomous or automatic. Autonomous ones require you to fill the appropriate tanks with water, while automatic ones do this on their own. But their installation of automated systems is complicated: they require a connection to the water supply system. In addition, these models have one significant drawback: the water in our pipes has a large amount of impurities, which leads to the formation of a large amount of scale. It must be removed regularly. Of course, there is a solution - to install a water treatment system, as well as washing and purification. But these functions complicate the design, which invariably affects the price.

How steam is generated with a heater

In this sense, autonomous models are good: you can fill the container with purified or even distilled water. Since such devices have a simpler design, they are cheaper. Water tanks have quite large volumes - 3-6 liters, which is more than enough for home use. So they won’t burden you much with service.

Regardless of the connection method, these steam generators are structurally similar. There is a container filled with water. There are heating elements in the container that heat it, and when it boils, steam is released. It comes out through the holes that are located at the top.

The principle of operation of a steam generator using heating elements is simple: water boils, steam is discharged through a pipeline

For anyone familiar with saunas, the disadvantage of this method is obvious: the steam produced is not hot - about 100°C, and heavy. And these are not at all the conditions we strive for. With such a couple, you will experience not lightness and an increase in strength, but weakness and lethargy. Not at all what is needed.

But our man is famous for finding a way out of any situation. So it is this time: the resulting raw steam is fired onto heated stones in an electric heater. As a result, it turns out that the load on the furnace is small, the heating elements in it are not overloaded, which extends its service life. At the output we have well-heated light steam: raw steam, passing through heated stones, has reached good conditions. There is one connection feature: the steam line must have a slope (in any direction) so that the condensate formed on the walls can flow either back into the container with water, or onto the stones of the heater. This is a simple but very effective way to obtain the desired steam characteristics.

This is a steam generator from Teplodar

But there is one electric steam generator that immediately produces light and well-heated steam. This is “InSteam-Energy” from Teplodar. Since this company has been producing sauna stoves for a long time, it is familiar with the requirements of sauna attendants. Their product has a more complex design, but produces transparent steam heated to high temperatures. Below is the video. This is an advertising video, but you can get the essence and the difference.

For metal sauna stoves

There is another type of device, which is also called steam generators. These are different metal structures that are built into iron wood-burning sauna stoves. They are offered by manufacturers of sauna stoves. Some models have built-in such devices, in some they are an option (purchased separately, then installed). The designs may be different. Here are some of them:

• A system of metal plates welded onto the furnace body. These plates quickly heat up to the burning temperature of wood (approximately 650 degrees). When water gets on them, that very “light” steam is formed. The innovation is that water, rolling from one plate to another, “breaks”, which makes the steam even lighter, while remaining hot.

  
  The principle of the formation of “light” steam in furnaces with steam generators

• There is a stainless steel cylinder. Pieces of stainless steel and the same shot are thrown into it. A pipe with a funnel at the end is welded to the cylinder. This device is installed near the chimney pipe. Water flows in. Since the metal heats up quite quickly, steam can be obtained 15-20 minutes after the start of the fire. It also turns out to be light and transparent due to the fact that it is repeatedly repelled by pellets and pieces of overheated metal. The advantage of this invention is that the water does not come into contact with the furnace structure, and the steam generator itself costs little.

  
  Another type of steam generator for a metal sauna stove

No matter how attractive these devices look, there is a drawback: they are not stones. Overheated metal still has some specific odor, which does not happen from stones. This is why sauna connoisseurs believe that the best steam in a sauna comes from the stones. Find yourself a stove that has an internal heater. And no steam generators are needed. But this is in a stationary Russian bathhouse. And as a “home” option, an electric steam generator is perhaps a worthy invention.

One of the stoves with an internal heater from Termofor and no steam generator is needed

The best shower cabins with Turkish bath

The Turkish bath is liked by a certain circle of users for its low temperatures and high humidity. You can experience all the delights of a hammam even in your apartment if you purchase a shower stall with the appropriate option. The experts selected several interesting models.

