Which steam generator best serves You? I compile useful information to help you make a decision.
Steam Spa - Steamist - MR. STEAM - KOHLER - Amerec - STEAMBATH - THERMASOL -Whirlpool - ROMA - STEAMCORE
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My reviews are based on the 9 Killo-watt models from ThermaSol and Mr. Steam side by side at my home.
Feature: Both Mr. Steam and ThermaSol are in my Tier 1 category. Both receive A+ from my reviews compare to all the other models on my site I have reviewed.
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READ BEFORE READING MY REVIEW BELOW.
Note: I do not sell Thermasol. You must buy from an authorized showroom dealer on Thermasol for the warranty to be valid. The lifetime warranty is one of the things that make the Thermasol very expensive. If you buy from anyone on the net and you don't show a receipt from a real authorized dealer, your steam generator will not be fixed by the manufacturer and you will have to pay for the part that will be overcharged that is another thing that helps keep their showroom dealers in business. I can get the Thermasol at discounts like many other internet dealers but if you want a really cheap price it will not come with warranty. I buy several dozen of the 9kw models at a time to get my volume price (thanks to my Credit card limit) Note: rarely does a Thermasol break down so thats why they offer their lifetime warranty. If anyone is interested ONLY in the 9kw residential model I can get those wholesale. If you want any other size, I can refer you to a showroom in your area and you can use my discount code to get a discounted price. They will not help you answer comparison questions at the prices with my code and when referrals come through me. This is the only way to get the warranty. As long as no warranty is stated up front, I am following all rules and MAP pricing rules by the manufacturer. If you want the 9kw model from an authorized dealer through my referral it will be discounted but no where near the price on the ones I stock.
Note: The MR. STEAM 9kw models I review come with a full warranty. After reading this page, hopefully you can make your own decision which brand to go with.
Fluence
One Large element, lower surface area of heating element but higher watt density than ThermaSol. Puts out a higher higher latent heat index. Similar to gyms. On some of the time, off most of the time
Multiple heating elements (up to 3 in each unit). Lower fluence but a continuous lower fluence steam the entire steam session. Much softer since stead.
Mr. Steam
ThermaSol
Mr. Steam has a very accurate Thermostat. Digital instead of the analog type. Even though the steam is on and off, the thermostat is very accurate. Accuracy is tied on these 2 brands.
ThermaSol has a highly accurate digital thermostat. It works on a different protocol since it has to maintain a constant steam the entire session and keep a steady temperature.
Thermostat Accuracy
Mr. Steam has a much heavier steam. When I breath in the steam it feels hotter due to more vapor size. It feels wetter than the Thermasol which some like, some don't. Steam density is tied
ThermaSol has a lighter micron vapor feel. The steam doesn't feel as condensed in the air. The steam feels the lightest if the generator is not at their maximum 50 feet away from the steam head.
Steam Heaviness
Mr. Steam takes longer. It does not have the small tank that heats the room up in 60 seconds. It does have a heavier steam for those that prefer that. Worth waiting for for those that prefer this type of steam.
ThermaSol hands down has the quickest heat up time out of any steam generator I have tested.
Heat up time
Mr. Steam saturates the room from the floor to the roof of the steam room perfectly without getting too hot and too cold on the bottom where my feet are. Ties with Thermasol
ThermaSol has the same room saturation on the models I tested at the same wattage as the Mr. Steam. Both brands know when to digitally stop and start the steam. Therm best at monitoring constant.
Room Saturation
Mr. Steam is easy to clean. I had to buy an pressurized external cleaner valve set up which costs more but ThermaSol includes there, but it's still included in the cost as its way more expensive.
ThermaSol has a built in valve so you don't have to buy a separate purge box. It opens and purges the water after each session. It is pressurized also.
Easy to Clean
Mr. Steam costs slightly cheaper to run by a very slim margin. Actual wattage used is nearly exact to each other. The 9 kw model actually uses nearly all 9kw.
ThermaSol costs slightly more to run based on my Killowatt meter. It does run a red light at all times unlike the Mr. Steam. It is so close that the differences are minimal.
Cost to run
Mr. Steam has only a single tank. Because of this it doesn't start up in 60 seconds. You have to wait much longer but for those that like a dense steam, this is worth waiting for.
ThermaSol has 2 tanks in every generator they make. It really does make steam in 60 seconds. The fluence is lower but over time since its constant steam brings the fluence high but not as high as Mr. Steam.
Tanks - single or dual
ThermaSol is made in the USA. By this I mean it is actually made in the states, not made in China and only assembled and put together in the USA. The only one that is 100% made here and quality justifies it.
Where it is made
Mr. Steam is made in China.
Mr. Steam has the highest market share in the Commercial steam market. Mainly high end athletic clubs that typically have very large steam rooms. Their residential models are commercially built as well.
ThermaSol has a higher market share in the residential market. Many contractor show rooms have the Thermasol brand. Their commercial line are programable and known for life time warranties at spas.
