Shower cabins with a steam generator: what are they and how to choose?

A shower cabin with a steam generator is a popular configuration option today used in apartment buildings and individual housing. With this combination, you can turn the bathroom into a real sauna or Turkish hammam.

Models with a Turkish bath and bath, a hamam and a Finnish sauna, other options for similar equipment allow you to temporarily turn the shower stall into a spa. Here you can relax, arrange an aromatherapy session or heal your body, without leaving the cozy confines of your own home. Reviews about the use of shower cabins with a steam generator look really impressive.

Of course, the purchase and installation of such complex equipment is somewhat more expensive than a regular plumbing kit. What points should be taken into account in advance when choosing unusual shower equipment? How realistic is the effect of a sauna or a hot Turkish hamam being recreated? All these issues are best considered in more detail.

A shower cabin with a steam generator was developed specifically for city apartments, townhouses and other multi-apartment buildings, where the construction of a separate bath complex is not possible. A plumbing fixture of this type can have a different design, configuration, dimensions.

Externally, shower cabins with a steam generator differ little from the classic versions. The only exception is the presence of additional equipment that does not take up much space. The steam generator heats the water, ensuring its evaporation, then passes hot air through special filters, ensuring its comfortable temperature. After that, the steam, already cooled to +50 degrees, enters the booth.

It is worth considering that some design differences are still present. For example, cabins with a sauna function are usually equipped with a dome-type roof, and there is also a fan inside that does not allow the steam to rise and stagnate at the top, near the ceiling. There are also special requirements for tightness.

In models with a hamam function, the tray is made in the form of a deeper bowl, in the sauna version, a wooden bench is usually provided for sitting.

How do shower cabins with a steam generator work? The plumbing equipment includes a heating device in the form of a steel tank. Inside it are a liquid level sensor and a heating element. From the body there are 3 branch pipes:

• drain;
• for the bay;
• for steam outlet.

The first 2 pipes are equipped with solenoid valves that provide supply or shut off access to the medium. The equipment is protected from overheating using a special relay and a fuse that reacts to temperature changes; it is mounted on the heating element flange and, if necessary, breaks the electrical circuit. The steam generator in the shower cabin is controlled by a special electronic unit with a microprocessor connected by wires to all the elements of the system.

Inside the shower stall itself, a sensor is also mounted that determines the temperature indicators.

But if this option is not provided initially, unauthorized addition of non-recommended components will damage the device.

The work of the steam generator in the shower is as follows.

1. When the appliance is turned on, the water supply valve from the central water supply system opens, the tank is filled up to the working level.
2. The heating element begins to heat the water, evaporating it during boiling. At the same time, outside the tank, the temperature of the environment does not exceed the values ​​set by the user - usually from +40 to +60 degrees.
3. As the water level decreases, the system turns on an additional intake, for this time the heating element, the induction or electrode heater is deactivated. Everything takes place in automatic mode.
4. When the steam generator function is deactivated the electronic controller starts the discharge of water from the tank into the sewerage system.

In expensive models, the work process can be supplemented with a decalcification stage. It is necessary so that scale does not form inside.

All options for shower cabins with a steam generator on the market can be divided into categories, depending on their design features and the recommended temperature regime. It is worth considering each of the proposed types in more detail.

The vaping mode in such a shower stall maintains high humidity in combination with warming up to a temperature of +45 degrees and above. This option is closest to the classic steam room in a Russian bath, forced ventilation, an ozonation system for disinfecting the air, are carefully sealed here, all structural elements are carefully sealed.

Showers with a Turkish bath are the most budgetary ones, since there are many offers on the market from sellers from China. Usually the function of a Turkish bath is combined with a hydromassage, supporting the use of aromatic oils.

A steam generator in such a shower stall creates 100% humidity at a moderate temperature of +50 degrees. This option is considered one of the most beneficial for health, there are practically no contraindications, and it is very pleasant and comfortable to take water procedures. But hammam showers are pretty expensive heating is slow, the steam generator requires regular maintenance and fine tuning.

