Whenever a new amenity that is both functional and achievable is discovered, homeowners quickly want to explore their options. Two such amenities are steam showers and saunas.
They both usually form a part of high-end hotels and resorts. At least in Finland, the adage has always been, “First build a sauna, then a home.” Even Britons seem to be embracing a spa-like experience at home.
Do you want an in-home spa but are unsure whether to go for a steam shower or a sauna? In this article, we will discuss what each is and how you can decide on the best home addition.
What is a Steam Shower?
A steam shower kit, as it is also referred to, is a warm enclosed shower stall. It is a moisture-sealed space equipped with a steam generator that heats water to its boiling point.
The steam created is then released into the enclosed stall for a relaxing and spa-like experience. Steam showers tend to create a humid environment because they utilize moist heat.
According to ThermaSol, a typical home steam shower stall can reach temperatures between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not require a lot of time to generate heat. Once you’re done with the steam session, you can easily turn on the regular shower head to freshen up (no relocation needed!).
What is a Sauna?
A sauna is often a small heated room, usually made of wood, designed to experience heat sessions for sweating or relaxation. It is believed that saunas offer health benefits like improved circulation and detoxification.
Unlike a steam shower generator, a sauna uses dry heat. Its mechanism may be fueled by gas, wood, electricity, or infrared technology. In a typical sauna, temperatures can reach as high as 195 degrees Fahrenheit with little to no humidity.
Some people may find the dryness off-putting. In that case, water can be poured over the sauna’s heated rocks to create a little bit of steam.
3 Factors to Consider Before Deciding Between the Two
Now, we understand that the simple definitions of the two may not provide deep insights. On the surface, both steam showers and sauna rooms are highly popular.
For instance, the steam shower generator market is expected to reach a value of $500 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.5%. On the other hand, the US sauna market is expected to become $255.7 million by 2030, at a rate of 5% every year.
Understanding the key differences in their popularity will shed light on which is best for your home. Let’s look at three factors that will help you make an informed choice.
Availability of Space
The number one factor to keep in mind is the amount of space available in your home. A complete spa-like experience, luxury, and all included, is undoubtedly offered by a sauna room.
However, it may be a bit of a hassle to have one in a modest home. These systems normally come in wood-lined rooms to absorb moisture under extreme conditions.
In contrast, a steam shower unit is much easier to install as it is just an addition. All that is required is to enclose the ordinary shower in glass or tiles, followed by the shower head installation. The generator can be connected to the existing electrical or plumbing systems.
The bottom line is to check for the availability of space. If you have a large bathroom, a basement, or a spare room, it may be possible to install a sauna. If not, stick to a steam shower instead.
Wellness Routine
On a scale of 1 to 10, how complicated is your wellness routine? By complicated, we don’t mean difficult but long-drawn.
Do you enjoy going the extra mile consistently as a wellness habit? If yes, then a sauna is the best-suited for you. Since it is a dedicated space that may be separate from your bathroom area, it’s certainly not luxury on demand.
If you’re someone who prefers convenience, a steam shower is the most straightforward option of the two. Showering is already a part of our daily routines. Sparing a few quick minutes prior for steam would not be a hassle.
The choice is entirely up to you. Just make sure whichever installation you go for, it does not get in the way of being consistent with your wellness routine.
Health Considerations
As mentioned previously, the sauna has its unique set of health benefits to offer. Similarly, the wet heat generated by a steam shower is effective in easing symptoms of the flu, cold, or allergies.
Besides that, a steam shower also acts as a natural expectorant. In other words, the comforting humid environment it creates is conducive for aromatherapy.
Though both systems offer health benefits, they also have drawbacks. For example, a sauna’s dry heat is not beneficial for those with respiratory issues. Also, it may dry out the skin too much.
A steam shower’s humidity is often no good news either, at least for those looking for detoxification benefits. Plus, the high humidity can be stuffy and uncomfortable for many people.
In the final analysis, both a sauna and a steam shower offer a spa-like experience. In that sense, one is not better than the other. However, they are still very different, so install the one that fits your bill.
If there are no major deterrents, you can enjoy the benefits of both in your residence. In case that’s not possible, look through each factor we have discussed carefully and then decide.