Electric sauna stove - design features, best models, useful tips

A real bathhouse, no matter whether Russian or Finnish, can only be wood-fired. For many, this is an axiom based on the assertion that it was wood-burning stoves that our ancestors used. But one has to wonder, did they have a choice? Of course not. Unlike us. In the modern world, there are many ways to heat a room, and one of the most affordable and convenient is electricity.

An electric oven is simple and safe. Its installation does not require approval from various authorities, and most importantly, it can be installed even in the bathroom of an ordinary apartment, turning the room into a real sauna. According to the principle of operation, this is an ordinary heater, but instead of firewood or gas, the filler is heated by a heating element (tubular electric heater). This design has several important advantages:

1. Safety as there is no open flame.
2. Easy to install and install. Often such stoves operate from a regular household network, that is, they are plugged into a household outlet.
3. Fast heating. The heating element reaches operating temperature in a couple of minutes, and then can maintain it for a long time.
4. Temperature adjustment. You set the desired temperature yourself and for this you do not need to control the combustion process, just turn one handle.
5. No waste or trash. No ash or carbon monoxide. Such ovens do not need to be cleaned or maintained in any way.
6. A wide variety of models by type of design and power. There are even options for cabins of 1-2 cubic meters.

These are only the most obvious advantages lying on the surface, but in fairness it should be said that there are also disadvantages here:

1. High electricity consumption. Even the smallest stove will consume at least 2 kilowatts of energy.
2. Combustion of oxygen. When used for a long time in a closed room, all the oxygen burns out.
3. To install a stove with a power of 4 kilowatts or more, you will need to make a separate electrical line.

You should also understand that not all ovens can be splashed with water to create steam. Although this is a heater, the heating elements do not like water. This point must be clarified before purchasing. The degree of protection of such stoves is sufficient to withstand accidental splashes, but it is not recommended to fill them with water. If you need a Russian sauna with a large number of clouds of steam, and not a dry Finnish one, then you can look for a model with a steam generator.

In our rating, we will look at the best 2022 models of varying power. There will be very small stoves that can be installed in a regular bathroom in your apartment, as well as large structures for full-fledged saunas and bathhouses for commercial purposes.

The best electric ovens for small spaces: up to 10 cubic meters

If you live in an ordinary apartment building, but really love a bathhouse, then you shouldn’t deny yourself this pleasure. The modern market offers models designed for small spaces up to 10 cubic meters. These are compact, lightweight devices that can be hung on a wall or placed near a wall. They are safe and quite economical in terms of energy consumption. Their protection allows them to withstand splashes, and some heaters can even be splashed with water to create steam. A great way to turn an ordinary bathroom into a real sauna.

What does the unit consist of?

A fairly simple design will be clear even to a beginner in this matter; the electric steam room for a bath consists of a double body. In the middle of the metal structure there is high quality thermal insulation and auxiliary heaters for the stones. The upper part is equipped with a deep basket for storing items.

The rate of heating of the room intended for relaxation and the softness of the steam will depend on the quality of all these components. All indicators may differ depending on models and sizes, but a positive effect will be achieved in any case.

Top 3. KARINA Optima 2.5

Rating (2021): 4.56

Best price The cheapest electric oven, costing almost 40% less than the closest competitor with similar parameters.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 13,000 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 3
• Power consumption (kW): 2.5
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 60/32/22 cm
• Weight (kg): 8

If you have a small bathroom and want to turn it into a sauna, but without spending fabulous sums, then the Karina electric stove is the best solution. The most budget model from a Russian manufacturer, designed for a volume of only 3 cubic meters. Energy consumption is appropriate. At maximum load, the furnace consumes no more than 2.5 kilowatts per hour. But there are no programmable modes or nice extras here. The steam generator was not built in, and you can only set the temperature mode. But you can splash water on the stones. The heating elements are hidden deep in the depths of the stones and are located in such a way as to avoid contact with moisture as much as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Budget price tag
• Heating elements protected from moisture
• Economical energy consumption
• Protective mesh on the front side