Grade
Overall review:
Thermasol is mainly for those that want a constant steam. Note: this is the only model I reviewed that can be placed up to 50 feet away from the generator to not condense the steam in the line. Since it is continuous, the line stays hot and never cools off. This is the reason models that start and stop can't as the line cools down too much especially if 40 to 50 feet.
Both Mr. Steam and Thermasol are very comfortable but like I said it is a personal preference on which one to go with. I suggest people find a spa in their area and try one place that has Mr. Steam and another that has Thermasol. It doesn't matter if one has a larger killowatt generator as they are sized for the room and 99.99% of the time commercially they are sized perfectly. Just make sure that you don't compare a steam room with 2 steam distribution channels to a room that has only one steam head.
The Mr. Steam models at gyms usually are close by. There are some gyms that when the steam kicks on it comes out slow and drippy at first until the line gets hot again.
Both the Mr. Steam and Thermasol perform the best at maximum capacity. Some of the larger killowatt off brands I tested gush out lots of water and make an awful bursting sound every time the steam kicks on. both these brands are quiet.
Note: I always buy a steam generator with at least 2 kw above what my steam room size is rated for.. This way I can get higher fluence when I really want it. If it gets too steamy I can always open the door but I have a denser steam during the times I want it, especially in the winter.
I also like programability. If I want to raise my core temperature 3 degrees and after 20 minutes I want a lighter steam to bring me back down the last 10 minutes of my session, I like the intensity of my sessions to be programmed. Thermasol has the programability I like.
Mr. Steam comes on and off. It is off until the thermostat kicks it back on. Many people like this because it gives them a break or relief when not trying to raise their core body temperature too fast.
ThermaSol is constant. Steam stays on entire time but if sized right, it won't get too intense for most people. If buying a higher Kw model than recommended, it can get too hot. Definitely not mild.
Constant/ off an on
Mr. Steam sounds very similar to ThermaSol. Both models sound way better than the average steam generator
ThermaSol, I give it the same sound rating as Mr. Steam
Sound
Mr. Steam has no transition. It shuts off when it stops. Both have 1/2 inch settings. If wanting less force I go with a 3/4 inch nozzle only if I have a 40 or more foot run.
G force of steam
ThermaSol doesn't lose pressure and heat like other models as the heat is always constant. If up to a 50 foot run it doesn't get cool and lose steam pressure.
Mr. Steam has a higher drip.
Drippy Ceiling
ThermaSol due to the micron size of the vapor doesn't condense at much on the ceiling and drip.
Mr. Steam has the least lag time of non continuous steam generators I've tested.
Lag Time
ThermaSol, This doesn't apply since the steam is constant the entire time. The 60 seconds in the beginning is the only time. there is no steam.
Mr. Steam has the least steam burst of all models I have tested. Most of the cheaper steam generators have steam bursts.
Steam Bursts
ThermaSol, doesn't apply since it is constant steam.
Mr. Steam has a higher cluster size. Many people prefer this, many people like smaller. It is a personal preference. Mr. Steam has one jumbo heating element.
Vapor Quality
ThermaSol definitely hands down has the lowest cluster size of steam I ever tested. ThermaSol has multiple heating elements but smaller than the Mr. Steam heating element.
Why is Thermasol so EXPENSIVE?
I agree that Thermasol is about way more expensive than every other steam generator. I wanted to know if they just mark their stuff up (inflated prices) to make them seem higher end or what is it that makes them so freakin expensive. First, they have a lifetime parts warranty and labor warranty. This is the only company that has lifetime on labor. Every other company I talked to that has a lifetime warranty has it on their parts only and you have to pay market value on labor. I overlooked this when comparing warranties. That labor can be super expensive. A customer had to get their generator fix and the labor cost over 200 bucks. Plus, Thermasol can work over 50 feet which gives them extra time to be infused. I don't recommend infusing a generator if less than 25 feet as there is not enough mass in the pipings. Thermasol has the highest infusability. (I give samples of these free for anyone that wants to try). I also have over 600 videos on youtube you can see on this. So, when I think about it, Thermasol makes you pay more up front to cover any labor. Since everyone pays a little more up front, it covers any labor for the lifetime of the warranty. Kinda like an insurance policy.
Also, Thermasol has more features that most generators. They use a digital controller, not analog controllers. Their infrared temperature sensors add to the cost too. This makes sure the steam stays constant.
Note: Thermasol steam generators pressurized flush works best if a home has over 35 pounds of pressure. Some homes have 70 to 80 lbs of pressure. If you have a sink that puts out water really slow its probably way closer to 35. Thermasol also was the quietist generator I tested so if keeping it in the bathroom it won't be loud.
Study I did:
I called Russian Turkish baths, athletic clubs and days spas to see what steam Generators they had.
Here are my results
Turkish baths, most seem to us Mr. Steam
Luxury athletic clubs, not the Golds gyms but really expensive gyms, Mr. Steam and Thermasol, almost a 50 50 split.
