TOP 20 best stoves for saunas: 2022 rating and which one to choose with a closed heater for a Russian sauna

A sauna stove is a modified heating stove; in addition to the main body and firebox, there is a steam generator, which is considered the main feature of such devices.
Below we will look at how to choose a stove for a bath, what parameters to take into account in 2022, and which models in terms of price/quality ratio to look at first.

The rating takes into account not only the technical characteristics, but also the strengths and weaknesses of each product.

Rating of the TOP 20 best stoves for baths in 2022

Operating rules

A fireplace, a small sauna stove or a wood-burning model with a steam generator should not create fire situations. The operation of wood heaters involves:

1. Installation next to the combustion chamber of a metal sheet 2 mm thick. The length of the protective product is 30 cm, the extension beyond the brick structure is 15 cm.
2. Installation of smoke exhaust systems for metal structures made of acid-resistant materials.
3. Use for burning dry firewood stored indoors.
4. Dense fuel laying - thick lumber is on top.
5. Use thin dry twigs for ignition.
6. Laying firewood with a gap of 1/5 of the height of the firebox to the roof.

How to choose a stove for a sauna?

When choosing a sauna stove, experts recommend first studying the main parameters:

1. What kind of steam room do you want ? For Russian, the temperature ranges from +45...+60 degrees, with humidity from 60 to 95 percent, so a closed heater is recommended in this case. For Finnish, the indicators are different: +70...+110 degrees and humidity 10-15 percent, and here an open heater and a convector casing are used.
2. Type of food . There are wood, gas and electric. The first ones are simple in design, fill the steam room with a pleasant woody smell, but require decent reserves of fuel. The latter run on gas, are easy to use, do not require regular cleaning, and it is possible to adjust the temperature. Electric ones are used in Finnish saunas; they are compact, quickly heat up the steam room, but have a good appetite.
3. Is it possible to heat from an adjacent room ? To do this, you need an external combustion tunnel, which is relevant for large rooms.
4. Is there a built-in heat exchanger ? It is necessary to heat the water in the tank so that the owner of the stove does not run to another room with a ladle.

Multilayer welding seam

Why was this particular method chosen to connect the parts? In multilayer welding, relatively low current values ​​are used, and the steel at the weld site melts slightly. Therefore, the chemical composition of the metal in the weld zone remains almost unchanged and there is no need to worry about accelerated corrosion of the metal in this area, which is inevitable during conventional welding.

In addition, with the implementation of each subsequent layer, heat treatment of the previous one occurs. As a result, the weld and heat-affected zone acquire a fine-grained structure, increased toughness, ductility and the ability to withstand temperature deformation.

TOP 2 best stoves for saunas with a tank

Harvia 20SL

Convenient wood stove with a laconic design .
Closed heater, for forty kg of stones. Heated from the adjacent room, the stove power is estimated at 24 kW. It generates steam well and evenly heats the air in a Russian steam room with a volume of up to 20 cubic meters. meters _ The case is made of steel, with durable walls that are not afraid of corrosion.

The hermetic firebox is also made of steel, which is closed by a door made of heat-resistant glass. It is not afraid of soot and always remains clean, allowing you to monitor the flame level.

The stove is small in size, does not take up much space in the room, and can be placed either in a corner or against a wall . The legs are adjustable in height, the door can be moved so that it opens in the other direction. The minimum room volume recommended by the manufacturer is 8 cubic meters. meters.

Main characteristics:

1. Power type: wood fuel.
2. Heated volume - 20 m3.
3. Furnace power - 24.1 kW.
4. Body/firebox material: steel/steel.
5. Weight - 70 kg.

pros

high build quality;

paint fastness;

long service life.

Minuses

not detected.

Vesuvius Rusich Aqua 22 (DT-4) with 61l tank

Wood-burning stove of floor type, with a firebox from an adjacent room .
The grate and door are made of cast iron, the remaining elements are made of structural steel. The casing with ventilation, closed type, can accommodate about 30 kg of stones . Such a stove will serve faithfully for up to ten years, since the materials used do not suffer from external influences and high temperatures.

