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Learn the difference between each steam generator before you buy.
STEAMCORE REVIEW Steam quality 99%
Steamcore is the closest it comes to to a sweat lodge type steam. Their latest generator has a dual inlet and boiling tank. This is an open tank (not a pressure cooker type) that puts out the least moisture and humidity. It is exponentially drier than Thermasol or Mr. Steam. Very dry steam, minimal condensate, slow burn. This is the most advanced atmospheric steam generator. See my Steamcore Review
STEAMIST REVIEW - Steam quality 65%
Steamist, Steamist, Steamist. I really don't have much to say about this since I don't promote this one and have chosen not to be a dealer. Those who are comparing this one are usually comparing Kholer, Steamwhirl, Mr. Steam, and others made in China.
If you want to see my review of this brand read my Steamist review page here.
KHOLER REVIEW - Steam quality 45%
Kohler is usually the first steam generator people compare when they are first researching steam generators. This does not fall anywhere near my tier 1 brands. If you want a dry steam with low condensate and don't want steam traps due to wet steam carrying too much latent heat at the ceiling. See my Kohler review here.
ELITE STEAM REVIEW - Steam quality 58%
Elite Steam is a single tank pressurized steam generator. This is a big jump in quality under Mr. Steam based on my exererience with these two companies. For those that want a really affordable generator (much less expensive than Mr. Steam), this one is the one to get. Buy this if you can't afford a Mr. Steam generator.
I have found that the easiest way to conceptualize this product industry is by breaking it down into a tiered rating system.
About 80% of people buy a steam generator from Tier 2 simply because they are heavily marketed towards them. The other 20% buy from Tier 1 or Tier 3. They either buy something really cheap or they go for Tier 1. Tier 3 and some of Tier 2 brands are usually "RE-Brands" coming from the same 2 manufacturers in China. Most use confusing marketing and are almost identical to each other and marketing
About 80% of customers end up purchasing a steam generator from Tier 2 level. The rest choose a Tier 1 or Tier 3. Tier 2 is composed of companies that use very confusing marketing for their brands. The reason is because 90% of those brands in this tier are actually “Re-brands” coming from the same 2 manufacturers in China. So these brands are almost identical to one another and so each company just makes up claims and marketing hype to appear different than their competition.
I have divided Tier 2 into Sub levels A and B to segregate them. The lower the Tier the more drawbacks the brand has versus benefits. So, Tier 2B might have higher density heating elements. Or Tier 1A might have surgical steel while Tier 1B doesn't.
Rating System based off the following:
Warranty, Condensate levels, Fluence of Steam, steel components (304 steal vs stamped steel), Cost per session, Noise, Start up times, Actual wattage used vs wattage manufacturer claims, Thermostat Accuracy, Wet vs Dry steam (Does it feel like steam or vapor under boiling point), and most of all, customer service when problems arise.
If you want specific information on each brand and how it rates on each of these categories please ask.
Tier 1:
A --SteamSpa, Steamcore, (These have the highest grade components, lowest heat index, driest steam, most continuous steam, high heat co-efficient, least prone to steam traps, less drippy
B -- Thermasol, Mr. STEAM
Tier 2:
A -- Amerec, Steamist, Elite Steam
B --Kohler, Whirpool, Steamgiant
Tier 3:
Series 63, Steam-Whirl, Brands found on Ebay (new brand name changes all the time to confuse and avoid their bad reviews)
(90% of steam generators are re-brands from same two manufacturers in China and most generators fall into this Tier)
NOTE: I tell people 98% of the enjoyment of a steam room being in constant steam, not the heat or moisture you feel. A bad generator will get too hot and then too cool. Make sure you get the right wattage for your steam room dimensions or the steam will NOT be steady.
I am happy to consult with you by phone, email, or text to help find the best brand and size for your needs. Please look to us as a one stop solution to figuring out how to choose the right steam generator without getting confused in the process.
Please know that we always seek to have the best sale price out there.
Speak soon,
---
Sharon, Jake, Alan
The best thing for Steam Rooms
For anyone who has a ceiling over 7 foot
Read this page if you building a steam room with
a ceiling over 7 foot.
Manufacturer sizing charts are based on 7 foot ceilings.
Fans can help raise the heat co-efficient and lower the latent heat index.
These suction cup to the wall and the experience is totally different.
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Clash of the Titans
Thermasol vs SteamSpa
How to choose between
Dry Steam Vs Wet Steam - How to make your steam room with the driest steam possible.
Many people think dry steam means less steam. Dry steam (dryness fraction) means more steam. In the picture, the steam generators with low psi (15 or lower) lets out more water along with the steam making the steam in the room feel muggy and heavy, especially with steam generators that have 1/2 half inch pipes.
