A broom steamer is an indispensable bath accessory. All the subtleties of choice

Steamers are needed for steaming bath brooms. In appearance it resembles a standard bucket, which is made of wood. There is a metal or plastic plate inside. It retains positive properties and prevents swelling of wooden parts. It is important to pay attention to the choice of this design, since the service life and reliability of the device depend on certain parameters.

The editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for you a rating of the best steamers for 2021.

Popular varieties

Most containers come with a lid and handle. The shape of this part is non-standard, because there is a hole that allows you to place the broom in a vertical position. This helps to steam in a short time and will reveal its positive qualities.

The container maintains the desired water temperature and prevents the entry of debris and third-party objects that negatively affect the quality of steaming. Those who do not have this design, they replace it with a standard basin. But this is wrong, since the broom floats up and there is no positive effect. Therefore, it is important to buy steamers; they will provide convenience and prepare the accessory for further work with it.

Most steamers are divided into two types:

• Vertical (or tall). The peculiarity of this design is that the broom is completely immersed in liquid. The position of the accessory is vertical, which is convenient, since the branches are steamed in a short time, and the process proceeds evenly. The advantage of this option is that it does not take up space, so even in a small bathhouse there is free space for a container.
• Horizontal (or low) ones take up more space. The advantage of such a product is gradual and uniform steaming, while the water temperature is the same. This process takes longer, which is why some users do not like it.

You can use both the first and second options. Each person will independently determine what suits him.

It is also important to know that steamers are sold:

• With lid. If there is a model with this element, it is worth buying. Because the top part prevents the water from cooling down and also maintains a normal temperature for steaming. Thanks to a special hole, a person can install the broom handle so that it does not float, which helps steaming.
• Without cover. The only advantage of a design where this element is not provided is its low cost. It is important to understand that the broom will often float and steam unevenly. Of course, you can make the upper part yourself, but it will take time, plus the cost of material.

People who own a sauna recommend buying models with a ready-made lid rather than saving money. It is also important to know that if you make it yourself, the lid will heat up the broom handle, so the user will get burned as soon as he touches it.

Criteria for correct selection

Before purchasing a steamer for a bath, attention is paid to some parameters and features of the container material. Knowing these properties will help you choose a durable option that will not swell and turn black from frequent use.

The containers are made from linden, pine, aspen, cedar and oak. The latter breed belongs to the expensive segment, so it is not suitable for every person. The service life of the product and resistance to temperature and humidity depend on the selected wood.

In addition to the breed, the following criteria are taken into account:

• The expensive model has a lid, as well as auxiliary elements, such as handles and hoops. They are made of stainless steel, which extends their service life. The purpose of additional accessories is to provide comfort.
• Appearance. Most people buy a steamer not only for its technical characteristics, but also for its design, so that the container looks harmonious in the room. Designs with a stainless steel insert are suitable. Although their price is higher, they look aesthetically pleasing.
• Attention is also paid to form. It is better to purchase models with a wide bottom and a narrowed top. This solution helps the broom steam evenly and quickly.
• Workmanship. To ensure that the product lasts as long as possible, models made from good quality materials are purchased. There should be no chips or nicks, otherwise the appearance will lose its attractiveness. In addition, attention is drawn to squeaking when installing the container; it should not exist; wobbling of the boards is excluded, as this indicates a mediocre assembly. In a reliable model, the connections are secured using environmentally friendly glue that does not deteriorate due to temperature and humidity. It is advisable to look at the tightness of the steamer before purchasing; water is poured in and if nothing leaks, the product can be purchased. In another case, the purchase should be abandoned, as the products will quickly deteriorate.
• Capacity. In stores there are models designed for 5 liters, as well as options that hold up to 30 liters. The latter are rarely used in a home bath, since there are options for them designed for 8-15 liters.
• Dimensions. It is preferable to buy models that do not take up space and do not get in the way. This parameter is especially worth considering for people who have a small dressing room.
• Versatile application. The steamer can be used not only for steaming brooms, but also as a means for preparing healing infusions or for carrying out full-fledged aromatherapy.

All about proper care

When purchasing steamers, it is important to pay attention to the tightness. Because a common problem with cheap models is water leakage. This often happens when there is no plastic or metal insert. The wooden part begins to swell, after which it decreases in volume and begins to leak. If you properly care for the structure, water will not leak out. There is nothing difficult to care for, just follow a few rules and the steamer will last for a couple of seasons.

Five care tips:

• When using the container for the first time, it is important to fill it with boiling water, then pour it out and rinse with hot liquid. As soon as all operations are completed, water is poured in to steam the brooms. This is not a one-time procedure, but a permanent one, as it helps to clean the insides of accumulated dust and dirt. That’s why bathhouse attendants carry it out all the time.
• After a pleasant bath, the guests disperse, and the owner remains to restore order. First of all, the steamer is set out from the steam room, after which it is doused with boiling water and rinsed in hot liquid. Next, the product is wiped with a dry cloth and left until completely dry.
• It is recommended to store the container in a dark and dry place so that any dampness or sunlight does not affect the positive properties of the material.
• If small cracks are found, most people throw away the product, but it can be given a second chance, at least for 3-5 months, especially if an expensive model is used. To ensure that nothing leaks, cold water is poured before each use, about a couple of hours before taking a bath. This is done so that the tree is saturated with moisture and swells.
• But when the structure finally becomes unusable, it is replaced; there is no need to repair anything, since there is no benefit from it. On average, experts recommend changing the product at least once a season.
• Over time, any tree begins to darken. This is a natural process, since the product is constantly in conditions of high humidity and is in contact with liquid. But how quickly deterioration occurs depends on the quality of the material.