Additionally, the stove is equipped with a water tank, its volume is 61 liters and it can be installed on both the right and left sides.

Requires installation of a chimney with a standard diameter of 11.5 cm . Additionally, there is an ash box at the bottom, which can be used to regulate the flame and quickly clean the stove.

Main characteristics:

1. Power type: wood fuel.
2. Heated volume - 24 m3.
3. Body/firebox material: steel/steel.

pros

tightness, smooth burning and uniform heat distribution;

drawer for ash;

heated from the adjacent room.

Minuses

Takes up a lot of space along with the tank.

Protective cover for heat retention

Facing sauna stoves with natural stone slabs is not only very beautiful, but also has a beneficial effect on the microclimate in the steam room. The fact is that direct contact of air with hot metal promotes the burnout of oxygen, and hard thermal radiation from it is not beneficial for the body. Stone, unlike steel, accumulates a lot of heat and releases it slowly. Therefore, the radiation from the stone is perceived as soft and similar to the sun, and the desired air temperature in the steam room is maintained for a long time.

Polished stone slabs made of coils, soapstone or pyroxenite with a thickness of 40 mm are used for cladding EasySteam stoves.

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:

1. Power type: firewood.
2. Heated volume - 24 m3.
3. Body/firebox material: steel/steel.
4. 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:

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

pros

reliable design, high-quality materials;

convenient cleaning system;

extended functionality.

Minuses

nondescript appearance.

Heat resistant stainless steel

For the manufacture of EasySteam sauna heaters, thick sheet stainless steel AISI 430 is used. Due to its low carbon content and fairly high chromium content, it is ductile and has corrosion resistance not only in natural conditions, but also at temperatures from 500 to 800°C.

AISI 430 steel is also characterized by:

• low coefficient of thermal expansion, thanks to which products made from it are not afraid of temperature changes;
• low thermal inertia, which allows you to warm up the stove in a short time with moderate fuel consumption.

TOP 2 best inexpensive sauna stoves

TMF Osa Inox YES anthracite NV

The smallest wood stove in the brand's lineup .
The manufacturer provides a three-year official guarantee on the integrity of the metal and welds of the firebox. Installed in steam rooms up to nine cubic meters. meters. The heater is a closed type, you can load up to 25 kg of stones into it.

There are two ventilated compartments, which additionally warm the steam room by passing air through a uniformly heated mass of stones.

The reduced dimensions do not affect the quality of work, but significantly save the total amount of fuel used. The maximum permissible volume of the steam room warms up in less than an hour.

There is a modification with a short fuel channel, which is well suited for a Russian bath, where the steam room and washing room are combined.

Main characteristics:

1. Power type: firewood.
2. Heated volume - 9 m3.
3. Body/firebox material: steel/steel.
4. Weight - 40 kg.

pros

compactness, ease of installation;

there is an option with a short fuel channel;

affordable price and long service life.

Minuses

not detected.

Karina Optima 3

In conclusion of the rating, it is worth mentioning this compact and inexpensive option for an electric sauna stove .
It has low power, so the stove cannot be installed in rooms whose volume exceeds four cubic meters. Small dimensions and a weight of eight kg simplify installation and allow the device to be moved or transported if necessary.

The heater here is closed, but with a large number of ventilation holes so that the heat is distributed quickly and evenly.

You can load up to 20 kg of stones into it. The case is made of steel and withstands high temperatures well. The stove is equipped with a special bracket for mounting on the wall.

Main characteristics:

1. Power type: mains.
2. Heated volume - 4 m3.
3. Furnace power - 3 kW.
4. Case material: steel.
5. Weight - 8 kg.

pros

small, light;

fast heat transfer;

not afraid of power surges.

Minuses

Sometimes the power may not be enough to produce thick steam.

Analysis of bath units of the Sochi series

Sauna stoves of the Sochi series are designed to work in steam Russian baths. They are produced with a closed heater, separated from the environment by a simple housing. You can cover the heater during the assembly and installation process with a stationary sheet of metal or brickwork. If desired, you can make an imitation of bath stones laid openly directly on top of the top panel. However, such masonry cannot perform the function of generating steam; its destiny is decoration.

