How to choose a stove for a bath depending on different criteria? DIY metal stove for a bath Prices for fireplaces and stoves

The most important stage in arranging a modern bathhouse is choosing a stove.

The type, shape and functional features of the firebox affect the safety of staying in the steam room, the rate of heat generated and the saturation of the steam produced.

Let's figure out what equipment should be selected for a Russian bath or sauna so that bath procedures bring maximum benefit to the human body.

Characteristics

Choosing a stove for a bath begins with determining the key characteristics of such equipment.

The main purpose of the stove is to maintain heat in the bathhouse during health procedures.

Important characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing heating equipment are:

Convection;
Steam volume;
Firebox shape (extended or standard);
Fuel power.

Vaporization

The main indicator of any steam room is the quantity and quality of steam. The best option is light and rich steam, which is obtained by heating the air to 86 degrees.

A similar result can be achieved in practice by using modern wood-burning fireboxes with a built-in steam generator, which promotes rapid heating of the stones. Such oven models ensure the maintenance of optimal air temperature and the formation of saturated steam.

Convection

The next important characteristic is air convection, which provides for the formation of air flows between the heater and the protective casing. As the stove heats up, the cold air mass slowly moves downward, and as it warms up, it moves upward. Convection ensures equalization of air heating temperatures and promotes rapid heating of the steam room.

Oven models without a convection component also allow you to create the necessary microclimate in the room, but for much longer.

Extended firebox

For convenient use of the stove in a bathhouse, it is recommended to install models equipped with an extended firebox. A similar design is mounted in a wall or a special opening between the dressing room and the steam room, allowing you to add fuel at any time, as well as heat several working rooms in the bathhouse at the same time.

Fuel power

Fuel power determines the rate at which the steam room warms up. When choosing a stove, you should first calculate the volume of the steam room and the required fuel power.

To do this, add 1 cubic meter to the internal volume of the room. for every 1 sq.m. door and window openings. The thermal power of heating equipment is calculated based on the internal volume of the stove.

Furnace power = 0.5× V,

where V – (internal volume of the furnace in liters).

For example, a furnace with a firebox volume of 25 liters has a thermal power of 12 kW.

Kinds

How to choose a stove for a bath to ensure quick heating of the premises and comfortable rest at any time of the year? High-quality equipment should be compact, durable, convenient and safe to use.

Meanwhile, it is better to choose stove models for a Russian bath that have sufficient thermal power and the ability to generate thick and saturated steam.

There are three types of sauna stoves on the modern market:

Wood-burning;
Electrical;
Gas.

Wood-burning

Wood-burning stoves can create a special atmosphere of coziness and comfort in baths and saunas. Such fireboxes are practical, convenient and durable.

Wellness treatments can begin 40 minutes after the start of the combustion process. Among other things, a wood-burning sauna stove promotes efficient heat accumulation over a long period of operation.

To choose a wood stove, it is important to know some of its distinctive characteristics:

The firebox in such a heater can be of a remote or built-in type of different volumes;
In some models, the doors are made of fire-resistant glass and are additionally equipped with an expansion and grate.
Brick or metal is used to make the body.

Brick

Metal

Electric

The simplest and most affordable option for heating any bath is, which are characterized by high power, compact size and high air heating speed. Electric heating equipment is installed without a chimney pipe, therefore completely eliminating the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The electric heater is convenient and practical to use, equipped with an automatic control system. The lightweight metal body prevents injury and burns.

The main disadvantage of such equipment is high energy consumption.

Gas

Based on the heating temperature of the outer walls, stoves can be cold or hot.

In hot heaters, the air temperature reaches 100 degrees, for this reason it is recommended to install such equipment in any steam rooms, as well as rooms in which there are no other heating options.
The heating temperature of the walls in cold fireboxes does not exceed 50 degrees, and the air in the room is heated through special channels through which cold air enters the heater and returns hot. The channels allow you to correctly adjust the temperature.

According to their design features, fireboxes come in constant and direct heating.

Direct heating units (periodic) are designed in such a way that heated stones can accumulate heat over a long period of time. The heating process takes up to 10 hours, and bathing procedures begin after its completion.
Constant heating devices (continuous) require fewer fire stones and heat the air to medium temperatures.

There are also combined options - brick fireboxes using liquid fuel. It is good to heat such a stove before and during basic health procedures.

Which stones to choose

A correctly selected firebox promotes the accumulation and transfer of heat indoors. And for this you need to prepare one of the key attributes of the stove -.

Experts recommend choosing stones of volcanic origin that are resistant to high temperatures, cracking and damage. For heaters, it is better to use round stones of different sizes with a smooth polished surface.

