The phrase steam generator can refer to a number of different things. Essentially, it is any device that creates steam by boiling water. A boiler, for instance, is an enclosed one that creates steam after it heats water that is under pressure. A supercritical one which may also be referred to as a Benson boiler creates steam, but it does not actually boil any water. Instead, it heats the water by using an intense amount of pressure. Besides pressure, some of these devices can heat their water using oil or gas.
These generators can be used to do things like move ships. They can also be used as a generator iron to straighten the wrinkles in your clothes, or they can be used at a nuclear power plant. Railway trains have also been known to use these types of generators. Primarily, they use them to provide heat to the passengers in their cabins.
To learn more about many of these different ways to use a steam generator, you can explore the rest of this site. It is one of the best resources for this type of information online. The rest of this article will look at three different generators. First, it will examine two that are designed to create a steam bath, and then, it will look at one popular product that is used to create steam in a shower.
A Kohler K-1652
This model can be purchased from any stores Kohler products are displayed in, or it can easily be found online.
Photo Credit: Flickr russ257
Its prices range from about $675 to over $1000 depending upon where you purchase it from. Unfortunately, this particular electric generator is designed to work only with Body Spa and Sonata modules and White Cap receptors. Thus, if you have already purchased other modules and receptors, you may need to look for a different brand.
According to many online reviewers, one of the advantages of this steam generator
is that it can be installed up to 25 feet from the control panel which gives most users a lot of options on their install. It also accommodates steam units that produce different volumes of heat based upon which materials they are going to be installed near. The following is a short look at the materials and their associated square footage. However, you should check with the manufacturer before making any final plans:
- Acrylic can accommodate up to 190 feet squared
- Ceramic Tile can accommodate up to 125 cubic feet
- Glass can accommodate less than 95 feet squared
The Amerec AK7 Steam Generator
This model is slightly more expensive than the model discussed above. It ranges from about $970 to $1400. It works to create a whirlpool effect in your home bath. The Amerec company is a relatively good one to work with as they have been in this industry and related industries since the year 1963. For instance, they make Finnish heaters for saunas, steam rooms, steam controls, and steam accessories.
Most consumers that discuss this product online appreciate its many features. For instance, the Amerec AK7 works hard to create a comfort zone for its users. It does this by preventing variations in steam temperature and by creating a constant and even flow of steam.
First, it takes advantage of its full power to heat up the steam bath to its preset temperature. Then, it cuts down its power so that it is only utilizing half of its elements. This is called the soft steam element, and this product is one of the only ones that can offer this feature. Thus, many consumers find this very appealing. In addition, this product has a so-called warm start option. This allows it to keep the water in the steam generator warm. Thus, when it is time to use it, consumers do not have to wait for a long time for the water that creates the steam to heat up. They can look forward to fast response steam that starts in less than a minute. This product is especially convenient for people with children who may be prone to touching the generator. Its cool touch feature ensures that users will not be scalded when they touch this product.
Pacifica/Atlantica 2kW/110V
This kit is designed to create a steam experience while in the shower. Unlike the other two generators, this one is not for the bathtub. However, it works essentially the same way as the Kohler and the Amerec.
One of the advantages of this kit is that it includes almost everything that you need to get started to have a steam shower experience. It comes with the steam generator, the steam head and the controls. However, one drawback is that it can only be used with the Deamline Pacifica or the Atlantica shower heads, and obviously, it can only be used with the jetted models of each of those brands. Thus, if you are not willing to purchase one of those products, you may need to select a slightly different generator.
Once installed, this product will give you a spa-like experience in the comfort, convenience and privacy of your own bathroom. The settings include on and off options, but they also include timers and temperature controls. Thus, you can easily set it so that the steam is ready to soothe you as soon as you walk in the door from work.
Bottom Line
A steam generator can be used for a variety of things. Luckily, for most consumers, it can be used to create a spa in their own home. It offers a level of comfort that is not usually available in most home showers and tubs.