Day Spas, nearly all of them had Thermasol. If not Mr. Steam or Thermasol, then Amerec was usually what I heard. I rarely heard of Steamist although I get lots of calls for that brand.
Mr. Steam seems to have the highest market share. Most residential users that call in want the Thermasol. I think that since the Commercial Thermasol generators that cost up to $19,600, it puts them out of most people's budgets. But for thats that want what Thermasol offers but only are getting a 9 or 10kw model and don't need industrial grade components, but want one of the best generators, it makes it more affordable for home use. But when getting to their larger models, less people actually buy them due to price which makes Mr. Steam favored.
I urge people to experience constant steam versus steam generators that cut on and off and the steam comes out less than 50% of the time. Many people prefer breaks so they don't heat their core too fast. Others like the steam on the entire time. If a place you have been to has a constant steam it is probably a Thermasol steam generator and if at your public steam room the steam shuts on and off, most likely its a Mr. Steam or Amerec. About 2% of the time its brands I never heard of.
Note: with Thermasol, in a 20 minute session, their generators use no more than 1 gallon of water. This is another reason why the fluence is much lower and the vapor quality has a lower cluster size than others. Since it stays on the entire time and is constant, most people would assume that it puts out more water than the on and off types. For those who haven't experienced a continuous steam, I strongly recommend trying this type before buying one because it is a WAY different experience than the kind most people are used to at the gyms. Since it puts out less water per minute, the continuous steam never get muggy. If too much steam comes out then the vapor quality goes down.
Industrial Thermasol steam generator. This retails for 19,600 dollars. The only places that had these models were the really big Korean 24 hour spas. I am talking the biggest steam rooms I ever been to.
If you are ever in Atlanta check out JeJu or if in New York check out Spa Castle.
Takes just a couple of minutes!
This quiz will isolate all steam-relevant issues and help me pick the right one based on your answers.
I will contact you personally and help you find the best deal on your new steam generator.
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There are 3 types of steam I have differentiated
Wet - this has a lot of moisture in the steam vapor, low psi pressure boiler tank, high density heating elements
WetDry - This steam has a higher dew point, hotter boiling tank with a higher pressure, lower condensation rate
Dry - Steam is at nearly 100% of its vaporization point, close to 95% dryness, dry steam will create the lowest latent heat in the steam room. When the steam is gone, the room doesn't feel as hot.
Below are some of the things that Tier 1 brands have in commont
Tier 1a - Steamcore, Thermasol
Tier 1b Mr. Steam
High PSI vs Low psi boilers - common for Tier 1 brands - biggest thing that sets tier 1a and tier b apart
PSI of Steam generator: the steam generators that give off the one type of heat that use less water to heat up the room and a higher latent heat usually have 15 psi valves. Some models release their steam at a lower psi (that don't have a sealed boiling chamber) and the vapor stays in contact with the heating elements much longer. The most expensive heating elements are the jumbo size incoloy heaters. (I make sure they are surgical steel heating elements, not galvanized metal or aluminum that can leach impurities in the steam). Non galvanized oncology heating elements are super expensive and they create a vapor that is not like that drippy steam that many people find uncomfortable. Surgical steel incoloy heaters cost about 4 times as much as the average heater found in most steam generators. Some generators have high psi boiling tanks compared to other brands with the same wattage. A 9kw non-sealed steam generator and a 9kw sealed generator brand can deliver the same 2 gallons of water per 20 minute session. One will deliver 2 gallons of vapor while another brand delivers 1.5 gallons of vapor and 1/2 gallon of water in the air that did not vaporize at all which makes a very wet steam.
A surgical steel boiler such as the one in a non-sealed steam generator will usually add $600 to $800 to the cost. It will cost at least that to get the dry steam that is that soothing steam vapor that most people want. Galvanized and cast aluminum boiling tanks usually have a lifetime warranty. These are much easier to clean and maintain but can change the TDS of the steam as calcium deposits have a harder time sticking to these materials. I prefer a steam generator that has a steel boiler even if it is harder to maintain unless it has a really good automatic cleaning system.
Sizing a generator - what kilowatt size is the right size - THIS IS BS AND COMPANIES HAVE ADMITTED TO ME WHEN I ASKED THEM DIRECTLY. I KNEW SOMETHING WAS FISHY ABOUT THESE CHARTS. I WAS CALLED BY A PRIVATE NUMBER FROM ONE OF THE COMPANIES THAT EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO ME.
