If there's one trend in the sauna world that never seems to go away, it is home steam showers. In fact, with the option to convert your regular shower into a fully-fledged steam shower, there are more takers for home steam baths than ever before. Imagine a shower area that lets you take a regular hot/cold shower during the day and a relaxing steam bath in the evening. This is exactly what steam shower generators do for you. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? Now, if you're in the marketplace in search of one such home steam bath solution, your biggest question will be: What's the best steam shower generator out there? After all, steam generators for showers are the single most essential components for building a steam bath right in your home. And to answer your question, let me tell you that there isn't one best steam generator for home showers. Nevertheless, I've compiled the 9 best steam generator units based on performance, brand value, affordability, and more to help you buy the perfect generator unit. So read on to find your optimum steam shower generator. The best steam shower generator units in 2025#1. Kohler Invigoration Series 5KW steam shower generator (our top pick) When it comes to choosing the best steam generator for shower, there's a long list of criteria that a product should fulfill. This includes quick steam generation, steady heating, low maintenance, top-notch post sales support, etc., to name a few. And while there are a lot of generators that qualify the above benchmarks, nothing comes close to the Invigoration Series 5KW steam bath generator from Kohler. Also sold as Kohler K-5525-NA, which is its model name, the generator has everything you could ask for in a small steam bath. For starters, the Kohler K-5525-NA features a fast response technology which generates steam as quickly as under 60 seconds. This allows you to have a steam shower sized up to 84 cubic feet filled with steam and heat well within a few minutes. Further, like all Invigoration series generators, the K-5525-NA steam generator is also designed for energy and water conservation. So much so that it will use less than $1 worth of energy and 1 gallon of water per steam bath. The best part is this generator's auto cut and auto clean features, which not only cut the power off after your steam bath but also cleanse the generator tank. So, all you've got to do is enjoy your steam bath without worrying about shutting the generator off or cleaning it afterward. Now, that's impressive, isn't it? Pros and cons of Kohler K-5525-NA Pro: The fast response technology on this steam generator has set a new normal for quick heating time. In fact, you only need to wait for about a minute before you can start your steam bath session. Con: A lot of steam shower reviews online point to the high price of this generator. This includes reviews from steam shower experts who suggest the pricing has to do with Kohler higher brand value. #2. Delta SimpleSteam 4KW steam generator (best budget-friendly pick) While the Kohler Invigoration series generators are indeed the best in their class, one would have to agree that they don't come cheap. In fact, you can expect to shelve upward of $2000 even for a small shower steam generator. And this can be a bit too much for those looking for an affordable turnkey steam shower. Thankfully, budget-friendly alternatives do exist. Take the Delta SimpleSteam 4KW steam generator, for instance, which is packed with all the essential features you’ll find in the best steam shower system. Priced a little over $1000, this steam generator is apt for a shower area size up to 75 cubic feet. Now, if you're thinking that this generator will be lacking in features given its low price, let me tell you that it's the complete opposite. That's because the SimpleSteam 4KW generator has everything required for an optimum steam bath. From quick steam and heat generation to microprocessor-based diagnostic systems for consistent temperature and ambiance to LED indication, this generator has all the premium features. Moreover, like all SimpleSteam series generators, this generator is also eligible for a limited lifetime warranty scheme. Simply put, it's a rarity to find such a steam generator within this price range. Pros and cons of Delta SimpleSteam generator Pro: Delta’s steam generators are renowned for their limited lifetime warranty offer. They’re among the few brands that offer such warranty schemes. Con: While SimpleSteam generators are available for large steam rooms, they are on the higher price end. Here, CGOLDENWALL and MrSteam generators fare better in price terms. #3. SteamSpa Quick Start 4.5KW steam generator (best noise-free option) As a new player among industry giants like Kohler, Mr Steam, and Delta, SteamSpa has proved its worth with some top-of-the-line