The use of infrared heaters for baths and saunas: pros and cons. Infrared oven Infrared oven electric

To correctly understand what exactly we are talking about, you should remember the basics of what IR rays are.

Let's understand the terminology

Infrared is a type of electromagnetic radiation described by optical laws. That is, the nature of IR radiation is similar to ordinary light. These rays in the spectrum occupy the range between visible (red), with L=0.74 µm (where L is the wavelength), on the one hand, and HF radio emission, L=(1-2) mm, on the other.

This spectrum region is divided into three groups:

• DV - Long wavelength (50.0≤L≤2000) µm;
• SV - Medium wave (2.5≤L≤50) µm;
• HF – short wave (0.74≤L≤2.5) microns.

This radiation occurs in any heated body. Moreover, the higher the temperature of the source, the shorter L and the more intense the IR radiation.

At low temperatures, almost the entire range of such radiation is located in the infrared range. Visually, such a body looks dark. With increasing temperature, the wavelength emitted by the body shifts towards the visible spectrum, passing, successively, red, yellow and, when high temperature values ​​are reached, white.

On the one hand, this information is not related to the topic of this article, but on the other hand, it is directly related. It allows you to understand the terminological confusion that IR oven manufacturers allow themselves when describing their products:

• Some call it infrared;
• Others are long-wave;
• Still others are dark;
• The fourth ones are light.

But all of the stoves listed are infrared. And the discrepancy in names is due to the fact that the Far East has a lower temperature outer surface, therefore their IR radiation lies in the long-wave range. Such emitters are often called dark emitters, because At such temperatures, bodies practically do not glow. SV stoves are called gray. Their outside temperature higher. And HFs are characterized by maximum temperatures and are called light or white. In numbers it looks like this:

• Superdark bodies - (200≤t≤400)°С;
• Dark - (400≤t≤600)°С;
• Catalytic low temperature
• (600≤t≤800)°С;
• Medium temperature light - (800≤t≤1000)°C;
• High-temperature light - over 1000°C.

Infrared oven design

IR sauna stoves are more correctly called heaters, since the principle of their operation is similar to heaters.

These devices have:

• metal or ceramic heat-resistant housing rectangular shape, having adequate strength;
• an IR lamp is installed in it, similar to a fluorescent lamp (daylight);
• the housing contains a heat-reflecting screen and a heat-insulating layer that protects the housing from overheating;
• a reflector that emits heat;
• panel on which the heating elements are mounted.

When connected to the mains, the latter become hot. Heat is transferred to the reflector - emitter. The room is warmed up in stages. At first. Radiation zone. Then the air in the room. This ensures even heating.

IN modern products The following elements can be used as a heater:

• ceramic. A plate from ceramic material, in which a high-resistance conductor is built in:
• (nichrome), designed to heat up to a thousand degrees;
• Fechral (with very high resistance) - up to 800°C, respectively.

Due to the specific design features, they are used only in ceiling and wall models. They are not used in floor-standing devices. Average service life – up to 4 years;

• Quartz. They are made from tubes made of quartz glass. They have insulation made with an Al profile, which makes it possible to achieve heat radiation from the entire surface of the plate at once. Many models have several similar heating elements.

The products are designed for seven years of operation;

• Carbon. A tube made of quartz, into which a carbon filament shaped like a spiral is mounted. Vacuum flask. Carbon fibers are heated to 3000°C (while maintaining strength). The type of heating element determines the heating temperature of the reflector plate. Usually this is (200-600)°C. But the maximum heating temperature of the case is ≤ 60°C.
• Film emitters. Fixed throughout inner surface cabins (walls, ceiling). operating surface temperatures of such a radiator (25-50) ° C. Often used in conjunction with ceramic ones.

Average dimensions of such a device: (1000-1500)*160*40. Weight, depending on the model, (3.5 – 5.0) kg.

IR heaters are offered to the client in the following configuration:

• Heater assembly;
• Fasteners included (brackets and hardware included).

