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Best Steam Shower Generators 2026: 5 Compared
WriterPickly Editorial
Updated 2026-10-16
A steam shower is mostly a generator problem: the cabin is a sealed box, and the generator decides how fast it fills with steam and how well it holds temperature. Prices run from a $172 fold-up tent to a $3,010 premium unit because these are really different kinds of product sold under one name.
Quick answer
For most home installs the Delta SimpleSteam 10kW kit is the easiest to specify: generator, digital control and steam head arrive together, and the generator has flexible mounting options. The VEVOR 9kW is the budget route if you are happy to source the rest and size the enclosure yourself. The Mr. Steam MS-R is the premium choice for controls and low water use, the Steamspa 12kW adds Bluetooth and WiFi app control, and the Homedics Portable Sauna is the one option here that needs no plumbing or construction.
📋How we compared
We did not test any of these products. This comparison is based on the manufacturers' specifications and the Amazon US listings as of October 16, 2026. We weighed generator capacity against enclosure size, controls and safety features, installation requirements, what is included in the box, and price. Check the exact model number and your enclosure volume before buying.
💰 Best budget generator: The VEVOR 9kW is the lowest-cost way into a real steam shower. It is listed for enclosures of 212–318 cubic feet (6–9 m³), makes steam in under five minutes, and lets you set 77–131°F (25–55°C) with a timer from 10 minutes to 24 hours.
Top picks ↓Related articles
1★ Best PickB+💰 Best budget generatorVEVOR 9kW Steam Generator
VEVOR sells 9, 12 and 15kW versions; check the kW rating on the listing.
The VEVOR 9kW is the lowest-cost way into a real steam shower. It is listed for enclosures of 212–318 cubic feet (6–9 m³), makes steam in under five minutes, and lets you set 77–131°F (25–55°C) with a timer from 10 minutes to 24 hours. The tank is SUS304 stainless steel inside a carbon-steel case, with over-temperature, dry-burn and over-pressure protection, auto drain and installation parts included. The trade-off is that you source and size everything else yourself. On Amazon US it was $274.90 on October 16, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Lowest price here for a full generator
- ✓Auto drain and triple safety protection
- ✓Installation parts included
Cons
- ✗Plain controls, no app
- ✗You size and build the rest of the system
2A-🛠️ Best complete kitDelta SimpleSteam 10kW Steam Shower Kit
Delta sells the SimpleSteam generator in several kW ratings and finishes; this listing is the 10kW kit in Chrome.
The Delta SimpleSteam 10kW (5P-EST010-PR) is the easiest generator option to specify because the generator, Square digital control and Square steam head arrive together in Chrome. The generator can go in a vanity, closet, insulated attic or basement on up to 35 ft of cable, which helps with bathroom retrofits. The recommended generator pan with auto drain (5GA-PAD-240) is sold separately, so add it to the budget. On Amazon US it was $1,925.00 on October 16, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Generator, control and steam head in one kit
- ✓Flexible mounting spaces with 35 ft of cable
- ✓Sold in several kW ratings
Cons
- ✗Recommended auto-drain pan is a separate purchase
- ✗Still needs a sealed enclosure and a professional install
3A-🎛️ Best controlsMr. Steam MS-R 9kW Steam Generator
MS-R is a series with several kW sizes; this is the 9 kW model MS400R2401-9KW.
The Mr. Steam MS-R (MS400R2401-9KW) is a 9 kW generator for people who want it to run efficiently and unattended. It has microprocessor control, a 60-minute auto shut-off and LED diagnostics, and can be installed in a cabinet, closet, sealed bench or insulated attic. Mr. Steam says it uses under 2 gallons of water against about 40 gallons for a bath, and the case is stainless steel inside and out. It costs more than ten times the VEVOR at the same kW rating, so the premium is for controls and build, not for more steam. On Amazon US it was $3,010.00 on October 16, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Microprocessor control and 60-minute auto shut-off
- ✓LED diagnostic display
- ✓Flexible installation spaces
Cons
- ✗Highest price here
- ✗Same 9 kW class as a generator that costs a tenth as much
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4B+🏕️ Best no-install optionHomedics Portable Steam Sauna
This is a portable tent, not a plumbed steam shower, and it is not an infrared sauna.
