The production of Vesuvius stoves was organized by one of the dealers. They are produced by the Litkom enterprise. The specialists of this company studied the most popular and productive stoves from Finland and the best-selling products of domestic stove makers. The result was the Vesuvius stoves. The company does not stand still, it is constantly developing, modernizing production and trying to satisfy a variety of requests. Today, not only Vesuvius wood stoves are manufactured, but also heating stoves, as well as chimneys and components for them, tanks and heat exchangers, as well as stove accessories. So there is always the opportunity to replace a failed unit with a “native” analogue or to complete your furnace.
Wood-burning stoves for the Vesuvius bathhouse
The main and main feature of Vesuvius is the absence of corners. The stove has a round shape, which promotes uniform distribution of thermal radiation. The outer casing of Vesuvius is an all-welded structure made of high-strength steel plates 8 mm thick. This form looks unusual and recognizable.
Wood-burning sauna stoves "Vesuvius" with an open heater have a round shape
Stones placed in a round mesh structure heat up more evenly, while at the same time effectively extinguishing hard infrared radiation from the metal surfaces of the firebox.
It must be said that even the best design of an external mesh with stones does not provide the degree of steam humidity that is necessary for a Russian bath. If you decide to make a Russian steam room with its not the highest temperature, but high humidity, then it is better to choose models with a closed heater. All experts in the Russian bathhouse are absolutely sure of this. If you are attracted by an open heater with visible stones, you will need additional devices.
Everyone agrees that with an open heater, the stones simply cannot heat up to a temperature at which the steam turns out to be “light”. They heat well if the firebox has sufficient power, but they also give off heat well, quickly warming up the steam room. This is true. But this results in a dry-air Finnish sauna, and not a Russian bathhouse.
You can pour water on the stones of an open heater. But this produces “heavy” steam, which is not good. To obtain an atmosphere more consistent with the desired conditions in the steam room, tubes are inserted into the stones. And water or herbal decoctions are added to them. Since the temperature of the stones located closer to the firebox is much higher than the outside temperature, the steam produced is lighter and drier. Passing through the stones located above, it becomes finely dispersed and further dries. This kind of steam is much closer to the Russian steam room. But this addition is not ideal - near a well-heated stove it is quite difficult to accurately and slowly pour water into the tubes without getting burned by the escaping steam. In addition, the installation location of the tubes must first be determined intuitively. If the steam is not satisfactory, you again have to rearrange the stones, rearranging the tubes. In general, it’s a hassle.
If we talk about models with a closed heater, they are more suitable for Russian steam rooms, but only if it is possible to open/close the upper, open part of the heater, regulating both the heat transfer and the temperature of the stones themselves.
The bodies of Vesuvius bathhouse stoves are coated with a special silicone compound. It protects the housing from exposure to aggressive water at high temperatures. Such models look no less impressive than open heaters, as some of them are decorated with forged elements. But if you decide to make a Russian steam room out of your bathhouse, then most likely the appearance of the iron stove will not be important to you: in order to create conditions as close as possible to the “Russian bathhouse” you will need to cover it with a brick screen.
All currently existing models of Vesuvius bath stoves have a chimney diameter of 115 mm. All components and accessories for them can be purchased “original” - this is one of the activities of the enterprise. If you choose a stove model that needs to be heated from an adjacent room, then the depth of the combustion tunnel will also be standard - 290 mm.
Lines of stoves for the Vesuvius bathhouse
In the Vesuvius family of stoves with an open heater, the Vesuvius Vertical series looks quite unusual. All modifications have the same dimensions (width 540mm, depth 790mm and height 1010mm), but differ in the type of combustion tunnel door. Doors are available with panoramic or regular glass, or without glass. This line is designed for heating steam rooms with a volume of 8-18 m3.
Wood-burning stoves for the Vesuvius-Vertical bathhouse
Wood-burning sauna stoves “Vesuvius” with an open heater are both the “Russian Steam” and “Vesuvius Skif” lines. There is plenty to roam around here - a wide variety of sizes (different width/height/depth) and types of doors allows you to choose the best option for each specific case.
In “Russian Steam”, however, there are only six modifications, one of which has an external lining made of a coil. These models are designed for heating steam rooms with an area of 18-28 m3.
Sauna stoves “Vesuvius Scythian” modification SCH12
But “Skifov” has 26 options. Here you can choose for any size of room. There is also a great variety of door designs - regular-sized glass, panoramic doors with glass or iron.
