TOP 5 Best Stoves for Russian Baths

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Vladimir 08/09/2021

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Bath procedures not only charge us with energy for the days ahead, but are also responsible for the health function, helping to prevent various diseases. The main aspect that influences the pleasure of this process is the sauna stove. With its help, you can create a suitable microclimate with light steam, taking into account temperature and humidity, allowing you to create the most comfortable conditions for everyone. Each sauna stove model has its own power, dimensions, specific type of fuel and technical characteristics. To understand which stove is best for a Russian bath, you need to take into account many parameters.

Russian bath

Moist warming steam.
Equipped with a heater, a water tank and shelves for sitting and lying, located at different heights. The temperature range of the sauna stove is from 60 to 100 °C.

For inexperienced bathhouse attendants, it is not recommended to steam at temperatures above 40-70 °C.

In the steam room, the pores on the skin open, which helps cleanse the body of accumulated harmful substances. The average time spent in the steam room should be 25 minutes per approach.

If you have cardiovascular diseases or are pregnant, visiting a Russian bathhouse is generally contraindicated.

How to choose a cast iron stove and what to look for?

The range is represented by a huge selection of models . The buyer decides which one to choose based on individual needs and financial capabilities. To find a suitable option, you should read the recommendations.

Stove selection criteria:

Placement of the firebox . It can be regular or extended. The latter is installed in the wall opening. This allows you to heat the stove not from the steam room or from the rest room.
Tank type . The design can be built-in or wall-mounted. When choosing, you need to focus on the specifics of the bath.
Productivity . This indicator is indicated in the product passport. It determines how quickly the room warms up.
Door type . Models with a tempered glass door are more expensive, but simpler products are not inferior to them in quality.
Material . Some manufacturers replace some of the elements with steel ones to reduce the cost of their products. The disadvantage is that the service life of the oven is significantly reduced.
Heated volume . The indicator is indicated in the product characteristics. It is worth focusing on the area of the room.
Ash box . Most modern models have a built-in box where combustion waste is collected.

Finnish sauna

Minimum humidity and dry hot steam.
The oven temperature can reach up to 110 °C with humidity in the steam room not exceeding 20%. At the same time, in addition to conventional wood-burning stoves, electric stoves (electric heaters) are also used in saunas.

Sitting time in the steam room is no more than 10 minutes. Then rest is needed, usually a swimming pool is chosen for this purpose, and then again enjoy the hot steam. The head is wrapped in a dry towel to avoid heat stroke, and the shelves are also covered so as not to burn the skin.

After visiting the sauna, blood circulation improves, the lungs are ventilated and pathogens are destroyed.

Contraindications for visiting are the same as for a Russian bath.

What to choose and which one is better?

Stoves for baths and saunas are made of cast iron, heat-resistant steel or alloyed stainless steel . Materials differ in carbon content. The ductility and strength of steel and cast iron is due to the low carbon content (2%). Each option has its own characteristics and disadvantages.

The main advantages of a cast iron stove:

Thermal conductivity . The indicator is much better than that of structures made of brick and steel, which deform due to temperature changes. The efficiency of a cast iron stove is 82%. After one load of firewood it works up to 7-9 hours. The weight is up to 300 kg, which eliminates the need to install a foundation on it.
Easy care . If you install a cast iron stove, you don't have to spend a lot of time maintaining it. The product does not rust and does not require special paint. Due to the absence of cladding, the unit is easy to install and, if necessary, dismantled for transfer to another location. Steel products need to be treated with heat-resistant paint, and this should be done once a year.
Design . For this reason, both steel and cast iron stoves attract buyers. The range is represented by a variety of models, which allows you to find the right option. The ovens are equipped with doors made of heat-resistant glass. Various forged elements give the stoves a sophisticated look.
Safety in operation . Compared to brick stoves, cast iron products are safer to use, as they are less likely to cause fire.
Lifetime . One of the main features of cast iron stoves. With proper use, the service life exceeds 35 years.

The only disadvantage of a cast iron stove is the high price . But products from domestic manufacturers are cheaper. At this quality, it is no worse than that of Swedish and other manufacturers.

Turkish hammam

Wet steam and low temperature.
Reflection of eastern traditions and culture. Humidity is 100%, the temperature created by the oven is 50 °C. Suitable even for those who find it difficult to stay in a Finnish sauna.

Anti-cellulite wrap procedures are common, and massages with peach or olive oil are performed. They are performed with woolen mittens; this massage increases blood flow, makes the skin soft and smooth, and most importantly restores flexibility to the joints.

Hammam is contraindicated in case of varicose veins, acute stage of bronchitis or bronchial asthma.

People prefer those baths in which they feel relief and improvement in their condition - where they relieve stress, tension after a working day, and improve their mood . It's worth remembering that the above numbers are not an endurance test. Always focus on your well-being first.

