Everything to check before you buy a steam generator or a steam shower cabin, on one page. Print it, or share it with your contractor.
1. Pick your route
- Steam kit for a tiled shower: a steam generator, a control and a steam head. The generator sits outside the shower.
- Steam shower cabin: an all-in-one unit. You connect water, a drain and power.
2. Check the shower (steam kit route)
- ☐ Fully enclosed: walls, ceiling, floor and a door. A gasketed, vapor-proof door is recommended.
- ☐ Ceiling height of 8 ft or lower is best. The brands chart ceilings up to 10 ft.
- ☐ Sloped ceiling, so condensation runs down the walls instead of dripping.
- ☐ Waterproof surfaces on the walls and ceiling, such as tile, stone or acrylic.
- ☐ Any window is double-paned, tempered safety glass.
3. Size the generator
- ☐ Measure the inside length, width and height in feet.
- ☐ Note the wall material. Stone, marble and glass block need a larger generator; acrylic needs a smaller one.
- ☐ Run the numbers in our steam generator sizing calculator.
4. Plan where the generator goes
- ☐ A heated, dry spot near the shower, such as a vanity, closet or nearby room. Never outdoors or anywhere water could freeze.
- ☐ Distance to the steam head: up to 25 ft for Kohler, up to 60 ft of insulated steam line for Mr. Steam.
- ☐ Room to reach the generator for service.
5. Electrical (licensed electrician)
- ☐ A dedicated 240 V circuit. The size depends on the generator: for example, a Kohler 5 kW needs 40 A and a 15 kW needs 90 A. Each product page lists the amps.
- ☐ Check that your electrical panel has room for the new circuit. Some homes need a panel upgrade.
- ☐ A permit, where your town requires one.
6. Plumbing (licensed plumber)
- ☐ A water supply to the generator and an insulated steam line to the shower, as shown in the installation manual.
- ☐ The steam head and control positions, also from the manual.
7. If you are buying a cabin
- ☐ Measure doorways, hallways and stairs on the way to the bathroom. Compare them with the cabin size on the product page.
- ☐ Check the drain and water line positions on the cabin’s spec sheet.
- ☐ Plan the electrical circuit listed on the product page. Models with a whirlpool tub can need a second circuit.
- ☐ Delivery is curbside by freight. Plan for help to carry it inside.
Need a hand?
Send us your measurements and we will help you choose. Get a free quote, or read our steam shower cost guide.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation manual and your local building codes.