So, if there is a window in the steam shower, this can condense the steam and make it wetter. If the ceiling hight is 10 feet that can drastically effect the steam quality. Rarely people like their feet to stay cold and the hottest vapor above their head. (Some of the sizing charts say that you ned a 12KW generator since you have 450 to 550 cubic feet but the manufacturer’s sizing chart was basing this on an 8 foot ceiling. If someone has a ceiling over 8 foot, this changes everything. Please notify me on my steam quiz. This can change everything when recommending a size. But, this is not the real issue I want to get out. Companies based on what I was told and it really makes sense to me is that companies don’t want to be sued. These are based on not getting someone’s heart rate over 150 beats per minute in less than 10 minutes. Some steam generators take 15 minutes to get me to that rate. If they pick you out the wrong size and it is burning your nose when your breath since the size is too large, most people will want to return it. If the steam is not enough, people will want to return it. I was told they only want you to have just enough fluence and steam that you won’t think about returning it. So, it’s really all about money and making a profit. They would rather sell me a generator that produces a little less steam than I would want rather than giving too much and taking the chance I would return it. (I do get returns this way and I can sell these around the same price as the new scratch and dents I get at deep discounts.
Note: not all 10kw steam generators are the same. Some steam generators produce a cloud when you open the door that dissipates within seconds while the higher end models give a cloud that lingers. It’s more of a vapor cloud. This is the dry type. The wet type dissipates much quicker.
One Heating element VS multi heating elements
The average steam generator has smaller heating elements and has more of them. The models with higher psi that make drier steam usually have smaller heating elements that must have a boiling tank that can withstand the pressure and heat. The heaters can be smaller when the heat builds up under pressure and doesn't require as large of heaters . Incoloy heaters create the most heat and must have a 15 psi release valve, not the average 10psi if they are the smaller type heaters.
The single heating element tanks are a thing of the past and are on or off. The latest steam generators have 3 or more heating elements that can give more control of the heat. The hardest thing to control is keeping the temperature from getting too hot in the steam room. Some newer models have “proportional” steam to keep it under control. If the generator is producing very dry steam to start with then the added moisture in the air is not their anyway and doesn’t need the steam to cut on and off so much. I hate when half the time I am in the steam room no steam is coming out. But, I don’t always like continuous heat either. It is not fun to be in a steam room that fluctuates the temperature the entire session. A 9kw steamer should have three 3,000 watt heating elements. A cheaper one would have two 4500 watt elements. The lower the wattage the lower density per square inch on the element. Less stress on the elements means less replacements.
Note: Galvanizing is a zinc coating on the heating elements helps resist corrosion and rust but once this coating comes off they will need to be replaced. If the boiling tank is also galvanized with zinc, over time this leaches out into the steam. I don't like breathing in steam that is not pure. It will flake off over time, especially if they get too hot from people pouring water over the sensor to give more steam and over heating the elements.
Dew Point - (when the steam is too wet, the room gets to 100% saturation too fast
So many steam generators condense the water too much when the steam comes out too wet. The biggest problem and most complained about problem is when the steam room gets too hot and can’t hold any more steam. The water starts dripping from the ceiling. The walls are too wet. Even with the steam generators that produce the driest heat, if too much is coming out the vapor will condense into water much sooner. There are many tricks to get the room to maintain dry steam and lower the dew point of the steam room. Some steam rooms have a lower dew point and can’t hold any more steam. This is when in a steam generator it cuts off and I am like wait a minute, this is not cool and someone takes their cup of water and splashes it on the thermometer to trick the generator to make more steam. I am sure many people know what I am talking about if they have been to a steam room at the gym.
Note: I urge people to get the right size wattage the first time. It can be very expensive to return the generator and pay 1000 dollars to reinstall it. Plus, shipping it there and original shipping to you and a cleaning fee which is usually another 150 bucks. So, I urge people to take my steam quiz. Using a sizing chart doesn’t mean your steam is going to be dry or get you that cloud that lingers that many people prefer.
Steam fluence: Some steam generator put out the steam fast and others it comes out slower. The more that comes out fast especially on the cheaper models it usually is the wetter steam that is sticky and uncomfortable. Also, some generators create steam really quick as they always have very warm water in it that takes it a very short time to boil. This can eat up electricity big time. Other types have run a lot of electricity through the water and it creates steam in about a minute. I prefer a good solid steam generator and I am not looking for this quick heat up time. That extra few minutes people are trying to save is really costing them in other ways. They can get a lower quality steam vapor. They need it so fast that the heating elements don’t super heat the steam to give a dryer vapor. Most people that call me up and seem to be hurried and frustrated and want me to make a quick decision for them usually tell me they don’t wanna wait long for their steam. They want it to start in less than 3 minutes. Oh well, because waiting for the steam to build up pressure at a higher psi is worth waiting for.
Note: These fast start up generators with these high density small heating elements create a very low dew point in the steam room. A steam room with a dew point less than 60 is uncomfortable and not the steam room I want to be in. It’s just not enjoyable unless you know the difference between a better one. There are some steam generators that I know just by opening up the door and letting the steam hit my face I know if the dew point is risen over 65. It’s that sticky feeling that is characteristic of just plain wet steam that makes me want to get out before 10 minutes. It’s not enjoyable at all. When the dew point is over 70 this is when the steam in the steam room actually bothers me. The high end steam generators that have only surgical steel components and the latest technology in steam generation can produce steam in the low dew point range much lower than 60 which is the average among the mid range brands.