The base of the masonry is made up of large cobblestones, the middle - medium stones, and the top - small stones.

For modern heaters, the best option would be granite, andesite, basalt, quartz, and pebbles. They can be purchased in specialized stores, or you can assemble them yourself.

To enhance the convection of heated air and better heat accumulation, you can additionally use special products made of refractory ceramics or porcelain, which are laid out in the topmost layer.

To understand which stove to choose for a bath, first of all, you should focus on personal preferences and financial capabilities, as well as take into account the technical features of the steam room and the operational characteristics of the heater.

If the site is connected to a gas main, you can provide a gas-fired brick heater. In the absence of gasification, it is better to opt for a ready-made stove using solid fuel. If health procedures are carried out rarely, then you can purchase a compact electric heater - the safest and fastest heating of the premises.

Before we dealt with the issue of constructing sauna stoves, we ourselves spent a lot of time studying this topic. Therefore, we know that people who have an idea about the designs of sauna stoves usually do not deign to explain everything from the basics, and most of the texts on the Internet are completely written by those who are not at all in the subject.

Listen to the article

Designs of sauna stoves: general points and differences for different types

So what is a stove? This is a fire built inside a container. But combustion is an oxidation reaction of fuel, therefore, it cannot occur without oxygen. Therefore, we will call a furnace that container through which, at least temporarily, with the dampers open, flowing air moves.

Traction

This movement is called "traction" and it occurs when there is inlet and outlet openings.

Of course, such a definition suffers from incompleteness, because it does not apply to. IN In them, heating occurs due to the passage of current through a material with high resistance. This releases heat.

But let's return to furnaces, where heat is released due to a chemical reaction. The art of the stove maker is to skillfully vary the amount of incoming air and the amount of firewood in the stack in order to achieve them uniform combustion and maximum complete combustion.

What happens if the combustion is still ongoing, but the air is blocked? Instead of carbon dioxide, dangerous monoxide will begin to form - carbon monoxide. But why block the pipe if it is so dangerous? – The draft is blocked so as not to cool the stove when the wood burns out, because heat flies into the chimney along with the air.

So, we know about the role of air. Let's look at a diagram of the simplest draft furnace. What must be present in it? Three things:

inlet (air vent or firebox door);
firebox (aka firebox);
outlet (chimney).

The first division of the stoves can be carried out according to the presence or absence of a blower: Without it, they are called “blind hearth ovens”. In this case, air is supplied through the open firebox door. Here's what both look like in cross-section:

Kamenka

Now let's ask ourselves: what do all sauna stoves have?, but is missing from the stoves that heat houses? Of course it is heater. All sauna stoves, even electric ones, have a container in which the stones are stored. The stones themselves are used as batteries– they accumulate heat. This is necessary so that the high temperature in the steam room lasts longer. Their other function is creating light steam, but in this capacity they are needed only in the Russian bathhouse.

There are two classifications of heaters according to different characteristics: one takes into account contact with fire in the firebox, the second – contact with air.

If there are gaps between the firebox and the heater through which the flames lick the stones, then this is continuous heater.

If the barrier is solid, then it is called a heater deaf.

When the container with stones is inside.

Stoves are either brick, or metal. There is no other option. The first ones are considered very inertial - It takes hours to heat them up, just like it takes hours to cool them down.. The latter are able to heat up in half an hour and during the same time manage to overheat the steam room. Great property!

When choosing a design, you determine for yourself how inertial its body should be. At your disposal not only “clean” options: pure brick, pure, but also combined. For example, you can increase the inertia of a metal stove either by using internal lining of the firebox and heater, or using external. Moreover, the option with a casing and lining at the same time is not excluded).

Important! Answer the question, what is the optimal time for lighting the stove for you - it is this that determines the degree of inertia of the body.

Smoke

What happens when fuel burns? Heat is released and combustion products are formed - steam, gases and solids. The latter we call soot, soot, and all together - smoke. At the moment of leaving the furnace, this mixture is also heated to several hundred degrees. And if you don’t put some kind of heat-intensive obstacle, all this heat will simply fly away into the chimney to increase the greenhouse effect on our planet.

However, once upon a time, not only were there no obstacles, but there were no pipes either. Because they weren’t made from wood! Therefore, the first method for removing smoke is chimneyless, “black”.

In its simplest version it is pile of stones arched over a fire. In the modern version, it is a brick hearth that keeps the same pile of stones from spreading. But the principle is the same: light a fire under the stones, wait for the wood to burn out, release the smoke into the street through or - and you can steam by pouring water on the heated stones.