Description and technical features

Units for Russian steam rooms from the EasySteam company are made of heat-resistant materials. The body and structural elements of sauna stoves are extremely resistant to intense exposure to high temperatures, alternating with the supply of cold water. The production uses steel alloys with a chromium content of 17% or more, which guarantees high strength. The smallest wall thickness of the metal elements is made of stainless steel AISI 430 4 mm, and the heater is made of alloy steel AISI 439 6 mm. Also, at the customer’s request, it is possible to install Wolfshoher Tonwerke (made in Germany) heat-insulating material (fireclay slabs) in the combustion chamber. The manufacturing technology is dominated by stamping, rolling, and bending technologies, thanks to which the number of welds weakening the structure is reduced to a minimum.

Convection channels (2) are formed between the body (1) and the internal components of the stove, increasing heat transfer. They are located along the back and side walls of the oven. The chimney is surrounded by a bent-stamped tank of a heater (3) - one of the main working parts of Russian bath units. Water is supplied to the heater through a pipe designed to release steam (7).

In addition to the convection channels, the task of fully heating the heater is solved by the labyrinth chimney (6), which runs along the central axis of the tank. According to this original solution of the designers, the masonry is heated both from the outside and from the inside. To prevent direct flame from entering the chimney, the lower entrance to it is equipped with a divider (5), due to which only combustion products enter the chimney channel.

The formation of finely dispersed steam is carried out by a steam generator (8), which is a complex system of vertically and horizontally installed tubes. Horizontal elements are perforated along the entire length for uniform steam release. A dispenser (9) with a check valve is attached to the top of the steam generator, preventing the movement of vapor in the opposite direction. Before starting the fire, the dosing device is checked for functionality. You just need to unscrew it and shake it. If the valve inside moves freely in both directions and rattles when it touches the edge, you can start heating the sauna stove.

The structure of the firebox differs little from the usual folk standards. At the bottom, as usual, there is a grate (11), which is necessary to create traction. There is an ash pan (15) to remove combustion products. A useful innovation is the presence of protective screens (4) on the inner surface of the combustion space. They optimize the transfer of thermal energy to the bottom of the heater and protect the walls of the firebox from overheating.

The facade of the stove (14) is equipped with a combustion door for storing fuel, equipped with large heat-resistant glass. A fuel channel (13) is separated from it, making it possible to load firewood from the room adjacent to the steam room.

Focusing on taste preferences and financial capabilities, the future owner selects the lining for the stove and stones to put in the heater tank.

Foundation for a solid sauna stove

The weight of the Sochi stove, which inspires sincere confidence, almost in an ultimatum form dictates the need to build a foundation. The physical weight of the unit with stones alone reaches 200-260 kg, depending on the model. The weight of the stone or brick casing should be added to it. And it, for example, from a coil is 240 kg. Such a colossus, especially with a stone cladding, cannot simply be installed on the floor. The foundation for its installation must be solid, sufficiently powerful, reinforced concrete.

When choosing a place to build a foundation, the following rules must be observed:

• Only this can be installed on the base under the sauna stove. It is impossible to combine the foundation of the building itself and the stove itself due to the difference in load. The soil and the foundation structure itself under the unit and under the walls of the bathhouse sags by different amounts. It is permissible to place a stove and a separate chimney system on the same foundation.
• The distance between the foundation for the stove and the foundation of the building should be 30-50 cm to ensure that both structures move independently from each other during settlement.
• Dimensions of the foundation in plan, i.e. its width and length are determined based on the actual dimensions of the unit, taking into account the thickness of the cladding. If the flooring will rest on the stove foundation, then the size of the foundation should be increased by 10 cm around the perimeter. However, it is better to install separate supports under the flooring.

