TOP of the best cast iron stoves for baths: technical characteristics, pros and cons

Peculiarities

The bath ceremony is a traditional ritual used not only for relaxation, but also for health purposes.
Cast iron is becoming increasingly popular as a stove material. The cast iron sauna stove differs from its predecessors in a number of advantages.

• High heat resistance, which is achieved through the addition of chromium. An additional advantage is the ability to withstand sudden temperature changes.
• High level of heat capacity and low level of thermal conductivity. It is on the basis of these properties that the room will quickly warm up, but the accumulated heat will leave slowly (up to 9 hours).

• Heating equipment made of cast iron has thick walls that easily transmit heat, but do not burn out from high temperatures.
• Provided the installation technology is followed, the cast iron stove is absolutely fireproof.
• Small dimensions allow you to place the equipment in a room of any parameters.
• To install such a stove, you do not need a foundation.
• For uninterrupted operation of heating equipment, a small amount of firewood is required.

• Environmental friendliness and safety of the material itself.
• During operation, oxygen does not burn out.
• The steam released is not only not harmful to humans, but also brings certain health benefits.
• Long service life if the device is used correctly.

A heating device made of cast iron is characterized by versatility: it simultaneously heats both the air in the steam room and the water. A cast iron stove fits well into the interior of a bathhouse and looks harmonious in a steam room with any design. Despite the fact that the stove is compact in size, it weighs quite a lot - about 60 kilograms.

At the same time, it can be easily transported and installed.

The furnace lining is chosen solely according to individual wishes and can be made from almost any material. For example, it can be covered with brick or tile, or it may not be subjected to additional external cladding. Cladding may be required if an unscrupulous manufacturer has skimped on the quality of the material being manufactured. Low-quality cast iron can crack during use. To avoid such troubles, it is recommended to line the heating device.

For installation in a bathhouse of a private house, you should choose stoves made of cast iron of the highest quality. You should not save when purchasing a product; it is important to carefully study its chemical composition so as not to encounter deformation of the material during use.

There are several main disadvantages of cast iron stoves.

• Even at the installation stage, it is necessary to provide for the construction of a full-fledged chimney, which is not a prerequisite for installing electric boilers.
• During operation, the elements of the furnace should be treated with extreme care, since the material is inherently fragile.
• High cost compared to analogues made of steel.
• Do not suddenly cool the oven, as the metal may crack.

The operating principles of all models are almost the same; there are only slight differences in the level of heat retention and heat transfer rate. For different types of stoves, these indicators vary depending on the characteristics.

Operating principle

The general algorithm for operating a wood-burning cast-iron sauna stove is not very complicated:

• the basis of a wood-burning cast-iron stove is its firebox, where solid fragments of fuel are placed;
• when it burns, heat is released, which is accumulated by the stove body or heater;
• under the firebox there is an ash pit into which wood combustion waste falls;
• Smoke is removed through the chimney pipe.

In some models, the design involves equipping the stove with a container for water, where it is heated, after which the water becomes suitable for washing . IMPORTANT! The heating element is the body of the device, which accumulates the thermal radiation of the stove.

Device

Cast iron stoves operating on wood fuel differ in the following characteristics:

• Indicator of firebox volume.
• Determines the power level of the furnace, as well as the volume of stones needed. The power of the purchased stove should be selected based on the cubic capacity of the steam room. Experts do not recommend choosing a stove whose power level is higher than optimal. Otherwise, during the combustion of wood you will have to reduce the intensity of combustion. Then the oven will not be able to maintain the heating of the stones at the proper level, which means it will not be possible to create the optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
• Type and volume of container for laying stone. The container can be a metal mesh, a brick or all-stone box made of soapstone or soapstone. Stone or brick containers serve as excellent heat accumulators. In addition, the heater can be open or closed.
• Based on the type of tunnel, a distinction is made between external and non-external. In the first case, you can lay firewood from the room adjacent to the steam room. This could be a dressing room or a rest room. In the second - only from the steam room itself.
• Based on the type of oven doors, they are divided into: solid cast iron oven doors, with glazing, without glazing. When choosing a stove, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the presence of glazing elements in a sauna stove leads to a decrease in efficiency and an increase in the level of heat loss. To light a sauna stove equipped with a glass insert, you will need to consume more firewood and additional time. The main advantage of stoves decorated with glazing is their appearance, which allows you to admire the flames and creates a feeling of special comfort.
• The oven can be round in shape, or have a rectangular or square cross-section.

