The human desire for economy is no less a weighty reason for technological progress than laziness. For example, in order to save money on a natural stove for a sauna with cobblestones, from which the most real dry steam comes, people invented electric steam generators. Indeed, there is a saving of effort, time and sometimes finances (nevertheless, equipment sometimes costs no less than building a furnace). However, it is important to understand that, as they say, not all steam generators are created equal. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a list of the best steam generators and steam guns for a bath for 2020.
Content
What are steam generators and steam guns?
From the very beginning you need to figure out what's what. In essence, these 2 concepts pursue the same goal, in some cases they are even interchangeable. Nevertheless, the first type should be attributed more to the category of professional (the functionality in them will be wider), and the second - more simple. Moreover, steam cannons are often made independently and there are reasons for this (about them below).
Steam generators
Devices for generating steam are very fashionable nowadays. After all, today they can be installed both in an apartment and in a large public bath. Popular models, nevertheless, are in the medium category, namely: for baths that are being built on summer cottages or next to private houses. Everything in order.
The main task of such systems (there is no other way to name such a complex structure) is the transformation of water into another state of aggregation. This is done by heating, which in turn is carried out in several ways:
- With the help of heating elements. A tubular electric heater is very similar to a boiler. In fact, it works the same way: it simply heats up the liquid until it turns into a volatile state.
- Electrode is when heating occurs due to an electric current passing through 2 electrodes of different potential (so to speak, "between two fires").
- Another option is microwave. The element delivers ultra-short waves, like in a microwave oven, due to and heating occurs.
The device of steam generators, as a rule, has several standard elements:
- Tank. Actually, water is poured here, which will then go to a special department. With this outcome, it is necessary to ensure that there is always a certain minimum of liquid in the tank. There are also types of appliances that are connected directly to the water supply. Sophisticated technology delivers liquid in a metered dose, so you can completely forget about it and trust the automation.
- Compartment for water preparation.
- Pumps. There are two of them: water and steam. Accordingly, one drives water into the very thick of events, the other supplies steam from there to the steam room.
- The steam generator itself. In fact, these are heating elements.
- Sensors. The robust models are equipped with high quality fail-safe sensors.
- Control Panel. It is always part of the package, and is taken out to another room so that the electronics are not damaged by high temperatures. Such precautions are imperative because it is not just about equipment failing.Everything can even turn into a fire, or even a fire. Installation of the control panel is carried out by mounting on the wall, behind which the steam room, and with the most "puffing" part is connected with wires through this wall.
In addition to all of the above, the steam generator also differs in the type of fuel:
- Electricity. The advantage of this fuel is that electric steam generators can be made very small and used, for example, in apartments. And also high safety indicators are of no less importance. Of the three types of fuel presented, electricity is the safest.
- Gas. As you know, blue fuel is cheaper than electricity. However, not everyone has the opportunity to use gas: somewhere there is simply no gas supply, somewhere space does not allow, etc.
- Firewood. Nowadays, a very rare species, but irreplaceable where there is no normal power supply, and there is absolutely no gas supply. We are not talking about hard-to-reach places of our Motherland, but rather about summer cottages that are either not yet connected to communications, or are no longer connected. The popularity of models on "wooden" fuel is extremely low because it is not at all practical when there is electricity or gas. And it is not always possible to figure out where to buy this "fuel".
It is also necessary to mention other classifications of the described device. Distinguish by:
- Capacities: usually from 2 kW to 18 kW. On average, 1 kW is calculated for 1 m3;
- Sizes: from the smallest suitable for residential areas in apartment buildings, to the largest for public baths.
- Price: budget, mid-range, professional;
- By appointment: for a Turkish bath, for a sauna, for a Russian bath, etc.
- By producing country: Swedish or Russian.
- By the availability of additional options. For example, with the function of adding aromatic oils.
