If you are a lover of good heat, light steam, a fragrant broom and an excellent steam room, then you simply need such bath utensils as a steamer for a bath! Why a steamer!? Yes, because it is in it that our king-broom steams!
Many bathhouse attendants steam a broom in an ordinary basin or bucket, but I strongly recommend getting a special bathing accessory for this purpose - a steamer.
Every bathhouse attendant knows that in order for a broom to steam well and steam, you need the appropriate container. There are different types of brooms and it happens that it can be difficult to completely immerse them in a basin or bucket. Here are a few problems you may encounter if you steam your broom incorrectly:
- Often the broom floats up, there is not enough water and space for it.
- Only one side of the broom is steamed.
- The water in a basin or bucket cools quickly.
- Coniferous brooms need good steaming and such superficial “procedures” are in no way suitable for them.
A high-quality bath steamer must be wooden, spacious, deep and preferably with a lid! This bath accessory is made from linden, aspen, larch, and cedar. That is, from such tree species that are strong, durable, and resistant to rotting.
In such a bath container the broom fits completely, right up to the handle.
To prevent the broom from floating and the water from cooling down, steamers are made with lids that have cutouts for the broom handles. This irreplaceable bath utensil is available for sale without a lid and costs much less...
In our city, Arkhangelsk, there is no shortage of steamers for baths in the retail trade. The choice is huge...
Popular varieties
Most containers come with a lid and handle. The shape of this part is non-standard, because there is a hole that allows you to place the broom in a vertical position. This helps to steam in a short time and will reveal its positive qualities.
The container maintains the desired water temperature and prevents the entry of debris and third-party objects that negatively affect the quality of steaming. Those who do not have this design, they replace it with a standard basin. But this is wrong, since the broom floats up and there is no positive effect. Therefore, it is important to buy steamers; they will provide convenience and prepare the accessory for further work with it.
Most steamers are divided into two types:
- Vertical (or tall). The peculiarity of this design is that the broom is completely immersed in liquid. The position of the accessory is vertical, which is convenient, since the branches are steamed in a short time, and the process proceeds evenly. The advantage of this option is that it does not take up space, so even in a small bathhouse there is free space for a container.
- Horizontal (or low) ones take up more space. The advantage of such a product is gradual and uniform steaming, while the water temperature is the same. This process takes longer, which is why some users do not like it.
You can use both the first and second options. Each person will independently determine what suits him.
It is also important to know that steamers are sold:
- With lid. If there is a model with this element, it is worth buying. Because the top part prevents the water from cooling down and also maintains a normal temperature for steaming. Thanks to a special hole, a person can install the broom handle so that it does not float, which helps steaming.
- Without cover. The only advantage of a design where this element is not provided is its low cost. It is important to understand that the broom will often float and steam unevenly. Of course, you can make the upper part yourself, but it will take time, plus the cost of material.
People who own a sauna recommend buying models with a ready-made lid rather than saving money. It is also important to know that if you make it yourself, the lid will heat up the broom handle, so the user will get burned as soon as he touches it.
What is a “gang” and why is it needed?
This is a special basin for a bath, made of different materials. Most often, this vessel is made from wooden blocks, carefully selected and adjusted to size. It is better if the gang is made by hand - such an accessory is both more convenient and of better quality. There are no burrs in it, each die is polished and treated with a special compound.
Externally, a bathhouse is similar to a bucket, but differs from it in size and dimensions - it is lower and wider than its counterpart. There is a handle on the sides of the vessel - one or two, if its size is large. Due to the wood and comfortable handles, using the bowl is very convenient and safe - much safer than using metal utensils. You can pour the hottest water into it without getting burned.
Criteria for correct selection
Before purchasing a steamer for a bath, attention is paid to some parameters and features of the container material. Knowing these properties will help you choose a durable option that will not swell and turn black from frequent use.
The containers are made from linden, pine, aspen, cedar and oak. The latter breed belongs to the expensive segment, so it is not suitable for every person. The service life of the product and resistance to temperature and humidity depend on the selected wood.
In addition to the breed, the following criteria are taken into account:
- The expensive model has a lid, as well as auxiliary elements, such as handles and hoops. They are made of stainless steel, which extends their service life. The purpose of additional accessories is to provide comfort.
- Appearance. Most people buy a steamer not only for its technical characteristics, but also for its design, so that the container looks harmonious in the room. Designs with a stainless steel insert are suitable. Although their price is higher, they look aesthetically pleasing.