It is worth studying in more detail the main types of sauna stoves. They are :

1. With closed heater . Such models are considered the most economical in terms of the amount of firewood consumed and the mass of soot formed during their combustion. Such devices can efficiently heat a room with a volume of up to 45 cubic meters. The main design feature is that in such a stove the stones are located inside. Above the heater there is a hole through which water is supplied, which in the process turns into steam, dry and clean.
2. With a non-removable firebox type . Such stoves are often modest in size and can perfectly complement the interior of any steam room. They are often installed inside small buildings that do not have utility rooms. It is only important not to store firewood in the same room where the stove is located, since this is unsafe from the point of view of the possibility of fire.
3. Stationary furnaces with a remote firebox type . It involves installing an open heater in a steam room with removal of the firebox to a recreation room or utility room.

Interesting: How to choose a stove for a bath: the pros and cons of all options

The best cast iron stoves for saunas

Cast iron products are interesting because they can maintain high temperatures for a long time. At the same time, there is no need to burn more wood for such purposes. They are relevant because of their heat resistance, as well as their resistance to corrosion. The body made of this material does not rust and easily withstands moisture. Due to this, such structures do not require special care. Let us now name two of the best cast iron sauna stoves.

Hephaestus PB-03

According to customer reviews, what makes this model the best stove for a bath is that it warms the air well for efficient use of this room. To do this, you need to load firewood into it, the purchase of which usually does not arise. This design is suitable for heating an area of ​​up to 28 square meters. m., which is quite good for the low price of the product. The firebox has sufficient depth so that it is not often filled with raw materials. The cast iron from which the stove is made has excellent corrosion resistance, which increases the shelf life of the stove.

Advantages

• Remote firebox;
• Fast heating of the steam room;
• Maintains heat for a long time;
• Produces fine, “light” steam;
• The walls do not burn out, being cast iron;
• Easy replacement of flame arrester.

Flaws

• Weight 190 kg;
• Difficult installation.

In reviews, buyers focus on the capacity of the heater, which can accommodate firewood longer than 50 cm.

Vesuvius legend forging 28 fireplace

Like Hephaestus PB-03, this is a cast-iron sauna stove with a transparent door offering a view of the blazing fire. The design has a well-thought-out combustion system, which makes it possible to increase the temperature of the walls. This increases its efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. The chimney provides good heat transfer, allowing you to warm up the room well and maintain the desired steam temperature in the air for a long time. It is especially worth noting the excellent anti-corrosion properties of the material.

Advantages

• After the wood burns out, the high air temperature remains in the bathhouse for a long time;
• Beautiful design;
• Thick walls;
• Easy to assemble;
• Service life more than 30 years;
• Good sealing of joints.

Flaws

• Weight 178 kg;
• Not a low price.

Kinds

The main models of cast iron stoves from Russian manufacturers that appear on the modern market meet all modern requirements and have excellent technical characteristics.

Wood-burning cast iron sauna stoves are in high demand due to their simple design, high level of reliability and ease of operation. The shape of the oven can be rectangular, square or round.

The operating principle of such a furnace is quite simple:

• A wood-burning stove is equipped with a firebox into which solid fuel is placed;
• During the combustion process, heat is released, which is absorbed either by the stove body or by the heater.

There are models where the design provides for the presence of a hole, which allows the installation of firewood not only through the steam compartment, but also in the adjacent room. Models that can be classified as “advanced” are equipped with a water tank in which water is heated and used for washing. Heating occurs due to the heat given off by the case.

Combustion products are removed through an ash pan located under the firebox.

The next type is stoves with a closed heater. In terms of fuel consumption, this is the most economical option. The level of soot formation in them is significantly lower than that of other models. The volume of the heated room is up to 45 m3. One of the design features is the location of the stones inside the furnace itself. They are completely hidden from view, water is supplied through a hole located on top, as a result, the liquid turns into dry, clean steam.

