The sauna begins with the stove! It determines how quickly the air in the room will heat up. When starting the construction of a bathhouse, we must take into account many nuances, including when designing a steam room.
In addition to materials for interior decoration, you need to choose a stove wisely. The service life and ease of use depend on this.
Features of choice
How to choose a stove for a sauna? Whether a sauna stove is good or not depends on the heat resistance of the firebox, power, stones (these are heat generators), the water tank and what type of heater you chose.
This is the main thing when choosing stoves and fireplaces. Which stove is best for a sauna? You can create a unique rating of long-burning stoves and fireplaces for your home and bathhouse. But what parameters should we start from?
Thermal power
It indicates how much heat (thermal energy) the stove delivered to the room. One of the main factors influencing the heating rate of the steam room. Power can be indicated in kW or cubic meters.
Acceptable indicators of stoves for summer cottages:
- thermal power, heat release rate – 1 kW per 1 m³;
- A cast iron sauna stove warms up a room in winter in 120 minutes at a temperature of -10°C, in summer – in 35-45 minutes.
When considering a stove for a Russian bath, owners must take into account the wall material and thermal insulation. This all affects the speed and quality of warming up.
It is difficult to take this into account 100%, so before choosing a stove for a wood-burning sauna, experts recommend leaving a small power reserve.
For example: a 15 m³ system is ideal for a room of about 12 cubic meters.
Capacity of heat generators (stones)
An equally important factor that is worth paying attention to. When the sauna stove is lit, the stones heat up, a little water is poured onto them, it evaporates, thus maintaining humidity in the steam room.
The capacity of heat generators includes the weight of the stones and the heating power during normal operation of the heating system.
If it is chosen correctly, the steam will be light and transparent.
It should not burn and at the same time be hot. When it overheats, it becomes damp, and it becomes difficult to stay in the steam room.
Firebox material
When compiling their personal top list of cast iron stoves for a wood-burning sauna, users should take into account the material used to make the firebox, because... during kindling, the temperature reaches 400°C, and after that it cools quickly, and a large temperature difference occurs.
The following materials are most often chosen for fireboxes:
- Stainless steel. They heat up and cool down quickly. But these fireboxes have a long service life and do not oxidize. To maintain heat, you will have to add firewood all the time. 1-2 pieces are enough.
- Cast iron. It retains heat well, but takes a long time to heat up and does not rust. Doesn't like temperature changes. Service life – up to 10 years. It is believed that the best stoves for Russian baths are made of cast iron.
- Low carbon steel. Black steel is used in the manufacture of inexpensive stoves. They heat up quickly, but do not retain heat well. Usually chosen for small baths.
Heater type
Stones are placed in it, where they are evenly heated. They are divided into 2 types: closed (stones are laid out in a niche) and open (stones on top). Open heaters are better ventilated, heat the air well, while the humidity in the room remains low.
Closed heaters are not ventilated. The humidity in the room is much higher, but it warms up more evenly and there are no temperature changes.
Container for water
They are distinguished by volume and connection method:
- with a chimney inside, a tank next to the stove (water is heated through a pipe);
- hanging tank (attached to the stove);
- remote tank (connected to the heat exchanger).
When choosing the best stoves for a wood-burning sauna, buyers often don’t know which model to choose. The choice is huge, so you need to carefully study the technical characteristics and conditions of use. To make it easier for you to do this, we have compiled for you a rating of sauna and cast iron stoves.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of cast iron stoves are considered to be:
- the material is resistant to temperature changes and easily withstands all operational loads;
- cast iron does not burn out even during long-term use due to the thick cast walls of the firebox;
- the material is resistant to corrosion, which is the weakest point of steel furnaces;
- a cast iron stove does not need lining;
- external attractiveness. Cast iron castings are distinguished by high surface quality if they are made under appropriate technological conditions;
- cast iron stoves are much safer in terms of fire safety than steel structures;
- compact, light weight, the oven does not take up much space;
- economical fuel consumption;
- When a cast iron stove operates, almost no oxygen is burned in the room.
Disadvantages of cast iron stoves:
- high price;
- difficulty in adjusting temperature;
- There are low-quality stoves on the market, manufactured with violations of technology and quickly losing their working qualities.
Expert opinion
Lovkachev Boris Petrovich
Bath master who knows everything about steaming
The quality of cast iron is a particular problem. Many manufacturers hide the composition of the material, classifying this information as a trade secret. In addition, for a non-specialist, the composition of the metal does not provide useful information, even if it is listed in detail. Therefore, it is useless to consider the properties of the material when purchasing.
However, this moment also has positive qualities - if the seller begins to praise “special cast iron,” then this is most likely an attempt to sell stale goods.