Note: Mr. Steam and Steamcore are alike in the same way that they pulse on and off and are not the continuous type like Thermasol and SteamSpa out of Florida. With Steamcore and Mr. Steam, one has a sealed pressurized boiler and the other doesn't. Steamcore takes about 3 minutes to start giving off steam but since steam rooms using the Steamcore have a lower latent heat and higher dew point, it does take it longer to heat up the room. Those that appreciate super dyer steam don't usually mind the wait.
Thermasol and SteamSpa are very similar. The biggest difference with Thermasol and Steamspa is that one has blootooth and a fancier control panel and the other doesn't. The continuous steam types take about 30 seconds to produce steam as the element turns red and then water is cued in. With Steamcore, the water fills up and the heaters never turn red in the water.
Steam generators that feel uncomfortable: These generators produce wet steam way below 90% wetness. These are so uncomfortable to go in as it seems sticky. Most people feel very stick when they try to perspire in this type of steam room that has too much water droplets. The wetter the steam in the room, the harder it is for our body to cool ourselves off and is the reason why cheaper steam rooms that produce under 90% dryness actually feel hotter and makes people want to get out sooner. These steam rooms feel hotter but are very uncomfortable to stay in as long compared to the dryer type steam generators.
Note: the steam generators that produce more vapor type steam with a lower cluster size can bring more vapor into the steam room without heating the room temperature too high making it feel uncomfortable. The wetter type steam has less steam vapor and generates more heat. The best steam generators that make the most comfortable steam create steam with a lower dew point that lets more vapor in before it all starts to condense. The higher end incoloy heater type boiler steam generators create higher dew points that is hard to get with the average steam generator.
Cold spots: If the room is over 8 feet, that extra foot makes a difference between a nice steam and feeling the cold spots. I am not talking about when the steam room is cold around my feet. When sizing a steam generator, one extra kilowatt may be needed to avoid the cold spots but if too much steam is coming out then it can turn it into wet steam while the dew point of the steam room is lower.
Hot spots - too wet steam makes my noise burn and gives me a headache. This is the steam that when you go in the room it is really hot near the ceiling but cool around the legs and feet. The cheaper steam generators that produce the wetter type steam and have lower dew points. With generators that produce this type of steam it is hard to stay in longer than 10 minutes. Too much wetness makes the steam room hotter but I am not getting the vapor that I want.
Full spectrum steam generators - These have a balance that does not create an uneven cloud that only fills up half the room and leaves little to no steam around the feet and legs. Full spectrum steam is super dry and there is much less condensation that makes water droplets like the steam that seems to drip constantly in your face from the ceiling. Full spectrum steam only happens when the dew point is under 60. The generator must be very close to the steam room and must have walls that help with lowering condensation. Someone can have the best generator but if the room is not good the steam can feel like a cheap generator that makes wet steam when the one you bought puts out dry steam. It just takes a few mistakes to turn dry steam and prematurely condense it to wet steam
Uncomfortable steam: I get asked what is the best steam generator. It is the one that creates a higher dew point for the room. I hate when the steam cuts off when it gets too hot but the steam vapor has a low saturation. It is when the steam cloud goes away very quickly and doesn’t linger like the dryer steam that has a lower cluster size since it was heated more and came out of the steam head at a higher pressure. This very dry type of steam is a little bit louder coming out but with a high psi steam generator this is only con I can think of. Uncomfortable steam has that muggy and sticky feel. Low quality steam also sticks to the walls more as the vapor is hotter but more dense. Dry steam vapor comes out as less dense but hotter. What else makes uncomfortable steam
10 min vs 15 min sessions -
Most generators make a heat that lets people stay in 15 minutes that will raise their heart beat to 150 beats per minute. This is if you buy their steam generator based on what they recommend on their sizing chart which I disagree with based on the type of steam most people want. A good dry steam with a low dew point should make me want to take a cold shower in 10 minutes, not 15 minutes, but for the average person, they have to take into consideration that someone might use their generator who has a heart problem or some reason they can’t handle really intense heat. I personally don’t like mild steam rooms. I’ve been to the best steam rooms at the best spas and been in sweat lodges that were done by masters. I compare the best steam generators to these experiences.
Note: Some people have 7 foot ceilings and most people have 8 or higher. For those that have a 7 foot ceiling in their steam room, the room will be set for the most uniform steam without cold or hot spots that people complain about. I urge people that have ceilings over 8.5 feet to get a steam generator that has 2 heating elements with 2 thermostats. If over 9 feet high, I would recommend a higher psi boiler that has incoloy heaters.
