Wellness investment in the home is at an all-time high — and for good reason. Steam showers, home saunas, and commercial steam rooms all deliver documented health benefits. But they work differently, require different spaces, and suit different budgets and goals. This guide gives you the factual foundation to make a confident decision before you buy.
At TheSteamStore.com, we are an authorized dealer of Mr. Steam, ThermaSol, and Amerec — three of the most established names in residential and commercial steam — and we have been helping homeowners, designers, and hospitality professionals spec the right systems for over 20 years.
How steam showers and saunas actually work
Understanding the physical difference between these two environments is the starting point for every other decision.
A steam shower uses an electric steam generator to heat water to boiling point and pump steam into a sealed enclosure. The operating environment is 110–120°F with humidity near 100%. At that humidity level, moist heat transfers to the body much more efficiently than dry air at the same temperature — meaning the physiological effects are significant despite the relatively moderate temperature. The generator is installed outside the shower in a nearby cabinet, closet, or basement, connected to a cold water supply line and a dedicated 240V electrical circuit.
A traditional sauna uses an electric or wood-burning heater to heat a wood-lined room to 150–195°F with humidity typically between 5% and 20%. The low humidity allows the body to tolerate much higher temperatures — dry air does not conduct heat to the skin as rapidly as moist air, so the experience feels intense but manageable. Löyly — pouring water over heated rocks — temporarily spikes humidity for a brief, intensified heat sensation, but the room returns to low humidity quickly.
Both environments raise core body temperature, trigger vasodilation, and produce sweat — the underlying mechanisms for most of the documented health benefits. The differences lie in how they do it, which affects which benefits are more pronounced and who each option is best suited for.
Note on the research: Most long-term clinical studies on heat therapy have been conducted in Finnish dry saunas. Steam showers share the core physiological mechanisms — elevated body temperature, vasodilation, increased heart rate — but the research base for steam-specific outcomes is smaller. Where a finding is specifically from sauna research, we say so. For a deeper look at the science, see our health benefits of steam therapy guide.
Steam shower vs. sauna: side by side
| Steam shower | Traditional sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat type | Moist / wet heat | Dry heat |
| Temperature | 110°F – 120°F | 150°F – 195°F |
| Humidity | ~100% | 5% – 20% |
| Typical session length | 15 – 20 minutes | 15 – 30 minutes |
| Minimum space | 3×3 ft enclosed shower | 4×4 ft dedicated room (1 person) |
| Generator placement | Remote — closet, cabinet, or basement up to 50–60 ft away | Inside the sauna room |
| Electrical requirement | Dedicated 240V circuit | Dedicated 240V circuit |
| Skin & respiratory benefit | Excellent — moist air directly hydrates and clears airways | Moderate |
| Deep muscle recovery | Good | Excellent — higher temperatures penetrate deeper |
| Smart controls available | Yes — Wi-Fi, touchscreen, voice control, app integration | Limited |
| Retrofit potential | High — works with most existing enclosed showers | Lower — requires dedicated room or new construction |
| Aromatherapy | Yes — essential oil injection systems available | Yes — pour oils directly onto heated rocks |
For a more detailed comparison including installation requirements and a full health benefit breakdown, see our steam shower vs. sauna guide.
What the research says about health benefits
Both steam showers and saunas have meaningful, documented health benefits. Here is what the evidence actually supports.
Cardiovascular health. A landmark 21-year study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2015) followed over 2,300 middle-aged Finnish men and found that those who used the sauna 4–7 times per week were 63% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared to once-a-week users. Heart rate during both steam and sauna sessions increases comparably to mild aerobic exercise, driven by vasodilation — the widening of blood vessels in response to heat — which lowers vascular resistance and improves blood pressure.
Respiratory relief. This is where steam showers have a specific, documented advantage over dry saunas. Inhaling humidified warm air at near-100% humidity reduces airway resistance and loosens mucus in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that steam inhalation improved breathing comfort in patients with chronic sinusitis. People with asthma often find steam showers easier to tolerate than dry saunas for this reason.
Muscle recovery. A study in the Journal of Athletic Training found that moist heat was significantly more effective than dry heat for reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Heat increases local blood flow, relaxes muscle fibers, and accelerates clearance of metabolic waste products including lactic acid. Post-workout steam sessions are among the most practical and well-supported recovery tools available.
Skin health. Steam opens pores and promotes sweating, which clears sebum buildup and surface impurities. The near-100% humidity environment directly hydrates the skin in a way dry heat cannot — water vapor is absorbed through the skin surface. Increased blood flow during a steam session delivers oxygen and nutrients that support skin cell turnover.
