Bath stove Vesuvius: TOP 10 best models rating 2020-2021, technical characteristics, pros and cons, customer reviews

For a Russian person, a bathhouse is not only a place for useful and pleasant pastime.

It is also a cultural and historical heritage, preserved and passed on from generation to generation.

Relieve stress, cope with illnesses and illnesses, cleanse the body - all this can be done from time to time, but only if you choose the right stove.

It is this that provides comfortable temperature and steam for the human body.

Therefore, be especially careful when choosing a stove.

Distinctive features

was founded in 2004 in the city of Tula . The employees of the design bureau did a great job: they first studied a lot of heating devices, not only domestic, but also foreign-made.

In addition to wood-burning stoves for baths and replacement components, the company markets heating stoves, water tanks, chimneys, heat exchangers and other stove accessories (including barbecues and barbecues). But the stoves, judging by the number of positive reviews, have won the special love of consumers.

IMPORTANT!

It is worth noting that Vesuvius furnaces are constantly being modernized: the modern equipment that the company’s plant is equipped with allows this to be done without delays.

Vesuvius stoves can have a remote firebox, natural stone lining and a forged casing.

Thanks to the all-welded design of a convenient shape and the absence of corners, heat is distributed throughout the room evenly, but the air is not burned and infrared rays are not emitted.

Reviews of stoves of the "Premium" and "Russian Steam" series

The Vesuvius fireplace stove, which belongs to the Russian Steam series, has a round shape and an unusual internal structure. An additional heater is installed directly above the combustion chamber, which takes the heat from the flue gases. According to buyers, it is thanks to this factor that the temperature can reach 400 °C.

Outside there is a second heater, which is limited by a cylindrical mesh. Buyers emphasize that a separate opening is very convenient for filling the internal cavity with stones. The line includes five variants of stoves that can be installed in rooms with a volume of 14 to 30 m3. The accessories included in the package remain the same as in the series described above.

These same stoves formed the basis for the design of the premium class “Elite”. This indicates that the stove of the “Skif” series was taken as the basis. On the outside it is trimmed with decorative stone, which is a green coil or soapstone. For the second modification, the basis was the Russian Steam equipment. Consumers quite often choose stoves under the name “Elite”, because they can be installed in a steam room with a fairly large volume, which varies from 12 to 30 m3.

Types of devices

The company produces 11 types of stoves for baths and saunas:

Classic;
Vertical;
Optimum;
Russian steam;
The president;
Rusich;
Lava;
Premium;
Elite;
Legend;
Scythian.

Each model has its own characteristics, so the consumer has plenty to choose from.

Several letters are added to the name of each model, let's decipher them:

The letter “B” means that this stove has an external fuel channel, allowing it to be heated from an adjacent room.
The letter “T” indicates the presence of a heat exchanger in the furnace design.
The letter “CH” literally means a cast iron door.
“C” - the stove door is equipped with durable fireproof glass, allowing you to observe the combustion process.
“K” - indicates that the stove is equipped with a mesh heater.
"B" - liquid tank.
The combination of letters “KV” stands for convection-ventilated oven.
“H” - the percentage of chromium in stainless steel is at least 18%.

For reference

Heating stoves of the Skif series contain a wide range of capacities. The line includes the largest number of stoves, which is 36. Wood-burning designs have an expanded package of options, namely:

hanging tank;
heat-resistant panoramic glass;
advanced combustion chamber.

Consumers like that the tank has a high capacity. Its volume is 30 liters. But the panoramic glass replaced the once-standing loading blind door. Due to the fact that the combustion chamber is moved forward, the stove can be heated from the steam room and the adjacent room.

Advantages and disadvantages

Vesuvius stoves, like all other stoves, have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

Large firebox size;
The original and attractive exterior makes the stove not just a necessary thing, but also a decorative element;
Thanks to the dampers, convection can be adjusted;
Even a large mass of stones does not overload the furnace manifold;
Fire-resistant heavy-duty glass door has self-cleaning and cooling functions;
If the consumer purchased a model with an open heater, it will be possible to water it during operation;
Rounded corners, smooth surface;
Even with long-term use, the casing will not irritate the owner with crackling noises or other unpleasant sounds.

