How to choose a stove for a bath with a closed heater: TOP 7 models with a description of technical characteristics and distinctive features

It is impossible to imagine a real bathhouse without powerful Russian steam.

It can be produced by traditional stoves or units equipped with a closed heater.

The stones in a closed-type stove-heater work on the principle of a heat accumulator: they quickly absorb heat, and then release it into the sauna rooms.

Manufacturers offer a considerable selection of such units.

A detailed study of their advantages and features, principles of operation will help to better understand the topic of the article.

Open or closed - which is better?

The consumer himself decides which type of stove to choose for the bath.

The main difference between a closed heater is that the stones are located inside the unit . The elements are heated through the walls of the firebox and hot smoke. Cobblestones can heat up to a temperature of 400-700 degrees.

To create steam, you need to supply water through a special built-in door. This way the heat will flow evenly into all bath rooms, keeping them warm for a long time.

Open type heaters are a unit with a special upper container for stones . The disadvantage of this design is the poor heating of the cobblestones.

Usually the top layer remains cold, as if preventing heat from spreading from the lower cobblestones. Hot air enters the premises slowly and cools quickly.

Tips for use

Even the best sauna stove in a Russian bathhouse requires constant maintenance. Here are some simple tips:

• Combustion products must be removed after each use.
• The chimney should be cleaned at least twice a year.
• It is important to carefully insulate all structures to avoid heat loss.
• Only pour warm water onto the stones. A fairly sharp temperature change will reduce the service life of the stove, especially cast iron.
• It is better not to open the steam room again. Hot air flows should not mix with cold air - this disrupts the uniformity of heating.

Distinctive features

Not every person can afford to buy or build a real brick oven . Therefore, manufacturers offer many variations of heater stoves, the elements of which are made of cast iron or metal.

They have some design and functional features:

1. Screened walls . Double casings around the unit body reduce convection - hard IR radiation. Some models are lined with natural minerals. If the unit does not have such walls, then it is recommended to make a brick screen and vents with doors around the body.
2. Steam gun a. The operation of a closed heater depends on the quality of its insulation from the walls of the unit and the state of the air in the steam room. The better the indicators, the hotter the stones become hot. Therefore, inside the heater there is a system of tubes with holes. The top of the tubes is equipped with a special container for water. The liquid heats up, transferring heat to the stones, and steam enters the room.
3. Sealed doors . Such elements are securely fastened with bolts and do not form even the smallest gaps. The heat is retained and the safety of using the stove increases. Many models are equipped with a door made of heat-resistant glass, which allows you to create a unique atmosphere in the bathhouse.

IMPORTANT!

The operating principle of a closed heater looks like this: fuel is loaded, the door closes, and the combustion process begins.

When a certain temperature has been reached inside the unit, the door opens and steam enters the room . The air in the steam room is heated to 45-60 degrees. Typically, such an event requires 4 hours.

Additional criteria for choosing a sauna stove

Listed above are the main criteria that should be relied upon when choosing a design. In addition, one can proceed from other considerations.

Steam source

The most common (traditional) source of steam is heated stones to which water is supplied. But sometimes the amount of natural steam is not enough. Those who strive to create a real hot “fog” in the steam room are recommended to purchase and install a stove with a steam generator. With the help of the latter, you can be guaranteed to provide the room with an acceptable amount of “water” - light and dry.

Firebox location

According to this criterion, heating structures in the bathhouse are classified into ordinary and with an extended firebox. The latter option makes it possible to heat the steam room from the adjacent room. This makes bath procedures even safer and the bath atmosphere more comfortable.

Advantages and disadvantages

A stove with a closed heater is an interesting development. This type of unit is chosen only by connoisseurs of real Russian steam.