residential and commercial steam generators. And among its huge generator inventory, the Quick Start 4.5KW steam generator is clearly designed for an opulent steam bath experience in smaller home showers. To begin with, the Quick Start series generators are renowned for their 100 percent noise free sessions, thanks to the dual tank technology. Now, that's one feature which is mostly seen in premium range generators installed in some of the best steam showers. Apart from its silent operation, this SteamSpa generator is also quick at steam and heat generation. In fact, you can expect a consistent flow of steam within a minute of turning it on. Operating on 4.5KW energy loading, the Quick Start generator covers an area of up to 75 cubic feet. This is just about the typical residential shower area, meaning it can efficiently heat your steam shower. The best thing is that this generator is priced a little over thousand dollars, which makes it a budget-friendly option, just like the Delta SimpleSteam generator. Pros and cons of Quick Start 4.5KW steam generator Pro: You can rest assured of zero noise operations. So, if you’re someone who loves a steam bath in an absolutely peaceful ambiance, then this is the generator for you. Con: SteamSpa is a new brand on the steam shower market. And although their steam generates are of high standards, experts are still skeptical about post-sales support. #4. ThermaSol PROI-84 6KW steam generator (best durable choice) Among all steam generators for showers on the market, the ThermaSol PROI-84 is undoubtedly the most rugged and durable generator. You see, featuring an entirely corrosion resistant stainless steel body and high-end heating element, the PROI-84 is built for high intensity use. So, if you're looking for the best steam shower kit that can withstand extensive operations, this one has got you covered. But it isn't just about its build quality or durability, as I also tested this generator for steam session quality, which it passed with flying colors. For instance, its split tank technology brings a quiet steam flow, a premium feature that not every steam generator can boast of. Similarly, the generator is equipped with a smart CAN Bus technology that ensures a reliable control. And this, in turn, provides a consistent steam bath temperature and an automatic power off feature, among others. The only downside of ThermaSol PROI-84 steam generator is its high price. You can expect to pay $2000 on average for this 6KW generator. Pros and cons of ThermaSol PROI-84 Pro: Having used this generator myself, I can tell you that it offers high-quality steam bath sessions despite its rugged nature. Con: You don’t really need a commercial-grade generator like this one for a home steam shower. So, it makes better financial sense to go for more affordable options. #5. EliteSteam 7.5KW steam generator (best for large shower areas) Who doesn't want to build a large steam shower? In fact, if you've got the budget and space, this could be the best home addition project you can undertake. However, when it comes to heating large areas, the above generators don't cut ice. And this is exactly where an EliteSteam 7.5KW steam generator enters the picture. Designed for a total area of 250 cubic feet, this generator offers quick heating and consistent steam flow. Now, while these might sound like a very common steam generator feature, let me tell you that this generator is priced very similarly to the generators above. You can get a 7.5KW EliteSteam generator for an average of $2200, which means you can heat a large area for the price of a small generator. Not to mention, the generator package also comes with all essential accessories like steam shower control, steam head, and cable, making it one of the best steam shower kits. You see, the fact that these accessories can cost you at least $1000 if bought separately, along with a remarkably affordable generator price, means it's a deal you shouldn't miss. Pros and cons of EliteSteam 7.5KW steam generator Pro: This high-capacity steam bath generator is apt for large steam showers. So if you’re looking to build a steam room in a bigger shower area, this has got you covered. Con: The steam room control panel provided with the generator is very generic. As such, it lacks some of the smart steam control features that bathers have become accustomed to. #6. Mr Steam SAH300 steam shower generator (best all-inclusive package) Steam bath generators from Mr Steam are among the best sellers on the market across residential and commercial steam shower segments. And like for all steam rooms, they've also got an optimum generator for small home shower areas in the form of their SAH300 3KW steam shower generator. In terms of features, the SAH300 generator is very similar to the other generators on this list. For