If you want steam that feels good, make sure you if have any walls that are porous like ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone and a ceiling higher than 7 feet, that you avoid steam traps and wet steam. 50% of the problem can be the generator quality itself and the other 50% the room itself. Also, most people are in the middle between two different kilowatt sizes. Sizing up or sizing down is also a decision most people get wrong. If sized up too much you will have a steam room that feels more like a sauna. See my page on wet steam vs dry steam.
Know before buying a steam generator
Know before buying a steam generator
Know before buying a steam generator
Please read: If you have a questions about sizing or choosing a brand, please take my sizing questionnaire and steam generator quiz before calling. It is very likely that if you get the wrong size based on your steam room that you will have steam traps at the ceiling, your feet and lower body will stay cool and you won't get full body vasodilation. The best steam experience is when the full body is immersed in steam (lower body and upper body core heated up evenly). It is better to have a slightly lower temperature and not upsize and heating the body evenly to heat the whole body up 3 degrees over normal body temperature than just the upper body at a hotter temperature. If you experience cardiac drift to quick you will not enjoy the steam therapy experience. You can have a 30 minute, 10 to 15 degree higher session with your upper body getting steam or you can have you full body getting the same temperature experience that will also create the same cardiac drift but at a slower burn rate (higher fluency of steam on surface of body). When the entire body temperature is raised more slowly, less water is released from the body and more toxins. Steam generator quiz
Dry steam - low condensate
Wet steam - high condensate
Wet Steam Vs Dry Steam
Do not buy a steam generator without reading this page first. Research and learn about wet vs dry steam here.
AVOID RIPOFF: DO NOT BUY ANY STEAM GENERATOR BEFORE READING THIS
Beware of bogus steam generator reviews and fake comparison websites. See the list of tricks steam generator companies use to trick you here.
Noise levels
Vapor quality
wattage
gallons per minute
steam with oxygen
single or dual tank
steam room fluence
hot spots/cold spots
steam density
pricing
steam room fans
top 10 steam questions
I don't use eucalyptus oil. I put up this video to show what I do for everyone that asks what I do. You MUST roll the leaves. Fresh eucalyptus is a game changing experience.
Features
Pressure type
Steam Quality
Steam density without fan, cloud linger
energy effidient
based on a 6kw
balance of room temperature vs steam
customer service
session time if not oversized
steam feel/cluster size/ heaviness
price
overall opinion on steam generator
good if you have a 7 foot ceiling
Mr. Steam
wet
very common/
fan need
extreme
fluence
low
single
super loud
2 of 5
could be much more balanced
very drippy
great, always there to help
over 30 minutes
very heavy, high condensate
medium
$$$
Thermasol
pressurized
medium dry
common if oversized
slow burn
low fluence
high
dual
3 of 5
balanced
medium drippy
great, best customer service
around 30 minutes
medium, some condensate
high
$$$$
Steamist
pressurized
high psi 15 to 20
rare
slower burn,
slow burn
very low fluence
very high
dual
very quiet
2 of 5
very balanced
minimal drippy
slower burn/ very little condensate
medium
$$$
atmospheric
slowest burn
minimal fluence
highest
dual inlet and atmospheric
whisper quiet
most balanced
within 6 degrees
little to no drips at all
30 minutes and under
very high
$$$$$
good if you like a sweat lodge
Steamcore
lower psi
very common, fan need
very high fluence
very low
2 of 5
least balanced
most drippy
over 30 minutes
highest condensate
L Series
Steam Ranger
driest pressurized you can get
highest fluence you can get
rare, super heated steam
to the moon high
highest
extremely quiet
whisper quiet
very balanced
must have fan
not even 1 drip
under 30 minutes
highest one
$$$$$$$$$$$
SteamSpa
atmospheric
ultra high
psi
pressurized
very dry
driest you can get
very wet
driest you can get
Steam Traps
rare
slower burn,
rare
slower burn,
Steam Fluence
slowest burn
minimal fluence
tank type
dual inlet and atmospheric
single
superheated passage system
noise
quiet
very loud
5 of 5
1 of 5
very expensive to run
5 of 5
very balanced
drippiness from
ceiling and walls
little to no drips at all
great, best customer service
great, best customer service
call and see
for yourself
if you can get them on the phone
if you can get them on the phone
around 30 minutes
30 minutes and under
little to no condensate
little to no condensate
99% dry
1% condensate
very low
$
very high
$$$$$
good if you like smart home features
good if you like simple and want constant
good if it's all you can afford
buy this if you have the money!
good if you like a sweat lodge type steam.
The chart above is based on reviewing 7 brands of steam generators that I found locally in spas, gyms, used and new steam generators I bought off Ebay and ones that I got free from the manufacturers to do my reviews.
L Series - Steam Quality 95%
I can't give this 100% because only an atmospheric type gets 100% (100% steam, almost zero condensate). These are 100% made in the USA. 100% tig welded. Heating elements last 30+ years. Hydrostatically tested for super high PSI giving dry steam. Way above 20 psi limit on most other generators. Only comes in 9kw or above. Long wait to get one.