Everything else needs to be purchased additionally:

• Automatic switches;
• Cable and plug selected for the existing load;
• Thermostat;
• Other components.

Installation of IR ovens

Such heaters can be installed:

• On the floor. The downside of this option is that it takes up quite a lot of space. There is a high probability of capsizing due to negligence. Therefore, the devices must be equipped with an automatic shutdown if the heater falls;
• On the walls. More difficult to attach. But this is completely offset by safety. this option, its compactness and visual appeal;
• On the ceiling. Requires the most complex installation and adjustment.

There are options for IR ovens designed for corner installation. They emit in the sector (90-120)°.

To maintain the required temperature, special thermostats are used.

The zone of maximum efficiency of heaters is approximately 150 mm from the body of the steamer. Taking this into account, a vertical wall installation option, in close proximity to the shelves, is considered optimal.

To warm up the legs, one or two heaters are installed at the level of the calf muscles.

IR heaters working on the chest are mounted in the corners of the sauna cabin.

The optimal power for an infrared sauna is considered to be 350 W (when located at a distance of 150 mm from the body). It is not recommended to install heaters of higher power. At this distance they can cause burns. And at a greater distance, the effectiveness of IR radiation decreases.

The surface of the installed emitters needs to be cooled. This explains the recommendation to leave 30-50 mm between their rear wall and the enclosing structure of the sauna cabin for the formation of convective flows. This allows the devices to be cooled and reduces the time it takes to warm up the entire volume of air in the sauna cabin.

Furnaces are connected to a standard network electrical supply(230V/50Hz) with a current of 15A. No special socket is required to connect the IR sauna cabin.

IR oven control

There are 2 control options:

• Provides adjustment of temperature values. The heaters are turned on and off in automatic mode according to commands generated by the DCT (temperature control) sensor. This option does not allow you to completely warm up the body of the person in the steam room;
• Designed to regulate power consumption. These models are designed to change the intensity of IR radiation, which allows you to select the optimal indicator for a particular person. IN such a case the entire human body warms up evenly, gradually and smoothly. This ensures maximum therapeutic effect.

To control IR furnaces the following can be used:

• External control panel located outside the sauna cabin. Allows you to set the radiation power and duration of the procedure. After the set time has expired, the system disconnects from the network automatically;
• Built-in automation unit to regulate the operation of all heating elements. With an average power consumption of 1.1 kW, this product is designed to control 6 IR heaters. Therefore, they are equipped with mini steam rooms for one or two users. For larger saunas, a more powerful (1.5 kW) unit with 8 heaters is recommended;
• Internal remote control for adjusting microclimate parameters to optimal values.

Advantages of IR ovens

Among the main advantages of such sauna heaters are:

• Their compactness makes it possible to equip even small apartment saunas with them;
• Simplicity and convenience of installation and dismantling;
• Autonomy. Such stoves do not require constant human supervision and do not require periodic addition of fuel;
• Minimum warm-up time. A classic oven will heat the steam room to desired temperature in 1.5 - 2 hours. The IR oven requires ≤ 20 minutes. At the same time, oxygen is not burned out of the air;
• The low temperature of the case allows such heaters to be mounted on surfaces finished with any materials;
• High efficiency. Choosing infrared ovens provides double savings:
• They are cheaper than classic electric furnaces;
• Consumes 80% less electricity.

The choice of an infrared sauna allows those who like to visit steam rooms to arrange them even in their own apartment.

For the manufacture of some products in industrial scale, when it is necessary to make maximum use of the heat obtained during the combustion process, it is used tunnel kiln.

At many enterprises, the manufacture of certain types of products requires processing at different temperatures. Modern technologies allow you to select zones with different temperature conditions, which in turn simplifies production.

Areas of application of thermal tunnels.

Thermal tunnel designs are constantly being improved, but the operating principle remains unchanged. Most of them are widely used in many industrial fields.

• Drying of confectionery products, including refined sugar.
• Baking bakery and confectionery products.
• Manufacturing of construction and ceramic products.

Recently, thermal tunnels have begun to be used for packaging various products in shrink film.

