Bathhouse with electric heater: construction, reviews, features

A real bathhouse, no matter whether Russian or Finnish, can only be wood-fired. For many, this is an axiom based on the assertion that it was wood-burning stoves that our ancestors used. But one has to wonder, did they have a choice? Of course not. Unlike us. In the modern world, there are many ways to heat a room, and one of the most affordable and convenient is electricity.

An electric oven is simple and safe. Its installation does not require approval from various authorities, and most importantly, it can be installed even in the bathroom of an ordinary apartment, turning the room into a real sauna. According to the principle of operation, this is an ordinary heater, but instead of firewood or gas, the filler is heated by a heating element (tubular electric heater). This design has several important advantages:

1. Safety as there is no open flame.
2. Easy to install and install. Often such stoves operate from a regular household network, that is, they are plugged into a household outlet.
3. Fast heating. The heating element reaches operating temperature in a couple of minutes, and then can maintain it for a long time.
4. Temperature adjustment. You set the desired temperature yourself and for this you do not need to control the combustion process, just turn one handle.
5. No waste or trash. No ash or carbon monoxide. Such ovens do not need to be cleaned or maintained in any way.
6. A wide variety of models by type of design and power. There are even options for cabins of 1-2 cubic meters.

These are only the most obvious advantages lying on the surface, but in fairness it should be said that there are also disadvantages here:

1. High electricity consumption. Even the smallest stove will consume at least 2 kilowatts of energy.
2. Combustion of oxygen. When used for a long time in a closed room, all the oxygen burns out.
3. To install a stove with a power of 4 kilowatts or more, you will need to make a separate electrical line.

You should also understand that not all ovens can be splashed with water to create steam. Although this is a heater, the heating elements do not like water. This point must be clarified before purchasing. The degree of protection of such stoves is sufficient to withstand accidental splashes, but it is not recommended to fill them with water. If you need a Russian sauna with a large number of clouds of steam, and not a dry Finnish one, then you can look for a model with a steam generator.

In our rating we will look at the best models of 2021 of different capacities. There will be very small stoves that can be installed in a regular bathroom in your apartment, as well as large structures for full-fledged saunas and bathhouses for commercial purposes.

The best electric ovens for small spaces: up to 10 cubic meters

If you live in an ordinary apartment building, but really love a bathhouse, then you shouldn’t deny yourself this pleasure. The modern market offers models designed for small spaces up to 10 cubic meters. These are compact, lightweight devices that can be hung on a wall or placed near a wall. They are safe and quite economical in terms of energy consumption. Their protection allows them to withstand splashes, and some heaters can even be splashed with water to create steam. A great way to turn an ordinary bathroom into a real sauna.

Closed system

A closed system must be understood as a closed metal structure, inside of which there is a compartment with heating stones. The only difference from the classic system is this; the rest of the device is almost completely identical.

This option has many advantages.

• Using such a stove is much safer
• You can create a large amount of steam, which will create the desired level of humidity
• Due to its closed type, in addition, lined with brick inside and outside, the metal structure will retain heat for a long time, heating the room
• Moderate air heating

Top 3. KARINA Optima 2.5

Rating (2021): 4.56

Best price The cheapest electric oven, costing almost 40% less than the closest competitor with similar parameters.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 13,000 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 3
• Power consumption (kW): 2.5
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 60/32/22 cm
• Weight (kg): 8

If you have a small bathroom and want to turn it into a sauna, but without spending fabulous sums, then the Karina electric stove is the best solution. The most budget model from a Russian manufacturer, designed for a volume of only 3 cubic meters. Energy consumption is appropriate. At maximum load, the furnace consumes no more than 2.5 kilowatts per hour. But there are no programmable modes or nice extras here. The steam generator was not built in, and you can only set the temperature mode. But you can splash water on the stones. The heating elements are hidden deep in the depths of the stones and are located in such a way as to avoid contact with moisture as much as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Budget price tag
• Heating elements protected from moisture
• Economical energy consumption
• Protective mesh on the front side

• Designed for very small volumes
• No programmable modes
• No additional options

Whose stoves are better?

Despite the fact that the market is literally flooded with various models, there are not so many main players on it. In Russia you can buy stoves:

• Finnish;
• Swedish;
• German;
• Russian.

