Buyers’ Guide to the 9 Best Steam Shower Generators [2020 Updated Reviews]
written by: Michael Lamew
With over 200 options of steam shower generators available today on the web, choosing the right one for your home is key.
To avoid getting stuck with a dud, go with one of our 9 best steam shower generators of 2020 that are highly-reviewed.
After reading our steam shower generator reviews, with pros and cons, you’ll be able to choose the best unit for you.
Now, let’s dive in, shall we?
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | |
|---|---|
 | #1 Steam Planet – Superior 6kW (Editor’s Choice) Self-draining, and bundled with an easy-to-use waterproof programmable controller, this 6kW steam shower generator kit is my top choice for 2020. |
 | #2 Steam Planet – Superior 9kW Need more bang for your buck? This 9kW unit comes with all the same great features as the 6kW, but can easily fill a medium-sized steam room (320-460 cu ft.). |
 | #3 CGOLDENWALL – 6kW Build your very own custom steam room, for less, with the CGOLDENWALL 6kW. Comes with everything you need to get started, including the digital display. |
 | #4 Steamist – EliteSteam – 10kW Perfect for medium-sized steam rooms (251 to 450 cu ft.), the EliteSteam 10kW keeps luxury in mind, with its better-looking controller, and polished chrome steam head. Made in USA. |
 | #5 Steamist – EliteSteam – 7.5 kW A size lower than the previous 10kW unit, the EliteSteam 7kW works fantastic with smaller-sized steam rooms (up to 250 cu ft.). Made in USA. |
 | #6 Steam Planet – Superior – 12kW Need more juice? This 12kW unit from Steam Planet can quickly fill a larger-sized steam room (460 – 700 cu ft.) in just around 5 minutes. |
 | #7 Steamist – SM-15 15 kW Still need more juice? The Steamist SM-15 has a max range of 675 cu ft., which is slightly less than the previous unit, but it has greater steam production. This compensates for heat loss. |
 | #8 Kohler – K-1696-NA – 13kW With the ability to create clouds of steam in just under 1 minute, the Kohler 13kW is one of the fastest steam producing generators of 2020. |
 | #9 Mr. Steam – Ms225ec1 – 7kW Designed for smaller-sized steam rooms (151-225 cu ft.), this Mr. Steam 7.5kW generator comes with a quality-backed Lifetime Limited Warranty. |
Steam Shower Generator Reviews [Updated 2020]
To aid your search in finding the best steam shower generator for your bathroom, here are my top 9 steam shower generator reviews of the year.
#1: Steam Planet – Superior 6kW (Editor’s Choice)
The #1 best steam shower generator of 2020 is the Steam Planet Superior 6kW Self-Draining Steam Shower Generator.
If you're looking for the best steam shower generator kit, with everything you need to start your own personal spa, this is my top pick.
It comes with an easy-to-install waterproof control panel, that can go either on the inside, or outside your steam spa room. Also, its able to turn your favorite essential oil (mine are: lavender & eucalyptus), into a soothing cloud that fills your steam room in only 4min.
Pros
- ETL Certified
- Able to add your favorite essential oil – to enjoy aromatherapy benefits
- Comes with waterproof programmable controls
- Chrome steam outlet is easy-to-clean
- Digital control panel & temperature gauge are easy to use
Cons
- 6kW size is designed for smaller steam shower rooms
#2: Steam Planet - Superior 9kW
The #2 best steam shower generator of the year, is the Steam Planet Superior 9kW Steam Shower Generator.
If you're looking for the best value steam shower generator for your bathroom, this Steam Planet 9kW is a great option.
It's one size up (9kW from 6kW), from my #1 steam shower generator of the year, so it comes with all the same great benefits, while packing an even harder punch.
Pros
- ETL Certified
- 9kW size is great for medium/large sized steam shower rooms
- Comes with an easy-to-use digital control panel & temperature gauge
- The waterproof control panel can be installed inside, or outside your shower
Cons
- Some customers say this unit is too powerful for smaller-sized bathrooms (ie: 5×3)
#3: CGOLDENWALL - 6kW
At #3 on the countdown of the top 9 steam shower generators for showers in 2020 is the CGOLDENWALL 6kW steam generator.
If you're looking for a quality low-priced steam shower generator, minus all the expensive bells and whistles, the CGOLDENWALL 6kW is a great choice.
In only 3-5 minutes, this unit can completely fill a small bathroom with soothing steam, while helping the user's muscles relax, skin release toxins, and improve circulation.
Then, take your bathroom up another notch by adding one of the best shower doors of the year, or a highly-reviewed luxury shower head.