The principle of such packaging is quite simple. Under influence high temperature the film takes the shape of the product, packaging it. Thus, it is possible to package not only food products, but also industrial goods. Also, at enterprises involved in packaging drinking products, caps are placed on bottles using thermal tunnels.

Methods for heating thermal tunnels.

According to the heating method, thermal tunnels are divided into two types.

• Electrical.
• Non-electric.

Non-electric tunnel ovens Heating is carried out by combustion of fuel. They can work like natural gas, and on coal and petroleum products.

Electric heating method is used much more often. In such tunnels, heating occurs due to tubular electric heaters (TEHs), but in modern thermal tunnels the heat of infrared emitters is used.

Unlike heating elements, where heating occurs due to hot air, they operate using infrared radiation, which in turn makes this type of heating more economical and efficient.

One of the disadvantages of traditional heating with heating elements is the presence of drafts in the oven (and there is no way to avoid them in tunnels). Due to the constant cooling of the air, the process of heating the product takes longer, hence more energy consumption. In addition, unevenly heated air can disrupt technological process product packaging, this also negatively affects production.

Infrared heating in the thermal tunnel distributes heat evenly on products and drafts do not in any way affect the quality of the production process.

One of positive qualities ovens with infrared emitters are considered the ability to heat an object not only on the surface, but throughout its entire volume. And automatic temperature control protects the product from overheating.

Installation of thermal tunnels.

In order for the products to be heated equally and evenly, infrared emitters are located on all sides inside the tunnel. The longer the tunnel, the more emitters are installed in it.

To preserve the heat generated inside, the tunnels are equipped reflectors- stainless steel reflectors. This is a special curved metal plate, which is located inside the tunnel. The reflector is mounted on the inner walls of the furnace so that the heat emanating from the emitter is reflected from it and directed to the object being heated. This process provides efficient heating with minimal energy consumption.

Not only conveyors are used to move products in thermal tunnels. For example, for cable processing, plastic profile, polymer tubes, etc. others use technical means allowing products to move inside the tunnel.

So using infrared emitters in thermal tunnels is superior in many ways quality characteristics, tunnel ovens with heating elements.

The tabletop stove is a lightweight and compact device that great helper in small kitchens, cottages and other country houses.

Not so long ago, the main assistant for housewives in areas not provided with gas was only electric stoves. Nowadays, infrared tabletop cookers (IR) are in great demand.

Heating in it occurs with the help of heating elements, which generate infrared radiation, and heating is based on the fact that the water in the products absorbs this radiation. This generates large amounts of heat. This operating principle is the key instant cooking food. And it turns out with excellent taste characteristics and does not lose its beneficial qualities.

Many modifications of IR cookers for domestic purposes are equipped with a glass-ceramic surface. They are made up of: a housing, a heating component, a cooking platform and a control unit.

The heating component heats up and then heats up the cookware. These actions are provided by electric current.

The glass-ceramic surface is resistant to pressure and temperature changes. You can easily place massive dishes on it and set maximum heating parameters.

However, pinpoint impacts are dangerous for such a surface. Heavy objects should not be allowed to fall on it. It can be seriously damaged, for example, by a metal corkscrew or the edge of a saucepan lid.

This surface has excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the stove heats up to high levels very quickly. In household versions, the temperature limit is usually 300ºС. In professional ones - twice as much.

Thanks to glass ceramic panel Can:

1. Reduce the absorbed power of the stove and the duration of its heating.
2. Develop efficiency.
3. Change temperatures quickly.

IR models allow you to prepare a variety of dishes: from soups to pancakes. You can purchase their desktop and floor-standing versions. The second ones can be arranged ovens. Models are usually equipped with a minimum of one burner, and a maximum of four.

Also today, more preference has been given to infrared grills. There are modifications of small dimensions. They are often used on loggias, verandas and for summer cottages. There are professional variations that are commonly found in food service establishments.

They significantly speed up and improve the quality of service.