WELTWASSER Eider SR low tray 98cm*88cm

Rating: 4.9

The most modern shower cabin in our review was the German model WELTWASSER Eider S R. It is equipped with a low rectangular tray with overall dimensions of 98 cm * 88 cm. Experts consider the use of artificial marble in the manufacture of the pallet to be a distinctive feature of the cabin. The front walls are made of natural glass 8 mm thick, the transparent door has a hinged design. Control is carried out using the touch panel. Important functionalities include aromatherapy, ozonation and ventilation. The model wins gold in our review.

Among the many reviews, it is difficult to find negative ratings from users. They admire the quality of workmanship, functionality, and tightness. The only downside is the high price.

Advantages

• quality materials;
• German assembly;
• wide functionality;
• tightness.

Flaws

• high price.

Frank F653 high tray 150cm*88cm

Rating: 4.8

All the best qualities of hydromassage baths and showers are implemented in the combined model Frank F653. It is equipped with a high rectangular tray 150cm*88cm, which is made of acrylic. Double doors have a sliding opening mechanism, the front walls are made of transparent glass 6 mm thick. Experts appreciated the rich functional content. The cabin has horizontal massage, aromatherapy, ventilation, a folding seat, a headrest, a mirror, and lighting. The set includes a classic mixer, temperature controller and timer. When installing the cabin by an official representative, the warranty period is 5 years.

Users praise the model for its high quality, versatility, and spaciousness. The disadvantage is the high price.

Advantages

• multifunctionality;
• high-quality manufacturing;
• great guarantee;
• rich equipment.

Flaws

• high price.

Timo Elta R low tray 90cm*90cm

Rating: 4.7

Sociable people who never leave their phone for a minute should take a closer look at the Timo Elta R shower cabin. Without leaving the shower, you can use the speakerphone and by pressing a button, accept an incoming call. Music lovers will also like the booth, since the manufacturer installed speakers to reproduce audio signals. The model is equipped with a multifaceted low acrylic tray and a hinged transparent door. Among the additional functions, experts found aromatherapy and control panel lighting.

The shower cabin managed to climb the bronze step of our pedestal for its beautiful appearance. This is most often mentioned in user reviews. There are also criticisms, mainly related to the quality of the Chinese assembly.

Advantages

• Beautiful design;
• Speakerphone;
• convenient design;
• clear assembly instructions.

Flaws

• no significant ones.

Band Hours Omega R low tray 120cm*90cm

Rating: 4.7

A wide range of water treatments can be obtained in the Band Hours Omega R shower cabin. These include hydromassage (back, vertical), tropical shower, Turkish bath, aromatherapy, ventilation. The Russian manufacturer uses German materials and technologies, which has a positive effect on the quality of the equipment. Experts drew attention to such an option as remote control, which makes water procedures as comfortable as possible. The cubicle has shelves, a seat, a classic faucet, and a sliding shower head. The product stops one step away from the top three.

Users like the stylish look, spaciousness, convenience, and wide functionality. The assembly and high price let down the domestic manufacturer.

Advantages

• large set of functions;
• quality materials;
• capacity;
• stylish look.

Flaws

• high price;

Luxus 535 S low tray 110cm*110cm

Rating: 4.6

Materials and colors are harmoniously combined in the Luxus 535 S shower cabin. A low white acrylic tray goes well with tempered glass walls and a tinted glass door. The stand of the model is made of polished stainless steel. Experts liked the LED pendant mounted in the rack, which creates soft lighting. The design is reinforced with an aluminum profile; it is responsible for reliable fixation of heavy glass 6 mm thick. The set includes a seat, shampoo dispenser, mirror, steam generator, shower head and mixer.

Domestic consumers praise the shower stall for its functionality, impressive appearance, and high-quality materials. However, the accuracy of the parts leaves much to be desired, so an assistant is needed during assembly.

