A traditional Russian bathhouse must be heated with wood. This axiom, indisputable for many amateurs and experts, is increasingly becoming obsolete. Many bathhouse owners successfully use gas or liquid fuel stoves, receiving high-quality heating and without losing the usual quality of procedures.
There is another group of heating devices that are used with some caution. These are electric ovens that are convenient, efficient, and easy to use. This is the best option for a sauna, but such stoves are also quite suitable for a Russian bath. They have a lot of advantages and stand out from all designs in that they allow you to create a small sauna even in a city apartment, which cannot be obtained from other stoves. Let's take a closer look at them.
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Wood-burning or electric stove for a bath: what to take?
Well, if we are not talking about a stove that will be in an apartment or house, then the choice is really relevant. A wood-burning or electric sauna stove has its advantages, as well as disadvantages, and by weighing them, you can come to a thoughtful decision.
Electric heaters are easier to maintain , wood-burning ones will require the skills of a stoker, and also guarantee constant concern about the condition of the ash pan, chimney, replenishment of firewood and other chores.
But electricity is much more expensive than firewood , and installing a sauna stove requires inviting a professional electrician , who can tell you that your wiring is unsuitable and needs to be replaced. (Of course, this does not always happen.)
By the way, to find out which of the stoves - 220 volts or 380 - is suitable in your case, we recommend reading this article.
Arrangement of a sauna also requires the creation of a grounding loop , and some of the work must be carried out at the construction stage - laying a mesh on the waterproofing, edging the perimeter with a steel strip to which the mesh is welded, and then connecting the structure to the zero on the panel.
A wood stove will require, at a minimum, the construction of a foundation , and at a maximum, a separate foundation. In addition, the correct installation of a chimney is also not an easy task . In the case of a remote firebox, you will also have to build a fire-resistant wall .
Thus, in no case will it be completely without difficulties , but we agree to some things easier, so the decision about which stove will be in your steam room is yours. We only advise you to read our article, which provides more food for thought about different types of sauna stoves.
And for those who are strongly inclined to purchase an electric stove for a bath , we advise you to read the article about the intricacies of its choice and this short review of electric stoves.
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
Is an electric stove suitable for a Russian bath?
We have already said that the traditions of the Russian bath are not yet forgotten in our country, so it is quite reasonable to ask whether it is possible to take a normal steam bath with an electric sauna heater?
Traditionalists , as a matter of course, will say that no, this is impossible . In fact, electric stoves were invented for saunas. And what they do best is to maintain the Finnish bath mode, that is, to dry the air and heat it to very high temperatures using high convection.
In a real Russian bath, the temperature should be lower and the humidity should be higher, and the humidity should come from good, light steam obtained from overheated stones. And those stones that lie in the open heater of the sauna stove cannot heat up to the required temperatures . If the stove is also electric, then it must be protected from excess water, which can damage the heating elements - heating elements located between the stones.
The photo shows heating elements for electric heaters, red-hot.
The problem of steam generation in a sauna with an electric heater is usually solved with the help of a steam generator - built-in or separate. We recommend that you read the article that examines this issue in detail. Here we will say that there are different types of steam generators - some produce heavy white steam, which has nothing in common with what is needed in a Russian steam room, others cope well with the task of creating finely dispersed steam - you need to find out about this at the purchase stage.
CONCLUSION! So, using an electric oven to create the conditions of a Russian bathhouse to the fullest extent is impossible, but with a good steam generator it will still be possible to steam, the main thing is to keep the temperature around 65 degrees and give more steam.
It remains to be seen which models of electric stoves for Russian baths are best suited for the task.
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 2022
to the beginning of the rating
Electric heater for a Russian bath: what is on the market?
Finnish steam generators are mainly designed to produce heavy steam. But Russian ones, on the contrary, are specially made for those who are looking for a compromise between the speed of preparation for procedures and the Russian steam room. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to domestic products if we are talking about a more or less budget option , or buy expensive Finnish models with closed heaters, which will be discussed in the next subheading.
Here are examples of Russian electric sauna heaters with steam generators:
"Teplodar"
- SteamCartridge (separate)
- SteamCity (separate)
"Polytech"
- "Christina" with ENU evaporator (from 12I to 18I)
Electric stove for a Russian bath with a closed heater - the optimal solution, limited choice
Many people know that proper steam can only be obtained in a closed heater, but this is only true for wood-burning stoves . And here's why: heating stones to high temperatures (over 400 degrees) is impossible if the stones are lying openly, with access to air.