Vesuvius Elite stoves are lined with a coil, equipped with a combustion tunnel and a glass door. There are not many models, but they look quite interesting.
Wood-burning stoves for the Vesuvius Elite bathhouse are lined with a coil
A popular line with a closed heater is “Vesuvius Lava”. Their distinctive feature is decorative forged elements located at the top/bottom and in the middle of the body. These furnaces have many modifications and a wide range of sizes - 24 modifications, which differ in size and power. You can choose models for steam rooms from 6 to 28 m3. You also choose whether there is a combustion tunnel, a glass/metal door and its dimensions (panoramic or not).
Sauna stove “Vesuvius Lava” 22
Bath stoves "Vesuvius Rusich" do not have forged elements on the body. But for those who decided to put a brick screen around the stove in order to bring the steam conditions as close as possible to the Russian steam room, this does not matter.
Bath stove "Vesuvius Rusich"
Each of the lines has so-called fireplace stoves. They differ from the others by the wide panoramic glass in the door.
There is also a line of “Legend” cast iron stoves (not to be confused with the Finnish Harvia Legend stoves). Since the stoves are made of cast iron, they are larger (160kg versus the usual 60-100kg). All Legend models with an open stove are equipped with combustion tunnels. Designed for heating steam rooms with an area of 10 to 28 cubic meters.
As you can see, there is plenty to choose from.
Rating of TOP 7 best models
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 7 best fireplace stoves Vesuvius | ||
| 1 | Vesuvius PK-01 (220) CORNER BEIGE | 22 000 ₽ |
| 2 | Vesuvius PK-01(220) CORNER RED | 22 000 ₽ |
| 3 | Vesuvius PK-01(270) BEIGE | 19 000 ₽ |
| 4 | Vesuvius PK-01 (220) CORNER SOAPOLOCHLORITE | 27 000 ₽ |
| 5 | Vesuvius PK-01 (270) RED | 19 000 ₽ |
| 6 | Vesuvius PK-01(220) CORNER Sandstone | 31 000 ₽ |
| 7 | Vesuvius PK-01 (205) | 28 000 ₽ |
Vesuvius water tanks
In the basic configuration, Vesuvius stoves are not equipped with water tanks. But you can choose any of those that are in production. Vesuvius produces various tanks:
- Rectangular pipe tanks (55 and 80 liter capacity) and rectangular wall-mounted tanks (60, 80, 110 and 125 liter capacity).
Rectangular tanks for the Vesuvius pipe
All of them are welded from matte stainless steel sheets 1 mm thick. G3/4 fittings are located on the bottom or on the sides. - Oval pipe tanks (55 and 80 liters), vertical and horizontal contour oval tanks (60 and 90 liters) made of mirror stainless steel 1 or 0.5 mm.
Oval tanks for the Vesuvius pipe
Mounted oval tanks “Vesuvius” made of mirror stainless steel.
There is a filler hole and G3/4 fittings located on the side. - Heat exchangers are round (volume 6 and 12 liters) and flat. They are made of stainless steel with a thickness of 1 or 0.5 mm, two G3/4 fittings for connection to the heating system or water supply.
Characteristics of "Rusich"
For example, the Rusich model range has absorbed the experience of many specialists in the field of heating equipment, and therefore combines high performance and modern design.
Stoves for baths Vesuvius Rusich
The Vesuvius Rusich stove, judging by the reviews, is the fastest for heating a bath. All models are equipped with a volumetric, ventilated, open-type heater - this particular feature makes it possible to heat stones immediately from four sides in a very short period of time. The weight of the stones is 40 kg. These ovens are equipped with an external convector casing. It is this that helps accelerate the heating process of the stones due to the formation of a fairly powerful convection flow in the steam room. According to reviews, bath stoves “Vesuvius Rusich” are not only very fast, but also quite reliable, so they can easily last for several decades.
Furnace installation
Let's consider an installation diagram in which the stove will be located in the steam room, and the remote tank will be in the washing room.
Standard installation diagram for the Vesuvius stove with a remote water tank
As can be seen from the figure, a “samovar” type heat exchanger is used, which does not allow heat to escape through the chimney pipe, but uses it to heat water. This increases the efficiency (efficiency factor) of the furnace.
As an example, we suggest watching a video that shows how the Vesuvia Skif Russian Steam stove is installed.
Advantages and disadvantages
If we compare the units in question with other types of furnaces (made from other types of metal) from well-known manufacturers, we can highlight three main advantages.
