Hephaestus stoves: reviews from owners, models and operating features

Hephaestus stoves have received mostly positive reviews, as they are distinguished by their high quality, durability, and reliability. The choice of design largely determines how comfortable and successful the bathhouse will be.

Sauna stoves made of cast iron are quite popular due to their ability to retain heat in the room much better after full heating. The service life of such products is much longer than that of analogues equipped with a metal firebox.

Owners leave good reviews about Hephaestus cast iron stoves, since the manufacturers have placed the main emphasis on reliability and quality. However, in order for the fireboxes to last a long time, you need to take into account the basic rules for installation and operation of the product.

Main characteristics of furnaces

The bathhouse has been popular for many centuries. This type of recreation has a positive effect on well-being and improves health. Regular visits to the bathhouse help normalize blood circulation and blood pressure, and improve immunity.

It is worth noting that the quality of the steam room largely depends on the stove used for heating. Nowadays, products made of steel and cast iron are very popular.

Reviews of Hephaestus stoves indicate that they are manufactured using special technologies that involve pouring the prepared material into molds. The result is a surface without cracks, holes or adhesions. Hephaestus stoves are manufactured in Russia, and all the components used are distinguished by their reliability and quality.

There is a huge variety of shapes and models of these products. The company's designers are constantly improving their products.

This product makes it possible to heat rooms adjacent to the steam room and at the same time a person has the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of an open fire, the slight smell of smoke and firewood. The portals of the Hephaestus stoves are distinguished by a rather original finish using artistic casting. The doors are made of heat-resistant transparent materials, so you can see the fire and burning wood. This adds even more atmosphere to the room.

A special substance is used as lining, which helps to maintain the required temperature for a long time. When finishing with natural stone, you can get reliable protection from infrared rays that come from a hot oven.

History of creation

The Hephaestus trademark appeared in 2008, when the company’s management decided to expand its areas of activity. Further, the development of this area can be described in several stages, linked to years:

1. In 2010, the development of the first bathhouse equipment projects began.
2. Since 2012, serial production of Hephaestus stoves has been launched. At the same time, all the most successful technical and design solutions are patented.
3. In 2014, production capacity was expanded by opening a plant in the Volgograd region.
4. Since 2021, the company's products have been supplied to the market of European Union countries. Its own stone workshop begins production, on the territory of which cladding materials for furnace equipment are produced.
5. In 2021, the company will open a representative office in the United States.

Now the company has strengthened its position in the global market, expanded production to the manufacture of fireplaces, heating stoves for private homes, and industrial premises.

Main advantages

According to reviews from owners, Hephaestus stoves are reliable and functional, and also have such advantages as:

• strength;
• efficiency;
• simplicity of design;
• versatility.

So, they are highly durable. Since the stoves are made of cast iron, they can withstand significant loads and damage quite well, which ensures durability and reliability.

Among the main advantages of the design, one should highlight its efficiency. It contains a flame arrester that helps hot air circulate normally inside the device, heat it and not immediately escape through the chimney. The peculiarity and simplicity of the design makes it possible to install the stove yourself, without the help of specialists.

According to reviews, Hephaestus stoves help heat the air in the steam room to the required temperature very quickly. Having a high specific gravity, a well-heated product can retain heat for quite a long time (for about 5 hours).

The façade can be finished with brick or any other finishing material, however, even without it it looks just fine. Only cast iron can fully accumulate light steam, which is required to warm up the bath. This design is in demand because it is characterized by versatility. The stove is capable of heating the air for bathing and heating the room well.

There is a temperature control function. This is important when visiting a bathhouse. Despite the fact that the stoves weigh a lot, transportation and installation will not take much time and will not require significant effort.

Cast iron products are good conductors, as they quickly heat up and give off heat. In addition, cast iron does not crack, unlike brick structures, which need to be replaced periodically.

Most popular models

When choosing Hephaestus cast iron stoves, you should definitely study the reviews and range of products. Otherwise, you may make the wrong choice. The main advantages of cast iron are that it does not emit harmful and toxic substances.

Also, according to reviews, the PB 00 brand stoves are considered the most spacious and functional products. They are suitable for heating large sauna rooms. Model PB 00MS and M are distinguished by impressive dimensions and high performance. The outlet intended for the chimney has a cross-section of 200 mm. They are great for a room of 80 square meters.

The Hephaestus stove PB 000MS and M is used for steam rooms with an area of ​​120 square meters. Their productivity is 45 kW. Product weight - 950 kg. The difference between the models lies in the dimensions, as well as design features.