Weaknesses and strengths of IR tiles

Its advantages are:

1. Economical. Thanks to the use of this unit, electricity costs are significantly reduced. The duration of the culinary process is also radically reduced.
2. There is an option to sharply reduce the temperature.
3. The work panel is easy to clean.
4. Many modifications have several power levels (maximum 10). When food is heated under conditions of no more than 60 degrees, there is almost no electricity wasted.
5. The equipment includes timers and convenient monitors for control. Another option that is often found is a child lock.
6. For such models, you can use any utensils (exceptions: paper, plastic and plastic). No need to purchase special utensils.
7. There is a glowing “Hot” sensor. This is protection against accidental burns while the device cools down after use.
8. Protection against voltage surges and surges has been installed.
9. There is no open flame, soot or carbon monoxide.

1. Considering that glass ceramic surface It is quite vulnerable; the tiles must be transported and handled with extreme care. If the coating becomes damaged, it will need to be completely replaced.
2. The device must not be filled with water. Of course, no one will do this on purpose. But it happens that water can leak from the pan. And water can disrupt the functionality of the device. And when water gets on the operating equipment, you hear a nasty crackling sound.

These disadvantages are quite arbitrary. And they do not negatively affect the impression of using such tiles.

Dilemma: induction or IR?

Today, the question of the advantages of an induction or infrared cooker is very relevant. It’s better to put it briefly: the first heats only the dishes placed on it. And certain utensils are required here. Such models work more economically. The second is everything that is placed on it. And if there is nothing standing on it, it can heat the air.

So if you need a good economical option and you are ready to resolve issues with the availability of certain types of cookware, then you need an induction unit.

If the dynamics of heating and cooking are important to you, purchase tabletop IR cookers. It is important to follow certain criteria when purchasing.

Criterias of choice

The primary criterion is to choose based on the brand. It is better to concentrate on a famous manufacturer. And choose one or another modification taking into account your needs.

Other key criteria:

1. Number of burners.
2. Maximum heating rate.
3. Is there a timer and additional options.

The price indicators of IR tiles are determined by the following factors:

1. Case material.
2. The quality of the heating component.
3. Current options and functionality.

The most impressive price tags are observed for devices made of stainless steel. The cost of this equipment may increase when it contains additional options, for example:

• electronic type timer;
• sensor that reflects residual heat;
• Category A energy absorption programmers;
• self-cleaning technology.

The significant cost of IR tiles subsequently pays off, since electrical resources are significantly saved.

Principles of caring for this equipment

When using an IR stove, do not forget that it is still an electric unit. And they apply to him certain rules security.

Before cleaning the stove, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical system. For this procedure, use only a soft sponge or cloth. Here you should also use liquid dishwasher or special drug for cleaning this material – glass ceramics. The use of abrasive methods is prohibited. They have a detrimental effect on the appearance and quality of the surface.

Do not forget to periodically eliminate dust that accumulates in the ventilation grilles of the device. You can do it manually, or you can use a vacuum cleaner. Under no circumstances should you clean the tiles by completely immersing them in water.

When the IR model is used carefully and all recommendations for its use and care are followed, it will work for a very long time.

Examples of top models

Today you can find many different tabletop IR cookers in the assortment. To make an informed choice, you need to know which brands are leading and which models have a good reputation among users. The following is a list of five popular modifications.

• Protection against overheating of internal components (if the case heats up above 1000C, the device turns off)
• Protection against overheating of panels (triggered when the surface of the disks exceeds 5800C)
• Simple mechanical control
• The surface is easy to wash and clean
• Infrared burners provide fast heating
• You can use any utensils (except plastic and paper)
• Original design

• When a device fails, it is difficult to find replacement components.

