Electric sauna stoves with a steam generator: types, DIY production

It is impossible to imagine a bathhouse, especially a Russian one, without a steam room, and the steam room must have a heater, which is the simplest steam generator. The main function of a steam generator is to convert water into steam, and it is to solve this problem that a sauna stove with a steam generator exists.

Currently, industry and self-taught craftsmen produce a large number of models of steam generators for baths of various types (Russian, Finnish, Ofuro, etc.), differing in their design, purpose and method of generating steam.

Furnace structure with steam generator

According to the method of heating water, such devices are divided:

using electricity;
powered by gas;
Steam is produced when wood is burned in a heater.

Electric steam generators will incur costs on electricity bills. Gas fuels increase the risk of fires and explosions. The simplest option is to equip your heater with an additional simple device made of corrugated pipes. Regardless of the type of fuel, industrial steam generators are manufactured taking into account the installation:

container for filling water;
separate compartment for water preparation;
installation of water and steam supply pumps is possible;
a heating device that works to generate steam;
expensive models are equipped with an electronic operation control system and safety sensors, especially in the production of gas and diesel steam generators.

Importance of a steam generator

The Russian bathhouse differs from others in that the “light steam” that is obtained after pouring water or herbal infusions over hot stones is not only a means of heating the air, but also an excellent disinfectant and health-improving agent.

The liquid becomes steam, releasing a lot of heat energy. However, warm air rises, which allows a person to warm up slowly while taking water procedures, from the feet and above.

The steam produced by using herbal decoctions has a healing effect. Inhalation is carried out unnoticed from the main visit to the bathhouse.

In the past, the Russian bathhouse was heated a little differently, “in the black way,” and the simplest steam generator was stones that were placed near a boiler of water standing on the fire.

Nowadays they use heaters, and they are heated not by open fire, but by heating the stones with exhaust gases from the burned fuel and structural elements of the stove.

In addition, to create steam, steam generators are used, which operate from an alternating current power supply. They differ in the method of heating the liquid (electrode, with a tubular electric heater, induction).

Principle of operation

This device works simply and reliably, whether you buy high-quality equipment or do the work yourself. It allows you to quickly heat the steam room and create an atmosphere of bath comfort. For this:

Water is poured into the container. This operation, depending on the model, can be performed automatically or manually;
the liquid passes into a special cavity, the surface of which is heated to a maximum temperature (6500);
the water evaporates and the steam escapes through special cavities into the room.

Everything is simple and therefore reliable. If electricity is used for evaporation, heating elements are installed. Depending on the power, they can vary from 2 kW. For installation in small steam rooms, it is enough to install only a steam generator and it will additionally work as a stove.

But those who love the atmosphere of a Russian bath with aromatic smoke can equip their heater with a steam generator. Steam is formed when water evaporates from the walls of the oven or corrugated stainless pipes.

Installation requirements and security controls

Ventilation system connector

Requirements for installation and safe operation are reflected in the operating instructions included with the steam generator, and the general criteria that ensure such modes are:

Electrical wiring must be designed for the power of the connected device.
The steam generator must be grounded.
The device must be connected to the electrical network in a separate group through an individual protection device (circuit breaker).
The room where the steam generator is installed must be dry and equipped with a ventilation system (natural or forced).
The length of the steam line (from the device to the steam room) should be as short as possible.
The location of the steam line in relation to the entry into the steam room should be such that there are no places where moisture accumulates (condensation) that impedes the passage of steam.

Advantages and disadvantages

Regardless of whether it is a sauna, Turkish or Russian bath, all models have a number of advantages in the absence of negative characteristics. Among the advantages are:

attractive look. Such devices can serve as decorative decoration for a steam room;
small mass of steam generators;
for small spaces they can serve as a stove;
absolutely silent during operation;
easy to maintain and install;
the speed of heating the room and the formation of a sufficient volume of aromatic steam;
industrial designs are equipped with fire or explosion protection units;
the opportunity to choose among many models the best option for the combination of price and quality.

An electric stove with a steam generator, gas or wood - any model can quickly heat a steam room and provide lovers with dry or wet steam. The main thing is to choose the right technique.

Choosing a steam generator oven

When choosing a sauna stove with a steam generator, you should not forget about the fundamental characteristics of the equipment, on which the quality of heating your room will depend.