They are concluded:
- in practicality and durability . Cast iron in its effect is as close as possible to brick stoves;
- strength _ When exposed to high temperatures and intensive use, cast iron does not deform and can withstand high loads;
- high thermal conductivity and safety of use . A cast iron stove does not burn oxygen in the steam room and does not emit large quantities of infrared radiation. It heats up quickly, but cools down slowly.
The disadvantages include the large weight of the structures and considerable cost. However, there is good value for money.
Owner reviews
As often happens, some owners speak positively about the product, and some speak negatively. The video below shows how a dissatisfied customer saws apart a new Vesuvius-16 Skif stove to prove that the steel thickness is less than stated in the instruction manual.
Apparently, adjustments have been made to the description of the stoves, here are the latest excerpts from the manufacturer’s website:
“When designing the Skif sauna stove, the designers of our plant found a unique and at the same time simple solution to create a sauna stove with high efficiency. Sauna stoves of the Skif model range are made of special structural steel. The thickness of the main elements of the firebox reaches 12 mm.”
It is stated in black and white that the thickness of the main elements of the firebox reaches 12 mm, but it is not entirely clear what is meant by “main elements”. We can assume that we are talking about the arch of the firebox.
Personally, after watching the video, what bothered us was not that the thickness of the steel was less than stated, but that some of the seams were not welded. This suggests that in the production of Vesuvius stoves there are problems with quality control (alas, this is typical for many domestic manufacturers).
Distinctive features
The main difference between the stoves is the absence of corners . The structures have a rounded shape, thanks to which thermal radiation is distributed evenly over the entire area of the room. The outer casing is an all-welded body made of high-strength steel plates 8 mm thick.
The unit looks stylish and attractive.
The furnace body is coated with organosilicon. This layer helps protect the product from water, thereby preventing corrosion.
IMPORTANT!
But the manufacturer claims that it is better to install such units in a steam room with a firebox exiting into an adjacent room.
The features lie in the design itself. Vesuvius stoves have :
- mesh heater with ventilation . The stones in it are heated evenly, so the hot air spreads gradually;
- ash drawer with a pull-out mechanism . This allows fuel residues not to accumulate in the unit and not interfere with its normal operation;
- cast iron grate and door with a tight shutter;
- remote-type firebox (in some models);
- pens . Users note that the handles always remain cool and safe in high temperatures.
Each line has its own design features. It is easy for a person to choose an option that will meet all requirements and personal desires.
conclusions
Despite the negative reviews, it cannot be said that all stoves are of low quality. When choosing a sauna stove, it makes sense to look into a store with an “understanding person” so that you don’t bite your elbows after the purchase.
If you are limited in funds, but want to buy a stove with thick walls (8-10 mm), then you can take a closer look at stoves. Despite the fact that Zhara stoves are made of pipes and look like a steam locomotive, they are quite reliable. After covering the stove with brick, everything looks quite aesthetically pleasing.
If you have a piece of pipe of suitable diameter and a welding machine, you can make a sauna stove yourself.
If you are willing to pay for quality, check out Finnish-made stoves.
Which company should you choose?
In Russia there are a number of companies specializing in the production of cast iron and steel heating devices not only for residential or industrial premises, but also for baths and saunas.
Among them, experts highlight the following:
- Teplodar is a company with original patented technologies and its own development of materials that ensure the reliability and durability of furnaces, resistance to temperature changes and damage. A high-quality production process control system reduces the risk of burnout or damage to walls and parts to almost zero;
- Vesuvius - unusual stoves with original design. The brand offers a wide range of models in various styles: from classic to avant-garde. The second advantage of their furnaces is their affordable price, ease of installation (with rare exceptions) and high efficiency rates due to the design features of the walls;
- ETNA are productive and highly thought-out stoves with precise calculations of the thermal load on all elements. This approach allowed the manufacturer to reduce the wall thickness without loss of efficiency, and accordingly reduce weight, metal costs and product costs;
- Termofor - the main feature of their products is the smooth heating of the room and soft steam, which is achieved due to the special shape of the elements, which, in turn, provide the necessary density and power of heat flows. The models are easy to install and affordable; there are options of different power for different areas.
Review of the most popular brands
It should be warned that there are many more steel products on the market, and few people deal with cast iron.
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:
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.
A stove with a fashionable mesh for stones , which surround the firebox on all sides except the bottom. It looks attractive, and the free convection of air between the openly laid stones leads to rapid heating of the steam room. The firebox is remote.