The biggest decision to make before deciding on a steam generator brand is to ask myself do I want hot steam but with a lower dew point or do I want a more tolerable steam with a higher dew point. Most people never get asked this question or know to really think about this. I don’t really trust most manufacture’s sizing charts as they don’t take all these other things into consideration that I do. Some people with health issues can’t handle raising their heartbeat over 100 beats per minute in a 10 minute session when they started out at 75 beats per minute. Most people when they go in any steam room are pouring water on the thermometer trying to get less pause time and more steam time. Most people want to raise their core temperature higher faster. Those that buy a size larger than they should get have more steam and it can raise their heartbeat to 150 beats per minute in that same 15 minute time but it is very uncomfortable and sticky if the generator is producing wet steam with a high dew point. If someone wants a more intense steam that is dryer these cost much more than the average generator.
Note: Every time the manufacturer gets them in their is always a few scratch and dents that may have cosmetic blemishes or a small dent in the steel frame. I get these much cheaper and usually is the only way that people can afford the really expensive models. Contact me if you want one of these or be put on the list when the manufacturer gets them in.
More about dry steam -
Dry steam from the highest end steam generators can produce steam that is 95 to 98% dry. The other percentage is moisture which is referred to as the wet steam that no body likes. For anyone that has every been in a very dry steam room, it is hard to go back to a brand that is even 5% wetter than you are used to. The best steam generator can produce a steam that is 95% dry. Only a few steam generator brands can produce 95% dry steam. The ones that produce dryness in the 88% to 90% are much more affordable and the brands that most people get. Those that are interested in getting their steam over 95% contact me and I will share different methods based on the steam room you are building.
Note: 95% dryness will never happen if steam condenses in the pipes and the if the wrong size generator is bought from undersizing. Many people don't realize that a pure steam is just as important as a dry steam. I only use generators that use surgical steel tanks and all the elements that touch the water must also be surgical steel, not galvanized steel.
Dryness tip: dry steam can become wet due to turbulence from splashing against the floor or wall when it comes out of the steam head. This can cause more water droplets in the steam taking about 5% of the dryness away.
Note: I only promote steam generators that have 90% dryness and no more than 10% wet steam (water droplet moisture that the steam generator process fails to turn into a steam gas). Dry steam is the most expensive steam to produce and steam generators that produce a dryer steam are built with lower density heating elements and a lower wattage per element. Cheaper generators have higher density elements with high wattage per element.
Cheap steam generators: These do NOT vaporize all the water during the steam generating process. These usually have galvanized elements, aluminum tank (cast aluminum), and electronics that are not ETL or CE approved. CSA is the strictest. Steam generators that have a CSA approval are almost all tier 1 brands. Advice, I won't promote any steam generator that didn't get CSA approved.
Note: If you buy a tier 1 steam generator, even if it is a generator that puts out very dry steam, until the room is at a certain temperature, the steam will only get to that dry level once the walls and seat are at a certain temperature.
Another way to compare heating elements to psi - to create a vapor with lower moisture
The longer the steam vapor is in contact with the heating element, the hotter it will get. Lower quality steam comes from generators that steam in the boiler has little contact time with the heating elements. Some have jumbo size heating elements and release steam quicker. I always want to know the psi of the boiling tank when doing my research. If looking for a drier or wetter steam, I always want to know if the boiler is sealed and is a pressurized steam generator or it is un-sealed and is not. One type produces a lot more steam density and is wetter and the other less steam that is dryer. Steam under pressure is good for those that want this type and are used to that type. I will say that once I experienced a steam room with vapor close to 95% dryness I knew the difference.
Steam Build Up Speed - Tier 1 steam generators tend to build up steam much faster than the lower end brands. The thing that sets the steam generators that make dryer steam with a lower dew point apart is that they release the steam once nearly all the moisture has been vaporized. If the steam room is cold it can condense it quick no matter how dry the steam is. If the steam builds up too quick and releases too quick because the release valve is set to a lower pressure, this can lead to a very wet steam. Many people want a steam generator that produces steam quickly after they turn it on. The best steam generators vaporize nearly 95% of the water before it is released. This can take longer than the brands that advertise quick steam.
Note: if too much steam comes out and heats the room too quickly, they will shut off. It is the heat of the room causing it too shut off, not necessarily too much steam. Dryer steam doesn't heat the room up as much and is much more tolerable at higher temperatures. With dry steam, the on time should be much longer than the pause time when there is no steam coming out. The less moisture there is in the steam vapor the less pause time of steam. I don't like sitting there waiting for more steam to come out. The problem with may of the pulsed type brands and why many people want the Thermasol or Steamspa is that most pulsed types cut on and off and give off a lot of steam and then comes back on when all the steam is gone. This is because the latent heat is still in the room and the most of the steam is gone. This is the wet type. Pulsed types with pressurized boilers release all the steam when it gets too a certain pressure and it has to build up again creating a longer "no steam time". The dry type steam pulsed type generators work differently. The latest generation pulsed types have a 3 degree differential. This means that when the room gets 3 degrees cooler it will let out more steam or if it gets 3 degrees hotter it will shut off. So, with the newer generation pulsed models you should never be there sitting and waiting for the steam to come back while the steam room has gotten cold. If you set it to a certain temperature it will stay there within 3 degrees the entire time. There is always going to be a lingering cloud unlike the older types that are pressurized give off the load of steam and doesn't maintain a constant cloud.