Advantages

• a lot of interior space;
• quality materials;
• durable body;
• rich equipment.

Flaws

• complex assembly.

AM.PM Sense 6 low tray 90cm*90cm

Rating: 4.5

The AM.PM Sense 6 shower cabin gives users maximum pleasure from hydromassage. The manufacturer installed a vertical massage system with 12 nozzles and provided the possibility of hydromassage of the neck area. The model is equipped with a number of modern functions, from a Turkish bath to ventilation. Experts liked the ease of control, the presence of a radio, and overhead lighting. Thanks to its quarter-circle shape, the stall can fit into a cramped bathroom. The model's assets include ease of assembly, high-quality materials and components from Germany. The product closes the TOP 6 of our review.

Users have identified several shortcomings. The kit does not include a siphon for connecting to the sewer. The water hoses are short, so some users had to buy others.

Advantages

• strength;
• built-in radio;
• high-quality hydromassage;
• ease of assembly and installation.

Flaws

• no siphon;
• short hoses.

Orans SR-86150S

Rating: 4.4

Compact dimensions (90×90 cm) and affordable price helped the Orans SR-86150S shower cabin to get into our review. The model is suitable for users who love vertical hydromassage, Turkish bath, tropical shower, ventilation and back hydromassage. The cabin has a quarter-circle shape, making it fit harmoniously into small spaces. The manufacturer used a full-wall fence reinforced with an aluminum profile. Glass 6 mm thick was used to make the front walls. The double door has a sliding mechanism. Experts liked the functional stainless steel panel and touch controls.

The booth was prevented from taking a higher place in the review by reviews from Russian users. They note insufficient tightness, a short-lived mixer, and siphon leaks.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• compactness;
• robust design;
• stylish design.

Flaws

• short-lived mixer.

Golf PZS1010III(6) 100cm*100cm

Rating: 4.3

Lovers of large interior space will appreciate the Golf PZS1010III(6) shower cabin. The model is made in the shape of a quarter circle, which allows it to be placed in cramped rooms. But there is a lot of free space inside the cabin, since the overall dimensions are 100cm*100cm. The set includes a mirror, shelves and a shower head. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a Turkish bath, tropical shower, ozonation, ventilation, and various types of hydromassage. Experts liked the mirror design of the front glass and the easy opening of the sliding doors.

Russian users have not yet appreciated all the advantages of the model; finding reviews on the Internet is still problematic. And there are very few offers from specialized stores.

Advantages

• a lot of interior space;
• good hydromassage system;
• mirrored front glass;
• high-quality assembly.

Flaws

• rarely found on sale.

Niagara NG 903 L with sauna low tray 120cm*82cm

Rating: 4.2

The Niagara NG 903 L shower cabin has an impressive design. The manufacturer installed corrugated tinted glass, which, according to experts, makes the model beautiful and stylish. The cabin stands out from its competitors with its asymmetrical shape of 120cm*82cm, low price and decent equipment. The set includes a folding seat, shampoo dispenser, mirror, shower head, shelves, and a classic faucet. The functionality also looks good, there is a vertical hydromassage, hydromassage of the legs and back, a Turkish bath, a tropical shower and ventilation. The radio will help you have a pleasant time in the booth.

Owners like the affordable price, rich equipment, and impressive appearance. The disadvantages of the model are problematic installation and interruptions in radio operation.

Advantages

• low price;
• rich equipment;
• wide functionality;
• spectacular design.

Flaws

• complex installation;
• interruptions in radio operation.

Capabilities of electric steam generators

Modern models are capable of producing steam of different humidity and temperature (from 35°C to 95°C). These data are set on the control panel, and all conditions are maintained automatically using sensors. This makes it possible to create in one room an atmosphere characteristic of a bathhouse, sauna or hammam.

Due to the fact that steam generators operate in conditions of high humidity, they are subject to high safety requirements. The performance of the device is constantly monitored and at the slightest deviation from the norm, the power is automatically turned off.

