How to choose an electric stove for a sauna and bathhouse: TOP 10 models with descriptions of technical characteristics and customer reviews

The sauna stove is the “heart” of the sauna.

The choice of such devices is varied.

Many people cannot imagine being in a steam room without the aroma of burning wood.

But for comfort and functionality, you should choose a stove that runs on electricity.

It does not create smoke.

Does not require constant cleaning, is lightweight and takes up little space.

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Description of electric furnaces

The rate of heating of the room is largely determined by the number of stones loaded into the heater.

Kinds

1. Models that involve laying a significant mass of stone require more time to heat up . The heat emitted by them is more uniform and soft. You can pour water onto such devices; it evaporates before reaching the heating elements. The atmosphere is close to a classic Russian bathhouse. There is another operating mode - “sauna”. To power such ovens, a 380 V power source is required.
2. Electric ovens designed to load a small amount of stones quickly heat up the steam room . You can pour water on them in small quantities and infrequently, waiting for the optimal heating temperature. Such devices are more often used in saunas, since this mode of operation contributes to their long-term operation. Installation is possible even in an apartment, powered from a regular network.
3. Thermos stoves . They have a closed type of housing with a lid at the top of the device covering the container with heated stones. With the lid open, it will become warm within a few minutes. The steam generated is quite fine and hot, like in a Russian bath.
4. Steam generators . Ideal for creating a high level of humidity in the steam room. But the air turns out to be difficult to breathe, which is why the popularity of such equipment is not very high.
5. Electric furnaces equipped with a steam generator . They have a separate container for water. Just like steam generators, they produce very moist steam.

It is possible to use an electric furnace and a steam generator together to produce high-quality, dry steam . For this purpose, moist air from the steam generator is supplied to the bottom of the heater, where it is dried and heated to the required values.

Device and principle of operation

The design of the electric furnace is not particularly complicated.

Its components:

• double-walled metal body;
• electrical heating elements - heating elements or tape type;
• heat-insulating material - steel screens located one behind the other and protecting the walls of the bathhouse from excess heat;
• cage for stones.

The rate of heating of the room depends on the mass and size of the latter . When using heavy stones of significant size, the bath will heat up faster.

The stove stove can be open or closed . The first option is more popular, since it allows not only to heat the steam room efficiently, but also to obtain steam with optimal humidity.

Closed sauna stoves can be a closed structure of a vertical or horizontal type, consisting of:

• heating element;
• conductor of electric current;
• surface that reflects the generated heat.

When the device is turned on, the heating elements begin to produce heat, from which the stones inside are heated, gradually increasing the temperature inside the bathhouse.

NOTE!

To regulate the humidity level, warm water is poured over the stones, which turns into fine steam.

Peculiarities

1. To connect the electric heater to a power source, you may need to install a separate power supply line . It is recommended to lay wires with a large cross-section (4-8 millimeters), which are heat-resistant. The wire connected to the electric meter is first connected to the RCD, and only after that the device can be used.
2. Warming up the room at maximum power can last from 30 to 120 minutes . The time period depends on the selected furnace power indicators and the quality of its thermal insulation. When the required temperature level is reached, the power of the device will need to be reduced by 1.5-2 times. Adjustment can be made in manual and automatic modes (if there is a built-in thermostat).
3. When choosing an electric heater, you should take into account the presence of additional safety requirements . The constant supply of air from outside will increase energy consumption. Insufficient oxygen supply can cause fainting or general deterioration in health. To prevent such problems, it is necessary to equip a ventilation gap under the door, at least two centimeters, or install deflector grilles at the bottom of the door, through which fresh air will flow into the steam room. Natural convection of air masses will allow the heat to be evenly distributed in the room.

Features of the operation of a furnace with a steam generator

As noted earlier, by installing a heating device with a heat exchanger in the bathhouse, you will always be provided with the most comfortable conditions, which are easy to control by adjusting the amount of heated moist air and the temperature level.

The operating principle of a wood stove steam generator is as follows:

• the water tank is filled manually or automatically;
• from the container, the liquid enters the steam generation chamber;
• the walls of the device, heated to 650 degrees, promote the process of evaporation of water;
• hot humid air enters the bathhouse through the openings of the convector casing of the furnace.

If heating of the room is provided by a previously installed electric heater, we recommend purchasing a separate unit - an electric compact steam generator.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of electric furnaces for heating saunas and baths include:

1. Quick heating of the room and stable maintenance of the temperature in it.
2. You can choose a model that is compact in size.
3. Unlike gas furnaces, there is no need to coordinate the installation of the device.
4. Quick and easy installation of equipment.
5. There is no need to organize firewood storage.
6. Such a stove operates without a chimney.
7. Easy to manage, maintain and operate.
8. Availability of built-in fuse against overheating.
9. Reliable thermal insulation guarantees the safety of using the electric furnace.
10. There is no carbon monoxide emission during operation.

