To create the atmosphere of a Russian steam room, a stove of a special design is required: the stones must not only be heated, but heated. Only then will it be possible to get light steam. The second task is to make sure that while the stones are heating up, the air does not overheat. After all, for a Russian steam room the temperatures should be low: 50-75°C (but the humidity is 50-60%).
To do this, it is necessary to somehow neutralize the high heat transfer of the metal. This is best realized in brick kilns. In them, heat is accumulated in the mass of the brick. That's where the idea came from - to line metal stoves with bricks. It absorbs most of the radiation from the body. After it warms up, it begins to radiate heat, but this time it is soft and pleasant for us. It turns out to be something like a brick oven, which, with the right approach, allows you to get a bathhouse very similar to a Russian one.
By covering a cast iron stove with a brick screen, we get soft heat, like from a stone stove
But not everyone wants to put down the screen. And there is another method to reduce heat radiation - cladding with slabs of “bath” stones. These stones are soapstone and serpentine, marble and some others. They have a very high heat capacity, so they also absorb radiation quite well. At the same time, they are also beautiful. But roads.
Features of cast iron stoves
In this article we will talk about manufacturers of cast iron stoves with a closed heater, which can be installed in bathhouses to achieve Russian steam room conditions. Since cast iron stoves are made with thicker walls, the heat capacity of the units is greater. And if the design of the stove is well thought out and a lot of stones are placed, then the atmosphere in the steam room is very, very soft and pleasant.
There are only a few nuances when using these units. Sauna stoves made of cast iron have a considerable mass - at least 200 kg without all the “makeweights”. Since you can’t just put a stove in a Russian bathhouse, but you will need a lining (about 200-250 kg) or a brick screen (at least 600-800 kg), you can’t do without a foundation for the stove.
A cast iron stove with a brick screen or cladding requires a foundation
Second point. Cast iron does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. And to get steam you have to pour water. Even if it is boiling water, the difference with the surface of the oven is very large. If this “cold” water gets on a hot surface, it can burst. That’s why manufacturers make special glasses into which this water needs to be poured. And some also make containers for stones from steel (Sudarushka and Svarozhich Elite) - this way there is less chance of getting a crack.
The nice thing is that cast iron stoves consist of individual elements that are connected to each other using locks. That is, if something bursts, then it is not the entire oven that needs to be replaced, but only some part of it. But still, be careful when using it.
Read more about the features of cast iron stoves in the article “Sauna stoves made of stainless steel or cast iron? What's better?"
The main advantages of the domestic “Sudarushka”
This stove is especially appreciated for the fact that it is economical - it really requires much less firewood than a conventional stove. And “Sudarushka” has a rather nice design - all the bathhouse attendants admit this; it can hardly be distinguished from a stylish foreign model. And it also has many design advantages:
- The firebox of this stove is made of fairly thin cast iron - 1 cm, thanks to which the steam room warms up quickly and efficiently, and within an hour you can begin bathing procedures. True, the Sudarushka sauna stove is not designed for very large steam rooms - only up to 18 m3.
- Thanks to such thin cast iron, the weight of “Sudarushka” is relatively small, although it is no less durable than other stoves. And the fact that it is convenient to transport and disassemble is a definite plus.
- The container for stones can be positioned as conveniently as possible: on the right or on the left, as well as the location of the tap can be varied - in front or behind.
So why is a cast iron firebox so good? The thing is that cast iron in Russia began in the 14th century, and from the manufacture of bells for bell towers they eventually moved on to sauna stoves. And the difference between Sudarushka sauna stoves with such fireboxes and metal ones is quite striking:
- During bath procedures, much less condensation forms, which usually causes overheating. This is another reason why the steam is light and high quality.
- Cast iron stoves in soapstone or other stone heat the steam room evenly and eliminate the “polarity” effect, when it is hot near the stove, but coolness is already felt in the corners of the room.
- The heat-accumulating capacity of a cast-iron firebox is much greater - fuel no longer needs to be added as often, and the heat is quite gentle.
