Buyer's Guide
Steam vs. Hot Water Washdown
A complete comparison to help you choose the right washdown system for your facility.
Steam Washdown Stations
Steam washdown stations mix steam with cold water to produce instant hot water on demand — no water heater required. The operator dials in the desired temperature using proportional flow control valves. A built-in fail-safe automatically shuts off steam if cold water flow is interrupted.
Products
Hot & Cold Water Mixing Stations
Hot & cold water mixing stations blend separate hot and cold water supplies to deliver a consistent, adjustable temperature output. They are simpler to install than steam systems and ideal for facilities where steam is not available. Available in bronze and 316 stainless steel.
Products
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Steam Washdown | Hot & Cold Water Mixing |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Source Required | Steam boiler or steam supply line | Hot water supply (boiler, water heater) |
| Sanitization Effectiveness | Superior — steam kills bacteria and pathogens on contact | Good — effective when water temp is maintained above 140°F |
| Max Discharge Temperature | 190°F (regulated by proportional valve) | 200°F (limited by supply temp) |
| Flow Rate | 3–9 GPM depending on model | Dependent on supply pressure and pipe size |
| Installation Complexity | Requires steam supply piping + cold water supply | Requires hot + cold water supply lines |
| Operating Cost | Lower — uses existing steam; no separate water heater needed | Moderate — requires maintaining hot water supply temperature |
| Fail-Safe Design | Yes — steam shuts off automatically if cold water is interrupted | Yes — mixing valve closes if either supply is lost |
| Material Options | Bronze or 300 series stainless steel | Bronze or 316 stainless steel |
| Best For | Dairy, pharma, food processing, chemical plants | General industrial, light manufacturing, facilities without steam |
Which Should You Choose?
Common scenarios and our recommendation for each.
You need to sanitize food contact surfaces
Steam provides superior pathogen kill and meets USDA/FDA sanitation standards for food contact surfaces.
You have no steam boiler on site
If steam is not available, a hot & cold water mixing station is the practical choice — no boiler required.
You work in a dairy or pharmaceutical plant
Steam washdown is the industry standard for dairy and pharma due to its sanitization effectiveness and stainless steel construction options.
You want the lowest operating cost
Steam washdown uses existing boiler steam — no separate water heater to maintain. Energy from the boiler does double duty.
You need a simple, low-maintenance solution
Hot & cold water mixing stations have fewer components and are straightforward to install and maintain.
You have waste or low-pressure steam available
The WD2010L operates on steam as low as 10 PSIG — making productive use of steam that would otherwise be wasted.
You work in general manufacturing
Either solution works well for general industrial washdown. Choose steam if available; hot water if not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is steam washdown better than hot water for sanitizing?
For pathogen kill and deep sanitizing, steam has the edge — it reaches surfaces at higher temperatures and penetrates crevices more effectively than hot water. This is why steam washdown is the standard in dairy, pharmaceutical, and food processing. Hot water mixing stations are effective for general cleaning when maintained above 140°F.
What if I have steam but only at low pressure?
The WD2010L operates on steam as low as 10 PSIG — including waste or flash steam. If you have any steam available, even at low pressure, a steam washdown station is likely the more economical choice.
Can I install a hot water mixing station without a boiler?
Yes. Hot & cold water mixing stations only require a hot water supply (from a water heater, heat exchanger, or any hot water source) and a cold water supply. No boiler or steam system is needed.
Which system has lower operating costs?
Steam washdown stations typically have lower operating costs when steam is already available on site, because they use existing boiler steam rather than requiring a separate water heater. If you would need to install a new water heater for a hot water system, steam is almost always more economical.
Are both systems available in stainless steel?
Yes. Both steam washdown stations and hot & cold water mixing stations are available in 316 stainless steel construction for sanitary, corrosive, or regulated environments.