Another popular type of heating device for a bath is a stationary stove with a non-removable firebox. The size of such stoves is small, and they perfectly complement the interior of the steam room. They are often used in buildings of limited size without a utility room. Sitting in the steam room, you can watch the wood burn. Of course, permanent storage of firewood near the stove is prohibited, as this is fraught with the possibility of a fire.

The next model is a stationary stove with an external firebox. For such models, the firebox is located in the utility room or rest room.

You can safely place firewood next to such a stove, since the risk of fire is excluded.

It is not always possible or desirable to heat the stove with wood. Therefore, an excellent option would be to purchase gas cast iron stoves. In addition, a wood-burning cast-iron stove can be converted into a gas appliance with the help of specialists.

You cannot carry out this procedure yourself, since it requires the installation of a certified gas burner. She is inspected by a gas service inspector. While an iron wood stove can cause a fire, gas creates an explosion hazard.

The next category of heating devices is a cast iron stove with a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is a system of pipes through which water flows continuously. The exchanger heats water in direct contact with a heat source. It can be located both outside and inside the stove body, in other cases it is a coil that wraps around the chimney.

Currently, there are several trusted manufacturers who produce all of the above types of stoves.

The best steel stoves for saunas

The advantage of such structures is their resistance to high temperatures, which are mandatory in a steam room. They do not melt as a result of heating, do not become rusty and do not get very hot. But if all this affects them for a long time, then oxidation of the material and weakening of the seams becomes possible. Metal stoves are cheaper, which is why they are often considered better than cast iron.

Volcano Elbrus 20 with tank

One of the main advantages of this model is its lighter weight, 95 kg, compared to other sauna stoves in the best ratings. The power of the product is 10 kW, which allows you to create good steam in a room of up to 20-25 square meters. m. The depth of the firebox is 67 cm, so it can accommodate even large logs. It is possible to save on their consumption by optimizing the combustion process due to the thickness of the turbo firebox of 10 mm. The cast iron grate makes it possible to load even wet firewood here.

Advantages

• Convenient shape;
• There is a 25 liter water heating tank;
• Reliable protection against infrared radiation;
• Steady combustion even of damp wood;
• Ease of maintenance;
• Increased heat capacity;
• High-quality steam condition.

Flaws

• Not a low price;
• There is no glass on the door.

Despite the good temperature retention in the bathhouse using the Vulcan Elbrus 20 stove model, its walls do not become unbearably hot, and you cannot get burned on them.

Harvia M3

This stylish heater is designed for heating small saunas and baths up to 13 square meters in size. m. It promotes uniform heat distribution in the room and provides excellent air circulation, making steaming comfortable. The product creates a good atmosphere, as it has transparent doors through which the flame can be seen. An additional argument for including this stove in the rating was its low weight of 45 kg and high thermal power of 16.5 kW.

Advantages

• High speed of heating the bath;
• Economical consumption of firewood;
• It is not difficult to maintain a high temperature in the steam room;
• High-quality assembly;
• Good materials;
• The walls don't get very hot.

Flaws

• The ash removal scheme is not very well thought out;
• There are gaps near the door, which can increase heat loss.

Vesuvius Skif 22

Externally, this one of the best sauna stoves resembles a fireplace, which creates a cozy atmosphere in the room. This is facilitated by the transparent glass in the doors, which, by the way, is protected from the formation of soot, which makes cleaning the product easier. The ash box is quite large in size, so there is no need to clean it very often. The firebox is made of steel and with high-quality connections that minimize heat loss. The product weighs 100 kg, so it is inconvenient to install it yourself.

Advantages

• Easy connection to the chimney;
• Quality materials;
• Thick walls, up to 1.2 cm;
• Transparent door;
• Long-term maintenance of high temperature in the bath;
• Creating soft steam that is comfortable for humans.

Flaws

• Maximum heating area – 22 sq. m.

According to reviews, the Vesuvius Skif 22 sauna stove has the best price-quality ratio. Thanks to the additional thickness, burning of the walls is excluded, which increases its service life.