instance, the generator features a quick steam technology, covers areas up to 75 cubic feet, offers economical steam bath sessions, etc., to name a few. But what really sets this generator apart is its all-inclusive package, which includes steam control, steam head, and all required electronic components. In fact, this is the only renowned steam bath brand to offer all these accessories complementary with a generator priced a little over $1000. Awesome, right? Pros and cons of Mr Steam SAH300 generator Pro: For a little over one thousand dollars, you get a branded steam generator along with all essential accessories to run your steam bath. Con: Despite its brand value, Mr Steam fails to offer the kind of luxury that the likes of Kohler and Steamist provide. #7. CGOLDENWALL 4.5KW Self-draining steam generator for sower (cheapest of all) If you're someone who wants to build a low-budget steam shower, then this is the steam generator you need. You see, the CGOLDENWALL 4.5KW steam bath generator typically costs $350, which is unarguably the cheapest available option. Apart from its low cost, the generator is apt for an area of up to 160 cubic feet. So, notwithstanding the size of your shower area, this generator has got you covered. Furthermore, this 4.5KW steam generator has all the required functionality for an optimum steam session. This includes efficient heating in 4-5 minutes, a self-draining valve, CE verification for safety, etc. Pros and cons of CGOLDENWALL 4.5KW steam bath generator Pro: This is arguably the most affordable steam bath generator on the market, and, thus, perfect for a budget home steam room. Con: If online steam generator reviews are any suggestion, this generator breaks down more than others. However, it is noteworthy that this feedback is based on online customer reviews and the generator worked fine when I ran a test on a brand-new model. #8. Amerec AK6 6KW steam bath generator (best for brand value) When looking for the best steam shower generator unit, brand value is something that will definitely come to your mind. After all, not only does a leading brand bring assurance of high product quality, but it is also seen as a guarantee for optimum post-sales support. To that end, there's nothing better than the Amerec AK series 6KW steam generator. As you might already be aware, Amerec is synonymous with top quality and performance in the steam shower industry. And its AK6 steam bath generator fits in perfectly for this role in smaller residential shower areas. The generator is designed for steam room sizes up to 150 cubic feet and comes with a sequential temperature control technology for consistent steam and temperature. In fact, if you're looking to heat a large area, you can simply connect multiple AK6 generators together. Now, that's one feature that is rare for a home shower steam generator. Add to it Amerec's limited lifetime warranty and you've got the perfect brand-based generator to repurpose your shower. Pros and cons of Amerec AK series 6KW steam generator Pro: The AK6 steam generator is apt for large steam showers. In fact, it is designed to heat large steam rooms using less electricity and water. Con: While the generator is eligible for limited lifetime warranty, availing one can be expensive. #9. Steamist SMP 5KW steam generator (counterpart to Amerec AK6) Recently acquired by Delta Faucet, Steamist is one of the oldest and most valued brands in the steam sauna industry. And for smaller home showers, its SMP 5KW steam bath generator is something you should definitely consider. Steamist is the first of the brands to bring compact-sized steam generators, which is also true for the SMP 5KW generator. Designed for an area up to 100 cubic feet, this generator measures only 15" x 6" x 15.5" in size. Also, this generator is among the first to feature a SteadySteam technology for a consistent steam flow and temperature maintenance. Talking about warranty, the generator is a part of Steamist's limited lifetime warranty scheme, which has continued even after the brand's acquisition by Delta Faucet. All in all, if you're looking for an affordable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance steam generator for your shower, Steamist SMP has got you covered. Pros and cons of SMP 5KW steam bath generator Pro: The SMP 5KW steam generator features a super sleek design. So if you’re short on installation space, this is the perfect generator for you. Con: The fact that this generator isn’t a part of a package deal means you’ll have to buy required accessories like steam head, control panel, wires, and cables, separately. You might also want to read - 8 Best Sauna Heaters In 2024 |
AuthorJ.D Moreno
Steam and Sauna Technician and Enthusiast. 786-837-1235 Archives
January 2025
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