Pros
- Comes with a digital control panel & temperature gauge
- Dual-tank technology reduces distracting operational noise
- Has automatic water shortage protection
Cons
- No self-draining feature
- Insufficient for medium/large sized rooms
#4: Steamist - EliteSteam - 10kW
The #4 best steam shower generator of 2020 is the Steamist EliteSteam 10kW Luxury Home Steam Shower System.
If you're looking for the best luxury steam shower generator of the year, the Steamist 10kW sits above the rest.
From its beautiful polished chrome digital control pad, to its reliable stainless steel tanks, and design, the Steamist 10kW comes with everything you need to install your very own custom steam shower set-up.
For more highly-reviewed products like this one here, check out our best-rated shower fixtures to continue to transform your bathroom.
Pros
- The polished chrome digital control panel looks fantastic
- Its compact size works great in tight places – like under counters, or in nearby closets
- The use of high-quality stainless steel tanks increases the unit’s lifespan
- 10kW size is perfect for medium to large sized bathrooms (251 to 450 cu ft.)
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No auto-drain feature
#5: Steamist SM-7 - 7.5kW
At #5 on our countdown of the best steam generators for showers, is the Steamist SM-7 7.5kW.
If you're on a quest for the best luxury steam bath generator kit for your small bathroom, the Steamist 7.5kW is my top pick.
The Steamist sm-7 bundle comes with everything you need, so set up is easy. It includes: the high-quality steam generator, the control panel (in polished chrome, brushed chrome, or polished nickel), the beautiful steamhead, and the cable.
Pros
- The polished chrome digital control panel looks great
- Its compact size works great in tight places – like under counters, or in nearby closets
- The use of high-quality stainless steel tanks increases the unit’s lifespan
- Made in the USA
Cons
- 7.5kW size is insufficient for larger sized bathrooms
#6: Steam Planet - Superior - 12kW
The #6 best steam shower generator kit, is Steam Planet's Superior 12kW Self-Draining Steam Shower Generator.
If you're dreaming up a wonderfully spacious steam shower room, that can be filled quickly with soft soothing steam, the Superior 12kW should be on your radar.
Its 12kW size easily supports larger-sized steam rooms (460 to 700 cu ft.), and its price is shockingly low when compared to the value it provides.
For more highly-rated products like this to help you create your own at-home spa, check out our top rain shower, and best shower head combos of the year.
Pros
- ETL Certified
- Enjoy aromatherapy benefits by adding your favorite essential oil to the steamhead’s well
- The 12kW size is perfect for larger sized steam rooms (460 to 700 cu ft.)
- The waterproof control panel is easy-to-use and can be installed inside or outside your steam room
Cons
- This unit is large in size, so it requires more space to mount
#7: Steamist - SM-15 15 kW
The #7 best steam shower generator for steam rooms in 2020 goes to the Steamist SM-15 15kW Steam Generator.
With a max range of 675 cu ft., the Steamist SM-15 works great filling larger-sized steam rooms, quickly, usually in just under 5 minutes.
Also, the Steamist SM-15 comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty on the unit, and 5 years of the parts.
This is no surprise, as longtime steam bath enthusiasts know, Steamist has been around for over 40 years in the industry making top-quality steam bath generators.
Pros
- The stainless steel construction is designed for years of maintenance-free operation
- The 15kW size works fantastic with larger-sized custom steam rooms (675 cu ft. max)
- Excellent warranty coverage provides more peace of mind – Lifetime limited, 5 yrs. on parts
- Has a surprisingly compact design – given its power
Cons
- Larger-size increases the price
#8: Kohler - K-1696-NA - 13kW
The #8 best steam generator for showers in 2020 goes to the Kohler K-1696-NA 13kW.
In just 1 min., the Kohler 13kW can fill a medium-sized steam room with soft, soothing steam. Compared to other models on the list, that take around 4 minutes, this is a remarkable improvement.
If you're looking for the best fast-response steam shower generator on the market, the Kohler 13kW earns my top pick.
For more top-quality products like this to transform your shower, check out our top-rated shower panel systems 2020 has to offer.
Pros
- Fast-Response technology produces steam in just 1 min. – versus 4 min.with most other models
- Power Clean technology automatically cleans the unit with just a touch of a button
- Great for medium-sized steam rooms – 318 to 447 cubic feet
Cons
- The Fast-Response feature causes unit to be more expensive
#9: Mr. Steam - 7.5KW Ms225ec1
The #9 best steam generator for bathrooms in 2020 is the Mr. Steam 7.5kW Residential Steam Generator Ms225ec1.
If you're looking for a steam generator that provides peace of mind, knowing its quality is backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty, the Mr. Steam 7.5kW is one of my top choices.