In this case, they will heat up to 200-250 degrees from above. This means that you add water once and they will cool down, and the steam will not be of the best quality. Only stones superheated in a closed volume will produce finely dispersed steam, which is what is needed in a Russian bath.
A closed heater is placed in the firebox, closer to the fire that washes it. There is nothing like this in an electric stove - it is a bowl with heaters that convert electricity into thermal energy. Heat is transferred from the heaters to the stones.
If the heater is open, then what is said about the temperature of the upper stones applies to it. But there are also closed electric heaters. And the task that is primarily assigned to the lid in such an oven is to stop convection.
Electric heater-thermos
The fact is that the heating rate of the steam room directly depends on how quickly the stove can transfer heat to the air. If there is a constant flow through it, the process goes quickly. But in a Russian steam room, it is customary to stop convection (heat flow) in order to create a “steam cake” under the ceiling. A lid on an electric stove is a way to stop convection.
But whether it is possible to get good steam from a closed electric heater is a question of the number of stones and the power of the stove. The more powerful the furnace, the more it heats the stones. The more stones there are, the less likely it is to damage the heaters by flooding them with water.
However, a powerful stove is only suitable for a sufficiently large steam room. Therefore, the creators of electric stoves took a different route - they used electricity to convert water into steam separately from stones.
ADVICE! For those who have a small steam room, it is better to buy stoves with steam generators (combi or separate).
The best option today among electric stoves for a Russian bath with a closed heater would be the so-called “thermos” stoves, similar to the following models:
- Harvia Forte;
- Harvia Symphony;
- Helo 18 UKKOTONTTU
Warning! “Thermoses” are expensive, more than 100 thousand. However, these electric stoves are quite suitable for a Russian bath, because they allow you to get high-quality steam from the stones.
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
Mandatory and optional components of an electric sauna stove
After the article mentioned heating elements more than once, it’s time to clarify what they are, which ones are better, and what else is included with electric stoves.
Heating elements for electric heaters
A heating element is a tubular electric heater ; it is found not only in heaters, but also in washing machines and kettles. This is a spiral in a durable shell - a tube, usually made of stainless metal.
Heating elements are relatively cheap , but at the same time they are very fragile , especially when they are in the open state, as in heaters. When laying stones, they can be damaged. Filling them with water can ruin them. And yet most manufacturers still include them in their products.
However they have an alternative:
Electric heaters with band heaters
Tape heaters have two advantages: they are stronger and more economical than their predecessors. Cost-effectiveness is expressed in the fact that, with equal power to heating elements, tape heaters heat 1.5 times more volume , and strength lies in the fact that it is much more difficult to damage them, because the heaters are located inside the ceramic tape.
Electric heater with tape heaters. Photo source
The cost of electric heaters with tape heaters may be higher, but they are still somewhere in the middle price category ; there are heaters with heating elements that are much more expensive.
Electric heater control panel
Models with two modifications are often found on sale: built-in and remote control panel . In the first case, all buttons and knobs will be located on the body, in the second - on a separate remote control.
Electric heater control panel
Standard features include temperature control, the ability to delay start up to 9 hours, and the ability to automatically turn off after a set period of time . If the heater has a steam generator , then there is humidity .
More remote controls for electric heaters
Electric sauna stove with water tank
Sometimes Internet users search online for an electric furnace with a water tank. Here we will disappoint them. When it comes to a water tank in a bathhouse , it usually means that there is no connection to a hot water supply, so you have to heat the water yourself for the needs of the washing room (we have detailed information about such stoves). However, this does not work for electric sauna stoves: yes, they also come with water tanks, but we are talking about models with steam generators that need this water to create steam. We simply didn’t find any other options!
How to choose a stove depending on the volume of the room
When choosing a heater on the manufacturer’s website, it is recommended to look at the technical characteristics of the device. For example, there are models of stoves with a power of 9 kW, which are designed to heat 8-14 m3.
Electric heater in a small room
To calculate the power of the heater, you need to calculate the volume of the room. Furnaces equipped with heating elements heat 1 m3 with one kW, and belt furnaces heat 1.5 m3. In addition, 1 m3 is added to the calculated volume for every 1 m2 of non-thermal insulated surface, for example, if the door is made of glass, then 1.5 m3 is added. You should not take a stove whose maximum power will be equal to the calculated one, since operation at increased loads will quickly render it unusable.