• Designed for very small volumes
• No programmable modes
• No additional options

Customer Reviews

Alexander

Harvia Cilindro PC90E

Advantages: in a word, this is a heater, beautiful, fast heating and good steam. For this Harvia Cilindro PC90E model, the control panel must be purchased separately. Built-in control knobs (timer and temperature regulator) are found on the Harvia Cilindro PC90 (without the letter E). Compact and efficient oven. Heats up quickly and maintains the desired temperature. Convenient operation with a timer. Disadvantages: none Comment: Warms up the sauna to 100 degrees in 1 hour, I used crimson quartzite stones, after turning off the stove, the stones give off steam for about an hour.

Vitaly Kryukov

Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z

Pros: Small in size, but works great and is quite powerful. It can heat our little steam room in an instant. Mode controls are directly on the panel on the front side. Mounts on the wall and saves space in the steam room. And what’s also wonderful is that it runs on 220 V. And it’s quite inexpensive. Disadvantages: We haven’t found any yet, maybe they will appear later. Comment: Sawo is a good company, I know, friends recommended that we choose this oven.

Michael

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-60NB-Z

Advantages: Price/heated volume/dimensions - we were attracted by these parameters, in fact, if they are present, the stove turns out as it should. Disadvantages: None Comment At first, when I got to the manufacturer’s website, I didn’t understand how one model differs from another. But in the end they explained it to me over the phone, and I chose this stove - it’s very small, both in terms of consumption and in terms of volume itself. They said that it would be enough even for 7-8 square meters of the sauna, but I have less. It steams well - there is enough heat, and the electricity bill is small. It also has a built-in regulator right away, which is convenient because you don’t have to go anywhere.

Kira Zhukova

Sawo ARIES ARI3-60NB-WL-P

Christina Cheri 3 Experience of use: several months Advantages: Compliance with the declared characteristics Convenient Inexpensive With a visor I like the design Stainless steel outside Quickly installed Heats well, holds the heat for a long time The stove has an interesting appearance, it seems to me that this control panel is located very conveniently on it, the main thing is then this is that it does not heat up, no matter how hot it is in the bathhouse Disadvantages: I still can’t find it Comment: It warms up the bathhouse well, I like it very much

Alexander

Harvia Cilindro PC70E

Advantages: An excellent option for both personal and commercial use! There are no control knobs (thermostats) on this model. Thermostats are present only on the Harvia Cilindro PC70 model (without the letter E at the end)!! For this model you will need to purchase a remote control (Harvia c150, Harvia senlog sf9, Harvia xafir cs110) Disadvantages: none Comment: Select correctly according to the volume of the room: A 7 kW stove should be taken for a room volume of maximum 8 - 8.2 m3. No one has canceled the reduction coefficients!

Sonya Shilova

Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z

Advantages: Compact oven for a small area, but it can cover and heat even a little more than what is indicated here, I’m speaking from experience of use Disadvantages: No, it seems Comment: Consumes little electricity, takes up little space, does not load meters, but cooks and it soars wonderfully, just as it should—strongly, that is. I recommend.

Inga K.

Sawo ARIES ARI3-60NB-WL-P

We bought such a stove for our parents’ summer cottage immediately after purchasing a stove from this company for ourselves. In my opinion, this is a sign of quality. It works like a charm, according to parents' reviews. Yes, and we managed to steam with them, it steams really well, it’s discreet, compact, with a built-in thermostat, so you don’t have to buy remote controls. At first, the parents were embarrassed that the white color would get dirty and scratched, but as I understand it, the body won’t be scratched, and how can you get it dirty if it’s just standing against the wall?! There is a twenty-kilogram compartment for stones; they will need to be purchased separately. And in general, the stove is strong, so don’t even think about it, buy it!

Maxim K.