- By water supply: with a tank and automatic. The first option assumes that you will pour liquid into the tank with your own hands. On the one hand, it is convenient, because you can always know how much water is still there and when it is worth replenishing the "reserves". On the other hand, all this needs to be kept in mind. And the operation of the device without "fuel" in the tank can lead to breakdown. The second option is automatic. This is when the device is connected to the water supply. Convenience is there. However, the water in many regions is predominantly hard, resulting in scale build-up and a shortened steam generator life.
In general, it is quite difficult to figure out how to choose the model that is suitable for your conditions.
Steam cannon
This device has a simpler structure. And even though it is also sometimes called a steam generator, the differences are significant. In simplest terms, a steam cannon is a pipe inserted into stones so deep that they touch the bottom of the stove.
Water is poured directly into these pipes and, reaching the bottom, is dispersed through small holes. In the lowest part, the temperature is highest, respectively, and the steam is obtained of the highest quality: fine, dry and hotter.
Such a product of moisture evaporation is perfect for Russian baths, in which the steam temperature must reach 400 degrees, and it must be dry. There is a model range of Russian, Chinese and others in the markets. And you can order them, for example, in the online store. However, many craftsmen manage to build such guns that can safely compete with the best manufacturers. For the most part, indeed, the simplicity of installation and construction practically obliges the bathhouse attendant to make his contribution to the history of steam guns.
Advanced models, albeit made at home, have such an element as a check valve in their structure. Its main purpose is to keep steam out. Vapors must enter the steam room through stones. However, according to buyers (some), the steam temperature decreases closer to the upper stones and does not give a full effect.In this case, the characteristics are improved by adding a steam outlet - a pipe in the center of the oven, through which the coveted substance in the air state of aggregation enters directly into the steam room.
Also important are the small holes or slots at the end of the tube that touches the bottom of the oven. The material ideal for steam cannons is stainless steel. Moreover, it is possible to build a unit for personal baths, even from small remnants of metal.
Rating of TOP-7 best steam generators and steam guns for a bath for 2020
The great variety of products offered on the market for items and equipment for the bath often confuses buyers a little. Therefore, clear criteria for choosing a steam generator should be determined: price, performance, is the device made of safe materials, how much tank volume, what reviews, can it be ordered online with delivery. We will try to make it easier for you to choose which company is better to buy the unit by offering our TOP-7 rating.
7th place - bulk gas pumping unit 1.6 kW
Let's start the description of the best ones with a fairly simple model - a filling device. The PGN is small in size and has a tank volume of only 5 liters, and its power is 1600 W. Ideal for phyto-barrel baths. Let's even say that this line is made specifically for heating such steam rooms.
The average price is not high, so it will not be difficult to get it. Apart from its basic functions, PHN also use aromatic oils.
Among the striking shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the fact that it is necessary to constantly monitor the water level, which cannot but distract from relaxation.
Benefits:
- Compact;
- Easy to use
- Heating element;
- The function of applying aroma oils;
- You can fill in distilled H2O.
Disadvantages:
- Usually, little comes in the kit, you have to buy in addition;
- Constant control over the fullness of the tank;
- Built-in control panels - overheating can negatively affect.
Output:
Medium model with limited use. Nevertheless, it successfully occupies its niche.
6th place - HARVIA Helix HGX 11L
7th place in our rating was rather an exception. And from the 6th place the time of the giants begins. The inexpensive ones on the list are over. And immediately an 11,000 watt Finnish-made steam generating machine, which is capable of providing the required resource of 15 cubic meters.
However, its disadvantage is that the control panel has to be purchased separately at almost all points. Another difficulty arises when connecting to the network, since the device requires 380 V. Fortunately, baths are usually provided with such a voltage.
Benefits:
- High quality;
- Aroma function;
- Great performance;
- Automatic water intake + its filtration;
- Suitable for different baths;
- There is an automatic cleaning.
Disadvantages:
- Powered by 380 V;
- High price;
- Control panel sold separately.
Output:
Helix HGX 11L is good because it can be used not only in private baths, but also in public ones. Of course, you must follow the requirements and recommendations for use.