STEAM WHIRL - Steam Quality 32%
Steam-Whirl is also one of the companies that become popular 1972. This is a popular low cost alternative to the big box brands. This is the total opposite in steam quality compared to the dual tank models and split tank models. Quality is too poor to do a review on this.
ROMA STEAM REVIEW - Steam quality 47%
The Teflon coated tank so no need for backflushing. (I personally don't like anything teflon (teflon pans, etc.) .This is a single tank model but the only one that I have to say it is better than is the Steam Whirl which. Only buy this one if you just want to tell people you have a steam room in your home. See my review.
AMEREC REVIEW - Steam Quality 73%
This is almost the same as the Mr. Steam, Elite Steam, Steamist, and all the single tank steam generators. I personally promote a drier steam as most of my customers want a lower latent heat index, a higher heat co-efficient, and want steam that is easier to breath and not as heavy with condensate. This is good if you want a single tank pressurized generator but more affordable than Mr. Steam. I rate it in the middle of Mr. Steam and Steamist.
THERMASOL REVIEW Steam quality 97%
Thermasol is a dual closed tank steam generator that gives a constant steam for those that wnt longer duty cycles and not that super hot steam that can burn your nose and then it cools down where you have to splash water on the sensor (those who go to gym steam rooms know what I mean). The Thermasol generators have the best smart home technology and the best touch screen controllers. Best sounding stereo system and best lumen and Kelvin temperatures.
See my Thermasol review here.
DiscountSteamGenerators.com
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1-800-336-9285
Ask for Sharon
Know before buying a steam generator
Results in a Nutshell
Thermasol/Steamcore
99% Tie
These produce the driest steam but work totally different in the way they make steam.
Thermasol is very high psi and Steamcore is atmospheric.
Both have minimal condensate and use minimal water.
One is a slow burn, one is a minimal water fast burn.
Steam Ranger 93%
This produces the 2nd best steam as far as low latent heat, high heat co-efficient.
The quality of the steam is in between Steamcore and a Thermasol. That is the best way to describe its steam.
SteamSpa 92%
This is not as wet as a Mr. Steam or other single tank models but a step down from Steam Ranger as far as steam quality. This brand does not have the best controllers and smart home technology.
Mr. Steam 83%
This is when the steam quality based on our reviews starts to get in the wet zone. Please read my wet vs dry steam to understand what we refer to by wet steam. This only has 1 tank so it has about 3 times the fluence of an atmospheric steam generator. The condensate and wet steam can be seen coming out.
Amerec 73%
The Amerec is very similar to Mr. Steam. Based on our reviews, the steam is wetter and the thermoclines are affected by this. If you are going to get a single tank generator, I recommend the Mr. Steam over the Steamist, Elite Steam, Kohler. If you want the best single tank model, the L series has a 99% rating.
Eucalyptus steam demo
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Vapor Quality
low psi wet steam generator -
Steam Generator Comparison Chart
Floor Fans - I NEVER DO A STEAM SESSION WITHOUT A FAN
We have now found that blowing cool floor air upward with the fan on the floor facing up displaces more ceiling trap steam than having a fan suction cupped on the tile and hardwired on the top wall.
This is battery powered and helps bring the body into full body vasodilation.
If you want to have a full body steam therapy at 100% humidity and stay in the 110-114 degree sweet spot range the entire session, read my floor heater steam hack page. It is the most important page on this site.
LEARN ABOUT FLOOR HEATERS IF YOU HAVE OVER A 7 FOOT CEILING.
3 Types of Steam Generators
Single tank vs Dual tank vs Atmospheric
Read here to research the 3 types of steam generators.
STEAMSPA REVIEW - Steam Quality 82%
The latest Steamspa model has finally had enough improvements to get a B rating. Their models have 3/4 inch piping and works at 20psi continously on their main tank. The Black Series is my top model that almost ties with Thermasol on features but the steam quality is definitely not the same. I tried them side and the steam is constant but not constant temperature that it lacks. The blue series is their more affordable generator.
Steam Ranger REVIEW - Steam Quality 94%
This is the more affordable option for those that want don't want pressurized steam and want a slow burn, atmospheric steam. This is almost as dry as Steamcore but doesn't have the 6 degree variance in steam. It works at 10psi or less. It has slightly more psi than Steamcore. It has Incoloy heating elements while Steamcore has the 304 steal heating elements. This is not tig welded.
MR. STEAM REVIEW - Steam quality 91%
Mr. Steam is our best selling single tank steam generator. It is more affordable than Thermasol or Steamcore. This is for those that want a lower duty cycle (not as constant and continuous) steam. This works at a higher ata than the lower pressurized closed tank types such as Steamist and Elite Steam that produces a much wetter steam we tested. See my Mr. Steam Review