Among the disadvantages are:

1. The high cost of electrical energy does not allow using the bathhouse for procedures too often and for a long time.
2. It is not always possible to install a powerful stove due to power limitations in the electrical network in a private residential building in the range from 4 to 6 kW.
3. Compared to devices running on wood or natural gas, the heating power of electric furnaces may be lower.

Which stones are best for an electric heater?

For an electric heater in a bathhouse, you cannot use stone backfill of any composition. Most rubble material, pebbles and even pebbles picked up on the beach are not suitable for rock backfill. They crack easily due to temperature changes during the steam generation process, produce a lot of fine rocky dust and often contain heavy metal compounds.

Bath stones must be dark, without colored veins or inclusions

The best option would be stones based on quartz or quartzite. The most expensive electric heaters are filled with fine crumbs of jadeite, chalcopyrite, you can even use the so-called fused stone specifically for lining hot areas of the bathhouse. An electric heater will require from 15 to 40 kg of stone, depending on the tank capacity.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

First of all, it is worth paying increased attention to the quality of thermal insulation . The role of insulation is usually performed by a layer of air between the steel sheets that make up the body of the electric furnace. Some models are faced with tiles or natural stone.

This design makes it possible to increase the safety of using the unit, protecting against burns when touching the body.

Another important aspect when choosing an electric heater is the device control mechanism . It can be equipped with a built-in control panel, a mobile remote control, or a combination of both elements.

Another criterion is the level of required voltage in the electrical network . There are units with requirements of 220 or 380 V. The second option is more economical, but it is less often found on sale.

The built-in container allows you to always have a supply of hot water on hand for washing while the electric stove is running, and also more effectively humidify the air in the steam room.

Material of manufacture

The following types of materials are used for the production of electric heaters::

• cast iron - durable and retains heat well, but is heavy;
• enameled steel is an inexpensive but not very common option;
• Stainless steel is the most popular material, characterized by durability, aesthetics and good heat dissipation.

Heater type

Heaters vary in volume. It is the stones that produce heat and allow steam to form.

For a compact sauna, 2-2.5 kilograms of stones may be sufficient . In a large room, you need to install a stove that can fit at least 6 kilograms of stone into the heater.

Furnace design

According to the type of design, electric sauna stoves are divided into open and closed . To generate a significant amount of dry steam, open-type heaters are used.

If you only need a little steam, it is better to choose a stove with a closed heater, which will retain heat longer.

Installation method

Based on the installation method, electric furnaces are divided into wall-mounted and floor-mounted structures. Mounted electric heaters have a low power level and are usually used in saunas and bathhouses of modest size.

The range of floor-standing devices is distinguished by a large selection. You can find both compact low-power ovens and powerful, large devices powered by a voltage of 380 V.

Heated volume

The power level of the electric furnace is selected according to the following indicators:

• 1 kW of power * 1 m3 of steam room.

This calculation is valid for steam rooms that have high-quality insulation of wall surfaces, ceilings and floors.

Elektrokamenka: reviews

Gvozdiy Alexander Alekseevich, Riga:

To make a heater, it is better to take not stainless steel, but medical metal, the one that is used for making sterile portable tool boxes. This is an alloy based on nickel and copper, does not oxidize, heats up in just a few minutes, and can withstand any steam, even the hottest. Only the mesh needs to be placed inside so that the stones do not scratch the walls. I had a purchased electric heater in my bathhouse, it took half an hour to heat up, and it smelled like burnt brake pads.

Vitaly Kuznetsov, Zelenograd:

An electric heater with a steam generator must be raised to a height of at least a meter above the bathhouse floor. It doesn't have much power, and by the time the steam room warms up, you'll freeze. And it’s better to brew boiling water in advance, rather than torment the electrical wiring and heaters. The thing is not bad, but it requires skill. You can buy and install it, at least for the fact that the stones are not covered with soot, there is no bitter smell of scale in the bathhouse, like with a wood-burning heater.

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TOP 5 best electric furnaces for saunas and baths for 220 V

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-60NB-Z

A high quality electric heater for a small home sauna or bathhouse at a reasonable cost . Suitable for installation in a room with a volume of 5-8 cubic meters. Holds up to 22 kilograms of stones, allowing you to fill the room with a pleasant, soft steam.

Equipped with a convenient and simple built-in remote control for controlling the device, which adjusts the power and operating time of the electric furnace and the turn-on delay timer.