The main advantage of cast iron is its high heat capacity, combined with relatively low thermal conductivity. The efficiency of the material in this regard is 82%, which allows you to efficiently heat a room with one load of fuel.
The walls of the stove are able to release thermal energy much more efficiently, and after the end of the kindling they cool down more slowly and maintain the microclimate longer. This property outweighs all the disadvantages of the material and makes cast iron stoves the most preferable of all metal structures.
Vesuvius “LEGEND FORGING 16 (205)”
This garden stove will not only heat the room, but will also decorate it. Forged elements located on the body will decorate any steam room.
It is safe to use because... belongs to the closed type. The thickness of the walls in the firebox is about 1.2 cm, which allows not only to heat the room evenly, but also to maintain a high temperature for a long time. Thanks to the heat-resistant glass door, you can see how the wood is burning.
Characteristics:
- suitable for rooms of 18 m²;
- chimney duct with a diameter of 110mm;
- size (D/W/H) - 700x560x620 mm;
- weight – 113 kg.
The advantages of “Vesuvius LEGEND FORGING 16” include a durable body and retention of a certain temperature, a special design, forged decor, and an optimal price.
Disadvantages: heavy weight, supply interruptions due to high demand. One of the best wood-burning stoves for the home and sauna with a closed heater. It is included in the rating of wood-burning stoves for the second year in a row.
Reviews
Nikolay, 40 years old
“By winter, I didn’t have time to insulate the walls and was worried that it would be cold to wash. But I had no reason to worry, it warms up quickly and retains heat for a long time.”
Varieties
There are different designs of cast iron stoves, which can be divided into groups according to different characteristics.
By fuel type:
solid fuel (wood)
combined (for example, wood-burning with a gas burner)
gas
electric
liquid fuel
Wood-burning cast iron stoves are most often used. They are more familiar and fit better into the general understanding of users about methods of heating a bath.
By type of construction:
completely cast iron
with a cast iron firebox combined with steel elements
By type of heater:
open
As a rule, this is a lattice basket with stones installed immediately above the firebox. This design is most common, as it is economical and effective;
closed heater
It takes longer to heat up, but distributes heat more evenly in the room. In addition, the steam from a closed heater is drier and lighter, which is important for many users.
According to the design of the water tank:
- with a separate tank suspended above the firebox;
- with a tank, which is part of the furnace body.
The first design option is preferable, as it allows you to control the volume of remaining water. The second option is convenient because it does not require the use of additional structures or stands. However, it is difficult to determine how much water is in the tank at the moment; you need to have some habit and experience in operating this model.
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.”
Rating of long-burning stoves
When compiling the review, models of Russian and foreign production were studied. Technical parameters, efficiency, functionality and complexity of maintenance were studied. User reviews and the opinions of heating engineers were taken into account. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:
- Power – affects the maximum heated area;
- Design – closed models and fireplaces are produced;
- Material – must withstand high temperatures;
- Doors – translucent, transparent and opaque;
- Functionality - can be equipped with automation, hob, heat exchanger.
Low level of safety, thin body material, poor efficiency - equipment with such defects were excluded from our rating.
Vesuvius "Sensation 16 Anthracite (270)"
It has a large ash pan; the closed heater can hold up to 60 kg of stones. There is a cooling and self-cleaning system. High quality durable coating. Included in the TOP 5 “Best stoves for Russian baths”.
Characteristics:
- warms the room up to 18 m³;
- chimney duct with a diameter of 120 mm;
- weight - 99 kg;
- size (D/W/H) - 640x410x690 mm.
Reviews
Maxim, 54 years old
“I decided to change the stove; the previous one lasted 15 years. On the advice of a friend, I bought Vesuvius Sensation 16 Anthracite. Easy to maintain, everything is provided. I don’t regret buying it.”
Customer Reviews
Yuri T.
Vesuvius LEGEND FORGING 16 (205)
Works. The RCD does not trip, nor does the 16A fuse. For a sauna 1.7x0.9 is enough. The temperature sensors need to be moved down a couple of centimeters, otherwise it takes a long time to heat up and does not heat above 70 (the sensors are behind the front panel, disassemble it a little, it will take 10 minutes).
nataly p.
Birch Favorite 24
: I bought a stove to replace an old Harvey Legends 150 cl that was 10 years old. The stove served faithfully and finally burned out. I was surprised by the price, in ten years the price has risen by 9 thousand, I took it for 18. The stove has structurally changed for the better, the design engineers are doing a good job. The size of the firebox did not change, but was raised relative to the ash pan. We had to increase the firebox. The steam felt different, softer.