Stress and sleep. Heat exposure reduces cortisol — the body's primary stress hormone — and increases beta-endorphin production. A meta-analysis in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that passive body heating before sleep significantly improved slow-wave deep sleep quality in both healthy individuals and those with insomnia. Evening steam or sauna sessions leverage the post-heat drop in core body temperature, which deepens the natural sleep-onset signal.
Immune support. Research published in the Annals of Medicine found that frequent sauna users experienced significantly fewer upper respiratory infections. The elevated core temperature during a heat session activates heat-shock protein production and increases white blood cell activity — the same defensive response the immune system uses when fighting infection.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning regular steam or sauna use, particularly if you have cardiovascular conditions, low blood pressure, or are pregnant.
What a steam shower installation actually requires
Adding steam to an existing shower is more straightforward than most people expect. Four things are required:
- A fully enclosed shower — the enclosure must be sealed with a door and no large gaps. Minimum practical size is 3×3 ft. Ceiling height factors directly into generator sizing: the generator is sized to the cubic volume of the enclosure (length × width × height), not just floor area
- A steam generator — sized to your shower's cubic footage. Mr. Steam and Amerec adjust sizing based on wall material: natural stone (marble, granite, travertine, slate) absorbs significantly more heat than tile and requires a larger generator. ThermaSol sizes generators by cubic footage only — wall material does not affect ThermaSol's sizing formula. For a complete sizing walkthrough, see our steam generator sizing guide or use our sizing calculator
- A control and steamhead — the control panel mounts inside or just outside the shower; the steamhead installs low on a wall opposite the seating area. Controls range from basic push-button timers to full-color touchscreen systems with Wi-Fi, voice control, app integration, aromatherapy, and chromatherapy lighting
- A dedicated 240V electrical circuit — installed by a licensed electrician. The generator itself can be located in a cabinet, closet, attic, or basement. Mr. Steam generators can be placed up to 60 feet from the steamhead; ThermaSol generators up to 50 feet
For the full pre-installation checklist covering waterproofing, sloped ceiling requirements, ventilation, and plumbing rough-in, see our steam shower installation requirements guide.
The brands we carry
TheSteamStore.com carries three of the most respected names in residential and commercial steam. Each has a distinct philosophy, heritage, and approach to the steam experience.
Mr. Steam
Mr. Steam has been manufacturing residential and commercial steam systems in the United States for over 50 years, making it one of the most established names in the category. The brand is built around accessibility and reliability — the idea that a high-quality steam experience should be available to any homeowner, not just those with luxury budgets. Mr. Steam offers the broadest product lineup of the three brands, covering everything from entry-level residential generators to large commercial installations, with a wide range of controls, steamheads, and accessories designed to work together seamlessly. The brand is particularly well regarded for its AutoFlush technology — an automatic maintenance system that addresses the most common cause of generator failure — and for its smart control ecosystem, which integrates with Amazon Alexa and supports Wi-Fi connectivity. For homeowners who want a proven, full-featured system with the widest range of options, Mr. Steam is consistently the most-specified brand in the category. Browse Mr. Steam.
ThermaSol
ThermaSol has been pioneering steam and shower technology since 1958, making it the oldest steam brand in North America. The company's focus has always been on engineering-led innovation — developing proprietary technologies rather than iterating on existing designs. ThermaSol holds multiple patents on core steam generation and control technologies, and its products are manufactured in the USA and backed by the industry's only no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. In 2024, ThermaSol joined the Harvia family of wellness brands. Harvia, founded in Finland in 1950, is the world's leading sauna and spa company and operates in over 80 countries — a partnership that deepens ThermaSol's reach into the broader wellness space, including saunas, cold plunges, and hot soaks. Today, ThermaSol positions itself at the intersection of technology and luxury wellness design — its control systems integrate steam, water, lighting, audio, and streaming media into a single touchscreen interface, and its generator technology is the most advanced available for residential use. It is the brand of choice for architects, interior designers, and homeowners building high-end primary baths or dedicated wellness spaces where performance and aesthetics are equally important. Browse ThermaSol.
Amerec
Amerec has built its reputation over decades as the contractor's preferred steam generator — the brand most commonly specified by plumbing and HVAC professionals for both residential and commercial installations. Amerec's approach is defined by practical engineering: consistent steam quality, durable construction, straightforward installation, and long-term serviceability. The brand is particularly strong in commercial applications — health clubs, hotels, spas, and gyms — where generators need to perform reliably under heavy daily use year after year. Amerec generators are ETL listed for both the USA and Canada, use stainless steel tanks and removable heating elements throughout, and are designed to be serviced in the field without specialized tools. On the residential side, Amerec is a strong value proposition for homeowners who prioritize reliability and longevity over smart home integration. Its K2 control stands out in the category for supporting both Google Home and Amazon Alexa — the only residential steam control currently available with both voice assistant integrations. Browse Amerec.