- Attention is also paid to form. It is better to purchase models with a wide bottom and a narrowed top. This solution helps the broom steam evenly and quickly.
- Workmanship. To ensure that the product lasts as long as possible, models made from good quality materials are purchased. There should be no chips or nicks, otherwise the appearance will lose its attractiveness. In addition, attention is drawn to squeaking when installing the container; it should not exist; wobbling of the boards is excluded, as this indicates a mediocre assembly. In a reliable model, the connections are secured using environmentally friendly glue that does not deteriorate due to temperature and humidity. It is advisable to look at the tightness of the steamer before purchasing; water is poured in and if nothing leaks, the product can be purchased. In another case, the purchase should be abandoned, as the products will quickly deteriorate.
- Capacity. In stores there are models designed for 5 liters, as well as options that hold up to 30 liters. The latter are rarely used in a home bath, since there are options for them designed for 8-15 liters.
- Dimensions. It is preferable to buy models that do not take up space and do not get in the way. This parameter is especially worth considering for people who have a small dressing room.
- Versatile application. The steamer can be used not only for steaming brooms, but also as a means for preparing healing infusions or for carrying out full-fledged aromatherapy.
Why do you need a steamer?
One of the main items that should be in every bathhouse is a steamer. It is designed to warm up and wet the bath broom. Without it, it will simply be impossible to use a broom. A bucket and a broom were inseparable objects in the Russian bathhouse back in ancient Rus'. It was during those times that the tradition of performing a massage using a broom during bath procedures was born. Such a massage not only contributed to better hygiene procedures and was incredibly invigorating, but was also used to treat various diseases. In the old days, folk healers used special brooms made from medicinal plants during bath procedures, which they preferred to steam in medicinal infusions.
A steamer for brooms is a special bucket with a lid, made of wooden planks, into which water heated to a certain temperature was poured. Bath brooms were placed in this water to thoroughly soak and warm up before the healing massage. The design of the steamer is very simple, and any type of tree can be used to make them, so anyone can make it with their own hands. This will require wooden boards and a pair of iron rims.
The steamer is traditionally made of wood
In addition, in stores you can find modern versions of steamers made from carefully sanded wooden elements that are glued together using wood glue. Additionally, all parts are impregnated with special substances so that the finished structure does not allow water to pass through.
All about proper care
When purchasing steamers, it is important to pay attention to the tightness. Because a common problem with cheap models is water leakage. This often happens when there is no plastic or metal insert. The wooden part begins to swell, after which it decreases in volume and begins to leak. If you properly care for the structure, water will not leak out. There is nothing difficult to care for, just follow a few rules and the steamer will last for a couple of seasons.
Five care tips:
- When using the container for the first time, it is important to fill it with boiling water, then pour it out and rinse with hot liquid. As soon as all operations are completed, water is poured in to steam the brooms. This is not a one-time procedure, but a permanent one, as it helps to clean the insides of accumulated dust and dirt. That’s why bathhouse attendants carry it out all the time.
- After a pleasant bath, the guests disperse, and the owner remains to restore order. First of all, the steamer is set out from the steam room, after which it is doused with boiling water and rinsed in hot liquid. Next, the product is wiped with a dry cloth and left until completely dry.
- It is recommended to store the container in a dark and dry place so that any dampness or sunlight does not affect the positive properties of the material.
- If small cracks are found, most people throw away the product, but it can be given a second chance, at least for 3-5 months, especially if an expensive model is used. To ensure that nothing leaks, cold water is poured before each use, about a couple of hours before taking a bath. This is done so that the tree is saturated with moisture and swells.
- But when the structure finally becomes unusable, it is replaced; there is no need to repair anything, since there is no benefit from it. On average, experts recommend changing the product at least once a season.
- Over time, any tree begins to darken. This is a natural process, since the product is constantly in conditions of high humidity and is in contact with liquid. But how quickly deterioration occurs depends on the quality of the material.
How to use and store gangs?