Manufacturers of electric furnaces for baths
In order not to lump everything into a heap, we have divided the manufacturers of electric stoves for baths into domestic and foreign ones. In cases where entire articles are devoted to groups or individual manufacturers, brief information is provided here.
Domestic electric heaters for baths
Among them, it is worth mentioning the company "Polytech", which produces various stoves under the general name "Christina", varying only the second part of the name. The advantages of its heaters include the relatively low cost and the presence of strip heaters, the advantages of which were discussed above.
There are other manufacturers of electric furnaces for baths who supply strip heaters - these are Ermak and Elektropech . In addition, they are found in Vesta ovens, the manufacturer of which remains unknown to us. In all cases the price is moderate .
For a more complete overview of the most popular Russian heaters, we recommend reading the article at the link provided.
Video on topic
A video that talks about two Christina stoves of different power:
Foreign electric heaters
People in Russia are most familiar with Finnish-made heaters. And they really are the majority among the products of foreign companies represented on our market.
In this regard, we devoted several articles to Finnish electric stoves: a review of different companies, which, by the way, included the Swedish Tylo, which recently merged with the Finns, as well as two articles about the most popular company in Russia, Harvia - a review of the stoves of this companies and an article to help those who want to know whether Harvia is suitable for their steam room.
Video on topic
Video about the range of electric furnaces ]SAWO[/anchor]:
In addition to the Finns, you can also find German-made electric furnaces on the market, in particular from EOS.
Electric heater EOS
A characteristic feature of EOS stoves is that the company does not rely on attractive appearance, believing that strength and reliability are attractive in themselves. Therefore, there are relatively few cheap stoves in their model range, and among the expensive ones you can find such a refinement of design thought as a mill wheel that supplies water to a red-hot metal pyramid. Well, everything here is for everyone.
Therefore, we will risk expressing our own opinion: if durability is important to the buyer, EOS electric furnaces are quite suitable for him, even in the angular design that is typical of most models. Everything else, in essence, doesn’t matter. By the way, strange-looking cylindrical models appeared at last year’s exhibitions - Zeus and Orbit, for example. But they still lack grace.
EOS electric heaters are available in floor-mounted, wall-mounted and under-counter versions . Power varies within average limits: from 2 to 12 kW. Some models are equipped with steam generators .
IMPORTANT! It is worth paying attention to the network requirements - there are models that require non-standard 400 volts.
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
Reviews
Of course, we are all tired of advertising and want information that comes directly from users. But it has long been the subject of falsification, so let’s proceed from common sense: in general, reviews of the electric heater will be positive from those who received exactly what they wanted - either a sauna stove, or that rare variety that allows you to arrange a sauna “in Russians." And if you want more detailed information, take a look at the articles that are devoted to specific models, where reviews will concern both real advantages and real disadvantages.
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
Problem: the electric heater is humming
We can assume that the reason your electric heater is humming is due to an increase in air draft (this happens in chimneys). All electric furnaces have holes at the bottom for the intake of cold air, which flows to the heated stones, and from there goes upward with force. The upward movement of lighter hot air creates draft. It may be more or less, depending on the temperature difference .
Of course, the cause of the hum may also be a malfunction of the device. In this case, you should contact a specialist or service center.
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
Choice
If, nevertheless, the choice fell on an electrical appliance, then it is worth considering important criteria before purchasing and the dimensions of the electric bath. There are quite a lot of options from which you can choose a model on the market, so a scrupulous assessment and first acquaintance must be done carefully.
All stoves have both common and special characteristics; here you need to read the instructions in detail or ask a consultant for information. After checking all the properties, each owner will definitely select the most suitable model for his steam room.
Material of manufacture
Electric heaters are made from the following materials.
- Cast iron stoves. They have a lot of weight, but retain heat well.
- Enameled steel. A little in demand option.
- Stainless steel stoves. The most comfortable and current models, which are famous for their durability.
Control Panel
Remote wall-mounted devices are popular, thanks to which you can regulate the steam supply and the general situation in the steam room. The device is quite convenient to use and has many functions, including pre-planned activation.
Among the models, you can easily find a suitable option and install it in your home; you can understand the functionality by opening the appropriate instructions or consulting with the manufacturer’s support service.
Help with measurements
Today, there are programs for calculating the area of a room and identifying the required power of the device. You can use them or ask for help from specialists in this field. Don’t forget about windows; if they are in the room, they will definitely affect the heat exchange.
