Shower cabins with a steam generator: types and features of the device

A shower cabin is not only an alternative to a bath, but also an opportunity to relax and heal the body. This is possible due to the presence of additional options in the device: hydromassage, contrast shower, sauna. The effect of the latter is helped by units with a steam generator.

A shower room with a steam generator is a structure equipped with a special system for generating steam. Thanks to this, during the hygiene procedures, the atmosphere of the steam room is recreated.

Shower cabins with a steam bath must be closed, that is, have a dome, back and side panels of the structure. Otherwise, steam will escape from the shower, filling the bathroom. As a rule, the device for generating steam is not included in the shower enclosure. It can be installed near the structure, but the best solution would be to move it outside the bathroom. The steam generator can also be connected to an existing closed cabin.

Thanks to a special control system, it is possible to recreate the required indicators of temperature and humidity. The maximum heating of steam is no more than 60 ° C, which eliminates the risk of burns.

Depending on the equipment, the cabin can also have functions of hydromassage, aromatherapy and many others, which gives users additional comfort.

Systems with a steam generator have a number of advantages, which explains their popularity:

• By purchasing such a device, you become the owner of a mini-sauna.
• The ability to adjust the temperature and humidity coefficient allows you to create the effect of a particular steam room (dry Finnish sauna or humid Turkish hamam).
• The maximum steam temperature is 60 ° C, which eliminates the risk of burns in the booth.
• The ability to adjust the steam temperature allows you to customize the sauna for a specific user. Therefore, it can be safely used by both people who do not have health problems, and those who suffer from hypertension, cardiovascular diseases.

• A steam shower has a beneficial effect on health - it normalizes blood circulation, improves the condition of ENT diseases, relieves stress, and allows you to relax.
• The presence of a special compartment for dry herbs and essential oils significantly increases the useful properties of the cabin with a steam generator.
• The device is ergonomic. A shower cabin replaces a washing place, a sauna, and if it has a larger size and a high tray, it can also replace a bath. At the same time, the construction area is 1-1.5 m2, which allows it to fit perfectly even into small rooms.

• Water consumption is economical. Even the need to heat water to generate steam has little effect on it. According to reviews, using a shower with a sauna effect requires 3 times less water than using a traditional bath.
• In addition to the optimal steam temperature, it is worth noting the presence of anti-slip surfaces of the pallet and shockproof panels, which ensures absolute safety of the device.

The disadvantage of steam showers is the higher cost compared to conventional cabins. The price of the product is influenced by the availability of additional options, the size of the booth, the materials from which it is made, the power and volume of the steam generator.It is also worth noting that the presence of a device for generating steam leads to an increase in electricity consumption.

It is important that installation of a shower cabin is possible only with a water supply system. In this case, the water voltage in the pipes must be at least 1.5 bar for the shower and at least 3 bar for the operation of the steam generator, hydromassage nozzles and other options. If the water supply is less than 3 bar, special pumps will be required, installed in the pipes at the point of their entry into the house or apartment.

Finally, hard tap water negatively affects the condition of the nozzles and the steam generator, leading to their malfunction. The use of cleaning filters allows you to soften the water. It is desirable that they provide a 3-stage cleaning system.

When choosing a cabin with a steam generator, you should understand that it is unlikely that you will be able to steam with a broom in the best traditions of a Russian bath - this requires higher temperatures. But you can easily get the effect of a steam room with a milder microclimate. Those who prefer a Russian bath can consider a device consisting of 2 boxes - a shower cabin and a sauna.

The steam generator has 2 connectors on each side. A water supply is connected to one, steam is released from the other. In addition, it has a tap for draining excess liquid.

When the steam generator is turned on, a valve opens, the function of which is to supply water. Water level control is provided by a special sensor. That is why when the required volume of liquid is reached, the valve is blocked automatically. The filling mode is switched on again if there is not enough water. Such a device avoids overheating of the heating elements in the event of liquid evaporation from the valve.

Then the heating heating element turns on, which works until the water heats up to the set temperature. The subsequent shutdown of the heating system is also carried out automatically. In this case, the sensor does not stop functioning, since the liquid evaporates during the boiling process.

The heating temperature is set on a special panel. Steam is being supplied. After steam begins to fill the cabin, the temperature inside the cabin rises. As soon as it reaches the set parameters, the steam generation compartment is turned off. If there is excess, unused water in the valve, it is simply drained into the sewer.

Most systems operate on a flow-through basis, that is, they are always connected to the plumbing system. However, there are also portable units, the components of which are not connected to the water supply. You have to pour liquid into them manually. It is not very convenient, but such systems can be taken with you to the country.