TMF Geyser 2014

This model should be included in the rating of the best sauna stoves primarily because of the good heating of the air in the room. To do this, it is enough to load the firewood once into the firebox, which is very spacious here, 34 liters, and after the raw materials burn out, the heat remains for a long time. If necessary, if it gets hot or there is not enough steam, you can adjust the flame strength. The presence of a wide chimney ensures reliable removal of carbon monoxide and does not spoil the air quality. The product is made of corrosion-resistant steel.

Advantages

• Upper, fairly simple connection to the chimney;
• The width of loaded firewood can reach 50 cm;
• Does not take up much space indoors;
• Spacious ash drawer;
• Economical consumption of firewood;
• Fast removal of combustion products.

Flaws

• Should not be used in a bathhouse with an area of ​​more than 18 square meters. m.;
• The thickness of the firebox walls is 0.3 cm.

Feringer Mini

In terms of power, this is one of the best stoves for a wood-burning sauna in our rating, as it produces up to 16 kW. With these parameters, it can heat a room up to 20 square meters. m., which is an average. The body of the structure is made of steel, which can withstand the negative effects of increased moisture and is protected from corrosion. The product is very compact and, when mounted on a wall, does not stand out from the overall design. A reliable chimney allows combustion products to leave the room on time.

Advantages

• Glass, transparent doors through which the fire is visible;
• No heat loss;
• Long-term high temperature support;
• Large chimney;
• Durable materials;
• Creates an excellent microclimate.

Flaws

• Weight 100 kg;
• The stones heat up more slowly than other models in the rating.

Tips for choosing

There is a wide selection of different oven models on the market. Which one is better is decided by the buyer, focusing on his individual needs and financial capabilities. To avoid getting into trouble, you should familiarize yourself with the advice of experts.

These recommendations can help when choosing and will tell you what exactly you should pay attention to when choosing.

• Quality of material. It is very important to understand that metal differs in thickness and other quality characteristics.
• Placement of the firebox. The firebox can be regular or extended. The extended one is mounted in the wall opening, which allows you to heat the stove both from the rest room and from the steam room.

• The type of water tank can be built-in or mounted. When choosing, it is worth considering the specifics of the bath.
• Performance level. Typically, the manufacturer provides detailed information about how much space a particular type of stove can heat.
• Type of fuel. Based on what kind of fuel will be used for heating, you should pay attention to the wall thickness of the selected model.

• Door type. Models made of tempered glass are an order of magnitude more expensive than their analogues, but a wonderful view of the fire will be provided for a long time.
• Is the stove made entirely of cast iron? There are manufacturers who, wanting to reduce the cost of their products, replace some elements with steel ones. The disadvantage of such products is that steel significantly reduces the service life of the device.

For those who love and know how to work with their hands, there is another option that does not involve purchasing a structure.

You can make a stove yourself from an old cast-iron bathtub that is not being used for its intended purpose.

But no matter who made them, cast iron stoves are excellent products with high performance characteristics that can be used both in a sauna and in a Russian bath. When purchasing, it is important to carefully perform a visual inspection and study all the parameters of the device in order to avoid a wrong decision and purchase the most suitable option.

Rating of the best sauna stoves

This rating is based on customer reviews of products, which are mostly positive. Analyzing them, our experts paid attention to the following parameters:

• Material of manufacture – metal or cast iron;
• Product weight;
• Availability of a water tank and its volume;
• Is there a chimney and its parameters;
• Installation method;
• Ease of maintenance;
• Duration of heat retention;
• Wall thickness;
• Door type – transparent or regular;
• Type of raw materials used - firewood, gas, etc.;
• The capacity of the firebox and the possibility of its removal;
• Savings in raw material consumption;
• Volume of the ash box;
• The amount of steam produced.

A special parameter for selecting the best stoves for wood-burning baths was the ratio of price and quality, and indeed the cost of such products in general.

The best infrared heaters

Manufacturers and popular models

Owner reviews are an excellent opportunity to study the features of a particular model before purchasing a stove. Based on them, a list of manufacturers worthy of attention has been compiled.