That's all the secrets. And “Sudarushka” is often praised for the fact that, even when heated, it does not change its color - and therefore is much more durable and relatively safe. This is what a high-quality cast iron firebox provides!
Stoves for baths Svarozhich
This company produces cast iron sauna stoves, with a closed heater. They are cast using German equipment from gray heat-resistant cast iron SCH 15-30. Production is located in Russia and Belarus.
There are two lines of cast iron sauna stoves produced by Svarozhich: Firebird and Slavyanka Premium. Both models can be supplied with cladding or under a self-clad brick screen. The cladding is made from bath stones of four types: coil, soapstone, soapstone, soapstone, soapstone. The thickness of the slabs is up to 40 mm. This type of cladding does not require a brick screen - all cladding material has a high heat capacity.
The Fire Bird and Slavyanka stoves are equipped with two types of doors:
- Regular cast iron. This is a standard inexpensive door decorated with glass. It closes with a bolt, pressing it to the portal. This method of closing is not airtight, so air leaks are possible even when the door is closed.
- Fireplace door with large glass. If you need tight temperature control, choose a fireplace door. In addition to the large panoramic glass, it ensures tightness.
So each version of cast iron sauna stoves can have two doors. Another feature is that the door has movable blinds that can be used to regulate convection, and therefore the intensity of combustion.
Another point - since the stoves are made of cast iron, they come from the factory disassembled and you assemble them yourself according to the instructions that come with the kit.
Cast iron sauna stove Firebird
In this stove, the heater, although closed, is ventilated. This is not the best option for creating Russian bath modes, but you can still use it. The main thing is to choose the right fire mode and not overheat the steam room.
The structure of the Fire Bird stove from Svarozhich
At the moment there are three modifications: Lux, Russian steam and combi. Here are brief differences:
- Cast iron stove Fire Bird Lux. The front front wall is slightly higher, due to which the top is sloping back. Moreover, the top of the stove is also the lid of the heater. It opens upward, making it easier to access the stones and easier to pour water. At the same time, the heater is made of cast iron and is covered in flames on 5 sides, which guarantees good heating of the stones.
- Firebird Russian steam. The heater is made of cast iron, covered with a 2 mm thick heat-resistant stainless steel box on top. The box has only two holes, so the stones are not cooled by convection. In addition, the movement of air in the stove does not depend on the degree of heating of the heater. A steam gun is installed to supply steam (additional option).
- The modifications of the combi differ in that the cladding consists of two types of bath stone.
All stoves have a remote firebox: the stove can be heated from an adjacent room. The dimensions of the firebox allow the use of firewood up to 40 cm long. Since its weight is significant (without stones, lining and firewood from 270 kg), the stove must be installed on a separate foundation.
This is what the cast iron stoves Svarozhich Zhar Ptitsa look like in different versions
All of these stoves are designed for steam stoves of 12-30 m3, the chimney diameter of the first three modifications is 115 mm, and for “Elite” - 130 mm. To make it more convenient to select and navigate the technical parameters of the Firebird stove, they were compiled into a table.
Technical characteristics of Svarozhich Zhar Ptitsa stoves (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Svarozhich stoves are distinguished by a very wide door. In the photo below, the firebox is shielded from the inside with fireclay bricks. This slows down the heating of the steam room, but the temperature remains longer after heating. You see, the door is so wide that all the “insides” are clearly visible.
Shielding the firebox with fireclay bricks
Sauna stove Svarozhich Slavyanka Elite
This line is extended even further upward. Its width, even when faced with stone slabs, does not exceed 500 mm. The weight of this line is also slightly less. And this despite the fact that the combustion portal is cast from cast iron. The weight reduction occurred due to a decrease in the thickness of the firebox walls (6 mm instead of 10 for the “Fire Bird”) and also due to the fact that the container for stones is welded from stainless steel. Only the lower part of the heater is made of cast iron, which provides more uniform heating of the stones. The thickness of the walls of the heater is 3 mm, which is more than enough to withstand thermal loads and the weight of stones.
