The original Haygain units feature a patented spike manifold system and are supported by peer-reviewed research. The Haygain 360 range offers a different approach, focusing on larger capacity, dual steam distribution, and everyday practicality. While it hasn’t been through the same level of scientific study, it’s been thoroughly tested for reliable performance in real-world settings.

The Haygain 360 range includes models powered by Fresh Boiler technology to suit different yard needs. The Compact features a single 1.45kW Fresh Boiler, ideal for smaller setups or individual horses. The Expert and Summit models use a dual Fresh Boiler system (2 x 1.45kW), which draws less power per socket, improves reliability, and suits a wide variety of stable environments.

Performance tests have shown that both configurations reach and maintain steaming temperatures of 90°C across all areas of the hay, delivering even, effective forage preparation from top to bottom.

The Haygain 360 Compact requires just one socket supplying 1.45kW, making it a convenient option for smaller yards or limited power setups. The Expert and Summit models require two sockets, each supplying 1.45kW. This dual setup helps reduce strain on individual circuits and offers greater flexibility across a wider range of yard environments.

The Compact model (up to 6-8kg capacity) takes approximately 1 hour, the Expert model (18kg capacity) takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, and the Summit model (24kg capacity) takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. These times are based on the hay reaching and maintaining 90°C in all areas for at least 10 minutes, ensuring even and effective steaming throughout.

The Haygain 360 units use all the water in the boilers during the cycle. Once steaming is finished, no water remains – providing a clear visual cue that the cycle is complete.

Yes. Regular descaling with either the Haygain 360 Liquid Descaler or the Haygain Descaler Sachets is essential to maintain performance and extend the life of the Fresh Boilers.

Yes, Haygain 360 is suitable for all types of hay. Its large capacity and even steam distribution make it particularly effective for big bales or steaming for multiple horses.

While the Haygain 360 offers excellent steaming results and is tested for performance, it is not supported by peer-reviewed scientific research like the original Haygain range. However, field testing has confirmed consistent high-temperature steaming.

Exposure to respirable particles such as mould spores and bacteria can induce allergic responses and develop a hypersensitivity reaction in the horse. Even the best quality hays are high in respirable particles. These particles form the “dust” that you cannot see (they are less than 5 µm in size), and have a 50% chance of being inhaled deep into the lungs, causing conditions on the equine asthma spectrum. Minimising the amount of “dust” your horse is subjected to will help to prevent respiratory problems.

Yes, absolutely! Respiratory diseases can be effectively managed by minimising respirable dust, mould spores and bacteria in the horse’s environment, particularly those in the horse’s breathing zone. Since hay contains high concentrations of these and the horse’s nose is in the hay while it is eating, it is vitally important to reduce this source of dust by steaming the hay.

Many horse owners report improvements within days of steaming hay, but results can vary depending on the individual horse, the cause of any coughing, and other environmental factors. For example, feeding steamed hay while still using a dusty straw bed may limit the full benefit, as respirable particles will still be present. Similarly, if neighbouring horses are on dry hay and straw, sharing the same airspace, your horse may still be exposed to airborne dust. While Haygain 360 can play an important role in creating cleaner forage, it works best as part of a broader stable management approach aimed at reducing overall dust exposure.

Soaking hay will dampen the spores and make them swell, making them less likely to be inhaled. The combination of heat and moisture kills the spores, eliminating the allergenic respirable particles.

The hay absorbs moisture during steaming, helping to rehydrate it and bring it closer to its natural moisture content — typically increasing by around 15% or more of its original weight. The Haygain 360 Compact uses approximately 3.5 litres of water per cycle, while the Expert and Summit models, with dual Fresh Boilers, use around 7 litres.

Some of this water is absorbed by the hay, some is released as steam when the lid is opened, and a small amount condenses during the cycle and drains from the bottom of the chest. The hay comes out moist and fresh, but not soggy or heavy — ready to feed immediately.

The hay is very hot when you first take it out and should be handled with care but it cools very quickly once in the air and can be fed immediately. It is best fed while it is warm and steamy and it would appear most horses prefer it like this but otherwise should be used within 24 hours. 

Steamed hay is totally different to soaked hay and is damp rather than wet. The treatment is not about how wet it is but how hot it is. You will find the hay in the middle of the bale/ hay net will be quite dry. This is because when the steam comes out of the spikes it is at it’s hottest. As the steam travels through the hay and meets the plastic lid it will cool slightly, condense to water and drop back onto the hay. This results in the outside of the hay being wetter than the inside.

It is best fed while it is warm, straight out of the steamer but you will find it cools and dries rapidly as soon as the air gets to it. This has no effect on the hygienic quality or palatability. We recommend feeding the hay within 24 hours to prevent contamination from environmental sources.

That is normal – it is usually condensation that collects under the lid during steaming. We recommend using a sturdy kitchen or garden tray under the drain hole(s) to catch this water.