For the Kalita range of stoves this is:

• Jack Magnum;
• Joy;
• Arched;
• Taiga;
• Huntsman;
• Prince Kalita;
• Gaudi;
• Kalita Extreme;
• Knight.

. A collapsible type of construction, the firebox body is made of cast iron 1 cm thick. Some models are characterized by a closed type of heater, controlled by ventilation, and the presence of a combustion tunnel made of materials such as stainless steel and cast iron.

You can decorate the firebox door in two different ways: using a coil or soapstone. These stones have a positive effect on the body, increase the overall level of immunity and normalize blood pressure. There are models on sale with a heater built into the firebox. But a closed heater is recognized by experts as a more preferable option for use. This is explained by the fact that in a closed space the stones are heated evenly on all sides, due to which the steam becomes lighter and more useful.

The arched model is distinguished by its beautiful design and stone cladding. The arch-shaped heater has doors decorated with forged overlays. The temperature in all parts of the steam room is stable and distributed evenly due to increased thermal inertia. The heater can hold up to 120 kilograms of stones, heating is carried out in less than 2 hours, after which the temperature is maintained at the desired level for a long time.

Interesting: We build a sauna stove with our own hands: projects from popular materials and construction instructions

The Jack Magnum model is produced with an open heater. The volume of stones that are placed inside reaches 80 kg. Thanks to the thin lining, thermal energy quickly accumulates and then spreads throughout the steam room.

Along with numerous advantages, the model also has disadvantages:

• Components (grid bars) quickly fail and replacing them is problematic;
• The stove takes a long time to heat in the cold season;
• The firebox has a low height;
• In the place where the fuel channel connects to the body of the stove, there is a narrowing, which is very impractical.

The next market segment is the Hephaestus range of stoves. Furnaces of this brand are superior to competitors' equipment largely due to an important advantage - accelerated air heating. It only takes 60 minutes for the surface temperature to reach 7000 degrees. Hephaestus furnace equipment has built-in flame arresters, so fuel is consumed very economically.

Another advantage of these ovens is their compact dimensions and weight. In addition, the equipment can withstand 15–20 years of constant use without loss of useful properties. From the manufacturer you can choose a stove for a room of any size.

And to install the equipment, you do not need an additional foundation.

The firebox is made of cast iron, the thickness of which varies from 10 to 60 mm.

The lineup is as follows:

• PB 01. The main advantage is the presence of vapor insulation (to avoid injury to people), lining with natural soapstone material. This model has three variations, each of which holds about 300 kg of stones.
• PB 02. Supports 2 modes: dry air and wet steam. Heat-resistant glass is installed on the firebox door.

• PB 03. Small-sized convection oven. With its help you can heat about 25 square meters of area. This model has its own modifications: PB 03 M, PB S, PB 03 MS. All of them are designed to quickly warm up small rooms.
• PB 04. These are closed type wood burning units. The dimensions of the furnace are compact, the equipment is equipped with a waste container and a chimney. The oven itself is made of cast iron, its doors are made of durable glass.

The official manufacturer emphasizes that the quality of casting at each stage is under the continuous control of specialists, and just one load of firewood is enough for 8 hours of continuous operation of the unit. The production of furnace equipment is possible in the “economy” version or in the elite cladding of several different types: “Russian Steam”, “Optima” and “President”.

The next type is Vesuvius cast iron stoves. The Vesuvius model range consists of such stoves as “Hurricane”, “Sensation” and “Legend”.

“Sensation” is heated directly from the steam room. It has a ventilated heater and a completely sealed firebox. The stones heat up to 350 degrees.

A very worthy specimen is “Vesuvius Legend” weighing 160 kg. Intended for use in steam rooms with an area of ​​10 - 28 cubic meters.

“Hurricane” is an ideal stove for those who value the traditions of the original Russian bathhouse. The heater is closed and located in the upper part. The output steam is fine and dispersed. The equipment weighs about 110 kg, the stove can be heated from the room adjacent to the steam room. The furnace casing itself is painted with heat-resistant black paint. The heating of the stones reaches a temperature of +400 degrees.

According to experts, it is impossible to heat the stones in the mesh to the required temperature; the steam becomes heavy and does no good.