Alexander
Vesuvius Everest 24 (280)
It is very convenient when the stove comes with a tank included. In my opinion, this is the first model with a tank that they came out with. If you prefer, you can hang the second tank on the other side. The cast iron firebox is a serious plus! Up to 22 m3 is exactly what you need!! When purchasing, ALWAYS check with the seller whether the tank is included in the price!
Dolbunov D.
Hephaestus ZK 18 (M)
Pros: Overall it works. It heats well even up to a high temperature, it was possible to heat up to 100 degrees in 3 hours (room 1.8 × 1.8 × 2.1 + glass door) Disadvantages: It dries out the air (humidity 25% at a temperature of 90 degrees), but I think this is not a problem with the stove. Comment: Overall, a good, beautiful stove, I don’t regret buying it. There were no problems for six months of heating.
Anton Medvedev
2Ermak 16 Premium Mesh (Cast Iron)
My review is dedicated to such a product as the Rus Grid 12 L sauna stove from the company Teplodar. I would like to describe my impressions of using the stove. I bought the stove a little over two years ago. I don’t use it all the time, but almost every time I come to the dacha. And this is all weekends (and holidays) throughout the year. Installation did not cause any major difficulties. Installed it together with my son. We finished it in just two days (just in time for the weekend). On the first day, we prepared a place for the oven. Since the weight of the stove is not small (the body itself, a three-meter pipe, stones), we made a foundation for it from a concrete solution. On the second day, they installed the stove, added a chimney, and poured stones. By the end of the second day they lit a fire and enjoyed the pleasant warmth. At first, during gradual heating, a specific, not particularly pleasant smell came from the stove (apparently the paint and technical grease inside the stove itself and in the chimney duct were burnt). But three or four complete heatings were enough and the annoying smell was completely gone. Now in our bathhouse there is only the aroma of blazing, resinous firewood and an oak broom that we steamed in hot water. In general, the whole family is happy with the stove. A six-meter steam room warms up to 60 degrees in an hour (this is in summer; in winter it takes longer, almost two hours). Our steam room is lined with basalt insulation (like the bathhouse), completely lined with aspen clapboard, and equipped with reflective material. On both sides of the stove there are bricks that are heated by it. Thus, heat goes to both the dressing room and the shower room (additional heating of neighboring rooms). During its operation, the stove proved itself to be very positive (there were never any problems). The firewood burns (and burns out) well, the draft is excellent (sometimes I even use a damper), and condensation does not concentrate in the chimney. There is a pleasant aroma in the bathhouse, there is no burning smell. I hope my story will be useful to you. Stay healthy (and enjoy yourself)
Philip L.
Vesuvius LEGEND FORGING 22 (270)
I used Helo 12 stoves for 10 years, but they have now been discontinued. I bought the Harvia M2 because it has a chimney outlet at the back of the stove, like Helo. I don’t want to redo the chimney in the bathhouse, but there are no stoves with a rear exit, except Harvia. Helo I had 2 ovens. Each lived 5 years. I can’t say how long Harvey will live. When I picked it up, they took out a completely new one, factory sealed. They opened it in front of me, examined it for defects, and only after that did I pay. Helped with loading into the car. The stove itself is excellent, it transfers the temperature well to the stones, the protective casing does not deform, and heats up moderately.
Dmitry K.
Vesuvius Sensation Aqua 22 (DT-4) with 40 l tank
Firstly, there is no convection in it and there won’t be with such a design, what kind of convection can there be if there is no direct contact with the stove itself, it’s just a lampshade near the stove. Therefore, in order to heat a bathhouse and steam room, you need to try and burn a lot of good firewood and at the same time change the water in the tank as it boils. The efficiency of the stove is probably 40-50%, the rest goes down the drain.
Dmitry Viktorovich Yankov
Vesuvius Sensation 16 Aqua (DT-4) with 30 l tank
The oven has been in operation for 5 years. A year later, one of the fasteners fell off the door. True, the second one turned out to be much stronger. And he holds the door for two!) And now I discovered that the smoke goes into the steam room, and not into the chimney. Removed the stones. And you can see in the photo what everything looks like. The grate was all cracked and arched. But it hasn't completely collapsed yet. The tooth that moves inside the firebox so that the smoke goes along a bypass path is also deformed and does not completely close the pipe. Therefore, part of the heat does not go to heating the stones, but directly into the pipe.
Igor Povelikin
Vesuvius RUSICH ANTHRACITE 22 (DT-4) 2016
I tried to reach out to the manufacturer about the poor quality of this stove, sent both a video and a photo of the bathhouse with the stove, and how I did everything according to the instructions, but they gently kicked me off, citing dampness in the bathhouse! Come on guys, come on, rust in three days due to dampness, what nonsense! In short, I do not recommend this stove, save your money, look for other options!