Flaws:

There are models whose cost exceeds 40,000 rubles, but the main difference from the others is the volume that the oven can heat;
If you line the wood stove with brick (which is necessary), the top of the screen gets very hot.

NOTE!

Remember: a model with an open heater in the form of a mesh, according to numerous customer reviews, looks good in appearance, but is not so good in operation. In particular, if you deviate from the instructions, the steam from the stones will be unpleasant: damp and heavy.

Mesh heater

The furnace firebox is surrounded by a grid, which is filled with stones. Firstly, it looks beautiful and authentic in the bathhouse. Secondly, a large mass of stones is placed in the mesh. It cools down 1.5-2 times longer than a stove with a convector casing.

The convector casing is a protective metal casing around the firebox of a sauna stove. It creates convection, thanks to which the stove quickly heats the steam room, and protects the steamer from the burning infrared radiation coming from the firebox.

The only disadvantage of the heater grid is the increase in the heating time of the oven and, accordingly, the steam room. But everything is logical here. Since the oven takes longer to cool, it must also take longer to heat up.

Vesuvius Legend is available in two mesh designs: thin bar and wide forged. The second one looks more solid and costs a little more. From 2021, all stoves are equipped with a tray that prevents stones from spilling onto the floor.

Fig 3. Bath stoves Vesuvius Legend Standard and Forging

TOP 10 best models of stoves for Vesuvius baths

Skif Forging 22 (220) 2016

Floor-standing sauna stove, the heated volume of which is 24 cubic meters . The body is made of high-strength steel, the firebox is made of cast iron.

Specifications:

Power – 22 kW.
Dimensions - 56x74 cm.
The connection to the chimney is from the top.

Advantages:

Top connection to the chimney;
There is a box for ash,
Cast iron grate and tooth chipper,
Service life – 10 years,
The casing is convection-ventilated and can hold up to 130 kg of stones.

Flaws:

High price (from 21,870 rubles),
There is no provision for installing a gas burner.

SKIF STANDARD 12 (DT-3) 2016

The power of this stove is enough to heat a room with a volume of 12-14 cubic meters . Heating time: in summer – 60-90 minutes, in winter – 2-2.5 hours.

The heater can hold up to 120 kg of stones.

Options:

Weight – 62 kg.
Overall dimensions: 710x520x580 mm.
Power – within 12 kW.

Advantages:

Open heater;
The firebox is made of structural steel;
Low price (13,050 rubles).

Flaws:

There is no water tank and steam generator;
The seams on the stove are welded crookedly;
There is no tray, so the stones lie directly on the floor.

LEGEND STANDARD 16 (DT-4S)

Consists of three parts with a thickness of at least 12 mm . The material is a cast iron alloy, specially designed for maximum temperature changes.

Suitable for almost any interior.

Has high power.

It warms up a room with a volume of 8-18 cubic meters well.

Has several operating modes.

Advantages:

A minimum of welds guarantees the reliability of the structure;
Stylish appearance;
Firebox thickness – 12 mm;
High power – 16 kW at maximum load.

Flaws:

High price - from 20.560 rubles.

LEGEND FORGING 16 (270)

The firebox, like the example described above, consists of 3 elements . Thanks to the ceramic cord used at the joint, it acquires absolute tightness, and the bolted connection guarantees complete safety for consumers.

The promised service life is 30 years.

There are several operating modes: Turkish and Russian baths, Finnish sauna.

Advantages:

Sealed door with heat-resistant glass “SHOT ROBAX”;
The casing is made of a metal strip, coated with special heat-resistant paint and a bronze patina.

Flaws:

High cost - from 27,000 rubles.

OPTIMUM STANDARD 14 (DT-3) 2016

This model is ideal for small baths (volume no more than 14 cubic meters).

Specifications:

Dimensions 58x56.5 cm.
There is a box for ash.
The body is made of steel.
The chimney diameter is 11.5 cm, the stove weight is 44 kg.

Advantages:

Budget model (cost within 10,000 rubles):
Simplified structure of the firebox.

Flaws:

The minimum thickness of the metal in the firebox raises doubts about its long service life.

