Welcome to our latest customer story, where we share real experiences from homeowners who’ve chosen to enhance their bathrooms with steam. In this blog, Jo talks about why she decided to include a steam shower as part of her recent bathroom remodel. From initial interest in steam to the concerns she had about installation, Jo’s story covers the key reasons behind choosing Mr Steam UK, and some of the challenges she overcame along the way.
Why did you incorporate steam into your bathroom?
It all started with the renovation of my 1930s bathroom that was freezing and barely functional. I didn’t just want to update it; I wanted to create a space that felt luxurious and warm. I have thyroid disease, which affects my ability to regulate temperature, and I usually dread the colder months. I wanted this room to be more than just functional. I wanted it to support my wellbeing.
I’ve never found baths relaxing; as soon as the water cools, it feels like more effort than it’s worth. I started looking into enclosed shower spaces, which led me down a rabbit hole of research into home saunas and steam cabins. But I didn’t like the look of most of them, and the size and maintenance put me off. I became determined to find a way to create that spa-like steam experience at home.
How did you hear about Mr Steam and what made you choose their products?
After ruling out pre-made saunas and steam cabins, I started wondering how all those gorgeous spas with their beautifully tiled steam rooms were built. That’s how I discovered steam generators and through that, I found Mr Steam.
I wanted a UK-based supplier to avoid any potential issues with installation, delivery, or maintenance, and knowing Mr Steam was nearby helped build trust.
What really sold me was the customer service. Dawn was incredible! She understood that this was a big decision for me and offered genuine support throughout. She also worked closely with my bathroom fitters on all the technical aspects, so I could focus on the look and feel rather than the engineering.
How easy did you find the planning stage, and what were the challenges?
Honestly, not knowing anyone who’d done this before almost put me off. It felt like a risk, and I couldn’t afford for the project to go wrong.
I was a bit intimidated by the idea of a steam generator at first, but I was reassured that it just functions like a large kettle. It’s connected to its own isolation switch near the fuse board, which means it can be fully switched off when I’m away.
I struggled to find someone local who could install it as well as refit the whole bathroom, so I settled on a bathroom fitter who was creative and open to the challenge. I was lucky to have their support and enthusiasm to get this right for me.
All the clever stuff was done by the fitters. Because it was a full bathroom refit, we could plan the plumbing and electrics specifically for the steam system. They custom-built the shower enclosure and a space for the generator where the old immersion heater had been, which meant they could reuse some existing pipework.
A few challenges came up:
- Glass Door: Finding the right door and glass panels was tricky due to the dimensions we had to work with. In the end, we changed the design and opted for one large glass door and tiled the rest of the enclosure. It turned out to be neater and more cost-effective. From the outside, it looks clean and minimal; inside, it feels warm and cocooned.
- Water: My fairly new boiler meant I didn’t have to worry about water pressure. I also already had a reverse osmosis system fitted (we have very hard water on the south coast), so limescale isn’t an issue.
- Lighting: Finding waterproof lights that were both safe and stylish was a struggle. I didn’t want basic spotlights, so I chose a single small spotlight on a dimmer with the required IP rating.
How did the installation go, and what were the challenges?
The installation went smoothly thanks to my fitters and Mr Steam being available to support any questions they had along the way.
I had a minor issue with the unit after it was first installed, but Mr Steam had a technician out within days. That level of support really reassured me.
The generator is tucked into a partitioned space and feels like it was meant to be there.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about including a steam shower in their home bathroom?
If you have the space for a shower and the budget, go for it. I didn’t know this was even possible in a smaller bathroom, and I’m so glad I took the leap. You don’t need to know someone who’s done it before. What you do need is a skilled bathroom fitter and plumber who’s up for doing something bespoke.
Unlike a bath, you don’t have to babysit the experience. You just turn the steam on, it takes a few minutes to get going, then step in when you’re ready. I positioned the controls by the seat so I can adjust the heat or hit pause if I need a breather.
Once completed, are you enjoying the steam and how do you feel you are benefitting from it?
Even in a heat wave, I still use the steam once or twice a week. Just ten minutes is enough to ease sore muscles after the gym. When I have more time, I put on some music, add a few drops of essential oil, and let myself fully relax. It genuinely feels like a treat, every single time. I absolutely love it.
I’ve seen real benefits in my skin and hair. My skin feels more hydrated, my hair is softer, and I’m noticeably more relaxed overall. I’ve also had fewer sinus issues, and while it might be a coincidence, I haven’t noticed my usual hay fever this year.
The rest of my house is still a work in progress, but this space is my sanctuary. Knowing it’s there waiting for me changes how I feel about my home and how I manage stress, and I no longer dread winter. This room doesn’t just serve a practical purpose, it genuinely supports my wellbeing, both physically and emotionally.
I just wish more people knew this was an option, even in a small space. I kept the rest of the bathroom design minimal to balance out the cost, and honestly, I had the whole thing done for less than what many people spend on a new car. It is a luxury but it’s one that adds value to my daily life.