The depth of the foundation is determined by the depth of seasonal freezing in a particular region. The underground structure should be deepened below the readings determined by the meteorological service by 220 mm. For example, when installing a bathhouse in the Moscow region on loamy or clayey soil, the foundation pit for the stove must be dug to a depth of 1320 mm, because the depth of seasonal freezing there, verified by many years of observations, is 1100 mm.

It is completely in vain that the depth of seasonal freezing in private construction is sometimes not given due attention. But it affects specifically light private buildings, and not heavy high-rise buildings. Rocks containing groundwater tend to expand when frozen because... the volume of ice is significantly greater than the volume of unfrozen water. Following changes in volume, the foundations of low-rise buildings move, rising in winter and returning to their previous positions when thawing.

Ground seasonal movements are not uniform due to the chaotic location of water in the rock. As a result of uneven movement, cracks appear in reinforced concrete foundations, followed by destruction. Prefabricated foundations made of blocks or bricks behave much worse. In the best case, uneven settlement will be indicated by a distortion of the furnace resting on the foundation, in the worst case – depressurization of the chimney exhaust system with all the ensuing catastrophic consequences.

Protective screen for wood stove

The screen of sauna stoves of the Sochi series from EasySteam is made of heat-resistant solid brick, soapstone slabs and a coil. When using hollow ceramic bricks, all technological voids of each element are filled with dry sand in order to increase the heating of the stove lining.

A stone or brick screen built around a sauna stove performs several undeniably significant functions, these are:

• Preservation of the heat released during the heating process, so there is no need to constantly add firewood.
• Protection of steamers from burns and direct radiation.
• Formation of additional convection channels that provide microclimate regulation in the steam room.

In addition, the presence of a screen ensures complete drying of the room and increases the prestige of the interior.

The article will tell you more about how to line a stove with bricks.

Organizing a protective screen is a delicate matter, requiring strict adherence to a number of important rules:

• The screen walls must be interconnected and form a single casing.
• The laying is done on a pre-prepared base that has had time to harden.
• Either a refractory oven mixture or a clay solution is used as a binding solution. The use of cement and adhesive compositions is unacceptable, because when heated they release toxins and are destroyed.
• The chimney is constructed using a metal insert. The best option is a chimney built separately from the stove.
• The screen is laid in a quarter of a brick for chopped wooden bathhouses. A half-brick screen is used to equip bath structures without massive wooden elements that need careful drying.
• The minimum height of the screen is 30-50 cm greater than the height of the stove.
• The distance between the stiffening ribs of the unit and the inner wall of the screen should be no more than 3 cm. If the convection channels formed as a result are larger, the bath will take longer and heat up worse.
• Convection screen doors should be installed at the shortest distance from the floor. The doors will ensure that cold air is drawn in from the bottom surface of the bath, heated and released in a heated state. This eliminates the problem of cold floors.
• The recommended height of the front wall of the screen is equal to the distance between the floor and ceiling in the steam room.

The technology for organizing a screen made of stone slabs is no different from the method for constructing a brick analogue. There is a difference in its construction for specific models. However, the manufacturing company provides its products with detailed instructions with a clear description of the specifics of the process.

Water heating system

The system designed for heating water is a circuit with two functional components, these are:

• Heat exchanger attached to the side wall of the unit. In fact, this is an ordinary rectangular container, the internal volume of which is 8 liters. At the top and bottom of the heat exchanger there are two fittings for connecting the pipeline from the storage tank.
• A remote tank equipped with fittings for connecting the pipeline, a tap for drawing heated water and a fitting for discharging excess steam. The tank is filled through a neck equipped with a sealed lid. Buyers choose the configuration and volume of the storage tank in accordance with their own needs.

The circuit operates on the principle of a miniature hot water supply system.

Preparing the unit for operation

Wood-burning stoves are allowed to be installed in a room with properly functioning ventilation. In the steam room, it is recommended to organize a supply and exhaust system that guarantees complete removal of combustion products. The presence of a ventilation window is a prerequisite for the natural removal of carbon dioxide. Place it in the corner of the steam room farthest from the stove at the maximum possible height. Supply ventilation should ensure the supply of fresh air from the street. Its channel is connected to the gap between the stove body and the protective screen to optimize traction.