LEGEND FORGING 16 (205)

One of the most original stoves in appearance, with an exquisite pattern and covered with a bronze patina.

The component elements are connected by a ceramic cord with an operating temperature of 1200 degrees.

The thickness of the firebox walls is 1.2 cm.

Connection to the chimney is through the top. 56x70x69 cm.

Advantages:

Safe to use;
Sealed firebox;
Cast iron body;
Heated volume – 18 cubic meters.

Flaws:

High cost (from 33.00 rubles);
Massive (weighs 113 kg).

Lava 22

The cost of models from this line of bath stoves varies from 6 to 25 thousand rubles, but the characteristics of all are similar. The body is made of steel, the total weight is 71 kg.

Characteristics:

The thickness of the firebox walls is 1.2 cm, the chimney diameter is 11.5 cm.
The permissible weight of stones is 40 kg.
Dimensions - 73x56x49 cm.

Advantages:

There is a drawer for ash;
The model is capable of heating a room with a volume of 14-30 cubic meters;
The combustion tunnel allows you to heat the stove from the adjacent room adjacent to the steam room.

Flaws:

It requires pouring a foundation that can support a lot of weight.

LEGEND FORGING 16 (217)

One of the most expensive models: the price starts from 31 thousand and above . Heats a bathhouse with a volume of up to 18 cubic meters.

Specifications:

The body is made of cast iron, which allows the model to be used for 10-20 years.
Dimensions: 56x62x76 cm.
The permissible weight of stones is 120 kg.
The door is made of glass.

Advantages:

Long service life;
The upper connection to the chimney allows you to fire the stove from the adjacent room.

Flaws:

Expensive.

SKIF WITH CLOSED HEATER (270)

The SKIF wood stove is an expensive model . But the high price is due to high quality and long service life. According to user reviews, the stove works for 10 years or more.

Characteristics:

Dimensions - 90x54 cm.
Firebox material – structural steel.
The stove is adapted for use in both Russian and Finnish baths.

Advantages:

Heats a large room – up to 24 cubic meters;
It may be heated from the next room;
The grate, as well as the chipper tooth, are made of durable cast iron;
The convection-ventilated casing holds 120-130 kg of cobblestones.

Flaws:

High cost - approximately 26-27 thousand rubles;
Heavy weight – 91 kg.

LEGEND FORGING 22 FIREPLACE (205)

Wood-burning stove made of three elements connected by a high-strength ceramic cord. Sealed and absolutely safe.

The volume of the steam room is 24 cubic meters.

The door is equipped with SCHOTT ROBAX heat-resistant glass.

Suitable for both baths and saunas.

Stylish appearance.

Advantages:

Several modes of use: dry bath (Finnish sauna), steam bath (Turkish), Russian bath (steam and wet sauna);
The casing is made of textured metal strip covered with a bronze patina and heat-resistant paint.

Flaws:

High price (from 37,000 rubles).

Additional options for Typhoon stoves

When choosing stoves from the Typhoon series, you may prefer viewing glasses of a certain type. It can be heat-resistant or panoramic glass. In the first case, the elements are built into the fuel door, while in the second case the glass dimensions are 41 x 41 cm. Quite often, consumers prefer the option with sight glasses. In such modifications it is possible to adjust the air supply to the firebox using a special damper. The models also have a hanging tank for preparing hot water.

Electric storage water heaters

Flat storage water heater Electrolux EWH 100 (liters) Royal Flash

The water heater is equipped with a storage tank made of stainless steel. It contains a high percentage of alloying elements such as nickel and chromium, which successfully protects the tank from corrosion. Volume – 100 liters. A new generation of automatic argon welding was used in production. This eliminates defects and gives “armor-piercing” to all seams.

Two stages of heating power are implemented - 1300 and 2000 W. The current water temperature inside the water heater is displayed on the LED display. The device assumes horizontal and vertical installation. Such versatility in installation will facilitate the integration of equipment into any room.

It is possible to set a timer. In this case, the machine will automatically calculate the water heating time in accordance with your settings. There is protection against dry running and protection against overheating, which always contributes to operational safety and reliability. Plus, the manufacturer did not forget about additional security options. Price – from 16.6 tr.