Hard water and long-term maintenance
Mineral scale buildup — caused by calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water — is the leading cause of steam generator failure. If you are in a hard water area, this is not optional reading.
The most effective solution is an automatic flush system. Mr. Steam's AutoFlush valve drains and flushes the generator two hours after every steam session automatically — no manual intervention required. ThermaSol's PRO Series III includes the PowerFlush automated cleaning system built into the generator. For areas with exceptionally hard water, a whole-house or point-of-use water softener upstream of the generator provides an additional layer of protection.
For a complete hard water protection guide including what happens when scale builds up and how to identify your water hardness level, see our hard water and steam generator protection guide.
Commercial steam rooms: what hotels, spas, and clubs need to know
A well-designed commercial steam room is a high-ROI amenity for any hospitality or wellness facility. The key differences from residential installations:
- Generator capacity — commercial rooms require larger units built for continuous daily use. ThermaSol's PowerPak Series III covers commercial applications at 18kW and 24kW, available in 208–240V and 480V three-phase configurations. Amerec AK Series units can be ganged to cover rooms up to 1,500 cubic feet
- Multi-room systems — ThermaSol's Day Spa Multi Room Steam System serves 2 to 4 separate steam rooms from a single generator at 10–20kW, purpose-built for spas and clubs where multiple simultaneous rooms are required
- Materials and durability — commercial generators use stainless steel tanks and removable heating elements to support regular servicing under heavy daily use
- ADA compliance — bench height, door clearance, control placement, and floor slope all require specific design consideration in commercial settings
- Ventilation and drainage — commercial steam rooms require dedicated HVAC design and floor drain systems sized for continuous steam output
Browse our full commercial steam collection or contact us directly for help specifying the right system for your property.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam shower as effective as a sauna?
They are different rather than one being superior. Steam showers produce better outcomes for skin hydration, respiratory relief, and moist-heat muscle recovery. Saunas produce more intense sweating and deeper muscle penetration at higher temperatures. The cardiovascular research base is stronger for dry saunas due to the volume of Finnish cohort studies available, but the core mechanisms — vasodilation and elevated core temperature — are shared by both.
Can I add a steam generator to my existing shower?
Yes, provided your shower is fully enclosed with a minimum 3×3 ft floor area, has a watertight door, and you can run a dedicated 240V electrical circuit. The generator does not need to go in the bathroom — it can be placed in a nearby closet, cabinet, or basement up to 50–60 feet away depending on the brand. Use our steam sizing calculator to identify the right model, or contact us and we will size it for you.
How long should a steam shower session be?
15–20 minutes is the standard recommendation for most adults. If you are new to steam, begin at 10 minutes and increase gradually. Always hydrate before and after — you lose fluid through sweating even though it is less visible in a humid environment. People with cardiovascular conditions or low blood pressure should consult a physician before beginning regular steam use.
How often should I use my steam shower?
The cardiovascular and immune research cited above was conducted on users averaging 2–4 sessions per week. Daily use is common among home steam owners and is safe for most healthy adults. The key maintenance consideration is ensuring your generator has an auto-flush system to handle the daily mineral load.
What wall materials work in a steam shower?
Non-porous materials are preferred — porcelain tile, ceramic tile, glass tile, and solid surface materials. Natural stone (marble, granite, travertine, slate) is a popular choice aesthetically but is porous and absorbs significantly more heat. Mr. Steam and Amerec account for this with material multipliers in their sizing formulas — for natural stone, multiply the base cubic footage by 1.75 before selecting a model. ThermaSol's sizing formula does not require a material adjustment regardless of wall type.
Do I need a permit to install a steam generator?
In most jurisdictions, yes — an electrical permit is required for the 240V circuit installation, and a plumbing permit may be required for the water supply connection. Your licensed electrician and plumber will handle the permit process. Always confirm with your local building department before starting.
Why order from TheSteamStore.com?
- Authorized dealer — we are an authorized dealer of Mr. Steam, ThermaSol, and Amerec with full manufacturer warranty coverage
- Over 20 years of experience — serving residential and commercial clients across the US
- Free shipping — on all orders over $199 within the contiguous United States
- Expert support — call us at 877-881-5501 Monday through Friday, or contact us online
Ready to get started?
Browse by what you are looking for:
- Residential steam generators — Mr. Steam, ThermaSol, and Amerec
- Home saunas — indoor and outdoor models from ThermaSol
- Commercial steam systems — high-capacity generators for spas, clubs, and hotels
- Complete wellness packages — generator, control, rainhead, and steamhead bundled
Questions about sizing, installation, or which brand is right for your project? Contact our team or call 877-881-5501 — we are here to help.