Then it appears smoke collector– akin to a kitchen hood – the same separated from the stove. A similar option can still be found in the bathhouse today.

Then appears chimney pipe. And if it is simply inserted into the stove (into the firebox or heater - it doesn’t matter), then such a stove will be called direct flow. Heat here is not taken from the furnace gases, so it has the lowest efficiency.

But heat is a pity, so the inventors’ idea went this way: what if we increase the path that the smoke travels inside the stove? This is how the system appeared smoke circulation, where the smoke runs with obstacles inside channels that lead it up and down, or horizontally to the right and left. The system is excellent for heat extraction, but with its drawbacks - channels, especially horizontal ones, must be cleaned regularly, otherwise there will be no traction.

An alternative to the smoke circulation system is bell stove. It has no channels and is practically independent of traction. Hot furnace gases, leaving the firebox, end up under the hood, where they actively share heat with the furnace mass. New portions of hot furnace gases rise, displacing cooled ones down and into the chimney.

However everything said about the chimney primarily applies to brick stoves. It's rare to see a metal stove with smoke circulation. Usually they are primitive - direct-flow, except that they have flame dividers. And their sizes are much smaller than brick ones, there are no passages, and there is no heat-intensive material - where to take the heat?

The stove ends at the chimney. What remains is optional - tank or heat exchanger, which can also be indicated on the diagram of the sauna stove. But it is better to talk about this when analyzing specific structures, to which, in fact, we are moving on.

Scheme of a stove for a brick bath

From the above it already follows that there are several basic diagrams of a brick kiln:

direct flow;
with smoke circulation;
bell-shaped

However, each allows for many implementation options. In other words, the above diagrams clearly demonstrate the characteristic, but do not exhaust the possible.

Bath stove design: direct flow

Metal furnace with lined fuel core

Lining is the lining of the inside of the stove with fireclay or simply refractory bricks. At the same time, the inertia increases sharply, and with it the heating time. So, if you need to overheat the steam room in half an hour, the lining will be superfluous.

BUT! It has one important advantage: it increases the service life of the furnace, because its body is subjected to lower temperature loads. And this is in addition to the fact that such a stove retains heat longer.

We show the simplest diagram with a firebox lining and a closed heater:

Options for placing a water tank on a metal stove

You have already seen above that you can simply place the tank on top of the stove and everything will heat up. But you can do it differently.

Below - schemes for combining a heater and a tank, from the simplest ones, where a bucket is buried in stones or the heater is placed in a separate container where stove gases enter, and the tank stands directly above the fire (the water will boil before the stones heat up) to variations on the theme of rational use of the top of the stove, where you can separate the space for the tank horizontally or vertically, or you can go around the heater on both sides, leaving an air pocket on one of the opposite sides, which is said to promote heat exchange. Full information is provided.

Options for the location of the tank and heater:

Yes, and of course, always, when there is a need for hot water, you can replace the tank with a heat exchanger of one type or another. If you are interested in learning more about this, read.

Metal heater made of pipe

On our website you can find information about how to make such a heater. Here we will only present the diagrams themselves with some comments.

So, the owner has two options for a pipe stove:

vertical;
horizontal.

Usually they take a pipe of half a meter diameter. The figure shows that the pipe can be lined from the inside(or you can leave it as is, then it will burn out faster). The fireclay along the walls is shown in yellow.

The owner is also free to choose a stove with a blind hearth or ash pit. The difference between them was discussed above. But pay attention to the oven door with a blind bottom- in order not to keep it open, holes are drilled in it, which provide air flow if the pipe is not blocked by a damper at the top. If you lengthen it a little due to the blower, then the draft will be regulated by opening blower door. Then the holes become redundant.

The water tank is shown in both pictures, but is actually optional. Some make it lower by welding a metal box with a lid on the side of the stove - this for ease of pouring in the absence of cold water supply in the bathhouse.

The horizontal stove has a completely different structure - it turns out to be a heater open. This is a welded basket for stones - With such a stove you won’t be able to get good steam.

Yes, and in the picture we depicted the grate (under the flame) as recognizable, but in reality its grate perpendicular to the direction you see here.

The water tank is welded to the back wall of the stove.

Useful video

Not just diagrams, but also a description of the advantages and disadvantages of vertical and horizontal structures (not necessarily made of pipes). Plus interesting life hacks.

Even more diagrams, even more explanations about them. However, the main concern of the author of the video is that you succeed. So sauna lovers don’t have to watch it).

We hope that you have received some kind of holistic understanding of what a sauna stove is. Other things can only be learned from practice and experiment. Good luck to you!

Where can I buy

It is also possible to obtain useful information from professionals - employees of different types.