The increased demand for models is due to the following advantages:

• fast heating. The steam room is filled with hot air in a short period of time. At the same time, there is a favorable microclimate, more comfortable conditions for paired procedures;
• effective “work” of stones. They warm up quickly enough due to the prolonged accumulation of heat;
• overheating of the steam room is excluded;
• creating high-quality steam. Well-designed walls of the unit are designed to retain and infuse steam inside the housing. If you compare the steam of a closed heater and an open one, then in the first it is moderately dry and light;
• high-quality heat retention. There is no need to reheat the oven;
• safety of use. The design of hermetic elements eliminates the risk of fire and human injury;
• heaters are designed to heat large bath rooms - depending on the model;
• the ability to regulate the temperature and air supply in the steam room;
• affordable price.

The disadvantage is the high fuel consumption, unlike open-type heaters.

However, the bathhouse is not used as often as showers. Therefore, this minus will not be so significant.

Difficulties with covering the firebox

In the design, the second tier of the stove and the pipe rest on a bandage of fireclay and red brick. But due to the incomplete lining of the first tier, it was no longer possible to come up with an effective solution. It was possible to leave gaps between the fireclay bricks - that is, not to cover with mortar the edges of the bricks that hang inside the firebox on the sides and on top, where the red brick rests on them. It is the edges of the fireclay that will begin to deteriorate more significantly, and it was necessary to ensure their low mobility - approximately 1% of the size. There is an option to put fireclay on the cladding and asbestos fabric. The fireclay lid should also not be suspended from metal. Covering a firebox is a complex task that requires careful thought.

Exposed stones in the heater create another problem: they will need to be heated until the soot burns out.

The idea of ​​quickly heating a room is good for a summer residence, but for permanent residence another factor is much more important - the heat capacity of the stove device.

TOP 7 best stoves for a sauna with a closed heater

Below are models of closed heaters from well-known manufacturers. They were able to gain popularity among owners due to the presence of many advantages and functionality.

Harvia M2

This is the result of the hard work of Harvia specialists from Finland . The wood-burning stove has a classic design and has all the necessary parameters to create soft steam and a relaxing atmosphere.

Engineers guarantee effective heat exchange, fast and high-quality heating of rooms with a volume of 6 to 13 m3. Stones are able to evenly heat the air from floor to ceiling.

The model is distinguished by its performance and stylish appearance . The case is made of stainless steel, which perfectly withstands corrosion.

The design of the firebox involves the use of a minimum amount of firewood, but at the same time the person receives maximum heat.

The door is equipped with heat-resistant glass, through which you can observe the combustion process. Additionally, the user can install a water container on the chimney for subsequent heating.

Characteristics:

• refers to the type of floor-standing sauna stove with a closed heater;
• heated volume - 13 m3;
• power - 13 kW;
• equipped with a chimney with a diameter of 11.5 cm and an ash box;
• type of fuel - firewood with a maximum length of 35 cm;
• made of steel, and the door is made of glass;
• there is a rear and top connection to the chimney;
• dimensions - 39x71x43 cm;
• weight - 45 kg;
• holds stones with a total weight of 30 kg.

Advantages:

• durability and strength, thanks to the material used;
• excellent resistance to mechanical loads, negative environmental influences, sudden temperature changes;
• the ability to install on any floor surface, even if there are distortions;
• ease of installation - just install the chimney in a special place for this;
• attractive appearance, compact size and light weight;
• safety of use and fire safety;
• affordable price - from 13,000 rubles.

Flaws:

• no water heating. If the user needs this function, it is recommended to purchase a special container.

Hephaestus PB-04 MS

This is a unique product that was developed and released by the Russian company . The stove is equipped with a mesh (C) and a glass door (M).

It is an improved version of Hephaestus PB-04. It is declared as a budget model for a bathhouse with a small steam room with a total volume of 15 m3.

The firebox can be installed in an adjacent room, thanks to the presence of an extendable portal . The cast iron unit copes with the assigned tasks perfectly and allows you to obtain finely dispersed light steam.

The unlimited service life of this model helps to save a significant amount of money on the purchase of a new stove.