The outer casing is made of stainless steel, the internal coating is made of durable galvanized steel, not subject to corrosion processes. An excellent combination of quality, reliability and affordable price.

Characteristics:

• power - 6 kW;
• min. sauna volume - 5 m3;
• Max. sauna volume - 8 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 22 kg;
• dimensions - 51.5*29*45 cm;

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• modest dimensions;
• there is no heating of the case during operation;
• controlled from a remote control, there are redundant buttons on the body;
• protected from corrosion;
• creates a pleasant atmosphere in the steam room.

Flaws:

• none.

Harvia Cilindro PC70E

An electric stove for heating baths and saunas from a well-known Finnish manufacturer combines the latest technologies and uses electrical energy economically.

Covered with durable fireproof paint. Long-term operation is achieved due to the successful selection of materials and convenient design made of cylindrical metal. This design allows you to take full advantage of the electric heater’s wide range of capabilities, as it can hold up to 90 kilograms of stone.

The grate type of heater makes it possible to quickly and efficiently heat the steam room to the required temperature level.

This stove model can be mounted near the shelves of the bathhouse or built into them, since the surface does not heat up during operation. The best choice for those who value comfort and ease of use, without paying attention to the inconspicuous appearance.

Characteristics:

• power - 6.8 kW;
• min. sauna volume - 6 m3;
• Max. sauna volume - 10 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 90 kg;
• dimensions - 32*32*93 cm;

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• rapid heating of the room;
• high quality metal.

Flaws:

• low location of temperature regulators.

Sawo ARIES ARI3-60NB-WL-P

The model is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of the Finnish electric furnace manufacturer . It is of the wall type, which does not prevent it from effectively heating the entire steam room. Saves useful space in the room, so the steam room can serve a larger number of vacationers at the same time.

During bathing procedures, you can change the quality of the resulting steam - when watering the upper stones it will be rich and thick, the lower ones - thinner and more moderate.

High quality stainless steel is used for production, which has a high level of resistance to corrosion processes and does not collapse under conditions of high temperature and humidity..

Heating elements are mounted along the entire length of the stone cage, which allows you to warm them up in the shortest possible time. The operation of the electric heater is adjusted using the built-in remote control, which allows you to make adjustments to the equipment during steaming procedures.

Characteristics:

• power - 6 kW;
• min. steam room volume - 5 m3;
• Max. steam room volume - 8 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 65 kg;
• dimensions - 41.5*25*103 cm;

Advantages:

• excellent combination of high quality and reasonable cost;
• interesting design;
• durable heater grill;
• built-in timer and thermostat;
• compact dimensions;
• built-in controls.

Flaws:

• No.

Sawo MINI MN-36NB-Z

An electric heater is one of the best options for small home steam rooms and saunas, as it is designed for use in a room with a volume of 3 to 6 m3.

The optimal combination of Finnish quality and moderate cost of the device. The material of manufacture inside is galvanized, outside is high-quality stainless steel. Allows you to guarantee many years of uninterrupted operation of the electric furnace. High-quality heating elements are used as heating elements.

The device has a miniature size, making it incredibly popular for small spaces..

The set comes with an ergonomic control panel placed on the side. It can be installed on any side of the electric heater according to your desire. A pair of regulators allows you to set temperature conditions, limit the temperature or operating time of the device.

Characteristics:

• power - 3.6 kW;
• min. sauna volume - 3 m3;
• Max. sauna volume - 6 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 11 kg;
• dimensions - 43.5*21*45 cm;

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• wide functionality;
• high level of reliability;
• durability.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Sawo MINI COMBI MNC-36NS-Z

An excellent solution for saunas and small baths . The device is equipped with a built-in steam generator, which creates a light and pleasant atmosphere inside the steam room, reminiscent of a real Russian bathhouse. The steam generator has a built-in scale to control the minimum liquid level.

In addition, it is possible to add water to the stones inside the cage to maintain the mode of a traditional sports sauna. The material is high-quality stainless steel, with a galvanized coating on the inside.

The device is connected to a remote control panel, which must be purchased separately . It makes it possible to control the microclimate in the steam room. The delivery set includes a bowl for essential or aromatic oils.

Characteristics:

• power - 3.6 kW;
• min. room volume - 3m3;
• Max. room volume - 6 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 10.5 kg;
• dimensions - 33*50*24 cm;

Advantages:

• presence of a steam generator;
• small overall dimensions;
• reliable;
• a large number of options;
• stable work.

Flaws:

• none.

Care Tips

The process of loading pebbles should be carried out so that their layers completely cover the electric heaters.

At least once a year, stones need to be sorted: damaged ones should be removed and new special samples should be added.