Price

Of course, every bathhouse owner is interested in the price of this product. So, you can purchase the device by paying approximately the following amount:

• for an oak barrel with a volume of 15 liters – 1500 rubles;
• for an oak barrel with a volume of 20 liters - 2000 rubles;
• for an oak barrel with a volume of 35 liters – 2500 rubles;
• for a linden barrel with a volume of 15 liters – 1,700 rubles;
• for a linden barrel with a volume of 25 liters – 2400 rubles;
• for a larch steamer with a volume of 35 liters – 6500 rubles;
• for a larch steamer with a volume of 15 liters - from 3,000 rubles.

In addition, you can buy a wonderful set consisting of a steamer, a bowl, a ladle, a broom, aromatic oil, a mat, mittens and a cap. And its price is only 5,000 rubles.

Rating of the best models in the cheap segment

Ecology Sauna PL12

To make this steamer, processed linden was used. There are no nicks or external defects, which affects the service life. The capacity of the product is 9 liters, which is enough for a home bath. Inside, the product is equipped with a plastic insert. This solution increases technical characteristics.

The boards are fastened with a metal hoop in the amount of 2 pieces. To move, two rope handles are used. The look is classic and will suit most spaces. Nothing leaks even with constant use. But the outer part requires constant care to avoid blackening.

The average cost is 1,490 rubles.

steamer Ecology Sauna PL12

Advantages:

• The wood is well finished;
• Strong connection;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Rope handles for moving;
• Sustainability.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Nevsky bath attendant prefabricated steamer

Budget execution, which has dozens of positive reviews. Suitable for quickly steaming a broom and preparing aromatherapy infusions, which makes the product functional. The weight of the structure is 2.1 kg, while the volume is 9 liters. Produced in Russia. Does not require complex care; it is enough to follow standard recommendations.

As in the previous copy, the internal part is equipped with a plastic insert, which prevents wood from swelling and increases the reliability of the equipment. Low cost is one of the main advantages of the model. The external design is classic, the shape is slightly elongated, which has a positive effect on the speed of steaming the broom.

The average cost is 1,110 rubles.

steamer Nevsky bath attendant prefabricated steamer

Advantages:

• Ergonomic design;
• Thanks to the plastic insert, the service life is 3-5 seasons;
• Manufactured in Russia;
• Does not require complex care;
• The outer part is impregnated with an antibacterial agent;
• Linden smells nice.

Flaws:

• No.

Steamer for bath PROFFI linden 10 l

The main difference between this option and the previous ones is the volume, which is 10 liters. This is reflected not only in the dimensions, but also in the final weight (2.25 kg). The depth of the product is 30 cm, the width is the same. A metal hoop made of stainless steel was used to connect the wooden parts.

Linden, which has a honey aroma, was used as a raw material. The room is filled with pleasant woody smells. Steaming brooms does not take time. No insert is provided. A person will have to constantly take care of the inside and outside, otherwise the container will begin to leak and turn black.

The average cost is 1,200 rubles.

steamer Steamer for bath PROFFI linden 10 l

Advantages:

• Stylish execution;
• Stainless steel hoop;
• Life time;
• Eco-friendly material;
• Rope handle;
• Volume – 10 liters.

Flaws:

• Requires care.

Top best models in the mid-price segment

Power of Altai Steamer 12 l

The model impresses users with a metal insert made of stainless material. This makes cleaning easier and gives the product a pleasant appearance. Despite the fact that the external elements are made of linden, the equipment will last a couple of seasons, or maybe more, if you do not forget about the care recommendations.

The capacity here is greater than that of the cheap segment options and is 12 liters. Handles located on the sides are used for carrying. Strong rope was used to make them. It can withstand a weight of 13-15 kg and does not lose its positive qualities. At the production stage, the wood is impregnated with antibacterial compounds that slow down blackening.

Sold at a price: from 2,165 rubles.

steamer Power of Altai Steamer 12 l

Advantages:

• Attractive design;
• Ergonomic shape;
• Service life – 2-4 seasons;
• Does not require constant cleaning;
• Stainless steel insert.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Dobroparov Linden steamer 8 l

Unlike the previous option, the cost of this product is 2,790 rubles. But this is justified by the presence of a lid with a special cutout. Otherwise, the design has not undergone major changes. It does not deteriorate from constant exposure to temperature and humidity, as it has a special impregnation.

Stainless steel insert makes it easy to maintain and use. There are two ergonomic handles made of rope. The shape prevents the brooms from floating, which guarantees quick and uniform steaming. The weight of the product is 2.9 kg, and the container does not take up space in the dressing room, as it has small dimensions.