Pros:

high-quality tank with well-designed seams;
heats up quickly;
rust resistance;
universal installation;
compact dimensions;
multi-stage security system;
safety valve;
effective thermal insulation (foamed polyurethane 20 mm).

Minuses:

Despite the insulation, it quickly loses heat.

Storage water heater Zanussi ZWH/S-30 (liters) Smalto DL

The storage water heater from the Italian brand works with two heating elements and two internal tanks. The total capacity is 30 liters. There are two heating power levels - 1200 and 2000 W. The water temperature can be adjusted within 30-75 degrees.

All data is displayed on a multi-color LED display. This greatly simplifies control over the operation of the equipment. The manufacturer added a RCD (residual current device) and a magnesium anode of increased weight to the delivery package. The thermal insulation layer is 20 mm, it is an effective polyurethane foam.

The machine demonstrates universal installation - the heater can be installed vertically and horizontally. The internal tanks are equipped with multi-level corrosion protection and safety systems. Their surface is covered from the inside with a finely dispersed enamel coating. I would like to note the presence of an economy mode, which increases the life of the heating elements. There is an indication of water heating. Price – from 10.9 tr.

Pros:

flat design + Double Tank (two tanks);
simple controls;
accurately maintains temperature – up to 1 degree;
water protection class IPX4;
protection against work without water, overheating;
The kit includes a safety valve.

There are no cons.

Storage water heater Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Smalto DL

The storage water heater is equipped with a pair of efficient heating elements and two tanks. The inner surface of the tanks is represented by a finely dispersed enamel coating. The total capacity is 100 liters. RCD, protection against operation without water, and protection against overheating work for safe operation. Like the previous comrade, the heater demonstrates universal installation. It can be placed in both horizontal and vertical positions.

Temperature adjustment is possible within 30-75 degrees. All settings are reflected on the display located on the forehead of the heater. There are two power steps - 1200 and 2000 W. There is an economical mode that works to preserve the life of the heaters. The internal tanks are equipped with multi-level protection against rust and destruction. Indication of water heating is provided. Price – from 16.5 tr.

Pros:

protection against dry heating, overheating;
magnesium anode of increased mass;
heats quickly and accurately maintains the set temperature;
dust and moisture protection class IPX4;
excellent thermal insulation of 20 mm – the water will remain warm for a long time;
high quality seams.

There are no cons.

Best: what do you mean by that?

So, what do we know about cast iron? A brittle metal with a high carbon content, which makes it also very hard. The latter is the reason that it is very difficult to process, which is why manufacturers prefer to cast parts rather than cut them. Casting parts thinner than a centimeter is unprofitable. But why is it better than steel in ovens?

In fact, both cast iron and steel come in different compositions, so a straightforward comparison here is not entirely correct. Let's put it this way: ordinary, unalloyed steel will last less in a furnace than ordinary gray cast iron, if only for the simple reason that the thickness of the furnace wall made of both metals is usually very different: the latter is much thicker.

But cast iron also oxidizes and burns out, albeit over a longer period of time. Unless his brand is heat resistant. And this is quite rare in purchased stoves and costs money. Heat-resistant steels with the addition of chromium also cost money, and in quality they are quite comparable to suitable brands of cast iron.

At the same time, there is a difference between high-quality steel and cast iron: thinner steel warms up faster and cools down faster. Its heat capacity is low. But cast iron, both because of its thickness and composition, is more prone to heat accumulation (compared to steel, and not to stone, of course). Therefore, the thermal characteristics of such a metal stove will be higher. (And if you also line it with brick, then cast iron will not be inferior to brick in terms of steam quality for a Russian bath!)

In general, having thought about what exactly we mean by the concept of “the best cast iron stoves for a bath,” we reduced it to the following requirements:

made of heat-resistant cast iron (read more about brands in this article);
having a closed heater;
suitable for bricking (no grids for stones).

By the way, also on this topic, look at this article about cast iron stoves with a closed heater. And as an alternative, please consider brick ones with a closed heater.

