A traditional Russian bath requires a stove-stove. However, its design and operation is not easy and requires skills. If we talk about “extracting” soft and light steam from the stove, then this skill is akin to talent - there are a lot of features and nuances that need to be taken into account. And the choice and installation of even the most basic iron stove is a troublesome and complex matter - you need to think through and ensure fire safety, take care of the construction of the chimney and its proper wiring through the roof, strengthen the foundation if this was not provided for during planning. In general, there is enough trouble. An easier solution is to install a steam generator. These are small (relative to the size of the oven) devices equipped with a control system that are capable of producing steam of different humidity and temperature.
Steam generators can work in tandem with a furnace or separately from it. But they can only fully heat a small steam room - about 4-6 m3 - depending on the model and power.
Steam generators - small devices
Types of steam generators and operating principles
In short, the operating principle of electric steam generators is to convert water poured into a tank into steam. This can only be done with heated surfaces. They can be heated using any coolant: gas (liquefied and natural), solid and liquid fuel, electricity. Household steam generators are only electric. Moreover, they also mainly work on heating elements. Other types - induction and electrode - are mainly used in industrial models. So for home use, only steam generators on heating elements remain.
Design and principle of operation of electric steam generators
Depending on the connection method, steam generators can be autonomous or automatic. Autonomous ones require you to fill the appropriate tanks with water, while automatic ones do this on their own. But their installation of automated systems is complicated: they require a connection to the water supply system. In addition, these models have one significant drawback: the water in our pipes has a large amount of impurities, which leads to the formation of a large amount of scale. It must be removed regularly. Of course, there is a solution - to install a water treatment system, as well as washing and purification. But these functions complicate the design, which invariably affects the price.
How steam is generated with a heater
In this sense, autonomous models are good: you can fill the container with purified or even distilled water. Since such devices have a simpler design, they are cheaper. Water tanks have quite large volumes - 3-6 liters, which is more than enough for home use. So they won’t burden you much with service.
Regardless of the connection method, these steam generators are structurally similar. There is a container filled with water. There are heating elements in the container that heat it, and when it boils, steam is released. It comes out through the holes that are located at the top.
The principle of operation of a steam generator using heating elements is simple: water boils, steam is discharged through a pipeline
For anyone familiar with saunas, the disadvantage of this method is obvious: the steam produced is not hot - about 100°C, and heavy. And these are not at all the conditions we strive for. With such a couple, you will experience not lightness and an increase in strength, but weakness and lethargy. Not at all what is needed.
But our man is famous for finding a way out of any situation. So it is this time: the resulting raw steam is fired onto heated stones in an electric heater. As a result, it turns out that the load on the furnace is small, the heating elements in it are not overloaded, which extends its service life. At the output we have well-heated light steam: raw steam, passing through heated stones, has reached good conditions. There is one connection feature: the steam line must have a slope (in any direction) so that the condensate formed on the walls can flow either back into the container with water, or onto the stones of the heater. This is a simple but very effective way to obtain the desired steam characteristics.
This is a steam generator from Teplodar
But there is one electric steam generator that immediately produces light and well-heated steam. This is “InSteam-Energy” from Teplodar. Since this company has been producing sauna stoves for a long time, it is familiar with the requirements of sauna attendants. Their product has a more complex design, but produces transparent steam heated to high temperatures. Below is the video. This is an advertising video, but you can get the essence and the difference.
For metal sauna stoves
There is another type of device, which is also called steam generators. These are different metal structures that are built into iron wood-burning sauna stoves. They are offered by manufacturers of sauna stoves. Some models have built-in such devices, in some they are an option (purchased separately, then installed). The designs may be different. Here are some of them:
- A system of metal plates welded onto the furnace body. These plates quickly heat up to the burning temperature of wood (approximately 650 degrees). When water gets on them, that very “light” steam is formed. The innovation is that water, rolling from one plate to another, “breaks”, which makes the steam even lighter, while remaining hot.
