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

The main element of any bathhouse is the steam room. In order to get the maximum benefit and pleasure from your stay in it, it is important that the optimal temperature and softness of the steam be ensured. This can be achieved with the help of a high-quality sauna stove. For small and medium-sized baths, cast iron wood-burning stoves are perfect. We will tell you how to choose a manufacturer of cast iron stoves (Hephaestus, Vesuvius) and present to your attention a rating of the best of them according to consumer reviews.

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: Sauna stove. Which is better: wood or gas?

What to choose and which one is better?

Stoves for baths and saunas are made of cast iron, heat-resistant steel or alloyed stainless steel . Materials differ in carbon content. The ductility and strength of steel and cast iron is due to the low carbon content (2%). Each option has its own characteristics and disadvantages.

The main advantages of a cast iron stove:

1. Thermal conductivity . The indicator is much better than that of structures made of brick and steel, which deform due to temperature changes. The efficiency of a cast iron stove is 82%. After one load of firewood it works up to 7-9 hours. The weight is up to 300 kg, which eliminates the need to install a foundation on it.
2. Easy care . If you install a cast iron stove, you don't have to spend a lot of time maintaining it. The product does not rust and does not require special paint. Due to the absence of cladding, the unit is easy to install and, if necessary, dismantled for transfer to another location. Steel products need to be treated with heat-resistant paint, and this should be done once a year.
3. Design . For this reason, both steel and cast iron stoves attract buyers. The range is represented by a variety of models, which allows you to find the right option. The ovens are equipped with doors made of heat-resistant glass. Various forged elements give the stoves a sophisticated look.
4. Safety in operation . Compared to brick stoves, cast iron products are safer to use, as they are less likely to cause fire.
5. Lifetime . One of the main features of cast iron stoves. With proper use, the service life exceeds 35 years.

The only disadvantage of a cast iron stove is the high price . But products from domestic manufacturers are cheaper. At this quality, it is no worse than that of Swedish and other manufacturers.

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.

Manufacturers of cast iron sauna stoves

Popular brands that you can find on the stove equipment market:

• Inzhkomtsentr VVD, Klimovsk. Models Kalita and Sudarushka.
• Magnum (previously collaborated with Inzhkomtsentr, but later they modernized production, opened their own stone processing workshops and now produce President and Russian Steam stoves).
• Vesuvius - several models that use both cast iron and steel parts.
• Hephaestus, PetrazovodskMash.
• Dobrostal produces small folk units Zhara. The appearance is unsightly, but the characteristics are good.
• Svarozhich (models Slavyanka and Firebird). Gray cast iron.

Bath stoves Hephaestus

Finnish sauna stoves are the leaders among foreign manufacturers:

• Harvia (Harvia);
• Narvi (Narvi);
• Kastor (Castor);
• Helo (Helo).

The last two brands merged in 2009 and produce a wide range of cast iron boilers.

Construction of a furnace is a complex process. Not every amateur will decide to build Russian stoves with his own hands. The tips given in the article will help you understand the intricacies of stove craftsmanship.

What is a muffle furnace and how to make it yourself, you will learn here.

Cast iron stoves are used not only in baths. There are also options for home stoves. Following the link, we will consider design options and installation rules.

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.

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: Drawings and making a stove for a bathhouse from a pipe with your own hands: homemade options

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: Main design types and characteristic differences of sauna stoves with a closed heater

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 long-burning cast iron fireplace stoves

La Nordica Ghisa Isotta Con Cerchi

The Isotta fireplace stove is suitable for constant heating of homes, as well as an occasional addition to central heating.

The double walls of the firebox are completely sealed, serve as protection against burnout and guarantee long-term operation for many years.

The model is equipped with a hob with a lid for cooking . There is a built-in door on the side that will allow you to load long logs (up to 70cm).

The door is made using special glass with the ability to self-clean; it can withstand heating up to 750 degrees. The standard firewood consumption is about 2.5 kg/hour.

There is an option for simplified ignition and a “summer” operating mode.

The efficiency is more than 82%.

Characteristics:

• power - 11 kW;
• location - wall;
• Efficiency - 83%;
• heated volume of the room - 338 m3;
• hob - yes;
• fuel type - firewood;
• glass door - yes;
• dimensions - 79*83*66cm;
• weight - 216 kg.

Advantages:

• the presence of a convenient cooking surface;
• saving firewood;
• European assembly and quality;
• heating a large area.

Flaws:

• high price.