The average cost is 2,790 rubles.

steamer Dobroparov Linden steamer 8 l

Advantages:

• The kit includes a cover;
• Brooms do not float;
• Steaming does not take time;
• Stainless steel insert;
• Sustainability;
• Form.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Steamer Bath Things Taiga

This option is intended for public places or large home baths, where 4-6 people steam at the same time. This decision is due to the capacity, which is 25 liters, which is three times more than the previous model. Classic linden was used in production. During processing, irregularities and roughness were removed.

To ensure that the product lasts 3-5 seasons, a special impregnation was used that prevents the development of mold and harmful microorganisms. Unfortunately, there are no inserts provided here, which will create problems for inexperienced users. A metal hoop was used to hold the wooden parts together.

Sold at a price: from 2,670 rubles.

Steamer Bath Things Taiga

Advantages:

• Smooth surface;
• Wooden handles;
• Strong connection;
• Volume – 25 liters;
• Attractive appearance.

Flaws:

• No inserts;
• Requires care.

DIY: Making an Attractive DIY Gizmo

For handymen, there is no point in buying a ready-made barrel, thereby overpaying for labor, brand, transportation, and so on. Craftsmen can easily make such an extraordinary design on their own.

Materials and tools

To make a steamer, arm yourself with:

• wood planks;
• beeswax;
• rivets;
• metal hoops;
• blanks for the bottom and lid;
• rope;
• hammer;
• jigsaw;
• plane;
• grinding machine.

I think every craftsman can find such a meager set. Although, who knows...

Process

The workflow consists of the following steps:

• The bottom is being prepared - the end of the bottom is ground along the perimeter of a circle approximately 1 cm deep;
• in the prepared boards, recesses are made in the places where the bottom will be fixed, 0.5 cm deep and 1.3 cm wide (for the thickness of the bottom);
• the longitudinal sides of the blanks for the walls are processed with a plane (floor angle);
• these blanks are adjusted to each other, securely fixed around the perimeter of the bottom using the first hoop about 5 cm wide, after which the second hoop is installed in the upper part of the bucket;
• rope handles in the form of loops are attached to the sides of the product;
• then the dies for the lid are prepared and polished;
• a circle is drawn on thick cardboard according to the upper dimension of the barrel made;
• a blank is made like a bottom;
• a small hole is cut in the side of the lid for a broom;
• the lid is well polished;
• a handle is nailed on top (on the lid);
• The product is coated with wax or linseed oil.

That's all the manipulation. Is it difficult? Of course not (I know, residents of megacities did not take this seriously). To get a clearer picture of the whole picture described above, watch the video at the end of the article - it’s just interesting...

Top expensive models

Steamer for a bath (23l oak)

A reliable option that is suitable for steaming two brooms at the same time. The kit includes a cover with a cutout. The water temperature is maintained longer, so you don’t have to constantly add hot liquid. The main material is oak, which has better properties and durability. The rims are made of stainless steel.

The average cost is 6,800 rubles.

Steamer for a bath (23l oak)

Advantages:

• Attractive design;
• Steaming two brooms at the same time;
• Durable wooden handles;
• Service life - several years;
• Attractive color.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Bentwood, stained larch, 22 l

Reliable container, suitable for baths and saunas. Sold in dark brown. No inserts are provided, since even without them the model will not deteriorate from constant use. The volume is 22 liters, which makes it possible not only to evenly steam the accessory, but also to prepare health-improving herbal infusions.

Sold at a price: from 6,600 rubles.

Bentwood steamer, stained larch, 22

Advantages:

• Durable metal frames;
• Ergonomic lid;
• Nice colors;
• Capacity;
• Life time.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

SAWO 391-A

The steamer is made of aspen, there is a plastic insert inside, which guarantees a long service life. The product does not require maintenance, so it is suitable for inexperienced users. There are ergonomic handles, making it easy to move the container. Despite the capacity of 28 liters, the product does not take up much space.

The average price is 6,890 rubles.

steamer SAWO 391-A

Advantages:

• Appearance;
• Plastic insert;
• Convenient movement;
• Suitable for daily use;
• Volume – 28 liters.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Main types

All steamers differ in several respects. Taking into account these characteristics, the cost of the product and its convenience for a particular bathhouse attendant change:

1. Availability of cover. Containers can be produced with or without it. Steamers with a lid are considered more convenient; they allow the water to thoroughly saturate the branches, as it prevents it from floating.

   
   As a result, the broom is well steamed on both sides, and the steaming procedure becomes much more useful and enjoyable. But such models are more expensive than those produced without a lid.

2. Broom location. There are containers for horizontal and vertical placement. In terms of their characteristics, they are absolutely identical, the only difference is the position of the broom inside the tub.

3. Inserts. Industrial steamers have a metal or plastic insert inside them. It is very difficult to find tubs without them, but natural steamers are considered more useful, as they allow you to reveal the full aroma of the tree. But such containers do not have a long service life.

Attention! Experienced bath attendants advise choosing steamers exclusively with a lid. But whether it is vertical or horizontal makes no difference, since the branches will steam evenly in any case.