The Hephaestus PB 01 stove has good reviews. This is a model weighing 350 kg and the possibility of increasing the size of the combustion chamber by 10 cm. This feature is achieved exclusively by adding inserts specially designed for this purpose, which are included in the kit. Products are supplied unassembled. Assembling the stove will not be difficult, as there are instructions.

Another model recommended by the owners is PB 01 MS. It differs in that it has special valves that provide much better convection. They are located so as to ensure the rate of heat transfer. A similar Hephaestus stove with a closed heater is often mentioned in reviews. Moreover, most owners are satisfied with the purchase. What’s especially pleasing is that the heater of the product can hold approximately 300 kg of stones.

PB 02 series stoves can be used to heat a bathhouse with an area of ​​35 square meters. There are various modifications of such furnaces. Among the most popular are the following:

• PB 02M (320 kg);
• PB 02S (310 kg);
• PB 02 MS (310 kg).

Model PB 02M is an extended version of the design and, in addition, allows for full heating of the steam room and dressing room. The firebox door is equipped with heat-resistant glass. Thanks to this equipment, the room intended for relaxation receives a fireplace, which turns into a durable and durable firebox.

Model PB 02C is equipped with a special mesh for the heater. A heated frame of stones allows you to warm up the steam room much faster. In this case, heat is distributed equally throughout all rooms.

Model PB 02MS makes it possible to light the stove from another room. The product can operate in two modes, namely hot steam with high humidity and dry air.

Hephaestus stoves of the PB 03 series are presented in several modifications, namely:

• PB 03M;
• PB 03S;
• PB 03MS.

The design of the PB 03M stove is such that the air in it heats up a few minutes after kindling. Experts recommend making brick cladding for this option. The PB 03S stove is equipped with a heater that can hold 250 kg of stones. It is equipped with a sealed door and the possibility of increasing the combustion chamber. The PB 03 MS stove provides heating of the steam room in a fairly short time. Has a heater that holds 200 kg of stones.

If the bathhouse is very small - steam rooms up to 15 square meters, then the manufacturer offers stove options for 110-125 kg. Among the most beloved by owners, PB 04M should be highlighted. This option definitely requires brick cladding. The product not only heats the steam room well, but also the adjacent rooms.

The PB 04MS stove model comes complete with a steam generator, which allows you to make the air in the bathhouse more saturated. The device distributes dry and wet steam.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight the Hephaestus gas stoves; in the reviews, the owners also mostly praise them. They are great for a country house, cottage, and also for use on hiking trips. It can cook anything that can be cooked in a large full-size oven. Its main advantage is its small size. According to reviews of the Hephaestus mini-oven, it is functional and reliable.

Pros and cons of cast iron bath structures

Wood-burning and other cast iron-based sauna stoves have the following advantages:

• compactness and lightness. Compared to stone or brick structures, cast iron products are much better in this regard. But this does not at all prevent them from coping with their key task - heating even large steam rooms;
• Efficiency – cast iron wood-burning structures have a high indicator, which is equal to 82 percent. This is due to the fact that the material conducts heat well. This indicator is much lower for bricks and stones. And when cooling and after heating to the desired temperature, cast iron slowly releases heat into the space. This will be enough to fully relax in the bathhouse;
• ease of transportation - the foundation, as already mentioned, does not need to be installed. And if you start a renovation in the bathhouse, then the stove can be moved to any place or even to another room;
• high level of fire safety. The combustion chambers are sealed, preventing the release of sparks into the room; in this regard, cast iron heating devices are the safest. In brick baths, the seams may crack due to prolonged use;
• reasonable price of stoves - the cost of a finished cast iron stove and its installation is significantly lower compared to the cost of purchasing or building a stove made of bricks. You can also veneer a cast iron stove with stone, then you will need to pay for the cladding material and the services of a mason;
• environmental friendliness - when arranging this structure, you need to take into account the characteristics of cast iron as a material. It is environmentally friendly and is a reliable heat source. And to ensure its operation, you need natural firewood or pressed wood, which when burned does not emit harmful substances to humans. But the combustion of firewood from birch, alder or aspen, on the contrary, only has a positive effect on the health of those vacationing in the bathhouse.

As you can see, there are many positive aspects to using a cast iron structure. But against the backdrop of so many advantages, there is only one drawback - the low resistance of cast iron to corrosion. However, ordinary users of cast iron stove structures practically do not encounter this. It is worth noting that factory models are covered with a special enamel during production, which protects the material from deformation.

How to choose the right cast iron stove? Today there are a large number of different devices for heating bath rooms on the market. You can purchase a cast iron structure for a heater or a wood-burning one, based on your personal needs. You can choose one or another option only depending on the totality of its advantages.