• Thanks to the high power of 1200 W, the burner heats up quickly
• Economical energy consumption
• Several types of protection (against overheating internal structure and overheating of surfaces)
• Non-slip rubber feet increase the stability of the device
• Simple and intuitive mechanical controls
• The glass ceramic surface is easy to clean and wash

• High price

• The control panel displays error codes to help diagnose the problem
• Three types of protective shutdown
• Heating temperature is adjustable in the range of 60–2400C
• The control panel is locked
• Timer automatic shutdown for 180 minutes
• Residual heat indicator tells you when the surface has cooled down
• Maximum burner power 2 kW

• The indicators and fan continue to work as long as the stove is connected to the network

Many people dream of not only working well, but also having quality rest, enjoying their own health and beauty. And to ensure a good rest, many go to country baths. If there is none, then an infrared sauna can be offered as an alternative.

Although the device itself was developed back in 1965, they were put into mass production only in 1979. And almost immediately models appeared not only for salon conditions, but also for individual home use. Any heart infrared sauna is an infrared oven or heater. They are made of ceramics and are completely safe for human health. According to some data, the depth of penetration of this beam into soft fabrics is 4 cm.

An infrared sauna stove consists of a reflector, as well as a lamp, the power of which is 250-300 W. It is the lamp that gives output to infrared waves of the desired frequency. As a rule, its indicator fluctuates in the range of 1400-3000 nm. This IR stove is connected to a control panel, which allows those inside the cabin to independently regulate the temperature inside the sauna.

Installing an infrared oven is not a tricky matter. It can be placed both on a perfectly flat surface and in the corners of the room. IR emitters can also be installed when converting a regular bath or sauna into an infrared one. First you need to determine the place where the person will be placed during the procedures. It is necessary to create a single field of infrared emitters, in which there will be no empty spaces. In this case, it will be possible to ensure better warming of the body, which means that the effect of taking such procedures will be the best.

Typically an infrared sauna has small sizes, 130*100cm. Based on this, the recommended number of furnaces for installation is six. On back wall In the sauna, four lamps are installed (they will heat the back of the back), and two emitters are placed in the front corners. To warm up simultaneously with the body calf muscles, you need to install another emitter directly at the level of these muscles. The lowest emitter is positioned horizontally, while emitters on the walls can be mounted vertically. Well, to prevent condensation from accumulating in the IR sauna and allowing air to escape, it is necessary to install special ducts.

Differences between a regular bath and an infrared one

To install exactly the bathhouse that will benefit you in the future, you need to know their differences. For example, when doubting between choosing a traditional or infrared bath, you need to remember the following:

• A traditional bath involves heating the air using hot stones, which are preheated to a temperature of 220°C. To prepare such a bathhouse, it will take at least 1-1.5 hours. From the moment you turn it on until you take the procedure in the infrared sauna, no more than a quarter of an hour will pass.
• An infrared heater applies its heat directly to objects, in particular soft human tissue. As for the air temperature and its humidity indicator, they practically do not change, which is more comfortable compared to a regular bathhouse. Well, since the heat of IR heaters is not wasted, they are more economical.
• To build a bathhouse (Russian, Finnish, Turkish) sometimes you need quite a lot of time, as well as materials. In addition, it is necessary to invite specialists to carry out similar works, shopping the necessary materials. For an ordinary bath, an important issue is Fire safety. It requires ventilation. If we turn to an infrared sauna, the maximum installation time is half an hour. Well, in the case of mobile options, the assembly time is generally 3-5 minutes. The installation of an infrared sauna does not require active impact on the surface (drilling, using nails).

Disadvantages of an infrared oven

An infrared sauna stove has some disadvantages, which are best familiarized with before purchasing this device:

• — the small size of the infrared sauna does not allow organizing such friendly gatherings as, for example, in a regular bath or sauna;
• — visiting an infrared sauna has a number of contraindications, for example, certain diseases of internal organs. And you need to familiarize yourself with them before accepting the procedures;
• — if you have specific diseases, then before taking procedures in an infrared sauna you need to get a recommendation from your doctor.

The cost of an infrared oven ranges from $1,300 to $3,200. In some cases, the cost includes installation of the booth. Moreover this type a sauna can be installed directly in the apartment and there is no need to waste time and nerves on a package of permits. An infrared cabin can be installed in any part of the house where there is a shower nearby. The sauna preparation time for procedures is only 15-20 minutes, while a similar procedure in a classic bath will take at least two hours. If the cost of an infrared sauna is beyond your means, then you can even assemble it yourself. This can be done in several ways. For example, all components can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, and assembly can be done independently. Installation will take no more than two hours.