I.T.
Vesuvius Sensation 16 Anthracite (DT-4)
Advantages: A water heater is built inside and connected to an external heating tank. A net is hung at the back into which an additional 60-80 kg of stones can be placed for softer steam. Quite nice, I have a glass door. Disadvantages: Metal thickness 3mm. Cools down instantly. The entire firebox was damaged, such a stove lasts for a year at most. She started blowing smoke into the house, the glass became smoked and nothing helped. Now it warms up very poorly. Refuse to buy, buy 10-15 thousand more, but a good one!
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."
Ermak “20 Mesh standard” (cast iron)
The firebox and body are made of cast iron. This firebox is for those who value aesthetics. There is a mesh for stones, but the stove itself is of the closed type, which is safer. An overhead connection to the chimney duct is provided. Suitable for heating large steam rooms. Easy to buy, always in stock.
Characteristics:
- warms the room up to 20 m²;
- chimney duct with a diameter of 115 mm;
- weight 115 kg;
- size (D/W/H) - 800x540x920 mm.
Reviews
Alexander, 37 years old
“After reading the reviews, I decided to choose this option. Installation took a little time, it doesn't cool down for a long time. My wife still has time to do the laundry.”
Hephaestus "ZK 18 (M)"
The device has powerful steam generation, which is ideal for a Russian bath. The heater has a capacity of 18 m³, there is a recess for additional steam, and there are heat-removing spikes on the lower part. All this increases the heating area and contributes to its speed.
Characteristics:
- warms the room up to 18 m²;
- chimney duct with a diameter of 115 mm
- weight - 166 kg;
- size (H/W/D) - 538x393x478 mm;
Reviews
Vladimir, 52 years old
“I have a steam room of 12 sq.m., it warms up very quickly, with the old one I had to wait several hours. Great model."
Ermak "16 Grid Premium" (Cast Iron)
This is a cast iron and steel stove. The firebox is made of cast iron with graphite, and the heater is made of carbon steel. The heater is open throughout the entire body, which makes the air in the steam room dry. The manufacturer additionally offers a module for a Russian bath.
Characteristics:
- Warms the room up to 16 m³;
- Chimney duct with a diameter of 115 mm
- Weight 97 kg;
- Size (H/W/D) 820x500x780 mm.
Reviews
Georgy, 34 years old
“It looks good, it matches our interior. You only need a little firewood, it’s a bargain.”
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.
If you have cardiovascular diseases or are pregnant, visiting a Russian bathhouse is generally contraindicated.
2
NARVI Oy Kota Inari
You can find this model in the “Best stoves for wood-burning saunas” rating. Large, stationary, open-type stove for burning wood. Walls made of thick-walled cast iron, an ash pan, heat-resistant glass and low cost, what could be better?
Characteristics:
- warms the room up to 16 mm³;
- chimney duct with a diameter of 119 mm;
- weight - 94 kg;
- size (H/W/D) - 770x550x550 mm.
Reviews
Ilya, 47 years old
“It’s easy and quick to drown. We needed a firebox for a small large steam room. This is the best choice."
TMF Cast Iron Cast Vitra with enlarged combustion chamber
Excellent for installation in large rooms due to the large combustion chamber. The body and firebox are made of refractory cast iron, and the door is made of heat-resistant glass. A double shirt will protect against burns. An excellent option for a sauna or large steam room.
Characteristics:
- warms the room up to 18 m³;
- chimney duct with a diameter of 115 mm;
- weight - 97 kg;
- size (H/W/D) - 810x410x760 mm.
Reviews
Maxim, 27 years old
“We have a lot of children in our family and they often play in the dressing room. They chose a stove so that they couldn’t break it. We installed an additional tank, enough for everyone.”
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!
How to choose
Choosing a cast iron stove is a responsible task, the correct solution of which determines the quality of bathing procedures. It is necessary to follow several rules, take into account the design features and other parameters of the furnace.
The selection criteria should be:
fuel type Most users prefer wood stoves, but other options can be quite effective and practical;
wall thickness, if specified - metal composition . The thicker the walls, the more uniform the heating and the longer the cooling;
size of the room that this model is capable of heating (indicated in the “performance” column);
size and location of the water tank . Typically the capacity is 20-70 liters, and the location is near the back wall or side of the body, next to the chimney;
door design . Most users prefer doors with heat-resistant glass - they allow you to control the combustion process and look attractive.
In addition to these criteria, the price of the stove is taken into account. Cast iron models are much more expensive than steel ones, so cost is important. Here the choice depends on the user’s own financial capabilities.