- Soaking. The newly purchased bowl must be placed on a flat surface and filled with cold water. In this case, all fastenings in the utensil will straighten and return to their normal location. This soaking lasts from several hours to several days. This interval is determined by the type of wood and the volume of the product. The water is changed until it becomes clear;
- Disinfection. To prevent the appearance of wood parasites, pour hot water or boiling water over the pile, let it sit for some time and, before it cools down, drain it. This is necessary to prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- The product prepared in this way is stored in a dressing room with good air humidity;
- To prevent the gang from drying out, it is used regularly, and during breaks it is periodically filled with water. This maintains the desired level of moisture and prevents the wood from drying out and cracking. If, despite these protective measures, the wood has dried out, fill the container with water and steam it;
- Immediately after the bath, the gang is washed with a hard brush with soap or other detergents, dried well and placed in a dry, warm place for storage. It is important that there are no heating devices nearby.
Rating of the best models in the cheap segment
Ecology Sauna PL12
To make this steamer, processed linden was used. There are no nicks or external defects, which affects the service life. The capacity of the product is 9 liters, which is enough for a home bath. Inside, the product is equipped with a plastic insert. This solution increases technical characteristics.
The boards are fastened with a metal hoop in the amount of 2 pieces. To move, two rope handles are used. The look is classic and will suit most spaces. Nothing leaks even with constant use. But the outer part requires constant care to avoid blackening.
The average cost is 1,490 rubles.
steamer Ecology Sauna PL12
Advantages:
- The wood is well finished;
- Strong connection;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Rope handles for moving;
- Sustainability.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Nevsky bath attendant prefabricated steamer
Budget execution, which has dozens of positive reviews. Suitable for quickly steaming a broom and preparing aromatherapy infusions, which makes the product functional. The weight of the structure is 2.1 kg, while the volume is 9 liters. Produced in Russia. Does not require complex care; it is enough to follow standard recommendations.
As in the previous copy, the internal part is equipped with a plastic insert, which prevents wood from swelling and increases the reliability of the equipment. Low cost is one of the main advantages of the model. The external design is classic, the shape is slightly elongated, which has a positive effect on the speed of steaming the broom.
The average cost is 1,110 rubles.
steamer Nevsky bath attendant prefabricated steamer
Advantages:
- Ergonomic design;
- Thanks to the plastic insert, the service life is 3-5 seasons;
- Manufactured in Russia;
- Does not require complex care;
- The outer part is impregnated with an antibacterial agent;
- Linden smells nice.
Flaws:
- No.
Steamer for bath PROFFI linden 10 l
The main difference between this option and the previous ones is the volume, which is 10 liters. This is reflected not only in the dimensions, but also in the final weight (2.25 kg). The depth of the product is 30 cm, the width is the same. A metal hoop made of stainless steel was used to connect the wooden parts.
Linden, which has a honey aroma, was used as a raw material. The room is filled with pleasant woody smells. Steaming brooms does not take time. No insert is provided. A person will have to constantly take care of the inside and outside, otherwise the container will begin to leak and turn black.
The average cost is 1,200 rubles.
steamer Steamer for bath PROFFI linden 10 l
Advantages:
- Stylish execution;
- Stainless steel hoop;
- Life time;
- Eco-friendly material;
- Rope handle;
- Volume – 10 liters.
Flaws:
- Requires care.
Top best models in the mid-price segment
Power of Altai Steamer 12 l
The model impresses users with a metal insert made of stainless material. This makes cleaning easier and gives the product a pleasant appearance. Despite the fact that the external elements are made of linden, the equipment will last a couple of seasons, or maybe more, if you do not forget about the care recommendations.
The capacity here is greater than that of the cheap segment options and is 12 liters. Handles located on the sides are used for carrying. Strong rope was used to make them. It can withstand a weight of 13-15 kg and does not lose its positive qualities. At the production stage, the wood is impregnated with antibacterial compounds that slow down blackening.
Sold at a price: from 2,165 rubles.
steamer Power of Altai Steamer 12 l
Advantages:
- Attractive design;
- Ergonomic shape;
- Service life – 2-4 seasons;
- Does not require constant cleaning;
- Stainless steel insert.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Dobroparov Linden steamer 8 l
Unlike the previous option, the cost of this product is 2,790 rubles. But this is justified by the presence of a lid with a special cutout. Otherwise, the design has not undergone major changes. It does not deteriorate from constant exposure to temperature and humidity, as it has a special impregnation.
Stainless steel insert makes it easy to maintain and use. There are two ergonomic handles made of rope. The shape prevents the brooms from floating, which guarantees quick and uniform steaming. The weight of the product is 2.9 kg, and the container does not take up space in the dressing room, as it has small dimensions.
