What Is a Steam Head - and How Is It Different From a Shower Head?

Published September 27, 2026

Summary

A steam head is the outlet that releases steam from the generator into the enclosure. A shower head sprays water for bathing. They are separate fixtures, connected to different systems and installed for different jobs. A rain head, handheld shower, or ordinary wall-mounted shower head cannot create a steam room on its own.

The steam head belongs to the generator

The generator heats water outside the enclosure. Steam then travels through a dedicated line and enters the shower through the steam head.

That connection is separate from the hot-and-cold water plumbing that serves the ordinary shower valve and shower head.

Placement is about avoiding direct contact with hot steam

Steam leaving the outlet is hot, and so is the head itself on some models. Amerec says its ComfortFlo head is hot during use and only safe for momentary contact, and that steam outlets should be placed so they do not vent steam onto a user.

ThermaSol's instructions for its SteamVection head rule out mounting it beneath seating or benches and say to keep it away from the controller. MrSteam suggests keeping its steamhead away from the shower entrance where possible.

You still need normal shower fixtures

A steam shower can also have a rain head, hand shower, body sprays, or a standard wall-mounted shower head. Those fixtures deliver water for bathing. They do not replace the steam head.

The room therefore has two systems sharing the same enclosure: ordinary shower plumbing and the steam system. MrSteam says its steamhead usually goes on the same wall as the shower head.

Do not pick the prettiest location first

A perfectly centered spot in the tile may be the wrong place if it puts the steam outlet next to a bench, close to the control, or where someone is likely to stand.

Lay out the steam head before the tile installer starts. ThermaSol's SteamVection head, for example, needs a housing kit (part 10-8182) set into the wall; the kit comes with PRO Series III generators and is also sold separately.

Check what the package actually includes

Some steam heads come with the control: MrSteam's AromaSteam steamhead is standard with MrSteam controls. Connections also differ. Amerec sells its ComfortFlo head with a 1/2-inch NPT fitting for AK generators and a 3/4-inch fitting for its AI boilers.

Online product titles can also be confusing: a listing for a 'steam shower head' may be an ordinary shower accessory with no connection to a generator.

Sources

Specifications, prices and installation requirements are as the makers published them on these pages on the date above and can change. Check the current manual and the retailer before you buy.