The principle of the formation of “light” steam in furnaces with steam generators - There is a stainless steel cylinder. Pieces of stainless steel and the same shot are thrown into it. A pipe with a funnel at the end is welded to the cylinder. This device is installed near the chimney pipe. Water flows in. Since the metal heats up quite quickly, steam can be obtained 15-20 minutes after the start of the fire. It also turns out to be light and transparent due to the fact that it is repeatedly repelled by pellets and pieces of overheated metal. The advantage of this invention is that the water does not come into contact with the furnace structure, and the steam generator itself costs little.
Another type of steam generator for a metal sauna stove
No matter how attractive these devices look, there is a drawback: they are not stones. Overheated metal still has some specific odor, which does not happen from stones. This is why sauna connoisseurs believe that the best steam in a sauna comes from the stones. Find yourself a stove that has an internal heater. And no steam generators are needed. But this is in a stationary Russian bathhouse. And as a “home” option, an electric steam generator is perhaps a worthy invention.
One of the stoves with an internal heater from Termofor and no steam generator is needed
Choosing a shower cabin with a Turkish bath
Having decided on the technical characteristics of the steam generator, you can select a cabin that meets your needs in size and appearance. Like regular models, hammam designs vary in size. To ensure that your body does not come into contact with the walls and especially metal parts during procedures, it is worth choosing a cabin with dimensions of at least 100*100 cm. In such a space, even a large person will not feel cramped and will be able to make active movements. Another factor to consider is the presence of a seat. If a shower requires a short stay in the cabin, then it is hardly possible to enjoy a bath within 5-7 minutes. In order for the body not only to steam, but also to be saturated with moisture, you need to spend at least 20-30 minutes in the steam room. Standing on your feet all this time is not the best solution. It is much more comfortable to be in a sitting position, when you can relax and truly enjoy the procedure. The seat will make the bathhouse safer - it makes it much easier to treat many parts of the body.
A fundamental point that seems unimportant to many buyers is the features of the doors. If the doors do not fit tightly or close poorly, steam will leak out. This will lead to both a decrease in temperature and a decrease in humidity. As a result, the effectiveness of the procedures will decrease and the very essence of the bath will be lost. It is believed that a better solution would be a cabin with sliding doors, ensuring complete isolation of the internal space.
It would not be amiss to make sure that there is a convenient and understandable control panel, which manufacturers provide designs with for greater comfort. Using this panel you can regulate the temperature, steam volume, and steam supply speed. More expensive models provide the ability to change the lighting, turn on the radio, ozonate the air, etc.
Capabilities of electric steam generators
Modern models are capable of producing steam of different humidity and temperature (from 35°C to 95°C). These data are set on the control panel, and all conditions are maintained automatically using sensors. This makes it possible to create in one room an atmosphere characteristic of a bathhouse, sauna or hammam.
Due to the fact that steam generators operate in conditions of high humidity, they are subject to high safety requirements. The performance of the device is constantly monitored and at the slightest deviation from the norm, the power is automatically turned off.
Steam generators of different power (domestic and industrial)
The power of steam generators varies widely - household models have from 4 kW to 18 kW, industrial ones are many times more powerful. The choice of device for this parameter depends on the volume of the room. For a small steam room with a volume of up to 5 cubic meters, the power of the steam generator should be no more than 5 kW, for up to 13 cubic meters 8-9 kW is enough, and for more spacious ones, very powerful models are needed - up to 12-14 kW.
Rules for installing steam generators
It is not always possible or desirable to install another device in a small steam room. Then the housing is placed outside, and steam is supplied through a heat-resistant hose - a steam line. When choosing an installation location, you need to consider several points:
- the device must be located in close proximity to a sauna or steam room;
- to prevent the formation of condensate, the length of the steam line should be minimized;
- the sauna or bathhouse must have good ventilation;
- there must be a power supply of 220 - 380 V, depending on the selected model;
- connect the steam generator to the network via a circuit breaker;
- The device must be installed below or above the level of the steam line entrance to the steam room - this will avoid bending of the hose, which means that water pockets will not form that could cut off the steam supply.