So, if you choose a cast iron stove for installation in a bathhouse, then you should consider the following factors:

• the appearance of the structure depends on the design solution, which was implemented already at the production stage. Many devices are equipped with a door with thermal glass, which allows you to observe the fire from the outside;
• fuel. The fuel can be firewood, peat briquettes, as well as electricity and gas. In the last two cases, the maintenance and care of the stove will be simpler, since ash will not accumulate in it;
• material of construction - cast iron has different types of markings that indicate its strength and thickness. All this directly affects the duration of use of the stove;
• The efficiency of a wood stove depends on the volume of the firebox. This value and the recommended volume of the room where the stove will be installed are indicated in the product data sheet. The wider and higher the firebox, the greater productivity it will have;
• different types of fireboxes are devices that are built into the stove or extended fireboxes. The second option is best suited for baths where there is a rest room or dressing room;
• water tank - its presence is an additional advantage, thanks to which a cast iron stove can be used not only to produce steam and heat, but also to provide hot water supply in the bathhouse. The container for filling water and heating it can be placed either on the back of the stove or on top, next to the chimney.

Many specialists or experts say that it is better to choose the option that suits all the parameters for a home bath. It is easy to maintain or has excellent performance.

Product Features

Hephaestus stoves are quite popular. Reviews from owners indicate that this is a high-quality, durable and reliable product, distinguished by a wide range of models, a powerful body and reinforced walls 10-60 mm thick. The walls are also equipped with vertical rigid ribs. They allow you to withstand significant loads, in particular when laying a large number of stones.

The combustion stove is designed in such a way that the steam room heats up quickly. The stones heat up thanks to the presence of a flame cutter, which evenly distributes the smoke. The stove heater has a unique three-section design. The equipment provides unique steam, which is considered simply ideal for a Russian bath. Wet steam is considered light and very healthy.

Hephaestus stoves are available in two configurations - with a mesh for laying stone, and also with cladding. They are made of durable, heat-resistant material and are not afraid of corrosion, which means that the products will last a long time.

Dimensions

As already mentioned, they are delivered disassembled. This decision by the manufacturer is due to the large mass of the unit (from 100 to 900 kg), which makes it more convenient to install the stoves directly on site. They are distinguished by a powerful body with reinforced walls with a thickness of 10 to 60 mm. The walls are equipped with vertical stiffeners. They can withstand significant loads, for example, when laying a large number of stones.

Model parameters are indicated in millimeters.

Each product has its own dimensions:

• PB 01M – 711x495x887 mm;
• PB 01S – 887x600x860 mm;
• PB 01MS – 887x600x860 mm;
• PB 02M – 855x458x645 mm;
• PB 02S – 855x600x750 mm;
• PB 02MS – 855x458x645 mm;
• PB 03M – 755x418x590 mm;
• PB 03S – 755x500x700 mm;
• PB 04M – 645x394x490 mm;
• PB 04S – 645x450x570 mm;
• PB 04MS – 645x450x570 mm.

The combustion stove "Hephaestus" is designed in such a way that the steam room receives dynamic and fast heating. The heating of the stones occurs thanks to the equipment with a flame cutter, which evenly distributes the flue gases. The heater of the stoves has a unique three-section design. The equipment provides unique steam, which is considered ideal for a Russian bath. Wet steam is considered light and good for health.

Depending on the standard sizes, one or two specialists can do the assembly. The manufacturer prepares the kits in such a way that the work associated with their installation will not cause difficulties. To facilitate the installation process, the manufacturer pre-divides devices into two main categories. The devices are united by common requirements.

To connect the models, framed with soapstone, a chimney and a strong foundation are installed. Variations in the appearance of the finish can be adjusted by the owner himself. Usually stoves are lined with bricks, and they take on the appearance of a Russian stove.

Considering that the dimensions of the stoves are adjusted in accordance with the dimensions of the room, it is worth paying special attention to the use of certain types of fuel. Hephaestus stoves should be heated with wood or fuel mixtures. Do not use coal or wood waste for this. The best option is to fire the stove with hardwood logs. Firing a stove with wood has an advantage over other options. For example, the aroma of wood has an effect called aromatherapy.

How to install?

According to reviews, Hephaestus cast iron stoves for baths are durable and functional, which is why they are very popular. They are supplied in parts, unassembled, which greatly facilitates on-site assembly. The stove can weigh from 110 kg, so it is easier to assemble the structure directly in the steam room. Installation can be carried out by 1-2 people.

To assemble a soapstone oven, you need to attach a smoke exhaust system and prepare a solid foundation. These models include stone products with unique healing properties. Cladding options largely depend on the chosen model. It is made like a Russian stove.