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-60NB-Z

Advantages: stainless steel, excellent regulator, small, electric Disadvantages: didn’t notice Comment: They used to buy a large Tower stove from Savo for a huge steam room - they installed it at the father-in-law’s house. When we got our own mini-dacha, we decided that it wouldn’t be the same without a bathhouse. We turned to this manufacturer again - high quality, very inexpensive, there are always discounts. We made no mistake. The stove is excellent. It’s even too much for 5 squares; you can steam it wonderfully. The regulator is external, the entire structure can be installed on the wall without any problems. It is made of stainless steel inside and on the grille. Already tried it with friends - it's a blast! I recommend it, it’s perfect for compact baths

Nina Obycheva

Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z

Advantages: My husband and I fell for the low cost of the stove) Comment: The price is unusually good, especially good when you know a lot about the company and the quality of their production, this still takes into account the power of the stove, right there as much as 8 kW, can you imagine?! We figured it out right away, since it’s not our first, but even if you come across it for the first time, you’ll get your bearings quickly, it’s very simple. It’s a pleasure to steam while it’s working, because steaming is so easy, and it’s so pleasantly enveloping. I recommend it to you))

Vova Z.

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-80NB-Z

Advantages: I did not find any disadvantages with the stove during the time I used it (7 months), but I discovered new sensations and emotions in my small sauna, in which this stove copes with its duties perfectly and does not interfere with me. Simple installation, easy setup, compact design, and most importantly, all this at an affordable price. It heats, of course, like big heaters)) Disadvantages: None Comment: I like it, I recommend it.

Mikhail G.

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-80NB-Z

Advantages: small, regulator on the body, low power, good heating, price Disadvantages: The regulator spoils its appearance Comment: I found this stove on the Internet, it seemed just right in size. In fact, it fits perfectly, and warms up the room like a huge professional oven. The regulator is convenient, but outwardly it does not look very harmonious. It's not critical for me. I give it 5 out of 5 for functionality and effortless operation. In addition, I was pleased with the price

Alexandra Kordyuk

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-60NB-Z

Advantages: This is not our first stove from Savo, I like this company because their stoves are of high quality, work well, are strong in themselves, firmly assembled, have a long warranty period, and are generally not expensive when compared to other similar companies that also make stoves Disadvantages: No, the main thing is to be careful when handling the item and then it will last a long time, this applies not only to the stove Comment: I am completely satisfied with the operation of the stove, the entire heated area is covered, I don’t feel that anywhere Somewhere it was hotter, somewhere it was cooler, it warms evenly, and this is very good. I recommend!

Top 2. Harvia KIP60

Rating (2021): 4.82

Fast heating A stove with three working heating elements, which almost instantly reaches the set mode and warms up the room in a matter of minutes.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 21,800 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 8
• Power consumption (kW): 6
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 41/28/60 cm
• Weight (kg): 16

Electric oven from one of the most famous Finnish manufacturers. The device is designed to heat a room with a volume of up to 8 cubic meters. True, energy consumption is quite high, 6 kilowatts. For convenience, it is possible to connect to both household networks at 220 volts and two-phase at 380. The stove is distinguished by a quick set of the desired temperature, which is due to three heating elements hidden under 14 kilograms of natural stones. Heating of the room occurs in a matter of minutes, and numerous modes allow you to use the stove on an ongoing basis. It is enough to set the required temperature and humidity so that the desired microclimate is always maintained in the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Quick temperature set
• Three working heating elements
• Compact size
• High quality build

• High price
• High power consumption

Top 1. Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z

Rating (2021): 4.87

The most popular model is the Mini-oven, widely discussed on specialized forums and collecting a large number of positive comments.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 17,200 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 6
• Power consumption (kW): 3.6
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 45/33/31 cm
• Weight (kg): 5

Compact, lightweight heater stove with a capacity of 10.5 kilograms of stones. Designed to heat a room up to 6 cubic meters with an energy consumption of only 3.6 kilowatts. The device is very convenient and has programming capabilities. With its help, both Russian and Finnish saunas can be recreated. You can splash water on the stones, and there is also a built-in steam generator with several power modes. This is the best oven for small spaces that can be set to energy-saving mode and will constantly maintain the required temperature and humidity in the room. We also note the high reliability of the design. This is one of the most popular stove manufacturers and has proven itself.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Compact dimensions
• Low power consumption
• Programmable
• Many operating modes

• Wooden walls must be insulated
• There are low-quality fakes

See also:

• 12 best brands of sauna stoves

to the beginning of the rating

Control Panel

Remote wall-mounted devices are popular, thanks to which you can regulate the steam supply and the general situation in the steam room. The device is quite convenient to use and has many functions, including pre-planned activation.