But all this is relevant only for lovers of the Russian bath (not like the sauna). Everyone else may be quite happy with Vesuvian stoves, so the opinion of which is better depends on the user’s preferences.

Useful video

Quite a long video from which you can glean a lot of useful information, including information not mentioned in our article. We recommend!

You may also be interested in the following information about stoves:

Types (wood, gas, electric);
Constructions.

How to light a stove?

For complete kindling you need a “seed”. The stove is heated with the help of 4 narrow small logs, shavings/chips and paper (preferably newspaper - it flares up better). Kindling algorithm:

Place a couple of logs parallel to each other on the grate; the distance between them is 10-15 cm;
place crumpled paper between the firewood and sprinkle it with shavings or wood chips;
Place two more logs diagonally on the bottom logs;
Set the paper on fire on one or more sides.

It is not always possible to light wood the first time. This requires a certain skill. Liquid fuel must not be used as an aid. In extreme cases, dry alcohol can be used. But if the firewood is dry, then problems with kindling are minimal.

As soon as the flame flares up, you need to close the firebox door and then partially close the ash damper. After this, you can be guided by the sound - if there is a characteristic hum from the firebox, everything has been done correctly. If the sound is weak or absent, you will have to melt it again.

This is just the beginning - a wood stove needs regular refilling of logs. This also needs to be done wisely.

Best: what do you mean by that?

In general, having thought about what exactly we mean by the concept of “the best cast iron stoves for a bath,” we reduced it to the following requirements:

made of heat-resistant cast iron (read more about brands in this article);
having a closed heater;
suitable for bricking (no grids for stones).

Quite a long video from which you can glean a lot of useful information, including information not mentioned in our article. We recommend!

Installation

When deciding where the stove will be located, you need to take into account some minimum acceptable distances:

from the walls to the firebox window - 50 cm;
from substances that are easily flammable to the surface of the oven - 50 cm;
from the ceiling to the top of the device - at least 80 cm.

In some cases (for example, if the room is small), the permissible distances can be reduced. However, you can only do this if you install a brick fire-resistant screen, which will protect the sides and back surfaces of the device from heat.

It is recommended to further protect the heater using basalt wool. You can line the sauna stove with brick or apothecary stone (it helps quite well with migraines and alleviates a person’s condition with muscle and joint pain).

A wall made of brick elements near the stove is very suitable for a classic Russian bath. This way you will receive a special screen that provides reliable protection.

It has the following advantages:

thanks to the screen, there will be no intense heat coming from the heating device;
since the temperature of metal surfaces will decrease significantly, the stove will be more durable;
the heat in the room will be retained very well (thanks to the air flows in the screen).

"Legend" - notable characteristics

The Vesuvius Legend model is a reliable cast-iron version of a sauna stove. Design features and characteristics guarantee users increased efficiency - 80%. Cast iron options are characterized by accelerated heating of the room. The cast iron stove demonstrates resistance to temperature changes. Eliminating the slightest deformation at critical temperatures does not spoil the presentable appearance of the product.

The reliability of the stove is determined by the integrity of the seams. The volumetric mesh around the firebox holds 160 kg of material. With the same weight of the stove (160 kg), it is recommended to worry about a reinforced foundation. “Vesuvius Legend” lives up to its name and efficiently heats rooms from 10 to 28 cubic meters.

I’m deciding which is better: Harvia or Vesuvius with a cast iron firebox?

I would only recommend Vesuvius to you, its quality and power are impressive, and most importantly, it is durable and reliable.
This has been tested by more than one user, don’t even think about it, you won’t regret it. Yes, of course, your choice is limited, but even of the proposed options there is one that is quite good, this is Vesuvius with a cast-iron firebox. It is more durable and has pretty good data. I would give preference to her.

I think Vesuvius Hurricane Lux 22 is much better. It will last longer and there will be fewer problems with its use.

Yes, Vesuvius is just a great option, a friend has it, he is very pleased with its work. This stove guarantees warmth and comfort in your home for many years.

All models are not bad. But I give greater preference to Vesuvius with a cast-iron firebox; this stove is ideal for a bathhouse. At least there won’t be any problems with it, it’s durable, reliable and holds the temperature well.