No matter what kind of sauna you prefer, its heart remains unchanged - the sauna stove. A heater is a stove designed to heat a steam room or washing room, bathing water and stones that create steam. As is clear from the context, a sauna stove is nothing more than a heater. For the manufacture of the body and firebox of a sauna stove, cast iron and heat-resistant steel are mainly used. The advantage of cast iron stoves is that their body does not deform under the influence of high temperatures.

Based on the design features, there are open, closed and combined models. Closed stoves retain heat better, but many choose open-type options, as they are better associated with the traditions of the Russian bath. There are also combined units that can be converted from an open structure to a closed one.

When choosing the best stove for a Russian bath, it is necessary to take into account the volume of the steam room, the weight of the equipment, dimensions, chimney diameter and other factors. A competent selection of characteristics when purchasing will ensure full compliance of the model with the specific steam room and your needs.

Distinctive features

Cast iron heats up more slowly than steel, but its properties are superior to all materials . During the operation of the furnace, burnout occurs more slowly. The case retains heat for up to seven hours. Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon, making it resistant to corrosion and resistant to high temperatures.

Silicon and manganese in the composition make cast iron more durable and ductile.

The structural elements of the furnace are combined into a single structure by welding . All joints are treated with sealant. The operating principle of cast iron stoves is the same. It comes down to heat transfer indicators and heat retention time. This is what distinguishes cast iron from other materials.

The stones are placed on top, and the water tank goes around the pipe and the stones. This ensures minimal heat loss.

Firewood is thrown into the firebox. When they burn, a hall is formed. It pours into a special compartment. Next, the hot air rises, and the stones are heated by the stove and pipe. The temperature in the pipe reaches 250 degrees Celsius . The stones give off heat to the room, thereby creating a comfortable environment.

Characteristics of choosing a furnace

Steam room volume. This parameter determines how powerful the oven is required to perform rapid heating. The average size of steam rooms is 18 m3. When calculating power, it is taken into account that approximately 1 kW of power is consumed per 1 m3 of room.
A mass of stones. The more stones go into the oven, the longer the heat will remain in the bathhouse. The optimal value is 100 kg. If there are too few stones, the stove will store little heat and cool down quickly (literally after several pumps of water into the heater).
Weight. Lightweight models are easier to transport and install. However, the sauna stove is installed permanently and then does not move anywhere, so during operation the weight of the device does not matter much. But keep in mind that powerful models are usually heavier. And if the equipment is compact, it may not have very high power.
Chimney diameter. Most stoves are made with a chimney with a diameter of 115 mm. However, other sizes are possible. It is necessary that the value coincides with the diameter of the combustion chamber outlet.
Dimensions. The height of sauna stoves usually does not exceed 1 m, this is enough for comfortable watering of stones. The width is 50-60 cm, the depth is 70-90 cm. The deeper the firebox, the longer the firewood can be loaded into it.

Technical parameters may differ for different models. However, all sauna stoves presented in our rating of wood-burning sauna stoves have high performance, are reliable and easy to use, which is confirmed by reviews from numerous users.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cast iron stoves are considered the standard. They are much more practical than stone, steel and other units. This is due to the optimal composition, design features and build quality.

Advantages:

simple installation;
cheap fuel (firewood);
compact dimensions - usually the stoves are small, so they can be installed even in a small room;
installation does not need to be coordinated with interested organizations, unlike gas boilers;
the oven reaches the desired temperature much faster compared to electric and gas appliances;
the housing is highly sealed;
products are resistant to high temperatures (steel deforms over time);
the water in the tank remains hot for up to 4 hours;
service life is more than 30 years, which is not typical for stoves made of other materials.

Flaws:

you need a stronger foundation than when installing a steel stove;
unlike an electric boiler, it is necessary to make a chimney;
despite the massiveness, the material is fragile, so you need to be careful when installing;
the price of cast iron stoves is higher compared to steel and other units;
Sudden cooling is not allowed, otherwise the cast iron will crack.

Cast iron or steel?

When comparing a cast iron sauna stove with a steel stove for a bath, sauna or cottage, we need to talk about the advantages of the first. Despite the fact that both steel and cast iron are an alloy of the same basic elements, the mass fractions of the constituent components and additional components in them are different, as a result of which the materials have noticeable differences. Cast iron retains heat for a longer time and is practically not vulnerable to corrosion. Steel simply cannot compete with cast iron, taking these indicators into account.

Sources

https://stroy-podskazka.ru/banya/pechi/chugunnaya/
https://expert-dacha.pro/otoplenie/pechi/pechi-dlya-bani/chugunnye-drovyanye.html
https://parilochka.com/pechi-dlya-bani/vidy-p/metallicheskie/chugunnye/luchshie-ch.html
https://www.forumhouse.ru/journal/articles/6543-vybiraem-pech-dlya-bani-chugunnaya-alternativa
https://pechi-top.ru/pechi-bannye/drovyanye-pechi/chugunnye-pechi/

Vesuvius "Legend Lux"

It has a power of up to 30 kW, which allows you to heat rooms up to 28 m³. The thickness of the firebox walls is 12 mm! The capacity of the heater is 180 kg, you can get excellent steam. There is a convenient ash pan and a glass self-cleaning system. Keeps warm for a very long time.