At the same time, Finnish companies predominate . But there is nothing surprising here - this is their national bathhouse. And the consumer feels more trust in a company that knows first-hand about the bathing traditions of its people.

Here is a list of the main Finnish companies that produce electric sauna heaters:

• Helo;
• Sawo;
• Harvia;
• Narvi.

We have a large article about one of these, with a description of most of the families of its extensive model range. However, do not rush to conclude that other companies are somehow worse .
It’s just that more people in Russia know Harvey. And high-quality products are characteristic of all companies in this market. The Swedes are represented by Tylo, and the Germans by EOS. Russian, "Polytech", "Teplodar", "Ermak", "TEK". Realizing that the place is already occupied by Finns and other Europeans, the Russians are trying to give their products a certain zest that would distinguish them from competitors - tape heaters at an affordable price , for example. Therefore, those who are still searching can safely recommend viewing domestic offers .

By the way, we decided that the opinions of other readers like you could help in drawing up a real picture of the experience-based preferences of Russians. We invite you to get acquainted with the results of the survey and, if you wish, take part in it as much as possible.

Finally, let's find out the opinions of sauna owners about the stoves they purchased:

Top 2. Harvia KIP60

Rating (2021): 4.82

Fast heating A stove with three working heating elements, which almost instantly reaches the set mode and warms up the room in a matter of minutes.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 21,800 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 8
• Power consumption (kW): 6
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 41/28/60 cm
• Weight (kg): 16

Electric oven from one of the most famous Finnish manufacturers. The device is designed to heat a room with a volume of up to 8 cubic meters. True, energy consumption is quite high, 6 kilowatts. For convenience, it is possible to connect to both household networks at 220 volts and two-phase at 380. The stove is distinguished by a quick set of the desired temperature, which is due to three heating elements hidden under 14 kilograms of natural stones. Heating of the room occurs in a matter of minutes, and numerous modes allow you to use the stove on an ongoing basis. It is enough to set the required temperature and humidity so that the desired microclimate is always maintained in the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Quick temperature set
• Three working heating elements
• Compact size
• High quality build

• High price
• High power consumption

How to use a steam generator

Using the system to create a humid and warm climate in a Turkish bath is simple.

It is enough to set the following parameters on the control panel:

• air humidity;
• temperature;
• duration of work.

The steam generator is very easy to use.

Modern control panels regulate water supply, temperature and steam cycle, ventilation intensity and other parameters.

All that is required from the user is to select a work program.

Top 1. Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z

Rating (2021): 4.87

The most popular model is the Mini-oven, widely discussed on specialized forums and collecting a large number of positive comments.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 17,200 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 6
• Power consumption (kW): 3.6
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 45/33/31 cm
• Weight (kg): 5

Compact, lightweight heater stove with a capacity of 10.5 kilograms of stones. Designed to heat a room up to 6 cubic meters with an energy consumption of only 3.6 kilowatts. The device is very convenient and has programming capabilities. With its help, both Russian and Finnish saunas can be recreated. You can splash water on the stones, and there is also a built-in steam generator with several power modes. This is the best oven for small spaces that can be set to energy-saving mode and will constantly maintain the required temperature and humidity in the room. We also note the high reliability of the design. This is one of the most popular stove manufacturers and has proven itself.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Compact dimensions
• Low power consumption
• Programmable
• Many operating modes

• Wooden walls must be insulated
• There are low-quality fakes

See also:

• 12 best brands of sauna stoves

to the beginning of the rating

Evaporator Harvia Sauna Steamer SS-20 Auto

​Photo: market.yandex.ru

Using the Harvia SS-20 Auto evaporator you can create fairly soft steam. The evaporator has automatic water filling, which is very convenient when using the device, and there is also a place designed for adding aromatic oil or other substances. Due to the convenient location of all parts of the device, the Harvia SS-20 Auto evaporator is quite easy to maintain. The evaporator is controlled using an electronic panel and display, which displays all the necessary parameters.