In contact with

Choosing a sauna stove is the most important process. The main criterion is power. The calculation must be correct, it is important not to make a mistake. If the power is insufficient, the bath will take a long time to warm up and cool down quickly. If you install a boiler that is too powerful, it will be impossible to enter there. There are other selection criteria. How to choose the right stove for a sauna?

Stove power

Power is selected based on the calculation, the contents of which are given below. To carry out the calculation, we measure the main dimensions: length, width and height. To obtain the net volume of the bath, it would be enough to simply multiply these numbers.

However, it is so easy to make a mistake. How to make a difficult choice - choose a stove for a bath? When calculating the volume, you need to make the following adjustments:

Typically, the steam room has the most effective thermal insulation. The walls are first insulated, only then sheathed with finishing material. It is customary to use thermal insulation with a layer of foil, which reflects heat back into the bath. The problem is that when a finished log house is ordered, thermal insulation is often neglected. This is acceptable, but it is worth considering that wood is a very heat-intensive material, its thickness is from 20 cm. Part of the heat will be spent on heating the logs themselves.
If the combustion part of the stove is placed in the dressing room, this is a “gap” in the thermal insulation. You need to take this into account in your calculations.
Doors and windows must be carefully insulated and tightly fitted. Otherwise, this too must be fate.
If the decoration of the bath contains ceramic tiles, brick, or natural stone, some of the heat will be spent on warming them up.

Only taking into account all of the above can you correctly calculate the volume that will need to be heated by the device and choose which stove is better for the bathhouse. To take into account all these parameters, a correction factor is used - 1.2 m3 per 1 m2 of poorly insulated or heat-absorbing surface.

Example: the steam room has a size of 2x3x2.2 m. There is an uninsulated window of 0.8x1.2 m and a door of 1.8x1 m. Let's calculate the volume: 2x3x2.2+(0.8x1.2+1.8x1)x1.2 = 13.2 +(0.96+1.8)x1.2 = 16.5 m3. We accept power: 16.5m 3 x 1 kW ≈ 17 kW. note that 13.2 kW(“pure” volume) would not be enough for us.

Additional selection criteria

Power is the main criterion, but far from the only one. What types of sauna stoves are there? In order for the result to fully meet our expectations, we need to consider the following:

product material;
firebox design options;
steam type;
various designs;
type of heater;
operating time from one fuel fill;
features of heating the bath;
what fuel is used.

Only taking all this into account can you determine which sauna stove is better.

Material of manufacture

A sauna stove can be made from:

cast iron;
become;
bricks

Which stove for a bathhouse is better, taking into account the material of manufacture? It is not entirely correct to compare them with each other. Each material better solves a particular problem and, according to experts, creates a special atmosphere.

With a modern range of furnace equipment, experts give the palm to special heat-resistant alloy steel with the addition of chromium. Steel, by far, is the most reliable and durable. The atmosphere in the bathhouse does not suffer either. Such furnaces do not burn oxygen, since during combustion there is no oxidation process in them.

When choosing reliable sauna stoves, the site recommends paying attention to Finnish companies. They deservedly occupy a leading position in this market. Their products have one drawback - their high price. Although, the same “Harvia” also produces quite budget models.

Sauna stove from Harvia

The production of cast iron stoves is not particularly popular today. The disadvantage of a cast iron stove is its heavy weight and shorter service life compared to the previous version. Heating occurs more slowly. This is worth taking into account when deciding which stove to choose for a bath.

Cast iron stoves are not very popular today

The choice of a brick stove is a tribute to tradition. Installing this is very labor-intensive. There weren’t many good craftsmen before. Now you won't find it at all. You can try to build a stove yourself, but is it necessary? This work is not easy - you need to correctly build the foundation and chimney, and the result will clearly be inferior to modern industrial designs. Brick requires more energy to warm up, so fuel consumption will increase.

At the same time, although such a stove will take longer to heat, it will also give off heat much longer. It all depends on your financial capabilities and personal preferences - sometimes such a stove is a good choice.

The brick option is long, expensive, and difficult.

Features of the firebox location

The firebox can be located in a closed steam room, but it is much more convenient when it is remote. This complicates the selection of a cast iron, steel or brick stove. You can add fuel at any time without disturbing those in the steam room. This slightly reduces the thermal insulation of the bath, but not critical. New thermal insulation of all junctions and seams will solve this problem. But the door to the steam room will open less often.

The new firebox door, made of heat-resistant glass, will allow you to monitor fuel consumption. The remote firebox itself must be made of thick heat-resistant steel with the addition of chromium. This design is an indicator of quality; it will not burn out for years and will withstand the highest temperatures.