Also, with the newest generation pulsed generators that weren't around just a while back, the cueing system is more advanced. When the water level probe drops just 3mm, the unit calls for more water to bring it back up. This is characteristic of the non-sealed boiling tanks. The brands that I do not approve of shoot out steam every few minutes and the room temperature goes up and down. No consistency. All I get is complaints on these models. With Steamcore and Mr. Steam, one is a wetter type, one is dryer. But, one has more fluence than the other. One heats up the room for those that want to come in from the cold and warm up. Other people want the benefit of steam vapor at its driest. There are advantages and disadvantages of the wet vs the dry type. If you don't know what you want or don't have that much experience with each type, take my Steam Quiz. That will usually pinpoint the type based on your answers. Mr. Steam and Steamcore have very consistent steam. I urge people before they buy to research if they should get the sealed type (pressurized steam) or the non-sealed type.
Choosing a generator size based on your steam room -
When I know the materials in the steam room (marble, ceramic, stone, glass, porcelain tile?), then find out how many walls are in the steam room and the height (more walls make the steam wetter). Getting the right kilowatt size is one thing but buying finding the brand that will give a dryer or wetter steam is not part of most “manufacturer charts” equation. Then getting the ceiling height, how far away the generator is from the steam room, and other factors will help decide on the right size model and which brand to get).
Not many people like the feeling of a steam room that feels like a muggy hot summer day in Florida. This is saturated steam at its most uncomfortable. The steam generators that I do not approve of make this type of wetter steam. I like my steam extremely dry and very hot.
Steam Quality -
I urge people to get a good carbon filter before the water enters their steam generator. Calcium can also build up in the generator and pipes making the steam quality poor. Also, the longer the distance the generator is away from the steam room the wetter the steam will be. What really bothers me is when companies tell people to get a large size to make up for the heat loss but don’t bother to mention that all that’s going to do is make the steam wetter.They just make people think buying bigger will compensate for the steam loss. Those that follow these instructions and still keep their generator far away from the steam shower will still get the steam they would have loss but end up buying the larger size model and never get to experience a higher quality steam with a higher dew point
Many people buy steam generators that produce too much moisture and not enough vapor. Most people buy the wrong one even though it gets the steam room at 100% saturation. Poor steam quality in my opinion has a steam percentage lower than 95%. The really cheap brands are way lower than 95% and people never know what real “feel” good steam is because they never experienced it.
Most mid price generators give a steam that has a dryness of around 70 to 85%. The really cheap ones coming out of “certain countries” have a dryness of usually around 50%. Their steam usually comes from one big boiler head and puts out so much steam than can actually be turned into a gas first. People get these and think wow,, this puts out so much steam but never realize what they are missing. The only thing they experienced was a steam with a dryness of 50% what the driest steam brands can give.
PSI -
A 9kw generator from one brand can produce totally different steam than another brand that has a higher pressure in the boiling tank and has larger heating elements with greater surface area to super heat the water. The cheaper brands that produce the wetter steam boil a gallon of water much quicker as it is under less pressure to release the steam in the release valve in the sealed type generators. The steam generators that produce a higher dew point and dryer steam let the steam out as vapor. Some same wattage generators can produce 16 pounds of steam per hour while another brand with the same wattage produces 24 pounds an hour. That extra weight is what people get confused about. That is not extra steam. That is 8 pounds of moisture that is mixed in with the steam.
Low density heater - surgical steel incoloy
Non surgical steel incoloy heater - industrial stainless steel heater - this is what a galvanized metal heater looks like - lime build up. Those with certain types of water can end up with heating elements like this in 6 months.
The brands that create very wet steam make it hard to keep your head up as too much heat burns my nostrils and burns my eyes. But, if I lower myself its just not enough. Many people get generators that create too wet of steam and pick out the wrong size generator. Also, if the generator puts out too much steam, it will heat the steam room too quickly and it will pulse off too soon and not produce steam. This is when many people pour cold water on the sensors. With wet type steam, the latent heat is so high that it is not comfortable to sit up really high.
Final notes:
When their is less moisture in the steam, it holds less heat. It heats the room less and the generator can stay on longer making steam. Open tank steam generators stay on close to as long as the continuous type like Thermasol but drier.
Also, for those buying a steam generator 10.5 watts or more, I urge anyone to make sure if it has 1 or 2 steam heads. One type will make dry steam and the other will make the steam much wetter. If the tank is not pressurized (sealed boiling tank) it needs 2 streamlines coming out of the same generator to reduce moisture in the steam causing the steam session to be without steam nearly half the session which is one of the most complained about when I get calls.
The 9kw steam generator size is the most popular size I sell. That that get a 10.5 watt will add about 20% more steam. People should be very cautious about upsizing one size up as this can only make the steam wet once the room reaches saturation sooner than the heat can dissipate. The biggest decision to make is getting a generator that is sealed vs non sealed, a lower vs a higher psi release valve, 1 or 2 steam lines (if 10.5KW or over), and making sure the tank is not galvanized.