Among the models, you can easily find a suitable option and install it in your home; you can understand the functionality by opening the appropriate instructions or consulting with the manufacturer’s support service.

The best electric stoves for medium-sized rooms: from 10 to 20 cubic meters

For a room larger than 10 cubic meters, a more powerful unit will be required. There is no power calculation scheme here as with heaters, so the stove can consume either 10 or all 20 kilowatts. In any case, it is advisable to connect it to a separate line so as not to load the household outlet. Also in this category there are two-phase versions operating at 380 volts. They are unlikely to be installed in an ordinary home, but they are an excellent option for commercial baths and saunas, where it is not possible to use open-flame heaters.

Help with measurements

Today, there are programs for calculating the area of ​​a room and identifying the required power of the device. You can use them or ask for help from specialists in this field. Don’t forget about windows; if they are in the room, they will definitely affect the heat exchange.

As a result of heating, much more heat will be needed than with solid walls, since the air will circulate faster. These characteristics are among the most important for achieving positive results and comfortable rest, so they should not be neglected.

Top 4. PEKO Nova EH-90 blue

Rating (2021): 4.44

• Characteristics

  Average price: 12,900 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 14
• Power consumption (kW): 9
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 58/41/28 cm
• Weight (kg): 35

Many owners of medium-sized baths refuse to purchase electric heaters because of their high cost. But there are always exceptions, one of which is now before us. This is a product of a young Russian brand, characterized by the most affordable price tags. Given its characteristics, this stove-heater costs half as much as its competitors. Yes, it is not so beautiful in appearance and is not easy to operate, but it is the best budget model for a room with a volume of up to 14 cubic meters. It even has its own steam generator - an important factor, since it is undesirable to pour water over the stones. The heaters are very high and close to the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Attractive price
• Small size
• Many modes

• Complex controls
• Unprepossessing appearance
• Very tall heaters

Choice

If, nevertheless, the choice fell on an electrical appliance, then it is worth considering important criteria before purchasing and the dimensions of the electric bath. There are quite a lot of options from which you can choose a model on the market, so a scrupulous assessment and first acquaintance must be done carefully.

All stoves have both common and special characteristics; here you need to read the instructions in detail or ask a consultant for information. After checking all the properties, each owner will definitely select the most suitable model for his steam room.

Top 3. Sawo SCANDIA SCA-80NB-Z

Rating (2021): 4.74

Universal design A stove with the possibility of wall and floor installation and a replaceable control unit that can be moved to the other side.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 29,500 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 13
• Power consumption (kW): 8
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 52/51/29 cm
• Weight (kg): 27

As a rule, an electric stove is a standard design that needs to be selected for your room. But now we have the most convenient device that will fit into any bathhouse or sauna, regardless of its configuration. The device can be placed on the floor or hung on the wall. The control unit is located on the side, but if necessary, it can be easily moved to the other side. An excellent solution for universal use. There is also something to look at in terms of characteristics. The oven has a built-in steam generator and several programmed operating modes. You can splash water on the stones, but in small quantities, since the heaters are very close to the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Universal design
• Replaceable control unit
• Powerful steam generator

• Heaters close to the surface
• It is necessary to protect the walls before installation

Questions and answers

Many users, when choosing a stove for a sauna, are faced with a lot of questions. If electrical design is considered, the questions are mostly the same. It is better to answer them right away in order to save users from unnecessary worries and save them time.

Is an electric stove suitable for a Russian bath?