Steam source

First, let's figure out what kind of steam exists. There are:

Dry steam is the most beneficial for the body. The stones heat up to +500 0 C. Once you splash warm water on them, it instantly turns into steam. This steam evenly heats the entire bath and does not increase humidity.
Wet steam - occurs as a result of boiling water directly in the bath. Hot water is also heated by a heater, which is equipped with a water tank. This method does not require a hot water supply. For washing, use water directly from the boiler. It is also a heat exchanger.

How to choose a stove for a bath correctly and quickly in this case? Fans of wet steam can organize a similar process in a sauna. There is no need to install a boiler with water for this. It is enough to buy a special device that will produce steam. The principle is the same, only the steam generator runs on electrical energy.

Design requirements

When choosing a stove for a bathhouse, you need to take into account the requirements for the design of the stove. She must:

ensure gradual and uniform heating of the bath;
heat the room to +80 0 C (under the ceiling) in 3 hours;
ensure adequate fire safety;
eliminate the possibility of smoke and soot getting into the bathhouse;
heat the stones to +500 0 C;
provide ease of use;
have an aesthetic appearance.

Heater type

What kind of stove should be in a bathhouse? There are two types of heaters:

open;
closed.

What are these types of sauna stoves?

Open - they heat the air in the room directly with the heat given off by the stones. The best option for frequent visits. This option is often used for individual use. The bath heats up quickly, but also cools down quickly. It is needed at the summer cottage.

Closed - when deciding which stove to install in the bathhouse, pay attention to the stove that has a damper that covers the top layer of stones. The room will warm up more evenly due to convection. Fuel is used more economically. There is also a flip side to the coin - you will have to start heating the bathhouse in 3-4 hours.

Which stove is best to put in a sauna, taking into account the type of heater? Here everyone chooses for themselves. We discussed their pros and cons above. But from experience, we will say that it is better to use stoves with a closed heater.

Duration of operation on one fill of fuel

Another important characteristic is how much fuel will work on one load. The longer the better. For example, the efficiency of a conventional brick kiln is about 85%, and a kiln that implements long-term combustion technology through the pyrolysis process is 91-95%. Accordingly, the second option will work more efficiently. Efficiency assessment is needed to make the most efficient use of fuel, the amount of which may vary.

The stove can operate not only on solid fuel (wood), but also on gas, liquid fuel, and electricity. In each specific case, you need to calculate the best option. Everyone's initial data is individual. Accordingly, everyone will have their own result. When choosing a stove for a bath, take into account the characteristics that the manufacturer indicated in the passport. If you decide to make a stove yourself, calculate and evaluate the possible efficiency in advance.

A standard wood-burning brick stove with a remote firebox will burn for about 4 hours. Long burning technology will increase this time to 30 hours.

Features of room heating

There are two options: hot and cold. Hot - the walls of the oven, heating up to more than 100 0 C, warms up the entire room. Cold - the walls of the oven are insulated and do not heat above +40 0 C. The room is heated due to special channels in which air circulates. Each method has its pros and cons.

Hot - heats the room faster, but there is a chance of getting burned. It is necessary to construct a protective screen made of bricks.

Cold is safer, the sauna heats up more evenly and cools down longer, but the process takes longer.

Type of fuel used

A sauna stove can operate on almost any type of fuel:

natural gas;
solid fuel (firewood);
wood processing products (compressed sawdust pellets);
liquid fuel;
electricity.

The classic option is a wood-fired sauna. Experts say that no other type of fuel is capable of creating such an atmosphere. In modern conditions, this statement is quite controversial. Modern, highly rated manufacturers offer analogues that run on both gas and electricity. According to technical indications, they are not inferior to wood-burning stoves. Gas is the cheapest type of fuel, and the cost of firewood is steadily rising. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice.

Choosing a wood stove

When choosing a good wood stove, you should pay special attention to the following factors:

design features;
principle of operation;
manufacturer (more precisely, its rating).

Design Features

The combustion temperature is high, so that the stove does not burn out, it must be made of high-quality metal. The oven will have to be heated for at least 3-4 hours. It is worth remembering that the design of such a furnace includes the following elements:

Ash pan - used to remove combustion products (ash).
Firebox - comes in different designs. It is most preferable to install an extended one, which will allow you to install the stove in the wall so that the firebox is in the adjacent room. The thickness of the metal must also be sufficient.
Flue and gas afterburning chamber - used in long-burning pyrolysis boilers. Allows the stove to burn for up to 30 hours on one load of fuel.
Heater - directly heats the air in the bathhouse.
Chimney - serves to remove gaseous combustion products.