Before installing the unit on the foundation in the steam room, you need to carry out the first firebox outside so that the remaining industrial contaminants and dust burn out. The duration of the first fire is 4-5 hours. During the installation process, you should scrupulously follow the requirements and recommendations of the manufacturer indicated in the instructions. Before starting up the sauna unit, a thorough check of the organization of all components and testing for functionality is carried out.

The stones are placed through the neck of the heater, located on the top panel of the stove. For the laying, natural stones with excellent heat capacity are used that can withstand the onslaught of high temperatures. The lower part of the heater tank from the bottom to the steam generator is filled with large stones, the upper part with their counterparts of the middle fraction, and the voids between them with small ones. Going overboard with the weight of the bookmark is extremely undesirable. Just like forming a monolith out of stones without air channels to provide ventilation.

Rules for operating these stoves

• Stoves with the EasySteam brand are designed to be fired with dry wood or briquettes made from pressed sawdust. The use of peat and coal is prohibited. In order not to overload the unit and thereby extend its service life, the firebox is filled only 50-70% with dry firewood.
• Kindling is carried out in intensive heating mode with the temperature control valve pulled out.
• To burn wood, a constant supply of oxygen is required through the grate, which is ensured by an open ash door. If necessary, reduce the intensity of combustion, close the door.
• The temperature in the steam room is adjusted by opening/closing the convection doors of the screen.
• Overheating of the steam room is prevented by switching to the heating mode of the heater. To do this, when the temperature reaches 60-70º, the thermostatic valve is temporarily set to the “closed” position. The walls of the stove do not cool down. When the temperature in the steam room drops, the valve moves out again.
• If a hot water system is connected to the unit, it is not recommended to constantly use it without filling, so as not to contribute to accelerated wear of the equipment.
• The water heating system is filled before the firebox. This is prohibited when the stove is hot.
• The storage tank should be filled to the level specified by the manufacturer.

The video will briefly introduce you to the principle of operation and operation of a wood-burning sauna stove:

We hope that this review will help you choose a decent unit with the required technical characteristics.

Which company should you choose?

When buying a stove, first study the range of the most reliable and popular manufacturers:

• Hephaestus - the best cast iron stoves with high energy efficiency;
• Vesuvius is a worthy competitor to Hephaestus with a wide range;
• TMF - different standard sizes, extended functionality;
• Ermak - modular design of products, additional equipment can be used;
• Harvia is a proven brand with high quality materials;
• Sawo are stylish, functional, reliable stoves with a good warranty.

Hot water system

The manufacturer offers two options for additional equipment for heating water:

• pipe tanks with a capacity of 48 and 64 liters, made of stainless steel. To heat water, they use the energy of flue gases, and at the same time soften the infrared radiation coming from the pipe;
• rectangular wall tanks with powder-polymer coating with a volume of 50, 80 and 100 liters.

Our services

Our company has extensive experience in installing sauna stoves, as well as a staff of specialists who will install the equipment in compliance with all norms and regulations. And that's not all - we offer our clients!

• Izistim stoves in our online store
• Finishing a bathhouse, steam room

Volatile devices

Modern electric furnaces are distinguished by the original design of the traditional body type, as well as grates in the form of a cylinder, cone and even a ball. The heaters are quickly heated by heating elements, which are located inside the embankment. The process is controlled automatically; the panel with the display can be moved to an adjacent room. The power plant is connected to a separate automatic two- or three-phase network, depending on the power of the heating elements. Installation does not require equipment for fuel storage and ash removal.