There is an opinion that metal stoves are generally not suitable for a Russian bath. Moreover, electric structures with a small heater - you cannot throw water on it, as it will fall on the heating elements. However, if the heater is massive (from 100 kg), the heater can be used in the traditional way, since the water will have time to evaporate completely and will not reach the heaters. Therefore, for a Russian stove you just need to choose a suitable model.

How to determine the required power of an electric furnace?

This is done based on the volume of the room. First, calculate it, and then select a suitable model at the rate of 1 m3 per 1 kW of power. At the same time, it is recommended to make a small reserve, since heaters lose their performance over time.

Some sources claim that an electric oven and a steam generator are incompatible. Is it so?

This is an erroneous statement. There are models of electric heaters equipped with a built-in steam generator. Therefore, both devices are quite compatible. Moreover, for some models a steam generator is the only way to create the desired microclimate in the steam room.

Is it possible to connect the oven yourself?

If the stove is under warranty, installation and connection are performed by specialists from the warranty workshop (or service center). This is the best option that always gives the expected result. However, it is not always possible to invite specialists. Therefore, many owners have to perform this procedure themselves.

Where is the best place to place the remote control?

The remote control is usually installed near the entrance. It is not recommended to install it in a steam room (for some models there is a direct prohibition on such installation). If the control is located outside the steam room, it is much more convenient to start heating, change the mode, and turn off the stove.

Top 2. Harvia Vega BC90

Rating (2021): 4.81

Best value for money Powerful heater from a top manufacturer with high performance and an attractive price tag.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 25,300 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 14
• Power consumption (kW): 9
• Construction: floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 54/48/31 cm
• Weight (kg): 45

Top brands rarely please customers with affordable price tags, but now we have before us a powerful heater with several operating modes and the most attractive price. The stove is designed for 14 cubic meters of heated area. Energy consumption – 9 kilowatts. It is possible to connect to both single-phase and two-phase networks. Several working heating elements are securely covered with a thick layer of stones, so they are not afraid of accidental splashes and moisture. You can pour water on the stones, which is very important, since there is no steam generator in the design. The rear wall is equipped with a special protective screen, that is, the stove can be placed directly against the wall and does not require additional insulation in the form of a metal sheet.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Optimal ratio of characteristics and price
• Convenient control
• Not afraid of large amounts of moisture
• No need to protect the wall during installation

• No steam generator
• Side control handles

Power to area ratio

The parameters of some manufacturers may differ in quality and heating strength; these aspects should not be left to chance. It is necessary to take into account the existing room or adjust it to the selected stove.

You need to calculate the dimensions of the room in advance and build on them; the power will depend on the existing insulation of the walls and the height of the ceilings. It is not necessary to give preference to the exact number, but the approximate parameters should be equal.

Top 1. Tylo Sense Elite 10

Rating (2021): 4.95

The most reliable oven A powerful electric oven designed for continuous operation even under maximum loads.

• Characteristics

  Average price: RUB 152,300.

• Country: Sweden
• Heated volume (cub.m): 18
• Power consumption (kW): 10.5
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 43/60/37 cm
• Weight (kg): 35

Many will probably be shocked by the price tag of this heater, but it should be understood that the equipment is designed for the highest loads. The manufacturer specializes in professional equipment for baths, saunas and spas. Here is the best assembly and only the most reliable materials. The device is controlled from your own tablet, in which you can set different modes and even combine them in your own order. The device is not afraid of moisture and is equipped with its own steam generator. There is also a container for aromatic liquids. The programmed modes include Russian and Finnish baths, as well as a sauna with aromatherapy and a spa. In general, maximum equipment and top performance.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Reliable device
• Many programmable and custom modes
• Maximum optional equipment
• Convenient control

• Very high price
• A rare guest in retail stores

See also:

• 10 best stoves for Russian baths in 2022

to the beginning of the rating

Manufacturers of electric furnaces for baths

In order not to lump everything into a heap, we have divided the manufacturers of electric stoves for baths into domestic and foreign ones. In cases where entire articles are devoted to groups or individual manufacturers, brief information is provided here.