The need for an additional foundation and the complex design of the chimney have led to a decrease in the popularity of traditional wood-burning brick stoves.

Principle of operation

According to the principle of operation, wood-burning stoves are divided into

long burning;
periodic combustion.

The advantages of a long-burning furnace are obvious: fuel savings as a result of the pyrolysis process. A design feature is the presence of an afterburning chamber for gases obtained as a result of pyrolysis. Disadvantage: soot formation. It is not recommended to pour water on stones, which, by the way, require much less. Otherwise, soot may be released into the bathhouse. The heating temperature of the stones is no higher than +350 0 C. But fuel savings can be up to 500%.

In a batch furnace, the stones are heated with an open fire to a temperature of about +500 0 C. The soot simply burns. You can safely pour water on the stones.

Manufacturer

The rating of manufacturers of bathhouse stoves is confidently headed by the Finns and Swedes. Particularly popular are manufacturers such as Kastor, Harvia and Helo (Finland) and Tylo (Sweden). The Russians cannot yet compete with these manufacturers with any confidence.

Choosing an electric oven

The main feature of an electric furnace is the constant need for electricity. If up to 7 kW a standard 220V network can be used, then over 7 kW will require an additional 380V line. This may not always be convenient and not everywhere, and, in general, it is possible. A new sauna stove can be too expensive.

Advantages of electric heaters

The advantages are obvious:

do not require the construction of complex structures (chimney, foundation);
can be installed in almost any bathhouse where there is electricity;
safety;
a closed system with a heat exchanger is possible;
durable, stainless steel;
ease of use.

Main selection criteria

What kind of electric stove is needed for a sauna? The selection criteria for specialists are standard:

presence or possibility of supplying the required voltage;
heat exchanger power;
the price of electricity in a specific region.

Selection of a gas furnace

A gas oven completely eliminates any independence. This is a source of increased danger, so installation and connection work can be carried out by specialists with the appropriate approvals and licenses.

Advantages and design features

Natural gas is the cheapest fuel. This is its main advantage. Efficiency is the highest when using low-temperature equipment, up to 109%. This explains the high popularity of this equipment.

However, natural gas is not available everywhere. This is the main drawback.

When choosing a gas sauna stove, check the following:

Modulation type burner. Such a burner automatically selects the optimal operating mode, depending on specific conditions. This allows you to minimize the negative effect of underburning fuel.
The coolant (hot water) should be heated to +70 0. The gas temperature should not exceed +110 0 C.
Use a coaxial chimney.
Have a gas recirculation system.

Under such conditions, the efficiency will be maximum.

About gas-wood stoves

There are modifications that can operate on both gas and wood stoves. This allows you to solve several problems at once:

increases ease of management;
If there is no gas, you can use firewood.

Installation Requirements

Only specialists who have all the necessary licenses and permits are allowed to install gas furnaces. All fire safety standards must be observed.

Conclusion

Which sauna stove is best to choose for a Russian sauna? It is impossible to give a definite answer, but it is worth choosing between wood-burning and electric stoves, because... gas is not supplied everywhere. Next, the main criterion for selection is the power of the furnace. We have given the calculation formula above. The remaining parameters depend on your desire and wallet.

Having correctly determined the initial data, selecting a stove for a bath according to the parameters is not difficult. All characteristics are indicated in the product passport. Among manufacturers, the Finns confidently hold the first place, offering, among other things, fairly budget-friendly systems. The presence of a Russian-language website and the design of the case also influence the choice, which is not at all as small as we would like.

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Sauna stoves differ in appearance, internal functioning system and characteristics. Despite the fact that the models are different, they have the same goal - to heat the bathhouse, helping to create the desired microclimate.

Thermal power. The main selection criterion. It should be sufficient to heat the steam room and adjacent rooms in half an hour in the summer, and in 2 hours in winter when it’s cold. For a stove with moderate capabilities, the average figure is close to 10 kW.
Heat storage capacity. The steam should not be transparent. For normal operation, 100 g of water per 1 m3 is sufficient. The temperature should not fall below 100˚C, otherwise the steam will come out heavy and damp.
Material. Chromium steel is the best option. There is no risk of burning oxygen. There are also models made of cast iron and ordinary steel.
Duration of work. The oven should operate for at least 3-4 hours and retain heat for a long time. Models that cool quickly will have to be re-ignited each time.

Type of fuel. Firewood, gas and electricity. The wood-burning copy is traditional. It guarantees fast, uniform heating and a favorable microclimate. Comes with or without chimney. In its absence, the fumes escape through the vent.

Electric is the modern way. Features precise temperature control. For normal operation, a stable supply of electricity is required.