The correct option for connecting a steam generator is that the steam enters from below. Then it doesn’t hit your face, spreading evenly throughout the steam room
That's all the requirements. Any more or less technically competent person can cope with the installation.
Installation of a shower cabin with a Turkish bath
It is impossible to find out whether a particular model has the ability to carry out bath procedures solely by appearance. A cabin with a Turkish bath has the same components as a regular one - a body with a fence and doors, a tray, a roof. The fundamental difference lies in the presence of a steam generator - a device responsible for creating the hammam microclimate inside the cabin. itself is a container equipped with an electric heating element and small holes. When water is heated, steam is formed, which enters the cabin through these holes. As a result of the distribution of steam using a fan throughout the cabin, the air warms up to 40-60 degrees and is maximally saturated with moisture. As a rule, the steam generator is located in the lower part of the cabin. This allows the heated air to rise upward on its own, thereby achieving more uniform heating of the cabin.
Steam generator manufacturers
Most of this equipment is of imported origin. But the Russian manufacturer Teplodar recently joined the campaign of the Finns, Swiss and Germans. Their equipment is amazing. Firstly, the low price - it is 2-3 times less than devices of similar power from market leaders (Teplodarovsky ones cost 6.5 - 8.5 thousand rubles, and all others - from 18 to 28 thousand rubles) Firstly, secondly, better steam conditions.
There is another Russian enterprise that produces steam generators for baths, hammams and saunas. This is the Voronezh enterprise "PAROMAX", which produces heating elements and steam generators of the same name.
One of the ways to install steam generators for a bath
As in the situation with sauna stoves, the Finns are considered to be the market leaders: the HELO company produces ergonomic steam generators in a wide range of capacities, with various additional functions (the ability to aromatize steam, preliminary purification of the supplied water, a tank cleaning system, digital control panels, etc. ) Sawo is not far behind - they also have a considerable selection.
Also popular are products from the Swedish company Tylo, which are distinguished by their high reliability and unpretentious operating conditions. There are also steam generators on the market from Harvia, which produces reliable and high-quality devices.
Steam generator from the Finnish company HELLO
Germans are present in smaller numbers: companies Eos, Dr. Kern presents vertical models that are rarely found on the market. They are installed on the floor and look like small columns.
Tips for use
To ensure long-term and trouble-free use of the steam generator, you should:
- lay stones so that they completely cover the heating elements;
- 1-2 times a year, sort through the stones and remove damaged ones;
- add the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer;
- do not dry any things in a steam room where there is a steam generator;
- do not abuse changing the microclimate (it is best to choose one mode and stick to it);
- Dry the steam room thoroughly after finishing the bath procedures.
A sauna stove with a wood-burning steam generator will allow you to create a microclimate in the steam room in accordance with individual wishes. It is easy to select, install, use and maintain, and the cost of the device fully meets consumer expectations.
Reviews about steam generators
Steam generators are small devices.
This Finnish model is hung on the wall. In general, almost all the reviews are positive. Everyone notes the ease of installation, mobility (if the model is autonomous, it can easily be transported to another place) and reliability. Steam lovers are especially pleased with the ability to set any characteristics of steam and room temperature. If today you want to bask in the dry air of a Finnish sauna, set the appropriate indicators and enjoy. Next time you can arrange for yourself the atmosphere of a Russian bath or Turkish hammam. The only nuance that makes you think is the considerable price. Otherwise, no major complaints.
Teplodar has a good steam generator. This is for those who want to get an atmosphere similar to a Russian bath from an electric stove.”
“There are steam generators in the fitness center and hammam. Something I noticed about myself is that I gave up the “dry” sauna, but enjoy going to these ones with steam. When I build something for myself, I’ll probably have to buy something like this too.”
“I have a stove with a steam generator. I chose it on purpose. In it, water flows through a tube and enters the heater. I've already gotten used to it, and I know exactly when and how much water I need to pour in order to get what I want. But, of course, a lot of time has passed - for three years almost every week I have been worrying about such nonsense."
“I had an electric steam generator. But when it burned down, I didn’t buy a new one and didn’t restore it. It seemed to me that the device was useless.”