Another method involves the use of ready-made panels, which are assembled by analogy with standard blanks. Well, you can get by altogether frame structure, which is collected on its own. For this you will need wooden beam, lining, thermal insulation material, and infrared equipment. To save space, such a sauna can be placed in a corner, and the power regulator can be installed directly under the bench seat. When assembling an infrared sauna, it is necessary to consider the lighting and ventilation system.

An infrared fireplace-stove is one of the newest technologies. But such a hearth cannot be the main heating device for a house (or apartment).

An oven with infrared heating is often used as an auxiliary convection oven. The main advantage of this device is the transfer of a large heat flow in a short period of time. This miracle stove is suitable for quickly heating a room. You can also have a wonderful time relaxing with your family in front of a burning flame. This fireplace is an electrical appliance; to operate it, you need to choose a suitable location and connect it to the power supply.

Operating principle of an infrared fireplace

In order to understand how the furnace functions, you should turn to physics for help. Heating of a room (housing) is carried out by infrared radiation (waves). Infrared waves are a type of electromagnetic waves, which are distinguished according to their length (depending on the color of the light wave, it ranges from 400 to 800 nm). The red wave is considered the longest (700 – 800 nm). This is what is called an infrared (or heat) wave.

The sun, fireplace, stove (anything that produces heat) emit infrared radiation, which does not harm human health (as well as light radiation).

Unlike others heating devices, infrared fireplaces (fireplace, stove) heat not the air, but the objects that are in the room. The device also heats the floor and walls, which environment give up their heat.

Advantages of infrared fireplaces

Infrared equipment evenly heats the air throughout the room. Such electrical appliance does not provide negative influence on the human body. After all fireplace,as a heater, it does not dry out the air, does not burn oxygen and does not emit foreign odors. This stove will be the highlight of any interior, because it is compact and attractive in appearance. If you follow basic safety measures, the fireplace does not pose any danger, because it has a high degree of protection against fire or fire.

Read also: Making a Buleryan stove

Types of infrared fireplaces

Modern infrared stoves operate on electricity, diesel or gas fuel.

• Infrared gas fireplace

Infrared gas fireplace is one of the most popular today. It runs on propane-butane gas.

Such a hearth can be used:

• in residential premises;
• on the street (for heating summer areas of cafes and restaurants);
• at exhibitions (showrooms) or fairs.

A distinctive feature of this gas appliance is the heating of a room due to thermal infrared waves and from direct heating of ceramic panels. A huge advantage is that the installation and installation of such a heat source does not require complex manipulations or special knowledge.
Without much effort, the room will be very cozy and warm. Also, you don’t have to build a chimney, clean up ash, or stock up on firewood.

IN gas fireplaces It is enough to simply control the temperature. Such hot spots are safe, just follow elementary rules:

• place the equipment away from flammable objects (objects);
• ventilate the room (if possible).

Depending on the size of the room, you independently calculate the power: per 10 m 2 ( square meters) – 1 kW.

• Diesel infrared fireplaces

Diesel stoves run on fuel that is sold at gas stations. They are especially practical in places where there are difficulties with electricity. Such The stove uses no more electricity than an 80 W light bulb.

You can significantly reduce your heating costs if you use a diesel fireplace as an additional heat source. Such equipment can be used as the main source of heat if you use an additional battery.

Heat is distributed in all directions with a large heating area angle. The big advantage is quite easy installation. In this case, there is no need to install a chimney. You just need to find a suitable place for the fireplace.

The infrared diesel oven is ideal for sports and exhibition halls, construction and filming sites, hangars and warehouses. Thanks to its mobility and ability short term heat up large space , diesel fires are used in street cafes, on construction sites, in places of rallies or competitions.

• Electric-gas infrared fireplaces