Note: some heating elements on certain brands use stainless tubing steel. This is not the same as low density surgical steel heaters).
For steam generators in my Tier 1, I will go over the differences between Thermasol, Steamcore, and Mr. Steam. Each has its on pros and cons and I will pick out the brand and size based on your answers. I will say that most people who think they know what brand they initially want usually is not the one I recommend based on the answers.
Steamcore - SPA 2 - Tier 1A
Non-Pressurized Steam 3 degree variance pulsed
Mr. STeam - Tier 1b
Pressurized Steam - pulsed
Thermasol - Tier 1A
Non-pressurized Steam - continuous steam
Thermasol VS Saunacore VS MR. Steam "in a nutshell"
Before deciding on a Mr. Steam, Steamcore, or Thermasol make sure you really know the differences.
The Mr. Steam has a shorter duty cycle while Thermasol and Steamcore have a constant steam that you don’t have to wait with no steam. The vapor in the Steamcore is the driest and most dense while the old style single tank pressure cooker types let out steam with more moisture that is not evaporated into steam yet. The steam cloud on a Steamcore or Thermasol lingers and doesn’t drop to the floor as quick and there is way less drippiness. The latent heat index is lower with less moisture in the steam so the steam stays in the air and doesn’t stick to the walls and ceiling. If someone has a ceiling over 7 foot tall, I would only go with a drier steam so the steam doesn’t rise to the ceiling from the high latent heat. Lag time on the Mr. Steam is much higher since it only has one tank.
Another thing is the noise. Steamcore doesn’t work like the pressure cooker type so it is very quiet. With high pressure steam generators you may need to buy a drip pan and empty it out all the time. Not with Steamcore. Those who don’t want to pay to replace heating elements and pay for a new boiling tank in the future may want to have a surgical steel tank and heating elements. More expensive up front but a lot less maintenance. With surgical steel you don’t need to buy a gallon of solution to clean the tank every 90 sessions if your water is hard.
For those that want the short duty cycle type, Mr. Steam is the best single tank generator. Comparing it to Elite steam (Steamist), which is my 2nd best single tank. Steamcore and Thermasol have the 2 best steam qualities I have tested of all the generators so far. (Many people will find SteamSpa (made in China). I have many stories I can tell you about experiences with that brand). As far as Thermasol and Steamcore, Steamcore has a denser steam and has the least maintenance. It is more expensive than all the others but for those that do just one session with a Steamcore it is hard to go back to any other steam. I discount Steamcore to make it closer to the prices of Mr. Steam and Thermasol.
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1. How long are you planning to keep the steam generator on at one setting)?
2. Whats the main reason you want steam therapy?
3. Where are you putting the steam room?
4. How big is the room you are trying to steam?
5. Do you want that itchy feel quick or not from fluence dry steam?
6.Do you care where it is made?
7. Are you sensitive to EMF)?
8. How dry do you want your steam (cluster size of water (vapor size)?
9. The mineral content of water has an effect. Suspended solids makes a poor quality steam and can rust the elements
10. Do you care if it is UL listed, CE and NOM certified.?
11. Will the steam room be where there is lots of heat loss?
12. Is noise level an issue where you plan to steam?
13. Do you want a continuous or pulsed steam?
14. How intense do you want the steam?
15. Are you going to put salt rocks under the steam head?
16. Are you going to be connecting a gravity fed 5 gallon water bucket to the generator?
17. Which grade of steamer do you want?
18. Do you prefer a particular brand?
If other, which one?
Name
Email
Number
Best time to call
Time Zone
24. How far will your generator be from your steam room?
19.What price range are the steamers you want to stay within?
31. Most important question of the quiz: Check off any that will be in your steam room.
26. Would you prefer a scratch and dent generator or returned generator from someone that bought the wrong size?
20. Are you ceilings going to be slanted or flat?
21. How tall will your ceiling be in the steam room?
22. How long do you want to stay in before your core heats up too much before you want to get out?
23. Do you prefer a wetter or dryer steam?
If the steam is too wet and the latent heat is too high it will be harder to enjoy the steam longer. Heart rate will go up to fast.
Steam that is from low pressure boiling tanks are the drippiest. Drier steam is more gassy and less drippy.
27. Are you installing a marine grade waterproof fan for a more uniform steam?
There is really needed if the ceiling is over 7 feet. 12 inches makes a huge differences where the fan brings that steam down from over your head.
28. Are you sensitive to any odors or metallic smells?
Cast iron has the worst smell over time. Galvanized stainless steel can also leach down the road. Surgical steel is the purest steel for steam generators.
29. What kilowatt size steam generator were you recommended to get?
If you don't know leave blank
30. If you have been in a sauna where you pour water on the hot rocks, do you like the feeling of that dry steam?
25. Do you like your steam so dense that you can't even see the person in front of you?