The "hottest" option involves a combination of a wooden "dry" compartment with a temperature of 60-90 degrees and a Turkish shower cabin with wet steam. Of course, it is not safe to set really high temperatures, but you will definitely get the pleasure of dry heating here. This type of booth is characterized by increased requirements for the water pressure in the pipeline. But shower cabins with a Finnish sauna are the easiest to maintain, usually have a lot of options and are inexpensive.

The disadvantages include an intense load on the steam generator system, high energy consumption. The installed equipment is inexpensive, but there are many Chinese fakes under well-known brands on the market.

There is also a division into a shower stall and a dry sauna with infrared lamps. The room heats up quickly, the wooden floor gives off heat well. But long-term exposure to infrared radiation may not be very safe for your health. The advantage of this option is the absence of wet steam.

As an option, the shower area can be equipped with a rain shower or chromotherapy. Infrared saunas are expensive, custom made and offer a wide range of options.

In this version, the shower tray is up to 50 cm deep and turns into a full-fledged place for spa treatments. Such a decision especially convenient for those who like long-term relaxation with comfort.

Among the best manufacturers of shower cabins with a steam generator are German and Finnish companies. Among the manufacturers from Germany, it is worth paying attention to the company Lagard, which manufactures products with low trays made of acrylic and other materials, glass walls and a wide range of options for shower stalls.

If the choice fell on Finnish shower systems, Russian consumers can choose Novitek. The brand is widely known in the market, producing infrared and conventional saunas complete with hydromassage, aromatherapy. Pallets from this manufacturer are made of cast marble, glass walls.

Lovers of minimalism will appreciate showers from IDOdevoid of an excessive set of options, simple and functional. Also among the Finnish companies stands out Timo with a wide selection of complete sets and product models.

When choosing a shower cabin with a steam generator, it is imperative to clarify the following points.

1. Construction type. Personal preferences are important here in terms of temperature, air humidity, pallet depth. The shape also matters: square shower enclosures can be installed in any part of the bathroom, semicircular and rectangular - only in a wall-mounted position. 1/4 circle, triangular, polygonal models fit into a corner.
2. The type of material for the walls and pallet. Polystyrene keeps heat better, is economical and easy to clean. Glass is more aesthetically pleasing and more durable. For the pallet, it is better to choose ceramics or acrylic, which retain heat well, and are not too noisy.
3. Steam generator type. Electrode ones are short-lived, they are installed in the most budget models. Induction is used only in premium cabins.Classic electric heating elements are durable, not too demanding on water quality.
4. Steam generator power. The higher it is, the more intensively steam is produced, the less time it takes to start the system. But it should be taken into account that the power consumption of powerful devices will require the readiness of the networks for increased loads. Indicators of 2-4 kW are considered standard.
5. Steam generator weight and dimensions... The more massive it is, the more solid foundation the cabin itself will require. With large dimensions of the device, the space for receiving water procedures will be reduced.
6. Storage tank volume... On average, it is 7-15 liters, depending on the rate of evaporation of moisture. A tank that is too large will make it more difficult to warm up.

Considering all these factors, you can easily choose the optimal model of a shower cabin with a steam generator for installation in an apartment or a private house.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, shower cabins with built-in steam generators are not a cheap pleasure, but quite worthy of attention.

Moist steam has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, making it more youthful and fresh. As for the convenience of using the hamam or Turkish bath option, then more than 50% of owners use it from time to time, and not on a permanent basis.

It is worth considering that shower cabins with infrared saunas as an option are most often awarded high marks. Despite the increased size, such models allow you to get the maximum effect from the procedures. Besides, Their care is as simple as possible, and a wide range of temperature settings helps to get the desired heating without any extra effort.

A stylish solution - a spacious rectangular shower cubicle with a sauna compartment and a steam generator. Convenient division of the compartments allows you to adjust the temperature in each part of the interior. The laconic design of the cockpit is combined with the overall design of the interior.

An ergonomic shower cubicle with a steam generator, effectively integrated into the space of an open-plan apartment. Spacious spa compartment and space-saving design make this solution attractive for water lovers.

Stylish minimalistic shower cabin with a steam generator in the interior. Low pallet height, comfortable bench inside make it ideal for home spa treatments.

A shower cabin with a bath and a sauna is described in the video below.