The Kudesnitsa 20 stove is suitable for both wet and dry baths. The stove is made of real cast iron and is not subject to fading. The firebox is solid, the stove is covered with heat-resistant enamel.

The Termofor stove has high efficiency and affordable cost. The manufacturer provides a three-year guarantee on the integrity of the metal.

Main characteristics:

• High level of security. Each stove undergoes all necessary tests and is manufactured in accordance with current standards.
• Increased strength. Heat-resistant steel with a high percentage of chromium content is used to create it.
• Two operating modes: fast warm-up/temperature maintenance.
• Soot removal system.
• Great design.
• Easy to transport.

The Sudarushka stove is popular; the distinctive features of the model are fast heating and excellent heat capacity.

The list of positive aspects of this equipment includes:

• economical use of fuel material;
• design versatility;
• simplified installation procedure;
• light weight;
• ease of care;

The design also has disadvantages:

• There are often complaints that the furnace firebox bursts quickly. The reason for this may be poor quality cast iron or improper operation.
• The liquid in the tank boils quickly.

The above structures are in high demand due to their relatively low cost and ease of installation.

It is necessary to mention Finnish sauna stoves. Their range is wide, but the cost is significantly higher than for models produced in the Russian Federation. It is justified, since more expensive metal is used in production.

The main manufacturers of stoves are:

• Harvia is a leader in service life;
• Narvi company – manufacturer of highly environmentally friendly products;
• Helo is a democratic brand with a simplified design.

Despite the high cost, Finnish-made stoves are recognized leaders in the world market.

Vesuvius

Whether it is PR or the natural love of the people - our rating will show, for now we simply state that the majority of requests for stoves made of this metal are associated with this manufacturer. I would like to see in the comments the reviews of those who happened to become owners of Vesuvius products - share your experience with everyone else!

In the Vesuvius catalog you will find only four cast iron sauna stoves with power modifications for different steam room volumes. This:

• "Legend";
• "Sensation";
• "Hurricane";
• "Premium".

In this review of cast iron sauna stoves, we will pay attention only to “Legend” and “Hurricane”. “Premium” is lined with soapstone, “Sensation” is a regular stove with an open heater.

LEGEND STANDARD 16 (DT-4S)

The wood-burning cast iron stove is equipped with a sealed firebox of three elements with bolted connections . Can heat a steam room with a volume from 8 to 18 m2.

The oven door is not airtight and is decorated with heat-resistant glass.

External heater, built-in chimney.

• power - 16 kW;
• weight - 116 kg;
• dimensions - 56*70*69 cm.

Advantages:

• affordable price,
• nice design.

Flaws:

• leaky.

LEGEND FORGING 16 (270)

The stove of this model is suitable for organizing heating of a steam room from an adjacent, adjacent room . It has a three-section firebox with high efficiency and fast heating.

Interesting: How to properly lay stones in a sauna stove: how much is needed, laying algorithm, choice of stones

The volume of the steam room can be up to 20m3.

The model has a classic appearance and bronze color.

• power - 16 kW;
• weight - 96.5 kg;
• dimensions - 70*56*62 cm.

Advantages:

• weighs little
• you can heat from the utility room,
• stylish look.

Flaws:

• low quality metal.

HURRICANE STANDARD 16 (DT-4)

The sauna stove is made of high-quality cast iron and equipped with a spacious open-closed steel heater that helps produce abundant steam.

Type of fuel channel - remote, closed with a solid cast-iron door.

• power - 16 kW;
• weight - 110 kg;
• dimensions - 80*55*88 cm.

Advantages:

• heats up quickly

Flaws:

• You need to constantly add firewood, otherwise the temperature in the steam room drops.

Techno Lit

On the manufacturer’s official website you will find over a hundred modifications of the Techno Lit cast iron stove (Hephaestus) - with and without a stone lining, with different doors. The search for closed heaters was unsuccessful.

Interesting! Instead of heating the stones in a closed volume, the creators of the Techno Lit stove decided that it was much easier to heat the top plate to 450 degrees - this temperature is quite enough to produce light, fine steam. That is, there is no heater, but there is Russian steam.

Of all the models that are presented on the site, we have chosen the most popular among customers - GEPHAESTUS PB-04 M.