Evaporator Harvia Sauna Steamer SS-20 Auto

Advantages:

• Quality
• Convenience
• Reliability
• Wide functionality
• Automatic water filling
• Flavor container
• Ease of operation and maintenance

The best electric stoves for medium-sized rooms: from 10 to 20 cubic meters

For a room larger than 10 cubic meters, a more powerful unit will be required. There is no power calculation scheme here as with heaters, so the stove can consume either 10 or all 20 kilowatts. In any case, it is advisable to connect it to a separate line so as not to load the household outlet. Also in this category there are two-phase versions operating at 380 volts. They are unlikely to be installed in an ordinary home, but they are an excellent option for commercial baths and saunas, where it is not possible to use open-flame heaters.

How to choose the power of a steam generator

The choice of power should be determined by the volume of the hammam. For 1 m³ of room, 1 kg of steam per hour is required. So, for example, for a Turkish bath with an area of ​​15 m³, a steam generator with a capacity of 15 kg/h is required.

Steam generators with low power heat up quickly.

The difficulty in selecting the power of a device is that not all brands indicate performance in the equipment specifications. On the Russian market you can find steam generators (for example, Tylo 9 VA), the instructions for which indicate the power in kWh and the maximum room volume that the device can provide with steam. In this situation, you need to consider the size of the Turkish bath.

Top 4. PEKO Nova EH-90 blue

Rating (2021): 4.44

• Characteristics

  Average price: 12,900 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 14
• Power consumption (kW): 9
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 58/41/28 cm
• Weight (kg): 35

Many owners of medium-sized baths refuse to purchase electric heaters because of their high cost. But there are always exceptions, one of which is now before us. This is a product of a young Russian brand, characterized by the most affordable price tags. Given its characteristics, this stove-heater costs half as much as its competitors. Yes, it is not so beautiful in appearance and is not easy to operate, but it is the best budget model for a room with a volume of up to 14 cubic meters. It even has its own steam generator - an important factor, since it is undesirable to pour water over the stones. The heaters are very high and close to the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Attractive price
• Small size
• Many modes

• Complex controls
• Unprepossessing appearance
• Very tall heaters

Manufacturer's choice

The variety of steam generator models on the Russian market today allows you to choose the equipment configuration that most accurately suits the hammam. Among the most popular brands represented in Russia and the CIS countries are:

1. Harvia
   . The Finnish company produces both small steam generators designed for home hammams and powerful equipment for professional Turkish baths. The company produces models with automatic descaling, which most competitors do not have. The most popular models are Harvia HGX 45, Harvia HGX 90 and Harvia HGD150.
2. Hygromatic
   . A German company with a good reputation in Russia produces equipment with a wide range of capacities. Hygromatic specializes in the production of devices in which the heating element is represented by electrodes. Models such as Hygromatik FlexLine Heater, Hygromatik FlexLine Plus and Hygromatik HeaterSlim have proven themselves positively.
3. Tylo
   . The equipment of the Swedish company stands out among competitors with its modern and stylish design. Many models of this brand have established themselves as the most economical steam generators on the European market. Tylo VB, Tylo Steam Commercial and Tylo Steam Home models are very popular.
4. "Paromax"
   . Today there are 2 models of the Russian company on the market: “NEO-Intellect” and the more advanced device NEO-MAX STYLE. Paromax brand equipment is in demand in the post-Soviet space due to its successful combination of price, quality and performance.
5. Hello
   . Finnish steam generators occupy a significant share of the Russian market of equipment for Turkish baths due to the large number of models and high reliability. In online stores today, the most popular modifications are Helo HNS 47 T1, Helo HNS 60 T1 and Helo HNS 95 T1.
6. Sawo
   . The Finnish company produces fully automatic steam generators, many of which are equipped with an autonomous descaling system. In Russia, such models as Sawo STN-120-3-X, Sawo STE-40-1/2 and Sawo STE-75-C1/3 are in demand.

Harvia offers a wide range of models.