Power is what you need to pay attention to first. You can independently calculate the required power of a stove for a bath with a steam generator. A formula has been drawn up for this: for a room volume of up to 10 m³, it is necessary to select equipment based on power, taking into account 1 kW/m³.

When the steam room is quite large in volume, another calculation is taken as a basis - 0.8 kW/m³. Making a similar power calculation is very simple. But it is worth understanding that this formula should be used only in cases where the bathhouse is well insulated, there is a high-quality vapor barrier and a ventilation system. If the steam room has a window, a glass door, or one or two external walls, then the power of the device should be even greater, about one and a half times.

It is also worth mentioning the operating voltage of a sauna stove with a steam generator - this is also an important point when choosing a heating device. There is a certain relationship between power characteristics and voltage. If the power indicator is above 7 kW, then it is worth connecting the unit to a 380 Volt power supply. For less powerful stoves, a 220 Volt network is suitable.

In case of periodic interruptions in the electrical network, it is necessary to use a backup power system or voltage stabilizers. If you ensure stable operation of the electrical network, you will thereby contribute to the long service life of your furnace equipment.

And another important factor that requires attention is the volume of loaded stones. Additional functions such as sounding a sound when there is no liquid in the steam generator tank and aromatizing the steam will make using the steam room easier, while simultaneously creating the necessary pleasant atmosphere in it.

How to choose a quality steam generator?

Among all the characteristics, pay attention to several main ones:

power level. To calculate, use the ratio - to service 1 m3 you will need equipment with a power of up to 1 kW. This rule applies to steam rooms with a total area of up to 10 m2. For large premises, 0.8 kW will be required. But if the steam room has large stained glass windows or several swing doors, the power of the steam generator will need to be increased. To service high-power electrical appliances, you will need to supply three-phase current with a voltage of 380 V.
method of adjusting operating modes. It is better to purchase equipment with an automatic safety and adjustment system. Such devices will quickly stop heating if the water level is insufficient or the current breaks down on the body;
For wood-burning or home-made heat generators, such a system is not required. It is better to install a float chamber that will maintain a constant water level in the system than to pay extra money to install an electronic circuit that duplicates the main circuit. This is how manufacturers try to gain additional profit;
size of stone loading. The more there are, the stronger the steam will be, but the extra ones will reduce the productivity of the furnace;
body and tank material. The service life of the steam generator depends on this.

Electric heater with steam generator

Based on these indicators, a rating of the best models was compiled.

Differences between bath steam generators and their design features

Today, electric sauna stoves with a steam generator are becoming increasingly popular. The following types are distinguished:

Electrode. Heating is accomplished by passing electricity through a liquid.
Induction. Water is heated by high-frequency currents.
With tubular electric heaters. Heating elements immersed in water are heated and heat energy is released from the liquid itself when electricity passes through.

The device of the Termofor Geyser stove-heater with a steam generator

The design of the steam generator includes:

A housing with structural elements included in it. Made from metal or durable plastic.
Storage tank for water.
Vapor chamber.
Control and safety unit.
Connecting pipes for water and steam.
Electrical wires.
Elements of automation and control.
Pumps for liquid and steam supply.

The control unit includes control sensors in the water storage tank and for the volume of steam generated at the exit from the steam generation chamber.

The safety unit has automatic circuit breakers for protecting electrical circuits and heating elements from short circuit currents and voltage entering the body of the steam generating equipment.

All models have different volumes of security and automation systems, the presence of water supply and steam pumps.

Popular models

The characteristics and average prices of the best sellers are presented. Prices for steam generators may vary depending on the region and sellers, so average figures are given.