The Homedics Portable Sauna is a folding steam tent with a built-in steam generator, not a shower. It sets up in under a minute, makes steam in 10–15 minutes and runs up to 115°F (46°C) for sessions of up to 60 minutes. The interior is waterproof, it stands about 4.8 ft tall, and the box includes the tent, steam generator, hose, folding chair, storage bag, manual and a one-year limited warranty. On Amazon US it was $172.20 on October 16, 2026.
Pros
- ✓No plumbing, wiring or construction
- ✓Folds into a storage bag
- ✓Chair and hose included
Cons
- ✗Personal session only, not a steam shower
- ✗Lower temperature ceiling at about 115°F (46°C)
5B+📱 Best smart featuresSteamspa 12kW Steam Generator RVBS1200GD-A
Listed under the Steamspa name; the model is RVBS1200GD-A, a 12kW generator.
The Steamspa 12kW (RVBS1200GD-A) is the feature-heavy option: two steam heads, auto drain, chromatherapy lighting, a speaker, an aroma container, Bluetooth audio, a touch pad and WiFi app control for starting a session remotely. A drain pan is included. At 12 kW it is also the largest generator on this list, so check your enclosure volume against its chart. On Amazon US it was $2,799.00 on October 16, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Two steam heads and an aroma container
- ✓Bluetooth audio and WiFi app control
- ✓Drain pan included
Cons
- ✗High price
- ✗At 12 kW it needs a large enclosure and a heavy electrical supply
Size the generator to the enclosure, not to the budget
Steam generators are rated in kilowatts, and each rating covers a range of enclosure volume. The VEVOR 9kW, for example, is listed for 212–318 cubic feet (6–9 m³). Glass, tile and stone walls soak up heat and a ceiling above 8 ft adds volume, so a larger enclosure or harder surfaces usually means stepping up a size. An undersized unit runs flat out without reaching temperature; an oversized one costs more for no benefit.
Use each maker's sizing chart rather than a rule of thumb. The Delta and Mr. Steam lines come in several kW ratings, and the Steamspa listed here is a 12kW unit, so confirm the model number matches your volume before ordering.
Generator kit or portable tent: they are different products
The VEVOR, Delta, Mr. Steam and Steamspa are generators for a sealed shower enclosure. They need a water supply, a drain and, at this size, normally a dedicated 240 V circuit, so budget for a plumber and an electrician as well as the unit. The enclosure itself, with sealed walls, ceiling and door, is a separate purchase.
The Homedics Portable Sauna is a fold-up steam tent with a built-in steam generator. It sets up in under a minute, makes steam in 10–15 minutes and tops out at about 115°F (46°C). That makes it a personal steam session rather than a steam shower, and the right answer for renters or anyone who does not want a build.
What the extra money buys: controls, water use and layout flexibility
The Delta kit includes the generator, a Square digital control and a Square steam head, and the generator can sit in a vanity, closet, insulated attic or basement on up to 35 ft of cable. Delta recommends a generator pan with auto drain (5GA-PAD-240), which is sold separately.
The Mr. Steam MS-R adds microprocessor control, a 60-minute auto shut-off and LED diagnostics, and Mr. Steam says it uses under 2 gallons of water against about 40 gallons for a bath. The Steamspa adds two steam heads, auto drain, chromatherapy lighting, a speaker, an aroma container, Bluetooth audio and WiFi app control. Whether those are worth a thousand dollars or more over a basic generator depends on how much you will use them.
Frequently asked questions
How big a steam generator do I need?▼
Can I install a steam generator myself?▼
Do I need a special shower enclosure?▼
Is the Homedics Portable Sauna a real steam shower?▼
Check the details of the products in this article
- VEVOR 9kW Steam Generator$274.90Price as of 2026-10-19
- Delta SimpleSteam 10kW Steam Shower Kit$1925Price as of 2026-10-19
- Mr. Steam MS-R 9kW Steam Generator$3010Price as of 2026-10-19
- Homedics Portable Steam Sauna$172.20Price as of 2026-10-19
- Steamspa 12kW Steam Generator RVBS1200GD-A$2799Price as of 2026-10-19
Prices change. Check the retailer for the current price.
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