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How to choose the right stones for the stove?

When installing a cast iron stove in a bathhouse, you need to take care of a set of stones for it. These heating elements are used in almost all types of sauna heating devices.

The weight of the cobblestones is taken at the rate of 100 kg per 10 square meters of the steam room. The average service life is 2-3 years, after which they require replacement. When choosing stones, it is very important to pay attention to their shape. Rounded cobblestones will retain heat much longer and cool more slowly.

You should not take damaged stones. Cobblestones should be of different sizes, from large to small. Large stones should be placed on the bottom, and small ones on top of them. An important factor is the natural origin of the hard rock.

Brick cladding

Since ready-made stone cladding for Hephaestus stoves made of soap chloride is quite expensive, you can choose a more economical option and cover the structure with brick or natural stone. In this case, the following recommendations should be taken into account:

• the distance from the convection openings to the wall must be at least 50 cm;
• the body is designed specifically for cladding work;
• a brick-lined stove can be lined with a heat-resistant ceramic form, granite or marble;
• When carrying out work, you need to use ready-made mixtures, which include fireclay clay.

Installation and brick lining of the Hephaestus cast iron stove does not cause any difficulties at all, so you can do the work yourself. Naturally, all this is possible only if the basic requirements of the manufacturer are met and the master has minimal construction skills.

Guarantee

The warranty period is 5 years from the date of sale, but not more than 5.5 years from the date of shipment. If the owner discovers manufacturing defects during the warranty period, the manufacturer undertakes to repair or replace the defective part free of charge. The warranty does not cover the grate and flame arrester. Also, the warranty does not apply to ovens used for commercial purposes; used in non-original stone cladding; operated without a damper installed in the chimney. In the absence of a sales mark in the product passport, the starting date of the warranty period is considered to be the date of manufacture.

Serpentinite is used for lining the Hephaestus PB-03 furnace. Photo TechnoLit

If the passport is lost, the consumer loses the right to warranty repair of the stove.

These stoves have a service life of over 30 years, but if the stove fails in the distant future, you can replace it with an inexpensive part rather than the entire stove.

How to use the oven correctly?

Cast iron sauna stoves only need to be heated with firewood and special fuel briquettes. It is not recommended to do this with coal or wood waste. Firewood made from hardwood is best.

The decision to fire the stove with wood has another advantage, since the Hephaestus stove with soap chloride releases useful substances when heated. They, together with the aroma of the tree, have the most beneficial effect, which is essentially similar to aromatherapy.

A stove lined with stone is also distinguished by its ability to uniformly heat the room. Thanks to this, your stay in the bathhouse becomes more pleasant and comfortable. Wood-burning stoves “Hephaestus Hurricane” are praised more than others in reviews, since the product heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time.

Customer Reviews

Numerous comments from owners indicate that these are high-quality devices with good technological parameters and characteristic operating features. The high cost of the products fully justifies their high quality.

According to customer reviews, Hephaestus stoves are reliable, as they work for a long time without problems. Conveniently, the manufacturer offers a wide range of products.

Such products simply cope with the assigned tasks perfectly. With the right choice and proper installation, there are no problems with heating even fairly large steam rooms.

According to reviews, the Hephaestus Groza stove is a product that combines high technology, modern reliable materials, and performance. It is made of cast iron. This material is characterized by heat resistance, resistance to corrosion, as well as acids that firewood releases during the combustion process.

The Hephaestus electric stove has proven itself well. It has the most positive reviews, as it is a modern and reliable technique that is ideal for preparing various dishes.

The company produces high-quality and functional home appliances and presents them in a wide range, which is why you can easily choose the required option that is ideal in all respects.

Own production and original technologies

The company offers products that it creates in its own production, and raw materials are also created on the basis of the enterprise itself. This combination makes it possible to set attractive and competitive prices for all offered equipment and constantly expand the range of heating devices.

Currently the following products are sold under this brand:

• Traditional fireplaces. The Russian manufacturer successfully uses natural materials - the range includes products with natural stone cladding, which better accumulates combustion heat and evenly distributes heat throughout the room.
• Fireplace inserts. Modern combustion chambers can run on wood, biofuel, gas, or heat the room with electricity.
• Compact ovens. Small-sized cast iron stoves look good in any interior and have a high efficiency rate.
• Chimney systems. To install a classic solid fuel fireplace design, you will need not only the firebox itself, but also combustion product exhaust systems.

The manufacturer produces a full range of heating equipment for domestic and industrial types, and the presence of its own production line greatly expands the capabilities of the design and technical departments. The manufacturer accepts orders for the production of heating boilers for fireplace structures upon individual request.