Specifications:

• heated volume - 15 m3;
• power - 8 kW;
• supplemented with a chimney with a diameter of 11.5 cm and a top connection, an ash box;
• Efficiency - 87%;
• heated with wood (length - 40 cm), holds stones with a total weight of 180 kg;
• equipped with secondary afterburning;
• made of cast iron, door - glass;
• dimensions - 39.40x56x64.50 cm;
• weight - 130 kg.

Advantages:

• has no analogues on the Russian market, thanks to its unique manufacturing technology. The furnace is produced by casting into molds from cold-hardening mixtures (CHS). This allows you to achieve the highest surface quality and accuracy of the geometry of parts;
• the presence of a heater of a special shape. It has the appearance of trapezoidal cavities. They significantly expand the heating area of ​​the heater and the area of ​​the steam room. They increase the efficiency of the unit, while the person enjoys soft steam;
• strength and durability. The model is cast from cast iron, to which chromium is added;
• good resistance to high loads and external adverse influences in the form of corrosion, sudden temperature changes, and mechanical damage.

Flaws:

• the model has a high cost - from 43,000 rubles;
• To make the sauna heat up faster, it is recommended to insulate the walls and ceiling.

Harvia M3 SL

A wood-burning stove from Finland is designed for small saunas and baths . A remote firebox allows you to heat the unit in an adjacent room, which saves space in a small steam room.

The upper cavity of the oven is reserved for stones, which in turn give off maximum heat and therapeutic steam.

The steel structure has a standard chimney outlet; it can additionally be equipped with a samovar tank or a heat exchanger for a pipe to produce hot water.

But additional equipment affects the cost of the unit. An attractive heater will not leave anyone indifferent: the glass door and neat edging attract the eye and relax.

Characteristics:

• heated volume - 13m3;
• power - 16.5 kW;
• there is a chimney with a diameter of 11.5 cm and a top connection, an ash box, a hot water tank;
• The heater is made of steel, the doors are glass;
• fuel - firewood, stones with a total weight of 30 kg;
• dimensions - 39x71x65 cm;
• weight - 50 kg;
• cost - from 19,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• strength, reliability. Heat-resistant steel and glass can withstand high temperatures, do not burst, and retain their original properties for a long time;
• durability. The manufacturer guarantees uninterrupted operation of the furnace for 10 years;
• compact sizes. A small heater can be installed in any part of the sauna room - it will not take up much space, and the owner will use the steam room with the highest comfort;
• the stable model is not demanding on the quality of the floor surface;
• There is economical fuel consumption, but at the same time the heat is released to the maximum.

Flaws:

• insufficient traction;
• small capacity of stones.

Vesuvius Skif Forging 22 (220) 2016

The Russian one is known to all lovers of the Russian bath . The manufacturer develops and produces reliable and durable models, of which Skif Forging 22 (220) 2021 has gained particular popularity.

The heater is equipped with a glass door and a ventilated mesh casing. The design includes a combustion tunnel, thanks to which it is possible to heat adjacent rooms.

The original design of the heater resembles a fireplace installation . During water procedures, the bathhouse is filled with a pleasant and light heat, and through the glass door you can monitor the combustion process.

Characteristics:

• heated volume - 24 m3;
• power - 22 kW;
• there is a chimney with a top connection and a diameter of 11.5 cm, an ash box;
• type of fuel - firewood, the casing can hold up to 130 kg of stones;
• body material - steel, doors - glass, fireboxes - cast iron;
• dimensions - 56x74x80 cm;
• weight - 97 kg.

Advantages:

• The heater is made of structural steel with a thickness of 6-8 mm. This gives the model strength and reliability. It is not susceptible to sudden temperature changes or mechanical damage;
• durability. Regardless of the intensity of use, the service life is 10 years;
• each structural element is characterized by heat resistance, while the door is capable of self-cleaning, and the casing is supplemented with a ventilation system;
• affordable price - from 23,000 rubles.

Flaws:

• massiveness. Such a stove cannot be installed by one person;
• Requires a flat floor surface. If there are distortions, the fuel inside the firebox burns unevenly, which affects the heat transfer and the heating time of the room.