Do you know? You can achieve an effect similar to a Russian bath without a heater - with a steam generator!

This is what she looks like. With a rather modest size: it is about half a meter in height, about 40 cm in width and about 70 in length, it is capable of heating a steam room with a volume of up to 15 cubic meters. The tiny stove weighs 125 kg and, according to the manufacturer, has an efficiency of 87% . As for the brand of cast iron, the manufacturer does not lie: everything except the firebox is made of ordinary gray, but the firebox uses chrome-alloyed, heat-resistant metal .

Such a stove is taken in order to later be lined with bricks and improve its thermal characteristics, bringing them closer to the parameters of a brick stove.

Magnum

Having started by trading in other people's stoves, Magnum quickly came to the conclusion that its own production was more profitable. Taking into account the shortcomings of competitors, the company developed its own design - ChT-1, which stands for “cast iron firebox”. It has become the basis for many stoves, but the firebox itself can be purchased separately, to be covered with brick, for example. The company purchased equipment for working with stone and began producing stoves lined with soapstone and other stones.

Keddy

The Swedish manufacturer really offers consumers high-quality “Caddy” stoves made of cast iron, but it was not possible to find equipment for baths in any of its catalogs . There are excellent fireplace stoves for the home, there are light stoves, masonry stoves, tiled stoves, there are even fireplace inserts, but there is not a single sauna stove.

Therefore, the only option for those who would like to see the products of this company in their bathhouse is to supply something from the Swedish catalog as an additional heat source . After all, for a large bathhouse one stove is usually not enough.

Sudarushka

produces not only “Sudarushka”, but also other families of cast iron stoves. In particular, these are “Kalita” and “Sorceress”.

“Sudarushkas” are very diverse in design - there is a stone lining, there is a grid for stones, with an open and closed heater, with a water tank included in the kit... There are plenty to choose from.

Here you can learn some subtleties about stoves with a water tank.

ATTENTION! It is worth clarifying that not all stoves can be made of cast iron. A mandatory element will be a cast-iron firebox (by the way, Magnum boasts that it supplied CT-1 to Inzhkomtsentr for several years), and an optional cast-iron door. But the body may well be made of steel.

The best manufacturers of sauna stoves

This rating presents the products of the 6 largest and most famous manufacturers of the best sauna stoves. They are chosen for both commercial use and home use. Each company in the TOP has a good reputation and many positive reviews.

The list of the 6 best companies producing bath stoves includes:

• Hephaestus - the company is engaged in the production, sale and installation of stoves and fireplaces for baths and houses. Its assortment includes fireplace and cast iron fireboxes, cheaper ones and premium designer models. Basically, here are devices that require firewood to operate. Its products perfectly retain heat in rooms, are easy to maintain, and allow you to save on raw materials. The products create an ideal microclimate in the bathhouse and maintain an optimal level of humidity.
• Harvia - each heater from this brand is a handmade designer masterpiece. She creates wood and electric stoves for heating saunas. Its designs heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time, making visiting the steam room comfortable. There are options here with both a transparent glass door and closed models. Products are made of cast iron or steel.
• TMF – the main product range of this company consists of heaters, gas and wood stoves for steam rooms. On average, their power is 16 kW, which allows heating a bathhouse with an area of ​​up to 20-25 square meters. m. They have a well-thought-out steam generation system, which makes their use effective and comfortable for humans. The products are compact in size, do not take up much space in the room and are affordable.
• Feringer - one of the types of products of this company are stoves for baths and saunas. Basically, we are talking about wood-burning models that are environmentally friendly. They are completely easy to operate and maintain, and also have a long service life because they are made from high-quality materials. There are options here with both a deep firebox and those with not very roomy ones, which allows the air to warm up faster.
• Vesuvius - the company offers the best wood-burning stoves for baths and saunas in terms of price and quality. They are designed to produce warm water, comfortable steam and maintain heat in the room. Most models are made of steel, can withstand high humidity and are resistant to corrosion. The minimum number of welds eliminates heat loss and makes these sauna stoves the best on the market.
• Vulkankomplekt . When developing stoves for steam rooms, the company pays attention primarily to the needs of customers. There are options for both commercial use, with a large capacity of stones and high power, as well as simpler models for home use. The manufacturer provides products that have undergone thorough testing. Some designs are suitable for installation in areas up to 30 square meters. m. On average, their weight is 100 kg.

