I have a 7yr old 8.5kw Mr. Steam that i got from Allan at www.steamandsauna.com. Allan was very helpful, not pushy, and the price was good. I did not get the autoflush, and I do not flush it as often as I should (ie, open up the tap behind and let the water out so it doesn't calcify). Despite this, the unit has worked flawlessly, and is perfect for my space. I would not hesitate to purchase again.

Me I have ALLERGIES, HAY FEVER, CONGESTION and SINUS Problems.. I AM 59 NOW BUT i was 55 when I had my home remodeled and was initially going to put a Jacuzzi 48 '' shower thingy in with a bench. When my framer said let me build you a real shower..Something that 5 years from now you will be happy I put it in for you. So he put in a 5 ft by 6 ft by 7.5 ft framed in shower with a 3 ft bench. I followed the John Bridges forum [online] and bought a kerdi kit online from EBAY . The I helped direct my master carpenter into putting up cement board and then Kerdi. Then got a plumber involved and finally then the tile contractor came in and did his thing as well. I got an appropriately sized Thermasol Steam Shower Unit from Craigslist.. believe it or not .. for only 200.00 That user was remodeling his bath and wanted the faster on model call Thermasol- PRO which is an instant on/always on model. I found the older Steamer controls from Clearance sales at plumber supply stores on ebay/Internet. All IN I think I spent 2000.00 more then if I had just done a regular shower. that includes the cost of the 500.00 kerdi kit and floor. Now fast forward to 5 years later.. that was the best 2000.00 I EVER spent too... no more SINUS HEADACHES... It is the perfect next step after being on the treadmill and bicycle exercise to wind down. It only uses 2 gallons of water as opposed to our Jacuzzi which uses 67 gallons of water to take 1 bath..Meanwhile the least often used Jacuzzi cost 4500.00 then and is not used as often now. We got the extra thermasol control unit [outside the door] that allows us to cut the steam unit on 10 minutes before I get in it so it is at a temperature around 80 degrees upon my entrance. I have it on a 'cycle' that goes up to 100 degrees for 10 minutes and the unit cuts off in 30 minutes. [Enough for me...] had a tight fitting glass door 34 '' X 72'' and a 4inch vent glass above the door. [These door measurements are items your framer needs B4 building one.and whether it will have a vent] Ours has the fan outside the vent door. We chose the PANASONIC fans that are almost commercial use.. They get the moisture out in 10 minutes when humidity is 50 percent or lower. Found the fan on EBAY for 200. We are happier with the steam shower then the 6 ft JACUZZI we purchased and installed at the same time. NO MOLD PROBLEMS EITHER... Pre planning and careful reading of that John Bridges website is the information I got right here off of GARDEN WEB. i'd highly recommend you see what other DIY'S are doing and saving money doing it..

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I am actually rethinking the crackle tile. I don't think I want to deal with the maintainence. Do you still recommend the Kerdi if I am not using crackle tile or natural stone? What does that do? annkathryn...thanks so much for the pictures.Your bath is simply gorgeous! I want to know if you miss having the body jets? I may forgo them & do exactly what you did (one hand held & one shower head). Since I am going with the BainUltra Amma tub I want to have some jets for hubby's bad neck & shoulder. I am thinking that I may be able to accomplish this with a really good showerhead w/multi settings. Thoughts? Looking for antique brass finish which has proven to not be very easy. If I go with the same shower layout as you, do I need any special controls? I am wondering about all the things they suggest you need(thermostatic mixers, diverters, volume controls, etc.) and what is truly necessary. I am trying to keep it simple (not too many controls we don't know what to do with) and I am also trying to keep cost down a bit(kids in college/don't know how long we will be living here). Want to build a tasteful elegant master bath without spending $30-$40K.Thanks in advance for the help ~Donna

I bought the Mr Steam based on reviews found here and other places (such as epionions). I really like the unit and the fact that there are a lot of finishes (nickel, etc.) to choose from for the steam head and controls. I never had a Steamist unit so I can't directly compare. Go to http://www.steamsaunabath.com and you can look at both brands.