As a result of heating, much more heat will be needed than with solid walls, since the air will circulate faster. These characteristics are among the most important for achieving positive results and comfortable rest, so they should not be neglected.
Popular models
- Polytechnic Cristina Classic. The model is suitable for a steam room with a volume of 10 - 15 cubic meters. meters, its power is 10 kW, the weight of stones is 25 kg, the price is 16,800 rubles.
- Stream Gross 1 Heat boost. The stove is suitable for steam rooms with a volume of 8 - 14 cubic meters. meters, its power is 10 kW, the weight of the laid stones is 31.7 kg, the cost is 36,600 rubles.
- Narvi NM600. Finnish product, recommended steam room volume 6 - 9 cubic meters. meters, furnace power 6 kW, weight of stones 30 - 40 kg, cost - 13,200 rubles.
- Helo Himalaya 105DE. An electric furnace of Finnish-German production with a power of 10.5 kW is capable of heating a steam room with a volume of 9 - 15 cubic meters. meters, the weight of the stones being laid is 100 kg, it costs 50,500 rubles.
- Harvia Cillindro PC70E Steel. Stove from Finland for steam rooms with a volume of 6 - 10 cubic meters. meters, power 6.9 kW, weight of laid stones 90 kg, cost - 17,400 rubles.
- Tylo Combi Compact RC3. Swedish low-power stove of 3 kW, suitable for rooms with a volume of 1.5 - 4.5 cubic meters. meters, the weight of the stones is only 7 kg, the price is 67,000 rubles.
- Tylo Expression 10. A more powerful electric sauna stove with a capacity of 10 kW, for steam rooms with a volume of 10 - 18 cubic meters. meters. It contains 12 kg of stones, and the price is 97,000 rubles.
- Tylo SD 20. Powerful 20 kW device, for rooms with a volume of 22 - 43 cubic meters. meters, the weight of the stones being laid is 32 kg, the cost is 91,000 rubles.
- Thermofor Primavolta. This Russian-made electric sauna stove can heat a room of up to 5 cubic meters. meters, its maximum power is 9 kW. It holds 50 kg of stone and costs 12,000 rubles.
- Dushka EKM-18 NMT. Russian powerful 18 kW stove for large steam rooms of 21 - 30 cubic meters. meters. You can put 65 kg of stone in it, the price is only 12,300 rubles.
Power to area ratio
The parameters of some manufacturers may differ in quality and heating strength; these aspects should not be left to chance. It is necessary to take into account the existing room or adjust it to the selected stove.
You need to calculate the dimensions of the room in advance and build on them; the power will depend on the existing insulation of the walls and the height of the ceilings. It is not necessary to give preference to the exact number, but the approximate parameters should be equal.
Nuances of operation
The electric furnace does not require particularly careful maintenance, but you still need to follow the basic rules of its operation. The main point is compliance with the rules of electrical safety and ventilation of steam rooms.
Do not allow water to come into contact with wires or electrical heating parts of the oven. In the steam room, you should always ensure the minimum permissible air circulation. To avoid rapid burnout of the heating elements, the load must be applied smoothly immediately after starting the furnace.
Power supply type: 220 or 380 volts
For a small bathhouse, an electric heater with a 220 V power supply is suitable. You can connect and install such a stove yourself. Of course, it is better to call an electrician to check the wiring.
More powerful models are designed for a voltage of 380 V. It is better to call a specialist to connect them. Proper grounding is especially important here. There should be no phase imbalance, voltage drop, etc.
There are also stoves that can operate on both types of networks. If possible, it is better to connect them to 380 V.
A heating element
To complete the equipment, special heating elements are most often used; they can be of a strip type or a combined type. The cost of such a device is not too high and it can be replaced at any time if a breakdown occurs.
It will not be possible to operate such elements for a long time, this is due to the fact that they are often subjected to mechanical stress. When purchasing an item, it would be advisable to choose models with high-quality alloy in this element.
Basic operating principles
After applying voltage to the heating element, it begins to gradually heat up. This heat is transferred to coolants in the form of special stones. They accumulate heat and then release it either to the metal body (for closed-type ovens) or directly into the steam room (for open-type ovens).
For a classic Russian bath, the second option is more suitable. There are intermediate models equipped with a lid. Such electric sauna stoves can be opened at any time, increasing the convection of heated air from the heater.