The use of a steam generator does not exclude the presence of other functions of the cabin, the use of a rotary (gives zigzag jets) or a regular shower. You can connect the system yourself, but if you are in doubt, contact a specialist. If installed incorrectly, there is a high probability of burnout of the device, the price of which can exceed 10,000 rubles. An induction generator is much more expensive.

Depending on the principle of heating, several types of steam generators are distinguished.

• Electrode. These models are equipped with electrodes. Through them, voltage is applied to the water, as a result of which the water is heated by means of an electric current. This type is suitable for rooms with flawless electrical wiring.

• Devices, equipped with heating elementswhich, by heating themselves, cause the water to boil. They are distinguished by the lowest cost in comparison with other systems.When buying a unit with a heating element, you must choose a model equipped with a temperature sensor (it prevents the heating elements from overheating) and a cleaning system (it helps to clean the heating elements from lime deposits).
• Induction deviceswhich, thanks to built-in induction systems, emit high-frequency waves. The latter, acting on the liquid, contribute to its heating. These heaters work faster than others.

Depending on the steam generator used, the shower cabin can have different options.

Sauna with Turkish bath is characterized by high humidity (up to 100%). The heating temperature is 50-55 ° C. Saunas with a hamam can be small structures, the sides of which are 80-90 cm.

Here the air is drier, and the temperature can be raised to 60-65 ° C. The microclimate in such a box is suitable for those who like a high-temperature bath, but cannot breathe too humid air.

The steam generator is classified according to its capacity. On average, in household options, it is 1-22 kW. It is believed that to heat 1 cubic meter of the cabin, 1 kW of steam generator power is required. Of course, you can use less powerful devices, but you will have to wait longer for warm-up, and the steam generator itself will quickly fail, working at its maximum capabilities.

Differences also apply to the volume of the water tank. The most voluminous tanks are considered to be 27-30 liters. However, this affects the dimensions of the shower cabin - such steam generators are too bulky. For domestic use, a tank with a volume of 3-8 liters is sufficient. As a rule, this amount of liquid is enough for hour-long “get-togethers” in the cockpit. The capacity of such a tank can vary in the range of 2.5 - 8 kg / h. The higher the last indicator, the faster the couple can fill the shower box.

The use of a shower room with a steam generator is more comfortable and functional if there are additional options in it.

Hydromassage boxes are equipped with a variety of nozzles, which are located at different levels and are characterized by different water pressure.

This effect is recreated with the help of special nozzles, thanks to which large drops are obtained. Together with steam, they create an atmosphere of maximum relaxation.

You can only really relax in the steam shower if you have a seat. It should be at a comfortable height, size and depth. The most comfortable are those models of cabins, the seats of which are reclined and raised, that is, they do not take up much space. When buying, it is worth checking how firmly the seat is mounted in the box column.

It is also much more convenient to use the cab if it is equipped with perforated shelves and a radio.

Italy is considered the birthplace of shower cabins, therefore, reliable and functional devices are still produced here. However, the cost of such models is much higher than domestic ones. German brands are also trusted by customers.

Company Hueppe produces cabins with a steam generator in 3 price categories (basic, medium and premium). A feature of the structures is a low pallet, a metal profile, sliding doors made of triplex or tempered glass.

Products and services Lagard characterized by a more affordable price. The manufacturer produces models with an acrylic tray, tempered glass doors.

If you are looking for more functional models, take a look at those whose production is concentrated in Finland. Finnish cabins Novitek equipped not only with a steam generator and hydromassage, but also with an infrared sauna.

If you want to purchase a high-quality device with a steam generator at a lower price and are ready to sacrifice aesthetic design indicators, pay attention to domestic companies.As independent research and user reviews show, many of them do not differ in quality from foreign brands, but at the same time cost 2-3 times less than Western counterparts.

As for Chinese brands, many companies ( Apollo, SSWW) produce decent options, including premium designs. But it is better to refuse to buy a cabin of an unknown Chinese company. The risk of breakdowns is too high, and it will not be easy to find components for such a device.

When choosing a shower cabin with a steam generator, give preference to options in which the steam is supplied from below. This will create a more pleasant atmosphere in the cab as the heating will be even. Having a ventilation system also helps to distribute steam and heat evenly.

During operation, it is important to monitor the condition of the water sensors. If limescale appears on them, it should be removed with the help of special cleaning solutions.

The tank and the heating element are cleaned with the steam line disconnected using a special solution. To do this, the device is turned on for 3-5 minutes (usually the time is indicated by the manufacturer of the solution), after which the remaining liquid is drained from the tank, and the system is rinsed with running water.

For an overview of the shower cabin with a Turkish bath, see the following video