TMF Geyser 2014 Inox

This model represents a synergistic development and symbiosis of two TMF furnaces - “Geyser” and “Angara 2012 Inox” . It combines all the advantages of its “ancestors” and eliminates the shortcomings and mistakes that were previously made.

A distinctive feature is a unique double steam generation system, through which you can obtain high-quality and light steam. A special dispensing valve prevents water from flooding the stones.

When the liquid hits the hot cobblestones, a sound appears similar to the noise of the Kamchatka geyser.

Characteristics:

• heated volume - 8 m3;
• firebox volume - 34 l;
• there is a chimney with a top connection and a diameter of 11.5 cm, an ash box, and a metering valve;
• type of fuel - firewood with a maximum length of 50 cm, additionally - stones with a total weight of 63 kg;
• material of manufacture - highest quality steel;
• dimensions - 41.50x90x83 cm;
• weight - 59 kg;
• cost - from 31,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• the presence of a two-stage steam generation system that releases light superheated steam;
• the owner can steam the broom on the stones;
• elements are not clogged with stone particles;
• reliability and fire safety are achieved due to the tightness of parts;
• easy installation due to the central placement of the chimney;
• quick heating of the room, long-term use of the finished bath.

Flaws:

• not detected.

TMF Vitruvius Inox

A unique model of a wood-burning sauna stove . The main differences are the presence of a wide fuel channel and a record large translucent screen, the diagonal of which is 58 cm.

The heater is special in that it includes two parts - ventilated and non-ventilated . The stove is used in sauna mode with dry air, otherwise in Finnish mode.

Characteristics:

• heated volume - 18 m3;
• firebox volume - 62.5 l;
• equipped with a chimney with a central top connection and a diameter of 14 cm, an ash drawer, and a slide damper;
• type of fuel - firewood with a maximum length of 50 cm, additionally stones with a total weight of 45 kg are used;
• manufacturing material - steel, doors - steel. The door is additionally equipped with a self-cleaning system;
• dimensions - 68x78, 50x66, 50 cm;
• weight - 62 kg;
• cost - from 25,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• the presence of a large screen made of heat-resistant glass. The element is equivalent to a real large fireplace, emphasizes the interior of the bathhouse, creates a good mood;
• the concept of thermal uniform strength allows you to achieve increased reliability and strength of the structure;
• the remaining elements have a thickness of 3 mm, but at the same time they perfectly withstand adverse influences;
• if necessary, the ash drawer can be installed on the other side;
• The damper regulator is mounted on the front frame of the heater, which affects the safety of operation.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Varvara Terma-Kamenka

Massive type of heater . Structural elements are made of steel 6 mm thick. The main difference is that the stones are heated first, and then the air.

The advantage of such a heater is the perfect suppression of IR radiation from hot metal, there is no risk of fires.

The appearance of the heater is reminiscent of ancient potbelly stoves. But Varvara is complemented by a screen that is as similar as possible to a fireplace.

The presence of a mesh casing allows you to accommodate the largest number of stones.

Characteristics:

• heated volume - 24 m3;
• material of manufacture - steel;
• type of fuel - firewood, stones with a total weight of 250 kg;
• equipped with an upper chimney and an ash box;
• dimensions - 56x112x82 cm;
• weight - 170 kg;
• cost - from 18,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• the presence of closed and open heaters, which allows you to place a large number of cobblestones;
• formation of more therapeutic and soft steam;
• easy chimney installation;
• original appearance;
• economical fuel consumption.

Flaws:

• massiveness;
• long heating of the room;
• not suitable for installation in small steam rooms.

A sauna stove with a closed heater is an interesting invention from leading manufacturers . Thanks to the variety of models, each person can choose the most profitable option for themselves.

The main thing is not to forget to take into account the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. A smart purchase will allow you to enjoy a real Russian bath and therapeutic steam.

Popular ready-made models

The table contains the best stoves for a Russian bath: