Showers with a steam generator: types and features of the device

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

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

Cabins with a steam generator must be closed, that is, have a dome, rear and side panels of the structure. Otherwise, steam will come out of the shower, filling the bathroom. As a rule, a device for generating steam is not included in the shower set.It can be installed near the structure, but the best solution would be to move it outside the bathroom. The steam generator can be connected to the already existing closed type cabin.

Thanks to a special control system, it is possible to recreate the necessary indicators of temperature and humidity. Maximum steam heating is not more than 60 ° С, which eliminates the risk of burns.

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

Systems with a steam generator have several advantages, which determines their popularity:

• By purchasing such a device, you become the owner of a mini-sauna.
• The ability to adjust the coefficient of temperature and humidity allows you to create the effect of a particular steam room (dry Finnish sauna or a wet Turkish hamam).
• The maximum steam temperature is 60 ° C, which eliminates the risk of burns in the booth.
• The ability to adjust the temperature of the steam allows you to customize the sauna for a specific user. Therefore, it can be used without fear by people who do not have health problems, or those who suffer from hypertension or cardiovascular diseases.

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

• Water consumption is economical. Even the need to heat water to form steam affects it only slightly. According to reviews, the use of a shower room with the effect of a sauna requires 3 times less water than using a traditional bath.
• In addition to the optimum temperature of the steam, 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 showers with steam can be called a higher cost compared to conventional cabins. The price of the product is affected by the presence 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 in the presence of a water supply system. At the same time, the water pressure in the pipes must be at least 1.5 bar for the operation of 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, mounted in pipes at the point of entry into a house or apartment.

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

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

The steam generator has 2 connectors on each side. One of them is connected to the water supply system, the other is the output of steam. In addition, it has a tap to drain excess fluid.

When the steam generator is turned on, the valve opens, the function of which is the water supply. Water level control is provided by a special sensor. That is why the valve closes automatically when the required volume of fluid is reached. The filling mode is turned 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 reaches the set temperature. The subsequent shutdown of the heating system is also carried out automatically. At the same time, the sensor does not stop functioning because the liquid evaporates during the boiling process.

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

Most systems work on a flow-through circuit, that is, they are always connected to the plumbing system. However, there are also portable units whose components are not connected to the water supply. It is necessary to pour liquid in them manually. This 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 a zigzag jet) or the usual shower. You can connect the system yourself, but if you doubt your abilities, consult a specialist. With improper installation, there is a high probability that the device will burn out, the price of which may exceed 10,000 rubles. An induction generator is much more expensive.

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

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

• Devices equipped with heating heaterswhich, heating themselves, cause boiling water. They have the lowest cost compared to other systems. When buying a unit with heating elements, it is necessary to choose a model equipped with a temperature sensor (it prevents overheating of the heating elements) and a cleaning system (it helps clean the heating elements from lime deposits).
• Induction devices, which, thanks to built-in induction systems, emit high-frequency waves. The latter, acting on the liquid, contribute to its heating. Such heaters are faster than others.

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

Sauna with a Turkish bath is characterized by high humidity (up to 100%). The heating temperature is 50-55 ° C.Saunas with a hammam 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 this box is suitable for those who like a high-temperature bath, but cannot breathe too moist air.

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

The differences relate to the volume of the tank for the Gulf of water. The largest tanks are 27-30 l. However, this affects the dimensions of the shower cabin - such steam generators are too bulky. For domestic use enough tank volume of 3-8 liters. As a rule, this amount of liquid is enough for watch "gatherings" in the cabin. The performance of such a tank can vary in the range of 2.5 - 8 kg / hour. The higher the last indicator, the faster the pair manages to fill the shower box.

Using a shower with a steam generator is more comfortable and functional if it has additional options.

Boxes with hydromassage are equipped with a set 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, due to which large drops are obtained. Along with the steam they create an atmosphere of maximum relaxation.

You can truly relax in the shower room with steam only if you have a seat. It should be located at a convenient height, have optimal dimensions and depth. The most convenient are those models of cabs, 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 built into the boxing column.

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

Italy is considered the birthplace of shower enclosures; therefore, reliable and functional devices are also manufactured here today. However, the cost of such models is much higher than domestic ones.The trust of customers is also enjoyed by German brands.

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

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

If you are looking for more functional models, pay attention to those whose production is concentrated in Finland. Finnish cab Novitek They are equipped not only with a steam generator and hydromassage, but also with an infrared sauna.

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

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

When choosing a shower cabin with a steam generator, give preference to the options in which steam is supplied from below. This will provide a more pleasant atmosphere in the cabin, since the heating will be uniform. Having a ventilation system also helps 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 manufacturer of the solution indicates the time), then the remaining liquid is drained from the tank, and the system is washed with running water.

Review the shower with a Turkish bath, see the following video