Harvia produces compact corner sauna stoves of the Delta series, wall-mounted, and floor-standing Vega Compact for steam rooms up to 4.5 m3. Family baths up to 15 m3 are heated with Harvia installations:

• Cilindro with a large number of stones in a cylindrical grille or a solid body collects consistently positive reviews from owners;
• Figaro's steel rectangular body is equipped with a front grille with a lower control panel;
• Fuga - unique electric furnaces made of steatite plates, which are constantly irrigated with water to produce stable steam;
• Moderna, Sound, Vega, Topclass - models with a stainless steel casing of a laconic design with a built-in control panel and various options for regulating dry and wet modes;
• Forte - a heat-saving stove with a streamlined body and a sealed lid quickly warms up the room;
• The Kivi cone and the Globe spherical grille on a stand or pendant will decorate a stylish country house steam room.

Professional Harviya stoves serve public saunas and baths with a volume of 15–66 m3. Commercial Series Review:

• the ventilated steel frame of Legend and Cilindro Pro accommodates a large number of large stones, which ensure uniform heating and stable steam production when humidified;
• Profi in a solid body is suitable for continuous use in public health centers and hotels;
• Club can intensively heat up to 24 m3 in fitness clubs and swimming pools;
• a flat Hidden Heater casing is installed behind the shelves in which a bowl of water is mounted for humidification;
• In the design of the Vita Pro sauna stove, the heating elements are separated from the heater, which extends their service life and simplifies replacement.
• Combi models are equipped with a steam converter for the effect of a traditional sauna.

Characteristics of Harvia stoves powered by electricity:

Owners' opinions

“I’ve long wanted to set up a bathhouse at my dacha. I insulated the room and bought a wood-burning heater Harvia M1 with a cast-iron door on the firebox at a promotional price. A 2x2x2 m steam room heats up in just half an hour. The stones gain heat and do not cool down for a long time, you can pour water on them and enjoy the steam.”

Egor Koshelev, Yekaterinburg.

“Based on the neighbors’ reviews, I decided immediately on the choice of a stove for a bathhouse in a country cottage. I purchased and installed without any problems an electric model Harvia Saund M80E with a remote control in a 10 m3 steam room. I’m happy with the purchase: dry heat and light steam, convenient temperature control, stylish stainless steel body design that matches the overall style of the house.”

Vitaly Samburov, Moscow.

“In the store, the consultant praised the Harviya wood-burning sauna stoves. We decided to save electricity and buy a Legend SL with an external firebox at a bargain price. I had to dismantle part of the wall in the dressing room to install a glass door. Now we admire the flames when we relax after the steam room. The Kamenka was blocked off with a brick screen.”

Valeria Suvorova, St. Petersburg.

“For a small sauna in a fitness club, I purchased an electric heater Harvia Hidden Heater with an unusual flat shape. Installed under the shelves. The stove does not take up space, it is impossible to get burned, and it is convenient to pour herbal infusions into the bowl for irrigating stones. It works silently, regulated from the control panel. Feedback from visitors is positive."

Evgeny Kozyrev, Nizhny Novgorod.

About some important points

Typically, long-burning stoves are made of metal. The optimal metal thickness is 4 mm (more is possible). It is better to make the chimney consisting of several parts to make it easier to clean in the future. The chimney also needs a fairly thick metal - this will extend the service life of the element.

For the body, you can use a piece of large pipe, a gas cylinder or an old 200-liter barrel; or, alternatively, it can be welded from pieces of metal. You need to make a hole on top of the body to install the chimney (its diameter should be about 15 cm); another hole (10 cm in diameter) will be required for air flow, without which the wood will not burn.

You will also need a load - it will put pressure on the fuel. This should be a heavy iron circle with a diameter slightly smaller (several millimeters) than the diameter of the body. The circle should have a small air duct through which oxygen will flow.

Brick laying

When laying out the first row, you should measure the gaps from the walls of the oven to the brick. The approximate margin is from five to ten centimeters. The bricks are laid in half a brick, in a checkerboard pattern. The reinforcing mesh is spread on top of each row. It should not extend beyond the edges of the display, as this will spoil the appearance. The seams must be immediately rubbed with the remaining solution.

To guarantee constant air circulation around the structure, holes should be provided in the masonry itself. On each side you need to make 4 holes - from the bottom to suck in cool air, and from the top to release already heated air.

The laying of bricks is carried out to the very top of the furnace.