Top 3. Sawo SCANDIA SCA-80NB-Z

Rating (2021): 4.74

Universal design A stove with the possibility of wall and floor installation and a replaceable control unit that can be moved to the other side.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 29,500 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 13
• Power consumption (kW): 8
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 52/51/29 cm
• Weight (kg): 27

As a rule, an electric stove is a standard design that needs to be selected for your room. But now we have the most convenient device that will fit into any bathhouse or sauna, regardless of its configuration. The device can be placed on the floor or hung on the wall. The control unit is located on the side, but if necessary, it can be easily moved to the other side. An excellent solution for universal use. There is also something to look at in terms of characteristics. The oven has a built-in steam generator and several programmed operating modes. You can splash water on the stones, but in small quantities, since the heaters are very close to the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Universal design
• Replaceable control unit
• Powerful steam generator

• Heaters close to the surface
• It is necessary to protect the walls before installation

Control

Electric heaters that vary in price have different sets of functions. Standard functionality includes the ability to adjust the temperature, automatically turn off after a certain period of time, as well as delayed start (usually up to 9 hours). Electric furnaces with a steam generator also provide humidity control.

The electric heater is controlled from the remote control. There are two main options here. The remote control can be built-in or remote. Built-in, together with all control keys and indicators, is located directly on the furnace body. Using the remote control, you can control the heater remotely.

Top 2. Harvia Vega BC90

Rating (2021): 4.81

Best value for money Powerful heater from a top manufacturer with high performance and an attractive price tag.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 25,300 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 14
• Power consumption (kW): 9
• Construction: floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 54/48/31 cm
• Weight (kg): 45

Top brands rarely please customers with affordable price tags, but now we have before us a powerful heater with several operating modes and the most attractive price. The stove is designed for 14 cubic meters of heated area. Energy consumption – 9 kilowatts. It is possible to connect to both single-phase and two-phase networks. Several working heating elements are securely covered with a thick layer of stones, so they are not afraid of accidental splashes and moisture. You can pour water on the stones, which is very important, since there is no steam generator in the design. The rear wall is equipped with a special protective screen, that is, the stove can be placed directly against the wall and does not require additional insulation in the form of a metal sheet.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Optimal ratio of characteristics and price
• Convenient control
• Not afraid of large amounts of moisture
• No need to protect the wall during installation

• No steam generator
• Side control handles

Recommendations

When choosing a variety, you must also ask yourself where exactly to store coolants. For example, a harvia sauna stove can be of an open or closed type, run on solid fuel or gas, depending on the model.

A relative disadvantage of wood burning stoves is that it is necessary to reserve a certain amount of space to store a sufficient amount of dry firewood.

Usually a dressing room is used for these purposes, but it is not always possible to build one, and storing firewood inside the sauna is not advisable, and it also contradicts fire safety requirements. In addition, the cost of firewood can be higher than the cost of electricity or gas.

Top 1. Tylo Sense Elite 10

Rating (2021): 4.95

The most reliable oven A powerful electric oven designed for continuous operation even under maximum loads.

• Characteristics

  Average price: RUB 152,300.

• Country: Sweden
• Heated volume (cub.m): 18
• Power consumption (kW): 10.5
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 43/60/37 cm
• Weight (kg): 35

Many will probably be shocked by the price tag of this heater, but it should be understood that the equipment is designed for the highest loads. The manufacturer specializes in professional equipment for baths, saunas and spas. Here is the best assembly and only the most reliable materials. The device is controlled from your own tablet, in which you can set different modes and even combine them in your own order. The device is not afraid of moisture and is equipped with its own steam generator. There is also a container for aromatic liquids. The programmed modes include Russian and Finnish baths, as well as a sauna with aromatherapy and a spa. In general, maximum equipment and top performance.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Reliable device
• Many programmable and custom modes
• Maximum optional equipment
• Convenient control

• Very high price
• A rare guest in retail stores

See also:

• 10 best stoves for Russian baths in 2021

to the beginning of the rating

Video on topic

About Teplodar products, in particular, about the electric steam generator of this company:

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Thus, we found out that the choice of electric heaters with steam generators is quite large; you just need to clarify when purchasing whether the steam will be regular or finely dispersed (Finnish ones often give out only the first). The latter is especially important if you want to create the atmosphere of a Russian bath.