The average cost is 2,790 rubles.
steamer Dobroparov Linden steamer 8 l
Advantages:
- The kit includes a cover;
- Brooms do not float;
- Steaming does not take time;
- Stainless steel insert;
- Sustainability;
- Form.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Steamer Bath Things Taiga
This option is intended for public places or large home baths, where 4-6 people steam at the same time. This decision is due to the capacity, which is 25 liters, which is three times more than the previous model. Classic linden was used in production. During processing, irregularities and roughness were removed.
To ensure that the product lasts 3-5 seasons, a special impregnation was used that prevents the development of mold and harmful microorganisms. Unfortunately, there are no inserts provided here, which will create problems for inexperienced users. A metal hoop was used to hold the wooden parts together.
Sold at a price: from 2,670 rubles.
Steamer Bath Things Taiga
Advantages:
- Smooth surface;
- Wooden handles;
- Strong connection;
- Volume – 25 liters;
- Attractive appearance.
Flaws:
- No inserts;
- Requires care.
Types and materials for steamers
Steamers for bath brooms are made in two types - with and without a lid. The lid plays a big role when steaming brooms. Firstly, it protects the water from cooling quickly, and secondly, it prevents the broom from floating.
Distinctive features
Of course, steamers without a lid are cheaper. However, the quality of the prepared brooms will be much worse. To compensate for these losses, you can make a wooden lid yourself, saving some money on the purchase. Unlike the steamer itself, the manufacture of which requires professional skills in working with cooper's products, the lid for it can be made by any lover of Russian steam who has built a bathhouse with his own hands . Thus, the correct steamer must have a lid, regardless of how we bought it.
There are two types of steamers on sale: low (horizontal) and high (vertical). Both types are good in their own way, as they fully meet the main requirement for steaming brooms.
In the first case, the broom is dipped horizontally into the container, and due to its small height, the temperature difference in heating the water is insignificant. This property is a distinctive feature of horizontal steamers, since in them all branches are steamed evenly at almost the same water temperature.
A vertical steaming container looks like a wooden bucket or keg with hoops without a top bottom. Compared to the horizontal type, it is easier to manufacture, takes up less space, has a lower selling price and, accordingly, is more common among those who like to steam. The main advantage of the vertical type is that the broom being steamed is dipped into water completely and vertically, thereby ensuring 100% steaming of all its branches.
Materials
A real steamer and a lid for it must be made of wood. This has been done since ancient times, is being done and will continue to be done. Nothing better has yet been invented, and it is unlikely that they ever will. After all, compared to wood, other materials (plastic, iron, etc.) do not have nearly the beneficial properties, smells and appearance that fit so well with the design of a Russian bathhouse.
Depending on what kind of wood the steamer is made of, a steamed broom also absorbs the aromas of linden, cedar, oak, pine, larch or aspen
. Today it will not be a problem to choose for yourself and purchase exactly the steamer that will meet all the requirements of even the most demanding owner of his own bathhouse.
And these samples are made of cedar:
Top expensive models
Steamer for a bath (23l oak)
A reliable option that is suitable for steaming two brooms at the same time. The kit includes a cover with a cutout. The water temperature is maintained longer, so you don’t have to constantly add hot liquid. The main material is oak, which has better properties and durability. The rims are made of stainless steel.
The average cost is 6,800 rubles.
Steamer for a bath (23l oak)
Advantages:
- Attractive design;
- Steaming two brooms at the same time;
- Durable wooden handles;
- Service life - several years;
- Attractive color.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Bentwood, stained larch, 22 l
Reliable container, suitable for baths and saunas. Sold in dark brown. No inserts are provided, since even without them the model will not deteriorate from constant use. The volume is 22 liters, which makes it possible not only to evenly steam the accessory, but also to prepare health-improving herbal infusions.
Sold at a price: from 6,600 rubles.
Bentwood steamer, stained larch, 22
Advantages:
- Durable metal frames;
- Ergonomic lid;
- Nice colors;
- Capacity;
- Life time.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
SAWO 391-A
The steamer is made of aspen, there is a plastic insert inside, which guarantees a long service life. The product does not require maintenance, so it is suitable for inexperienced users. There are ergonomic handles, making it easy to move the container. Despite the capacity of 28 liters, the product does not take up much space.
The average price is 6,890 rubles.
steamer SAWO 391-A
Advantages:
- Appearance;
- Plastic insert;
- Convenient movement;
- Suitable for daily use;
- Volume – 28 liters.
Flaws:
- Not found.