The Mr. Steam 7.5kW easily transforms your small bathroom, into a steamy oasis, officially bringing your very own personal spa, into the comfort of your home.
Not to mention, taking a steam shower with a top-rated unit is a great creative way to save water in the shower.
Pros
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Made with corrosion resistant 100% recycled stainless steel
- Has removable/serviceable heating elements – so your unit stays clean
Cons
- Only works well with smaller spaces – 151 to 225 cubic feet
- Control screen sold separately
How To Choose the Best Steam Shower Generator
Choosing the best steam shower generator, among a sea of options, is tough if you don't know exactly what you're looking for.
For that reason, here are my top tips to aid your search:
- Pick the right size: Picking the correct sized steam shower generator is successfully accomplished by measuring your steam spa room in cubic feet, then looking at your preferred generator’s technical specifications. Once your steam room is within the unit’s set range, you’re good to go.
- Make sure it comes with a controller: Its important to know, that not all steam shower generators come with a control panel. So, if you’re looking for a ready-to-go steam shower generator kit, you’ll want to make sure to select a bundled unit.
- Auto-drain is a plus: As you probably know, the presence of excess moisture can lead to nasty build-ups, especially with steam shower generators. Thus, selecting a unit with “self-drain,” or “auto-drain” built-in, is a great way to keep your generator clean, and efficient.
- Find the best price: Price is arguably the most important factor in selecting the best steam bath generator. Finding the best price is accomplished by sticking to units with lots of positive reviews, that are in your budget range.
Steam Shower Generator FAQs
What is a steam shower generator?
A steam shower generator is an enclosed unit that produces steam using heated coils to bring water to a boil.
Once the water is boiling, then steam exits the generator from its lower-section via the steam head. Most steam shower generators will come with a control panel, that adjusts temperature, and duration.
How much does it cost to build a steam shower?
To build a steam shower, it costs around $500 - $3,000.
For around $500-$1000, you can purchase a quality 6kW generator for a small steam room, that's already properly enclosed.
For re-models that cost around $3,000, that may include the cost of a 15kW generator designed for a larger steam room, plus the cost to waterproof, and enclose your space.
How do you size a steam shower generator?
To size a steam shower generator, follow these 3 easy steps:
- Measure the length, width, and height of your enclosure in feet
- Then, multiply your LxWxH
- Lastly, use that number (which will be in cubic feet), to match the range of your desired generator
Does a steam shower need to be enclosed?
Yes, a steam shower does need to be enclosed.
This is because steam can often penetrate deeper than water, which damages walls that aren't properly waterproofed. For proper use, make sure your steam shower is completely closed off, using waterproof materials, like tile, and glass.
Steam baths vs. saunas. What's the difference?
The difference between a steam bath and a sauna is, put simply, moisture.
As you probably already know, steam baths create their heat via steam, whereas saunas create their heat using dry-heat methods, such as infrared.
Steam Shower Generator Benefits
After selecting the best steam shower generator kit, there's a ton of awesome benefits to know with your unit.
To name a few, here's my top 3.
Relaxes stiff joints & muscles after activity:
According to BodyBuilding.com, the use of steam can help to alleviate pain due to a sports injury, prevent injuries, and relax stiff joints & muscles after workouts. (1)
Helps reduce stress:
Incorporating the use of a steam spa room in your everyday routine is a great way to help reduce stress, and give you something to look forward to each day.
If you enjoy daily meditation, your steam room is the perfect place to give yourself a much-needed break, complete your mindfulness practice, and remember the things you're grateful for.
Helps ease cold symptoms:
As stated by BodyBuilding.com,
"The body's natural defence when sick is to raise the body's temperature above normal (hence a fever) to try and destroy invading organisms and sweat out impurities. The raising of the body's temperature is called hyperthermia." (1)
In other words, using the benefits of steam to raise your body's temperature, can help to activate your body's natural defenses.
If our top 3 wasn't enough for you, here's our full list of steam shower benefits.
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Conclusion
After reading my steam shower generator reviews, and buyers' guide, you're left with 9 of the best steam shower generators that 2020 has to offer.
Of those, my #1 best steam shower generator for showers this year is the Steam Planet - Superior 6kW Self-Draining Steam Shower Generator.
If you're looking to create your own spa-quality steam room, the Superior 6kW is sure to not disappoint.
Enjoy!
If you're considering adding a steam generator to your bathroom, you might also be interested in our steam shower reviews.
On that page, we took the top 5 most highly reviewed steam shower enclosures of 2020 and ranked them for your convenience.
Sources
- 1: https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/full-steam-ahead-the-benefits-of-a-steam-bath.html
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