Top 3. Karina Classic 24

Rating (2021): 4.41

A stove for the largest rooms. A heater for heating a room with a volume of 40 cubic meters. The most powerful unit for commercial baths and saunas.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 70,000 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 40
• Power consumption (kW): 24
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 61/90/45 cm
• Weight (kg): 115

A large sauna or bathhouse requires appropriate heating equipment. This unit is designed for a volume of up to 40 cubic meters. This is a very powerful device, consuming 24 kilowatts at peak load. There are no design delights here. A regular box with a large number of protected heaters. You can pour water on the stones, which is very important, since there is no built-in steam generator. The oven is intended for additional cladding or placement in a special closed place. This is a technical model, but it differs from analogues in its quite adequate price tag and simplicity of design.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Large heated volume
• Heating elements with maximum protection

• Big sizes
• The simplest nondescript building
• No optional extras

Design features of the electric heater

The main component of any electric heater is the heating elements. The most commonly used heating elements or tape heaters.

Heating elements for electric heaters

Most models on the market use heating elements. They are distinguished by their simplicity and unpretentiousness. A closed tube contains a metal spiral, which heats up when an electric current passes. Due to the simplicity of design and manufacture, heating elements are widely used in household appliances (heaters, kettles, washing machines).

Heating elements have also proven themselves well in heaters. But they have certain disadvantages, which become more pronounced when used open. So, in the process of laying stones, the heating element can be damaged. And if you fill it with water, it will completely fail. Therefore, you need to handle them quite carefully.

Tape heaters

The design of such heaters differs in that the spirals are laid inside a ceramic tape. Thanks to this, they are better protected and much more difficult to damage. The second advantage of strip heaters is their higher efficiency. With the same power, they are capable of heating a room 1.5 times larger in volume compared to heating elements. This is also facilitated by their design, which provides higher efficiency.

Tape heaters are more expensive than heating elements. Therefore, the cost of heaters equipped with them is usually higher. However, they are more likely to fall into the middle price category. There are models with heating elements that are noticeably more expensive.

Top 2. Polytech Classic Stone

Rating (2021): 4.68

Optimal ratio of characteristics and cost A high-power oven with an adequate price tag. The cheapest model with a heated area of ​​more than 22 cubic meters.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 45,700 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 22
• Power consumption (kW): 14
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 83/56/38 cm
• Weight (kg): 70

If you have a relatively large sauna or bathhouse, but you are not ready to buy a stove for several hundred thousand, then this unit will solve your problem. This is the cheapest stove for its characteristics. Its price tag is only 45 thousand rubles, and the heated volume is 22 cubic meters. The device consumes 14 kilowatts, which is also a good result. The connection is only two-phase, and up to 70 kilograms of natural stones can be placed in the chamber. The structure is steel, but the front wall is also finished in stone. True, it is artificial, but it also shows good heat transfer and allows the stove to retain heat longer when turned off, which has a positive effect on the efficiency of consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Stone pediment
• Attractive price tag
• Balanced parameters
• Large load of stones

• No additional options
• The simplest possible design

Preparing to install a steam generator

Long-term and uninterrupted operation of the equipment is only possible with proper installation. It is important to choose the installation location wisely and not make mistakes when connecting to the power supply.

Installation location

The steam generator is installed in a utility (technical) room. The equipment must be mounted at eye level - with this arrangement it will be much easier to maintain.

It is recommended to install the temperature sensor in the steam room at a height of 1.7-1.9 m. Please note that the sensor should not be located closer than 50 cm to the walls, which are finished using “warm floor” technology. Otherwise, the automation system may not operate correctly.

It is recommended to fix the forced steam button next to the lounger.

When installing a steam pipeline, you must try to lay it so that there are as few turns as possible. We should not forget about the slope - condensate should not come out of the nozzles.

When installing a drain, it is recommended to equip the sewer pipe with a siphon. This will help prevent unpleasant odors from the sewer system from entering the steam room.

If the remote control allows you to control music and lighting, it is advisable to install it in the steam room. Otherwise, it is recommended to leave the remote control in the utility room.

Care Tips

The process of loading pebbles should be carried out so that their layers completely cover the electric heaters.

At least once a year, stones need to be sorted: damaged ones should be removed and new special samples should be added.

The steam generator only needs to be filled with the amount of liquid recommended by the manufacturer.

From the proposed operating modes, we advise you to choose the most suitable option for you and use it constantly.

To flavor the steam, you need to purchase special compounds. It is not recommended to add essential oils to water applied to hot stones.

It is not allowed to dry washed clothes or other things near an electric furnace located in a bathhouse. This may lead to a fire situation or unit breakdown.