Of the budget companies in the rating of sauna stoves, we can note Hephaestus and Vulkankomplekt; other companies also have inexpensive products, but for the most part their range consists of designer designs.

Installation

Installing the stove is not particularly difficult. When it comes to small models for steam rooms of small volume, weighing around 60 kg, then they do not require a special base, only a backing made of non-flammable material. Even with stone backfill, a wooden floor will withstand them. If the furnace is more powerful and larger, its weight when empty is around 100 kg, and together with the backfill it will increase by the same amount or more - a foundation is needed. However, if the ceiling in the bathhouse is made of monolithic concrete or reinforced concrete slabs, there is no need for an additional foundation.

Most cast iron stoves have a standard chimney diameter of 115 mm, so choosing a suitable branded pipe or a pipe from another manufacturer is not a problem. But for models with a larger firebox, which should ensure heating of a larger mass of stones, stronger draft is required, and their chimney is wider - 120 mm. This should be taken into account when purchasing so that you don’t have to look for adapters later.

Teplodar Siberia-20 LK

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• Pickup: today (addresses)

The modification of the Siberia 20LK stove is designed for medium-sized steam rooms. The stove has large heating surfaces, thanks to which the steam room warms up very quickly. The firebox of the Siberia stove is very powerful and efficient. The stones in the heater basket are heated from five sides and produce a lot of light steam. The stove's chimney outlet is classic - shifted to the front edge of the stove. This arrangement of the chimney provides maximum access to the heater.

L - the furnace firebox is made of high-alloy steel with a chromium content of up to 13%. Thermally loaded elements of sauna stoves are made of steel with a chromium content of 17%. The convector casing of the furnace is painted with silicone heat-resistant enamel. K - combined furnace convector casing - it combines elements painted with silicone heat-resistant enamel and elements made of mirror stainless steel.

• Instructions (1 MB)
• Certificate of Conformity (221 KB)

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.

Advantages of the Siberia 7 stove

The very cool design of the stove is what primarily influences the desire to buy it!

The small dimensions of the stove allow it to be installed in almost any part of the room. The stove is not a corner model, but when installed in any corner of your room it looks elegant. To place the Sibir-7 stove-fireplace, you need a minimum of 1 m2 of working area, that is, you allocate one square meter for the stove itself, firewood, a dustpan, a broom, etc.

Installation location of the Sibir-7 furnace

Well, the main advantage of any potbelly stove is its rapid heat transfer.

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/

Why choose the Sibir-7 stove

Still, despite the large number of shortcomings that were made by the designers and manufacturers of the Siberia stove of the seventh model, the stove copes with its task perfectly according to the declared thermal characteristics. It heats up quickly and keeps the house warm. Its real heat output is 7 kilowatts. For example, when the air temperature outside is 0 degrees Celsius, the stove heats the room (in my case it is 45 m2 with a ceiling height of 2.80) to 25 degrees in 1 hour, which is one load of firewood (3 small logs 30 cm long ). Then, during the second and subsequent loads, the oven brings the air temperature in the house to 32 degrees. The oven cools down quickly - in just 4 hours. The coals burn to ash in 2.5 hours. To maintain combustion, it is necessary to add firewood once an hour.

Specifications

Panorama stove with heat-resistant glass doors
The parameters of room volume, power, weight, depth of the combustion chamber, product dimensions and chimney diameter are specified in the device passport. They differ depending on the series. When purchasing a stove, the letter characteristics are also important:

• L – alloy steel was used for the production of the combustion chamber/
• K – device with a convector mixed casing (stainless steel parts and components with heat-resistant enamel coating)/
• NZ – mirror stainless steel was used for the convector casing/
• P – model with a steam generator.

By the name “Profi” one can judge that the body is made of 4 mm thick steel with 71% chromium particles. The name “Panorama” indicates the presence of a sash with heat-resistant glazing.