5th place - Helo HNS 60 T1
Another brand is from Finland. The price is slightly higher than the previous position, but it also has more additional functions. Aside from talking about reliability and security (they come by default), it's worth saying that Helo is very user-friendly. For example, the unit can be controlled directly from the steam room using the remote control. The remote control is reliably protected from temperature and humidity.
Convenience and comfort of use also lies in the fact that each user simply has access to spare parts - in which case you can easily replace it yourself (after reading the instructions, listening to the advice of masters and amateurs).
Of the minuses. Let's just say that you expect a little more power from steam generators of this level than 6 kW (6-7 cubic meters).
Benefits:
- Remote control;
- Easy minor repairs;
- Timers for on, off and temperature;
- Reliability;
- Product quality.
Disadvantages:
- Low power;
- High price;
- Control panel sold separately.
Output:
Convenience took over power, so the T1 is above 11L.
4th place - Helo HNS 140 T1
The review of the fourth place is devoted to the “colleague” of the previous model. Unlike the "little brother", 140 T1 is quite powerful - 14 kW. This is enough to cover an area of 16 or even 18 cubes. Very often this series is called a steam generator for a hamam.
However, the cons are the same as the other version.
Tests have shown that the use of a special steam generator product prolongs its service life. At the very least, they remove dirt and other residues.
Benefits:
- High power and performance;
- Ideal for hamam;
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance;
- Reliability.
- The ability to control from the remote control.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Control panel sold separately.
Output:
The equipment, although not made in Germany, is of German quality.
3rd place - Tylo Steam 2/4/6 VB
The best devices are certainly among the top three. On the bottom podium of the winners is the Swedish Tylo Steam 2/4/6 VB. These are already premium steam generators. Don't ask how much it costs.
The numbers in the model name indicate the power: 2.4 kW, 4.5 and 6.6, respectively. That is, when connecting, you can select certain indicators. On average, Tylo is capable of delivering steam up to 5 cubic meters.
Another feature of 2/4/6 VB is that you do not need to purchase a control panel for it - it simply does not exist. Everything will be controlled by the remote control (but you will have to purchase it separately).
Benefits:
- Compact;
- Very reliable;
- It is possible to choose the power;
- There is no control panel;
- Suitable for hamam.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Low power;
- The remote control will have to be purchased separately.
Output:
An excellent model for those who can afford to spend such an amount on expensive functionality.
2nd place - Tylo Steam 12
The manufacturer Tylo put the Steam 12 on the second line of our list. This device is just a scattering of useful properties. Well, for example, an automatic cleaning system is built into it, the ability to connect to a water supply (of course, Steam 12 itself will control the amount of water, etc.). There is a pump for aromatic oils. In general, the device gives very good steam, which goes well with the hamam and other types of baths.
This whole set of utilities is somewhat overshadowed by minor disadvantages, such as high cost, the need to purchase a separate remote control, etc.
Benefits:
- A wide range of possibilities;
- Verified brand;
- Cleaning system;
- Trial step by step instructions;
- Providing area up to 15 cubic meters;
- Can be connected to cold water.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Work from a 380 V network;
- The control panel must be purchased separately.
Output:
Almost the first place. A little was not enough, but what then is at the top?
1st place - Harvia Helix Pro HGP 30
And finally, the Harvia Helix Pro HGP 30 completes our rating of quality steam generators. What to look for in this steam generator? There are many such details. For example, the notorious remote control is included here, that is, you don't need to buy it separately. The structure of the steam generator, the system of fastening and operation - everything is fine.
An important point is that here the cleaning system does not just drain the water, but directly rinses the areas. 30 kW of power is enough for a room of 40 cubic meters. This is already an industrial scale.
Benefits:
- Industrial capacity;
- Effective cleaning system;
- Control panel included;
- Increased service life of the steam generator.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Bulky.
Output:
Decent first place!
Summing up, I would like to say that each of the participants in the list, of course, is a quality product. However, they all have enough differences to give preference to one or the other. Having studied all these little things, you really can avoid mistakes when choosing. Do you think the rating is correct? Maybe you have an objection or your own contenders for getting into the review? Write about everything in the comments.