The gas model implies complete independence. It lends itself to automation. Suitable for those who have low gas tariffs in the region.

Type of heater. When the system is open, the air is heated by hot stones. This stove quickly heats the steam room and is suitable for frequently visited baths. Closed increases the time it takes to warm up the room.
Availability of a heat exchanger. Allows you to save firewood and maintain a high temperature in the bathhouse.

Design. The stove can be of any size, shade and shape.
Price. The cost for a moderately powerful model does not exceed 20,000 rubles.

Secondary parameters:

The best sauna stove with a water tank

Termofor Kalina Carbon easy to use, compact and not inferior to premium options in terms of capabilities and build quality.

It has a logical and convenient arrangement of controls, all parts fit tightly together, the body is black with a matte texture made of structural steel - a material resistant to corrosion and scratches.

Panoramic glass for relaxation, internal loading of stones up to 95 kg using a pull-out compartment for long-term heat retention.

A chimney labyrinth to increase the efficiency of the stove and a built-in heat exchanger for heating water in the tank.

Volume – 30 m3.
Power – 15 kW.
Weight – 96 kg.

High power. Heats a large sauna area.
Built-in heat exchanger. To improve microclimate indicators.

Minuses:

Restrictions. Not suitable for a small bath, only for a large one due to its dimensions.
Economical material. Loses to models made of steel and chrome.

The best stove for a bath with a heat exchanger

Ermak 12 belongs to the economy class line, but this does not indicate poor quality. Material – stainless steel with chromium content. It is resistant to corrosion. The oven has standard dimensions for its class: 425×520×690 mm. Weight – 52 kg.

The weight of the laid stones is 40 kg. This indicator requires longer heating of the raw materials. A remote tank and heat exchanger are included in the package.

Power – 12 kW.
Working area – 14 m3.
Zone for stones - 40 kg.
Firewood length – up to 450 mm.

Rich equipment.
Moderate microclimate. The water in the stove is hot, but does not boil.
Price. Low price.

Minuses:

The stones heat up slowly.

The best stove for a cast iron bath

Relevance Hephaestus PB-01 due to high power. It is capable of heating a large room with a volume of up to 45 m3. The thick walls of the structure quickly transfer heat.

The highest efficiency (87%) among sauna stoves is a key feature. The stove can withstand high heat loads – up to 750 °C. Turbulent fins make it possible to reduce heat transfer in the chimney to 300˚C.

Power – 18 kW.
Weight of stones – 70 kg.
Firewood length – up to 400 mm.
Dimensions – 71.1×5×88.7 cm.
Weight – 350 kg.

Reliability.
Large working area. Suitable for a large project.
Efficiency. Heats rooms quickly and retains heat for a long time.

Minuses:

High price. Doesn't differ in accessibility.
Heavy weight. The floor must be strong in the bathhouse.
Mandatory brick lining. A measure against heating the walls and fire.

The best stove for a sauna at the dacha (heater)

Typically, garden and country baths are focused on quick heating. Varvara Mini has small dimensions and weight. It is compact and efficient.

Creates the desired microclimate in the room after switching on in half an hour. Fast heating occurs due to double convection. It warms up not only the volume of the bathhouse, but also its walls, floor, and ceiling. The weight of the laid stones is 40 kg. The maximum length of firewood is 30 cm.

Features include the ability to be equipped with a remote/mounted tank. Both systems are made of stainless steel. The remote one is suitable for installation on the second floor or as a pass-through part through the ceiling. The water boils in it within an hour.

Power – 8 kW.
Working area – 8 m3.
Weight – 85 kg.

Weight. Suitable for a small bath.
Window on the back for easy maintenance.
Equipment.

Minuses:

Regular design. May appear unattractive.
Restrictions. Suitable for country baths.

The best stove for a sauna with a closed heater

Vesuvius Scythian made of gray steel with a matte surface. The door has many forged decorated elements in a golden hue. The built-in heater, heating up to 400˚C, allows you to get “light” steam.

To “plug” the convection part, the oven is equipped with a grate. The element holds stones along the entire perimeter of the body. Proper air circulation allows you to heat the room in 1 hour.

Power – 15 kW.
Volume – 24 m3.
Weight – 91 kg.

Large heated area.
"Easy" steam. It will be comfortable in the bathhouse.
Safety.

Minuses:

Large mass. Quite a heavy model.

The best electric stove for a sauna

Harvia Sound M45 made of steel. Powered by network. Power supply type – 3-phase. The Finnish-made wall-mounted model comes with a built-in remote control with a thermostat and timer.