Characteristics:

warms the room up to 28 m³;
chimney duct with a diameter of 115mm;
weight - 137 kg;
size (D/W/H) - 760x560x780 mm.

Reviews

Vladislav, 35 years old

“We chose it as a gift for our parents at the dacha. On the advice of the seller, we bought this stove. And they were right, it heats perfectly, firewood is used sparingly. The parents are happy."

TOP 2 best stoves for a bath with a water heating circuit

TMF Sayany XXL 2015 Inox Vitra ZK TO

The oven is made of chrome-plated heat-resistant steel, the wall thickness is 3 mm .
The steel contains chromium, due to which a film is formed on its surface, protecting the furnace from the effects of gases formed at high temperatures, as well as from corrosion. The stones in the casing prevent overheating, as they take on all the excess heat, dissipating it . The channels here are horizontal; soot does not accumulate in them.

The door is steel, but if desired, the user can replace it with glass. The door has the property of self-cooling. The fuel channel is of an elongated type; it allows the stove to be placed in two rooms at the same time, while the combustion will be carried out from the adjacent room.

The air warms up from room temperature to one hundred degrees in a couple of hours . There is a drawer for ash at the bottom, so you can clean the stove directly while it is burning.

Main characteristics:

Power type: firewood.
Heated volume - 24 m3.
Body/firebox material: steel/steel.
Weight - 69 kg.

pros

Firewood, peat briquettes, wood chip briquettes, pellets are used as fuel;

heated from an adjacent room;

there is a box for ash;

high quality steel.

Minuses

not detected.

Ermak 16 with heat exchanger

The main feature of this domestic model is increased functionality .
The mesh heater can be replaced with a hanging tank, and the process takes no more than five minutes. Due to this, optimal bathing comfort is created, the stove grows and changes as the owner’s needs grow.

The stove is a wood stove with a power of 16 kW and is used in bathhouses with a volume of up to 18 cubic meters. meters _ The device is simple, reliable, with a long service life. The door is equipped with a self-cooling handle; if necessary, it can be moved to the other side.

The chimney is located in the center, there is a hole for quick and convenient cleaning of the flues . The firebox is deep, a large load of fuel is allowed at once, the tightness of the firebox will ensure even combustion.

Main characteristics:

Power type: firewood.
Heated volume - 18 m3.
Furnace power - 16 kW.
Body/firebox material: steel/steel.
Weight - 56 kg.

pros

reliable design, high-quality materials;

convenient cleaning system;

extended functionality.

Minuses

nondescript appearance.

Vesuvius "Legend Retro 24 (DT 4)"

This small stove heats a room up to 26 m². Its design is quite simple, but laconic. Made entirely of cast iron, closed type. Safe to use, maintains room temperature for a long time. The device is installed permanently, lined with bricks, because there is no convector casing.

Characteristics:

warms up a room of 12-26 m²;
chimney duct with a diameter of 120mm;
weight - 117 kg;
size (D/W/H) - 795x660x660 mm.

Among the advantages, it is worth noting the affordable price, ease of use, durable materials, excellent build quality.

Of the minuses: it weighs a lot, the front door is cast iron, but this is not a minus for everyone.

Reviews

Vladimir, 29 years old

“I have a steam room of 15 sq.m., it warms up quickly, it takes about 25 minutes. You can put in a good amount of firewood at a time and you have to add less wood.”

KASTOR Karhu 16 JK

A small, lightweight device perfectly warms up the steam room and maintains the temperature well. Finnish stove made of alloy cast iron. Has a box for ash and secondary combustion.

Characteristics:

warms the room up to 16 m³;
chimney duct with a diameter of 104 mm;
weight 59 kg;
size (H/W/D) - 710x435x490 mm.

Reviews

Oleg, 44 years old

“In 2022 we decided to change the stove, we chose KASTOR, we’ve been using it for three years now, it’s like new. It heats great. I recommend".

When choosing a stove, the buyer should pay attention to his needs and the characteristics of the room. How will you install? What are the possibilities? A cast iron stove for a bath is an ideal option both in price and in operation. We have presented to you the “TOP 10 Best Cast Iron Sauna Stoves”, now the choice is yours!

Care

In order for a cast-iron stove to properly serve its intended life, it does not require special care - it is enough to use it in the permitted operating mode.

Cast iron heaters are quite unpretentious; they are not afraid of high humidity and temperature fluctuations, but it is also undesirable to overload them. No stove will last as long as promised if you heat it for days on end and heat rooms whose cubic capacity exceeds its upper limit.

Reliable, versatile, efficient - cast iron stoves can be an excellent option for your bathhouse, the main thing is to choose a decent manufacturer and model according to your needs.