Model and manufacturer	Main characteristics	Price
Russian sauna stove with wood-burning steam generator - “Convectic” model	Weight – 85 kg. Dimensions (H.W.D) – 965 mm/640 mm/430 mm. The optimal volume of the steam room is 18 m3. The body is flanged, so there are no fasteners on the front side. The thickness of the metal case is 4 mm. Weight of stones – up to 85 kg. It is installed in the lower part of the stove, therefore the period of heating the room is reduced and the volume of steam formation is increased due to the proximity to the walls of the firebox. Several hatches with watering cans are used for filling.	From 13500 RUR
Country of origin: Finland. Model "SAWO Mini COMBI MNC NS"	A stove for heating small areas, with a maximum power of 3 kW. Steam rooms with a volume of up to 4 m3 can be served by a stove that does not take up much space. Its dimensions are 450/330/210 mm. Weight of stones up to 10 kg. The body and water tank are made of stainless steel. Automatic alarm system for low water level in the tank.	From 15,000 rub.
Model "Vega Combi Automatic BC60SEA"	Electric steam generator, easy to operate. Weight 15 kg, dimensions 540/480/310 mm. The power of 6 kW allows you to service medium-sized steam rooms. Weight of stones – up to 20 kg. Made of stainless steel, automatic control system. The simple design and the absence of unnecessary parts increases the service life of the electric furnace with a heat exchanger. We produce a wide range of heaters in terms of power. The hanging mounting system allows you to install the stove anywhere in the steam room.	22000 RUR
Country of origin: Germany. model "EOS Bi-O MINI"	This electric heater, manufactured with German precision, will last a long time without accidents or breakdowns. Power 3 kW. Weight of stones – 10 kg. The weight of the stove itself is 9.5 kg, with dimensions of 500/300/210 mm. Serves a steam room with an area of up to 5 m2. An audible alarm for low water level in the tank has been installed. Possibility of adding aromatic liquids to a separate mixer. The oven is made in a rigid, durable stainless steel body with a bottom tray that prevents condensate from leaking.	5540 rub.
Manufacturer – Sweden. Oven model "Tylo Combi Compact RC 4"	The steam generator is designed taking into account the supply of steam in pulsed or continuous modes. Additionally, a humidifier and air fragrance are installed. Power – 4.5 kW. Loading weight of stones – 7 kg. Weight and dimensions 12 kg/400/310/225 mm. Such a sauna stove can serve a small steam room. Tank body material: stainless steel.	50,000 rub.

General advantages and disadvantages of sauna steam generators

If you decide to purchase a steam generator, then you should know about their positive and negative qualities, so that the latter do not suddenly become a surprise after the start of operation.

So, the positive qualities of steam generators for baths include the following features:

Possibility of automated control of the device using pre-installed programs or from a remote control.
Fast heating of water, respectively, and faster release of steam, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the heating of the steam room. While a Russian stove or heater takes quite a long time to heat up.
Some models of steam generators have a self-cleaning system.
The steam generator produces lighter steam than the hot stones of a heater.
Some models of steam generators have aromatization functions, so a special hole is provided for adding essential oils or herbal infusions. This function will make the evaporation not only pleasant, but also healing.
Unlike a traditional bathhouse, to maintain the desired microclimate, the steam generator does not require a constant supply of water during bathing procedures. Thus, an autonomous steam generator is refilled once at the beginning, and in a device connected to the water supply, it is enough to open the water supply tap, which will flow into the unit constantly. Therefore, you don’t have to think about the stability of the healthy microclimate in the steam room - it will be maintained automatically, with a stable temperature (for example, in the range from 35 to 95 degrees) and humidity set in advance in the control unit. There is an option to set the intervals at which steam enters the steam room.
Ease of choosing the optimal location and installation. Since the steam generator is compact in size and relatively light in weight, it is enough to mount it on the wall using brackets.
The steam generated by steam generators completely enters the steam room without going into the chimney, which cannot be avoided when using traditional stoves.

The variety of functions of modern steam generation devices allows them to compete with traditional heater stoves. And in some cases, steam generators even surpass traditional ovens in terms of the quality of the microclimate created.

Prices for stove-heater

stove-heater

However, steam generators also have disadvantages that do not please users, and these include the following points:

The price of devices is high, so many people prefer to make them themselves.
Quite frequent equipment breakdowns.
Dependency on power supply. In addition, the considerable power of the device, amounting to 4 ÷ 12 kW, will require significant energy consumption.
Due to the large number of impurities in tap water, even if it is possible to connect to a central water supply, it is recommended to fill the unit’s tank with pre-prepared, settled and purified water, or install a high-quality filtration system directly in front of the device.

These disadvantages significantly complicate the operation of automatic devices. However, taking into account the above positive aspects related to the ease of using the bathhouse, and knowing the problems of these devices, you can pay more attention to preventive measures. Naturally, if the high price of such equipment does not bother you.

