At any time of the year it performs its functions perfectly! Which iron stove for a bath to choose
Metal stoves are often used to heat small (family) baths.
They create the necessary temperature and humidity. Moreover, another of their characteristics is safety of use.
Types of iron stoves for Russian baths and more
Manufacturers produce the most varied types furnaces. They differ in the energy used for heating, as well as in the type of construction and heating temperature.
Each of the following types of devices has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore the choice depends on specific conditions And personal preferences.
By type of energy source
There are different types of stoves:
- Wood burning
Wood-fired stoves are considered inexpensive devices. This is due to the fact that they do not require complex equipment. Many people value the natural heat they create. But due to the need for a firebox, such models they turn out to be larger in size with the same efficiency. They require periodic addition of logs, which requires distraction from the steaming process.
The fuel material requires a special place for storage. The disadvantage is considered slow heating of the oven.
Some models have remote firebox. It opens into the relaxation room and is heated simultaneously with the steam room. Less often, the heating is done from the street.
- Gas
If gas is required for heating, the ovens become more compact. Therefore, they can easily fit even in a small room. Gas structures heat up quickly. In such models, you can set the desired temperature, and it will be maintained automatically. Since the price of gas is low, the devices are economical to use.
Important! Modern gas equipment is safe when connected correctly. If the flame goes out, the gas supply will stop automatically.
But such ovens require a dedicated gas line or storage space for cylinders. In addition, permission is required for their installation.
- Mixed (combined)
Mixed type devices are usually They run on wood or gas. They can replace the wood-burning firebox with gas-burning equipment.
- Electrical
Electric furnaces, like gas ones, are small in size. They also set the necessary parameters (temperature, operating time), which will be maintained automatically. Such models may have a complex control Panel and even remote control.
Photo 1. Electric sauna stove. In the upper part there is a reservoir with heating elements, which can be used as a heater.
Electric structures do not require gas or logs. But electricity consumption increases. The devices are mainly used in saunas to create dry heat.
Attention! It is better to arrange the power supply for the bathhouse via dedicated line, even if it is an extension to the house. Otherwise, the load on the network will be too high.
By design
The furnace can have different internal construction. The conditions created for it depend on this.
- Open design
This type is more common in foreign furnaces. In an open design, stones are located at the top and are not covered by anything. Heating occurs faster and the temperature is higher (about 100˚C). The heat is dry. Such stoves can also be used in saunas. If a bath effect is required, water is poured onto the heated stones.
Important! If the layer of stones is too thick, the upper ones do not heat up enough. Therefore the whole room is heated worse.
- Closed design
Such a stove consists of three parts. From bottom to top are:
- firebox or heating equipment;
- compartment for stones;
- open water tank.
Because of the water, heating occurs more slowly, but the temperature lasts longer. The heating is not that strong, about 70—75˚C. Since the stones are covered, there is less risk of burning.
Similar constructions create the atmosphere of a Russian steam room, with high humidity and soft heat. They are suitable for those who like to steam themselves with brooms.
- Combination oven
In such devices Only some of the stones are on top. And the rest are located inside the casing, around the smoke exhaust hole. The effect is something between a closed and open type of device.
What should you consider when choosing a metal sauna stove?
To choose the right heater, it is not enough to know what fuel it uses. size baths and the construction of its wallsThe material and shape of the stove also matter.
Area of the premises
It depends on the size of the room power. If it is not enough, the bath will not heat up. If the stove is too powerful, it will break down faster, and the air will be overheated.
On average To heat 1 cubic meter of space, 1 kW of power is required. The standards increase if the bathhouse is not insulated or, for example, the door to the steam room is glass.
Reference. The best option when choosing the power of a bathhouse is to make heat engineering calculation. In this case, heat loss and its conductivity by various materials are taken into account.
Furnaces with closed heater are generally capable of heating a larger room. And the desired temperature is maintained longer.
Fuel consumption
The closed heater allows use fuel more economically compared to open.
Some models have double casing with an air gap between the walls.
This design leads to more efficient warming up.
Material
The body is being made made of steel or cast ironCast iron walls retain heat better, but this material is more expensive. Therefore, steel is more often used for production.
Heat-resistant ovens are made with added chromium (it should be not less than 13%). They give off heat better, and the thickness of the walls can be reduced without loss of quality.
Important! On some models the surface is polished to a shine. This type of grinding has no useful function., so you shouldn’t rely on this feature when choosing.
Furnace shape
Devices are being manufactured rectangular shape, and also cylindrical (round and oval in cross-section). Rectangular ones are considered more reliable. The corners heat up less, and therefore such a design holds its shape better. And cylindrical furnaces deform over time. But they provide uniform heating.
Popular manufacturers
Products from Finnish manufacturers such as Helo, Harvia and KastorThey consume fuel economically, however, their price is quite high.
For example, Harvia Sound M45 Perfect for small saunas. This is an electric stove that can be set to a comfortable temperature.
The dimensions of the heater are large for the size of this model - it fits up to 25 kg of stonesBut the power grid must have three phases.
NARVI Oy NC 16 is more suitable for medium-sized rooms. The design is simple, but the height of the legs is adjustable. This is convenient if the floor is not perfectly level. The handles are wooden, so it is impossible to burn yourself when opening. But the chimney is attached through the back panel, which is not always convenient. To connect it through the top, you will need additional equipment.
Some Russian companies also produce excellent quality products. But The cost of domestic stoves is lower.
"Teplodar" produces reliable stoves. The design features allow to minimize breakdowns. For example, the load on the chimney from the stones is eliminated. But it is in this place that the pipe is subjected to the greatest pressure. There are several lines: "Rus", "Siberia", "Altai" and "Sahara". Each of them offers both inexpensive and luxury types.
Stoves "Ermak" often have a cylindrical shape. Much attention is paid to design, all models look attractive. Quite a lot of combined stoves that work on wood and gas.
Under the brand "Volcano" inexpensive but high-quality stoves are produced. The main emphasis is on functionality.
"Thermofor" offers stoves "Tunguska" in various modifications. They are made of heat-resistant steel and have a double casing. Due to this, the steam room heats up faster. Steel construction "Vitruvius" has a large viewing screen made of heat-resistant glass. But the chimney has few passages, which increases the load on it.
Photos of devices
Photo 2. Metal wood-burning sauna stove with open stone. The device also has a water tank.
Photo 3. Bath stove of the "Vulcan" brand. The device runs on wood and has an open heater.
Photo 4. Wood-burning sauna stove from the manufacturer Kastor. The device is fenced with a metal sheet on the outside to prevent the surrounding surfaces from catching fire.
Useful video
Watch the video, which explains how to properly install a metal stove in a bathhouse to prevent the wooden surfaces from catching fire.
Features of metal stoves
Metal sauna stoves, compared to brick ones, heat up faster, but retain heat worse. They are smaller in size and therefore suitable for small spaces. Such ovens no special foundation required. An important advantage is also the relatively low price. This is a good choice for a family bathhouse or sauna.
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