The stove can be equipped with loudspeakers for music. The safe installation distance from the wall is 3.5 cm, to the ceiling – 110 cm, to the floor – 15 cm.

The size of the steam room is up to 6 m 3 .
Power – 4.5 kW.
Electric heater time – up to 4 hours.
The weight of the stones is 25 kg.
Weight – 16 kg.

Compactness. Doesn't take up much space.
Delayed start function. After the specified parameters, it turns on independently after a few hours.
Modern technologies. There is an opportunity to listen to music.

Minuses:

Small work area. Designed for several people.

The best gas stove for a sauna

Teplodar KomPAR 50- This is a rare type of heat generator for a bath - gas stoves are expensive, and they are purchased for commercial purposes. Installation requires permission and drawing up an individual design plan.

Features of the product: the steam room heats up in less than half an hour, automatic temperature adjustment, and no need to clean the tank.

There is no need to constantly load fuel - add firewood. A tray for stones is installed on top of the structure, and there is also a removal device for combustion products.

Heated volume – 70 m3.
The thickness of the firebox walls is 0.6 cm.
Fuel - firewood.
Weight – 130 kg.

Compactness. Doesn't take up much space in the steam room.
Easy to use. Does not require careful care.

Minuses:

High price. It's very expensive.
Complicated installation. You will need to go to authorities to fill out the paperwork to get permission for installation.

The best wood-burning stove for a sauna

Kastor KO-20 has a modern design - matte surface, no frills, convenient opening systems. It is practical and elegant in appearance.

The main idea is the presence of enhanced live fire due to the glass door. It occupies almost the entire front panel.

The container for stones is designed for 60 kg. The double casing is another advantage. It is needed to reduce the safe distance for accelerating air exchange.

Power – 18 kW.
Volume – 20 m3.
The maximum weight of stones is 60 kg.
Weight – 99 kg.

Design. Fits into a modern bathhouse.
Light steam. Creates comfort in the room.
Relaxation. View of a burning fire.

Minuses:

Restrictions. For kindling, use wood chips and splinters, then firewood. Do not use birch. After this you will have to clean the firebox window.

The best stove for a long-burning sauna

It has a non-standard design - in the form of an iron barrel on legs. It is capable of heating air with a volume of 150 m3. Works on wood, cardboard. Coal will not work.

The firebox is the inner cylinder, the outer one is used as a convector casing. Cold air is sucked in by two holes at the bottom. It comes out hot through the top ten holes.

The temperature is regulated by two dampers. One of them is intended for supplying air to the firebox, the other for chimneys. Smoldering wood contributes to 8-hour heating of the bathhouse with the dampers closed.

When they are open, the wood burns, that is, the room quickly warms up (10-15 minutes).

Manufacturer – Russia.
Material – steel.
Power – 8.4 kW.
Weight – 48 kg.
Service life – 20 years.

Quick heating of the room.
Large working area.
Versatility. Suitable for country houses, cities.

Minuses:

Design. Simplicity and rough lines of the body.

The best metal stove for a bath

Termofor Geyser- This is a classic option in design and functionality. Made of heat-resistant black alloy steel - this is a reliable material. Wall-mounted, belongs to the closed type. Combined fuel. The oven is designed to produce steam and heat water.

Standard features include an ash drawer and flame level adjustment. The walls of the firebox are 0.3 cm thick. It is divided by the heater into two parts - open and closed.

In the first, steam is formed, in the second it is dried. A dosing valve built into the funnel to prevent large amounts of water from entering.

Heating volume – 18 m3.
Firebox volume – 40 l.
The length of the firewood is 50 cm.
Dimensions – 41.5×90×83 cm.
All – 59 kg.

Easy to use. It is connected to the chimney at the top, there is protection against water getting inside.
Reliable case. Made of heat-resistant steel.
Laconic style. Will fit into any bathhouse idea.
Small mass. You can easily move it when arranging the territory.

Minuses:

Noise. Noise when wood is actively burning.
Working area. For a small bath.

Using the example of 10 stoves for a bath, we can summarize that the appropriate option when choosing is the one that quickly heats a large volume of the room. Safety is another important factor.

Many solutions require brick lining - and this is an expensive undertaking. Others are made of structural steel, a more economical material.

It is better when the firebox walls are made of steel and chrome. Such raw materials have increased resistance to corrosion and melting.

From the list we should highlight Tulinka NVU-150, Vesuvius Skif and Hephaestus PB-01. Models can heat air with a volume of 25 m3 and are suitable for both small and large baths.

They can withstand high thermal loads - up to 450˚C. Easy to use, they quickly heat rooms in half an hour and retain heat for a long time.