Do-it-yourself steam generator for a sauna stove

Let us analyze the manufacturing process of steam generators of 2 different designs according to the type of fuel and materials required for their manufacture.

Steam gun made of corrugated pipes for a heater

Let us analyze the process of manufacturing a steam generator for furnaces operating on solid fuel. For example, we will re-equip the industrial model “Shilka” by adding a reliable paragenerator to the design. You will need to prepare:

drill with a set of drills;
2 pieces of corrugated pipe, cross section 40 mm;
2 parts made of small diameter pipes for steam exhaust;
stones or you can buy a sufficient number of special porcelain balls (they can be purchased in specialized stores);
homemade or ready-made funnels for pouring water into the device.

The work is simple, any man can do it. The whole process is divided into several stages:

cut off a corrugated pipe of a larger cross-section along the length of the furnace;
bend the edges of the pipes at right angles;
We place the workpieces with the sockets facing up. Along the entire length of the pipe, at a distance of 50-70 mm, we mark and drill holes with a diameter of 9-10 mm;
We install the parts in the grid for stones, with the holes and sockets facing up, close to the metal wall of the firebox;
tightly insert tubes of smaller diameter and bring them up;
carefully place the stones. Be sure to make a small channel along the diameter of the pipes for unhindered steam escape;
Having laid out the entire volume of the mesh with stones, insert watering cans into the removed tubes and fill with water. You will need to adjust the water level in the steam generator, start with 3 liters in each watering can.

Our design is ready for testing. When wood is burned and the temperature of the stove walls increases, the water in the pipe begins to evaporate. Steam comes out through small holes and heats the stones and through tubes with watering cans directly into the steam room.

Electric steam generator from a pressure cooker

To make such a design you will need to prepare:

old pressure cooker;
heating element can be used with a power of 1.5-2 kW;
fasteners for securing the heating element to the pressure cooker;
paranitic gaskets;
tube for connecting the tank with water and the steam generation chamber. It is better to find a part made of copper;
a small container for water, preferably made of stainless steel;
float valve to maintain water volume;
a piece of hose;
electric drill with a set of drills;
gas key.

You will need to do the work in the following sequence:

To install the heating element, mark and drill holes according to the diameter of the thread of the heating element. The optimal installation height is 10-15 mm;
We insert the heater into the prepared holes and fix it with nuts, making sure to lay a paranit gasket to seal the connection with the container. We install the paranit on a heat-resistant sealant;
connect the heating elements to the wires with a plug;
We fix a container with water on top and drill a hole to connect the liquid supply tube to the paragenerator;
we mount the overflow tube on the nuts with gaskets and washers;
We install a float valve in water containers; you can use the system from the toilet cistern. We supply water. Now, when the water level drops, the float will lower and allow water to enter the tank;
a tap can be installed on the tube to adjust the water pressure;
To release steam, we attach a piece of medium-section steel hose to the lid of the pressure cooker.

Now the water will evaporate when the heating element heats up, and steam will come out of the hose into the steam room. Electric stoves are easy to make, but paying bills and the inability to steam during a power outage make conventional wood-burning heaters with an additional steam generation system the most preferable.

Useful tips

The benefits of the bath have been proven many times, but it should be remembered that the steam room produces a physiotherapeutic effect on the body. Therapy involves consultations with doctors and dosing. What is good for a young and healthy person may be harmful for a person weakened by illness or age. Physiotherapeutic procedures can lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases. When visiting a steam room, you should pay attention to your well-being.

If you feel discomfort or pain symptoms, it is better to exercise reasonable caution and reduce the time you spend in the steam room or change the steam parameters towards softening

Despite the simplicity of steam generators or steam cannons made by yourself, do not forget about maintenance, checks, and regular cleaning. The salts contained in the water will settle in the form of scale and impair the operation of the devices.

Open fire stoves require increased fire safety measures. The use of electricity for heating elements is a direct indication of compliance with safety regulations when operating electrical appliances. Incomplete combustion of fuel and smoldering lead to an increased concentration of carbon dioxide, and even to the release of carbon monoxide. Therefore, the removal of combustion products must pass through a cleaned chimney.

The steam room door should open outward and not have locking devices. Switches should be installed inside the steam room to stop the steam generator. It would also be useful to have a signaling device to attract attention in case a person becomes ill and cannot leave the steam room on their own.