It has many variations in the volume of the steam room (from 6 to 30 cubic meters), in the type of doors - from solid to fireplace portals with large glass. However, all of them are suitable only for a dry-air bath, that is, a sauna . Stoves with nets for stones are not suitable for Russian baths. A closed heater is required here.
"Legend Standard"
The mesh is made of strips and rods, without design frills. That's why it's "standard".
"Legend Cast Iron Forging"
It differs from the “Standard” only in that the design uses strips of forged metal.
A brother of the Legend, but taller and holds more stones . The minimum volume of the steam room is 8 cubic meters, the maximum is 30. The differences are the same as in the “Legend” - in the doors, in the design of the grid, in the power of the stove.
Reviews on the stove
On the manufacturer's official website you will find over a hundred modifications of the Hephaestus cast iron stove - with or without a stone lining, with different doors. The search for closed heaters was unsuccessful.
Of all the models that are presented on the site, we have chosen the most popular among customers - GEPHAESTUS PB-04 M.
This is what she looks like. With a rather modest size: it is about half a meter high, about 40 cm wide and about 70 cm long, 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.
Reviews of Hephaestus products
From the reviews of the Hephaestus sauna stoves on the forums, we understood that the stoves generally satisfy buyers, although they are faced with the need for some modifications (for example, a starting chimney). However, otherwise the parts fit together, which makes buyers assume that Hephaestus pre-assembles its products and corrects casting errors, but this is a common practice not only for this company.
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.
Cast iron firebox ChT-1
With a power of 15 kW, it can heat a room up to 35 cubic meters in volume. The combustion tunnel allows you to heat the stove from the adjacent room. The design is equipped with a door with heat-resistant glass and a self-cleaning system. There is an open heater that can hold up to 80 kg of stones. The weight of the stove itself is 190 kg.
ChT-1 is used as a basis for furnaces from the same manufacturer. Including those who have a closed heater .
Magnum places a special emphasis on the fact that during the production process it complies with all technological requirements for annealing and tempering of metal, and also mentions that it uses only heat-resistant cast iron .
As far as we know, Magnum products are truly in demand and are in great demand.
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.
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 are stone surrounds, there are with a net for stones, with an open and closed heater, with a water tank included in the kit... There are plenty to choose from.
offers many stone-clad stoves with cast iron fireboxes. However, the buyer is given the opportunity to purchase an unlined stove, which can be lined with either stone or brick. The power of such a unit is 15 kW, the manufacturer promises that it will be enough to heat 35 cubic meters of steam room, but in reality, with a lining, no more than 20. The stove is about 80 cm in height, with an external firebox. If desired, you can install a fireplace portal. The oven's own weight is 270 kg.
does not produce cast iron stoves. However, its products are suitable for Russian baths - these are grateless top-burning stoves with a closed heater, which do a good job of generating light, fine steam.
Trading went the way of Magnum and released its own cast iron stove. Those who are familiar with the design of other companies engaged in similar production will understand that FireCom decided not to develop its own ideas, simply stealing those they liked from competitors.
But what’s really funny is the pathos with which the company’s website talks about the fact that the material for their furnaces is the SCh-20 brand. You must understand that this is the most common, much cheaper than alloyed, type of cast iron, which most stove manufacturers secretly or openly use.
produces Tornado stoves with cast iron fireboxes . The catalog contains models for self-cladding with brick or stone, models with mesh (many), as well as models with a steel casing. Prices are two times lower than competitors. The only thing that confuses me is that the weight is not too heavy and the dimensions are quite large (compared to some competitors), which indicates a small thickness of the metal.
The manufacturer claims to use heat-resistant cast iron, but does not name the brand. Among the models there are those that have both an open and closed heater. The product is also equipped with glass doors. Optionally, heat exchangers can be purchased. (Nuances about the use of heat exchangers here).
"Karelia" ATB
You cannot pass by the products of PetrozavodskMash. The prototype for these round stoves was the Finnish Aito stoves. The manufacturer claims that its stoves will work for at least 30 years and accompanies their sale with a certificate with the self-explanatory title “Eternal Guarantee.” It would be worth asking those who own such a stove - what are their impressions?
Cast iron stove with heat exchanger for a bath. Photo source
The price of Karelian units is moderate, and they are suitable for those owners of bathhouses who have to solve the problem with hot water - all stoves are designed for the installation of a water heating tank, but you will have to purchase it as an addition, judging by the characteristics.