META Marseille 14

The Marseille 14 fireplace stove produces long-lasting combustion, while the glass remains clean and the fuel is used with maximum efficiency.

High degree of reliability. The door is equipped with heat-resistant ceramic glass. It is not recommended to use any derivatives of coal for kindling.

The unit provides fast and uniform heating of the air inside the room; it will become warm within 20 minutes.

In the long-burning mode, it is possible to maintain the temperature for up to 6-8 hours, which is especially convenient during the night.

Modest dimensions help save useful space.

All components and parts are designed and manufactured in France, except for the glass panel - it is made in Japan.

Characteristics:

• power - 14 kW;
• location - wall/corner;
• heated room area - up to 140 m2;
• hob - no;
• fuel type - firewood;
• glass door - yes;
• dimensions - 113*55*44cm;
• weight - 130 kg.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• efficient heating;
• strict design;
• large glass door.

Flaws:

• prefabricated body.

META Moscow 12

The model is of the wall-corner type and is complemented by panoramic glazing on the door . Externally, the stove is very similar to a classic fireplace, which has no external decoration.

Not only the front part of the door, but also the side ends are finished with heat-resistant glass. The chimney connection is universal, implying 2 options.

The unused pipe is closed with a secure plug.

The beveled rear walls allow the fireplace to be installed both along the wall and in the corner of the room. The lining is made of modern materials that are resistant to high heat - slabs of fireclay and vermiculite.

High quality steel and imported components are used for production . The high-speed heating mode is due to the presence of convection.

Characteristics:

• power - 12 kW;
• location - wall/corner;
• heated room area - up to 120m2;
• hob - no;
• fuel type - firewood;
• glass door - yes;
• dimensions - 120*88*55.5cm;
• weight - 165 kg.

Advantages:

• heating rate;
• heat transfer;
• external design.

Flaws:

• high fuel consumption;
• Soot forms on the glass.

MBS Thermo Vesta plus

This model is an economical and efficient option for a stove-fireplace for heating a home . The color palette is varied, with a choice of red and cream shades for the body finish.

Place of production - Serbia, which means European quality.

The efficiency is about 80% with relatively low wood consumption. The firebox lining is made of fireclay brick, which retains heat for a long time.

This implies the location of the stove in the corner of the room.

Characteristics:

• power - 11 kW;
• location - wall/corner;
• heated room area - up to 80m2;
• hob - no;
• fuel type - firewood;
• glass door - yes;
• dimensions - 89*45.5*44cm;
• weight - 85 kg.

Advantages:

• high quality materials;
• neat assembly;
• efficiency;
• elegant and discreet design.

Flaws:

• No.

Flamen TENA

The Tena fireplace stove is a classic model of the Plamen brand . Its development was made more than 30 years ago, but it still remains one of the best-selling in the line, since the quality has stood the test of time.

Plamen Tena is a successful competitor to more expensive and modern stoves, and its characteristic design still looks fresh and relevant today.

A fireplace is a decoration for any home, even if there is no fire in it . Despite its affordable price, it will easily become part of any sophisticated interior.

It does not require a special foundation; it can be installed on a sheet of steel or a plate of refractory material. The air supply is carried out exclusively from above, which repeats the structure of the Russian stove.

We can quickly warm up the room using a convection casing . Due to the temperature difference, it “sucks in” cooler air from below, and releases it already heated from above.

Characteristics:

• power - 11 kW;
• location - wall;
• heated room area - up to 80m2;
• hob - no;
• fuel type - firewood;
• glass door - yes;
• dimensions - 75*52*75cm;
• weight - 165 kg.

Advantages:

• nice classic design;
• decent build quality;
• thick metal;
• affordable price;
• economical combustion mode.

Flaws:

• No.

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.

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.

Rating of TOP 10 best models

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/

Is the quality of cast iron the same among different manufacturers?

Even outwardly identical stoves can show themselves from different sides during use.

It's all about the composition and quality of materials.

The cast iron alloy does not have a clearly defined “recipe”; components in different proportions and additional additives can be added to it.

Quality is also affected by compliance with production technology (hardening, tempering).

Most sauna stoves are made from gray cast iron (GC). It differs in brands SCh-10, Sch-15, Sch-20, etc. These differences relate to tensile strength and tensile strength, but have nothing to do with heat resistance. Thermal conductivity depends more on the structure than on the constituent components.

True alloyed heat-resistant cast iron contains graphite and responds better to temperatures. Nickel (up to 19%) and chromium (up to 3%) are two more important components of a good alloy.