Steam generators of different power (domestic and industrial)

The power of steam generators varies widely - household models have from 4 kW to 18 kW, industrial ones are many times more powerful. The choice of device for this parameter depends on the volume of the room. For a small steam room with a volume of up to 5 cubic meters, the power of the steam generator should be no more than 5 kW, for up to 13 cubic meters 8-9 kW is enough, and for more spacious ones, very powerful models are needed - up to 12-14 kW.

Ovens with built-in steam generator

SteamFit 2

Control is carried out using remote controls PU-2 or PU-3, which must be purchased separately. The accessory also allows you to set the time, start date of heating, and duration of operation of the heater. The steam generator produces a small volume of light steam within the first 10-15 minutes.

The water is heated using heating elements. The microclimate is maintained automatically. Technical characteristics of SteamFit 2:

• maximum steam room volume – 8 m3;
• power – 5.34 kW;
• dimensions – 56x40x24 cm;
• weight – 12 kg;
• loading stones – up to 20 kg;
• The cost from the manufacturer starts from 14,000 rubles.

An important design feature is also the wall-mounted design of the heater, which significantly saves steam room space.

Heating elements have an increased resource, so SteamFit 2 is successfully used not only in private baths, but also in fitness centers or spa salons.

Wall-mounted electric heater SteamFit 2 (StimFit 2).

SteamGross 1

An electric sauna stove with a steam generator that effectively warms up a room up to 15 m3. The design uses Italian-made heating elements with an increased service life, made of an alloy with a high content of chromium, titanium, nickel, and aluminum.

Main parameters:

• dimensions – 60.6x55.6x66.5 cm;
• weight – 40 kg;
• loading stones – up to 55 kg;
• power – 10 kW;
• steam formation – up to 6 liters per hour.

SteamGross 1 works without interruption for up to 6 hours. Perfect for steam rooms with an original design, as it has built-in heater lighting. The cost of SteamGross 1 is from 37,000 rubles.

Floor-standing electric heater SteamGross 1 (SteamGross 1).

Rules for installing steam generators

It is not always possible or desirable to install another device in a small steam room. Then the housing is placed outside, and steam is supplied through a heat-resistant hose - a steam line. When choosing an installation location, you need to consider several points:

• the device must be located in close proximity to a sauna or steam room;
• to prevent the formation of condensate, the length of the steam line should be minimized;
• the sauna or bathhouse must have good ventilation;
• there must be a power supply of 220 - 380 V, depending on the selected model;
• connect the steam generator to the network via a circuit breaker;
• The device must be installed below or above the level of the steam line entrance to the steam room - this will avoid bending of the hose, which means that water pockets will not form that could cut off the steam supply.

  
  The correct option for connecting a steam generator is that the steam enters from below. Then it doesn’t hit your face, spreading evenly throughout the steam room

That's all the requirements. Any more or less technically competent person can cope with the installation.

Steam generator manufacturers

Most of this equipment is of imported origin. But the Russian manufacturer Teplodar recently joined the campaign of the Finns, Swiss and Germans. Their equipment is amazing. Firstly, the low price - it is 2-3 times less than devices of similar power from market leaders (Teplodarovsky ones cost 6.5 - 8.5 thousand rubles, and all others - from 18 to 28 thousand rubles) Firstly, secondly, better steam conditions.

There is another Russian enterprise that produces steam generators for baths, hammams and saunas. This is the Voronezh enterprise "PAROMAX", which produces heating elements and steam generators of the same name.

One of the ways to install steam generators for a bath

As in the situation with sauna stoves, the Finns are considered to be the market leaders: the HELO company produces ergonomic steam generators in a wide range of capacities, with various additional functions (the ability to aromatize steam, preliminary purification of the supplied water, a tank cleaning system, digital control panels, etc. ) Sawo is not far behind - they also have a considerable selection.