Domestic electric heaters for baths

Among them, it is worth mentioning the company "Polytech", which produces various stoves under the general name "Christina", varying only the second part of the name. The advantages of its heaters include the relatively low cost and the presence of strip heaters, the advantages of which were discussed above.

There are other manufacturers of electric furnaces for baths who supply strip heaters - these are Ermak and Elektropech . In addition, they are found in Vesta ovens, the manufacturer of which remains unknown to us. In all cases the price is moderate .

For a more complete overview of the most popular Russian heaters, we recommend reading the article at the link provided.

Video on topic

A video that talks about two Christina stoves of different power:

Foreign electric heaters

People in Russia are most familiar with Finnish-made heaters. And they really are the majority among the products of foreign companies represented on our market.

In this regard, we devoted several articles to Finnish electric stoves: a review of different companies, which, by the way, included the Swedish Tylo, which recently merged with the Finns, as well as two articles about the most popular company in Russia, Harvia - a review of the stoves of this companies and an article to help those who want to know whether Harvia is suitable for their steam room.

Video on topic

Video about the range of electric furnaces ]SAWO[/anchor]:

In addition to the Finns, you can also find German-made electric furnaces on the market, in particular from EOS.

Electric heater EOS

A characteristic feature of EOS stoves is that the company does not rely on attractive appearance, believing that strength and reliability are attractive in themselves. Therefore, there are relatively few cheap stoves in their model range, and among the expensive ones you can find such a refinement of design thought as a mill wheel that supplies water to a red-hot metal pyramid. Well, everything here is for everyone.

Therefore, we will risk expressing our own opinion: if durability is important to the buyer, EOS electric furnaces are quite suitable for him, even in the angular design that is typical of most models. Everything else, in essence, doesn’t matter. By the way, strange-looking cylindrical models appeared at last year’s exhibitions - Zeus and Orbit, for example. But they still lack grace.

EOS electric heaters are available in floor-mounted, wall-mounted and under-counter versions . Power varies within average limits: from 2 to 12 kW. Some models are equipped with steam generators .

IMPORTANT! It is worth paying attention to the network requirements - there are models that require non-standard 400 volts.

Top 3. Karina Classic 24

Rating (2021): 4.41

A stove for the largest rooms. A heater for heating a room with a volume of 40 cubic meters. The most powerful unit for commercial baths and saunas.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 70,000 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 40
• Power consumption (kW): 24
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 61/90/45 cm
• Weight (kg): 115

A large sauna or bathhouse requires appropriate heating equipment. This unit is designed for a volume of up to 40 cubic meters. This is a very powerful device, consuming 24 kilowatts at peak load. There are no design delights here. A regular box with a large number of protected heaters. You can pour water on the stones, which is very important, since there is no built-in steam generator. The oven is intended for additional cladding or placement in a special closed place. This is a technical model, but it differs from analogues in its quite adequate price tag and simplicity of design.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Large heated volume
• Heating elements with maximum protection

• Big sizes
• The simplest nondescript building
• No optional extras

Top 2. Polytech Classic Stone

Rating (2021): 4.68

Optimal ratio of characteristics and cost A high-power oven with an adequate price tag. The cheapest model with a heated area of ​​more than 22 cubic meters.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 45,700 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 22
• Power consumption (kW): 14
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 83/56/38 cm
• Weight (kg): 70

If you have a relatively large sauna or bathhouse, but you are not ready to buy a stove for several hundred thousand, then this unit will solve your problem. This is the cheapest stove for its characteristics. Its price tag is only 45 thousand rubles, and the heated volume is 22 cubic meters. The device consumes 14 kilowatts, which is also a good result. The connection is only two-phase, and up to 70 kilograms of natural stones can be placed in the chamber. The structure is steel, but the front wall is also finished in stone. True, it is artificial, but it also shows good heat transfer and allows the stove to retain heat longer when turned off, which has a positive effect on the efficiency of consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Stone pediment
• Attractive price tag
• Balanced parameters
• Large load of stones

• No additional options
• The simplest possible design