The steam generator only needs to be filled with the amount of liquid recommended by the manufacturer.

From the proposed operating modes, we advise you to choose the most suitable option for you and use it constantly.

To flavor the steam, you need to purchase special compounds. It is not recommended to add essential oils to water applied to hot stones.

It is not allowed to dry washed clothes or other things near an electric furnace located in a bathhouse. This may lead to a fire situation or unit breakdown.

TOP 5 best electric stoves for saunas and baths at 380 V

Sawo ARIES ARI3-60NB-CNR-P

An excellent option for those for whom it is important to preserve free space in the steam room . The housing is designed in the likeness of a tower, so that warm air is evenly distributed inside the room. The type of steam produced can be easily adjusted by changing the height of watering the stones.

By watering the top stones you will get intense evaporation, while the bottom stones will produce light steam of moderate intensity..

The manufacturing process of the device complies with all European standards. Only high quality materials are used that can withstand the harsh conditions in the steam room.

The location of the heating elements is designed so that they are in maximum contact with the surface of the stones, which increases the degree and speed of heating . There is a built-in control panel.

Characteristics:

• power - 6 kW;
• min. room volume - 5 m3;
• Max. room volume - 8 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 65 kg;
• dimensions - 33.5*33.5*100 cm;

Advantages:

• affordable cost level;
• high quality;
• durability;
• suitable for a standard size bath;
• miniature.

Flaws:

• requires loading a large number of stones for effective heating.

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-60NB-Z

For steam rooms with volumes from 5 to 9 cubic meters, the installation of this model can be considered a priority . The combination of two types of metal to construct the heater allows you to achieve the perfect balance between the attractiveness of stainless steel and the reliability of galvanized steel.

The volume of the stone being laid warms up the air in a short time and allows you to obtain comfortable finely dispersed steam.

The oven is equipped with a built-in timer and temperature level regulator. The handles on the control panel are made of heat-resistant material with low thermal conductivity, and therefore do not heat up. The device is located on a suspension.

Characteristics:

• power - 6 kW;
• built-in remote control;
• room volume from 5 to 9 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 22 kg;
• dimensions - 51.5*29*45 cm.

Advantages:

• reliability;
• nice design;
• fast heating;
• safety.

Flaws:

• No.

Sawo SAVONIA SAV-90NB-Z

An electric furnace for lovers of extremely high temperatures in a steam room, sauna or bathhouse . The body allows you to accommodate a significant volume of stones to create high quality steam. The materials used in production are not afraid of high humidity and temperature.

The legs of the device are height adjustable and increase safety of operation..

The high quality of the electric heater, high power and the presence of additional options allow for regular, long-term use, which is important when organizing a sauna as a business. It is equipped with a built-in control panel.

Characteristics:

• power - 9 kW;
• min. sauna volume - 8 m3;
• Max. sauna volume - 14 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 50 kg;
• dimensions - 50*41*65.5 cm.

Advantages:

• excellent build quality;
• simple and intuitive controls;
• high performance of the device;
• compactness combined with power.

Flaws:

• not suitable for small spaces.

Sawo SCANDIA SCA-80NB-Z

A miniature stove for an average bath or sauna with simple and intuitive controls at an affordable price . Made from a combination of stainless and galvanized steel, guaranteeing high reliability.

The heating elements are sealed from moisture penetration, so you can pour water directly on top of the stones to regulate the amount of steam without fear of damaging the device.

The power level and operating time are set from the remote control.

Characteristics:

• power - 8 kW;
• min. room volume - 7 m3;
• Max. room volume - 13 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 22 kg;
• dimensions - 51.5*29*52 cm.

Advantages:

• compact;
• powerful;
• inexpensive;
• economical;
• roomy.

Flaws:

• No.

Harvia Cilindro PC70E

The model is versatile and produces both dry and wet steam . Takes up little free space. Equipped with a built-in control panel.

Holds a large number of stones and has a sleek, minimalist design. It will easily fit into modern interior types and into a classic bathhouse.

Characteristics:

• power - 6.8 kW;
• min. volume - 6 m3;
• Max. volume - 10 m3;
• maximum weight of stones - 80 kg;
• dimensions - 32*32*93 cm.

Advantages:

• appearance;
• metal quality;
• control.

Flaws:

• No.

Advantages

An excellent solution when arranging a sauna is to purchase an electric stove equipped with a heat exchanger. This unit has many advantages, among which the following qualities are worth noting:

• modern appearance;
• compactness;
• a light weight;
• multifunctionality;
• setting up automatic control;
• quiet operation;
• ease of installation;
• efficiency of heating and steam creation;
• safety;
• reasonable relationship between price and quality;
• wide variety of models.