Also popular are products from the Swedish company Tylo, which are distinguished by their high reliability and unpretentious operating conditions. There are also steam generators on the market from Harvia, which produces reliable and high-quality devices.

Steam generator from the Finnish company HELLO

Germans are present in smaller numbers: companies Eos, Dr. Kern presents vertical models that are rarely found on the market. They are installed on the floor and look like small columns.

Rating of the best shower cabins with Turkish bath and Finnish sauna

Reviews about steam generators

Steam generators are small devices.
This Finnish model is hung on the wall. In general, almost all the reviews are positive. Everyone notes the ease of installation, mobility (if the model is autonomous, it can easily be transported to another place) and reliability. Steam lovers are especially pleased with the ability to set any characteristics of steam and room temperature. If today you want to bask in the dry air of a Finnish sauna, set the appropriate indicators and enjoy. Next time you can arrange for yourself the atmosphere of a Russian bath or Turkish hammam. The only nuance that makes you think is the considerable price. Otherwise, no major complaints.

Teplodar has a good steam generator. This is for those who want to get an atmosphere similar to a Russian bath from an electric stove.”

“There are steam generators in the fitness center and hammam. Something I noticed about myself is that I gave up the “dry” sauna, but enjoy going to these ones with steam. When I build something for myself, I’ll probably have to buy something like this too.”

“I have a stove with a steam generator. I chose it on purpose. In it, water flows through a tube and enters the heater. I've already gotten used to it, and I know exactly when and how much water I need to pour in order to get what I want. But, of course, a lot of time has passed - for three years almost every week I have been worrying about such nonsense."

“I had an electric steam generator. But when it burned down, I didn’t buy a new one and didn’t restore it. It seemed to me that the device was useless.”

Recommendations for choosing a shower cabin with a sauna

dimensions

. You should start your search for a shower stall with its dimensions. Models with a sauna function will be more bulky than simple models with a shower.

1. The most compact booths are those with dimensions of 90cm*90cm. They will fit even into cramped apartment bathrooms.
2. If the room area is large, then you can choose spacious models, for example, equilateral 150cm*150cm or asymmetrical 200cm*130cm.

Cabin shape

. Manufacturers offer several geometric shapes of shower cabins.

1. A rectangular or square structure can be installed either in the middle of the room or against the wall. This is the most versatile option in terms of installation.
2. The quarter-circle shape implies installation of a shower stall in the corner of the room. This geometry is considered the most compact.
3. Polygonal or semicircular plumbing fixtures limit the homeowner's options in choosing a location. Such models are installed in the most spacious rooms.

Door opening mechanism.

In modern shower cabins, two door opening options are used.

1. Hinged doors are a simple and effective option. But when opening it requires a lot of free space.
2. Sliding doors are convenient and space-saving in the room. However, the opening mechanism requires periodic maintenance, primarily for rotating elements (rollers, bearings).

Functionality

. Many potential buyers pay attention to the set of functions when choosing a shower cabin.

1. The highest electricity consumption is observed in models with a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath. Powerful heating elements are installed to heat air and water. Not all old electrical wiring can withstand high loads.
2. The rain shower option helps you relax before bed. Thanks to a special nozzle, the water flow is divided into small splashes, increasing blood supply to the skin.
3. For body hydromassage, nozzles are installed at different points in the shower cabin. The more sprays, the more uniform the effect on the human body.
4. When using the Turkish bath or rain shower function, some manufacturers make it possible to aromatize the steam. To do this, a container for aromatic oil is installed in the rear of the cabin.
5. The ozonation function allows you to feel the fresh smell of air after a summer thunderstorm. Ozone disinfects the air and eliminates unpleasant odors.

The editors of Expertology magazine and specialists from the rankquality service selected 14 of the best shower cabins with a Turkish bath and a Finnish sauna for review. All of them are sold in the Russian retail chain. When distributing places, the editors of the journal expertology took expert opinions as a basis, taking into account the reviews of domestic users.