The structure of the Slavyanka stove from Svarozhich
The Svarozhich-Slavyanka stove has two heaters - a closed one with stones placed on the side and a small open one. The mass of stones in the closed heater is 40 kg, in the upper one - 20 kg. The chimney diameter for all modifications is 115 mm. The modifications are the same:
- Economy - under brick lining;
- Standard - in a stainless steel casing (for use in Russian steam room mode, a brick screen is still required);
- Classic - lined with soapstone;
- Luxury - in a lining with a system for regulating convective flows.
This is what cast iron stoves Svarozhich Slavyanka look like in different versions
The technical characteristics of these furnaces are presented in the table (see photo).
Technical characteristics of Svarozhich Slavyanka stoves (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Reviews of Svarozhich stoves
I have Slavyanka Elite. I took it under a brick screen. I’m happy with everything, it heats up my 15 cubic meter steam room in an hour and a half, but this is at +6-7° outside. At first I didn't put the top of the screen down, but it was hot. That’s why I blocked half of it, and on the other I have a grid with stones for decoration. Now, at 60°C in the steam room, the stones heat up very well and I can get as much steam as I want. The only annoying thing is that the doors don't fit snugly. Therefore, even with the dampers closed, there is traction. I tried to adjust the damper on the chimney, but smoke poured into the room. Then he adapted to drown her. But something needs to be done about the doors.
Mikhail, Astrakhan
I have Svarozhich-Lux. The oven is excellent, if not for one flaw. There were many cracks in the door, which made it almost impossible to regulate the combustion. I glued thin strips of asbestos around the perimeter where the doors fit. I placed them on heat-resistant sealant until they dried, pressed them down with the door and cut off the excess . It turned out very accurately. Now, with the door closed, the draft is adjusted as necessary: using the blinds on the door.
Stepan, St. Petersburg
All-cast iron stoves and stoves with only cast iron fireboxes
What's the difference between the two? Steel ones will give off heat faster and cool faster. If you usually have little time and want to quickly start bathing procedures, then a steel firebox with a cast iron firebox will last a long time and heat up quickly.
To regulate convection, soften IR radiation, and retain heat, you can always cover a steel stove with brick or stone (necessarily with vents).
Another differentiating factor is price and weight. A solid one weighs more and costs more.
By the way, you may find this article about all the types of cast iron wood stoves useful.
Sauna stoves made of cast iron
There are few manufacturers of all-cast iron stoves on the market. First of all, the following ones come to mind are “Hephaestus”, “Magnum”, “Inzhkomtsentr VVD” (some models), “Svarozhich”.
As an example, consider the following model:
Cast iron stove for Russian steam bath
reports that “Russian Steam” is an improved “Kalita TM”. The model is based on the ChT-1 developed by Magnum. The door and tunnel are also made of cast iron. Apparently, the only steel part was a box for stones, that is, a closed heater, but the steel is stainless, so everything is fine: you can pour water without fear - the box will not rust or burst from temperature changes.
Cast iron stove for the Russian steam bath (Inzhkom) photo from the site www.vvd.su.
Let us clarify that “Kalita” “Inzhkom” is, at its core, the same furnace, which Magnum greatly improved, and it sold this basis to “Inzhkomcenter” and produced its own furnaces. Therefore, when it comes to the Kalita sauna stove with a cast iron firebox, it is worth deciding exactly whose products you want to purchase. “Kalit” has many modifications, almost all are expensive, lined with stone.
Bath stove "Kalita" with a cast iron firebox.
For those interested, watch the process of assembling the Kalita stove. Filmed right at the factory, along the way it tells about the features of these particular furnaces:
For comparison, here is a video of product assembly:
Stoves with cast iron firebox for baths
On sale you can find a separately sold cast iron firebox for a sauna stove - for example, ChT-1 produced. In this case, it is intended for self-lining with brick or stone.
A video comparing the Kalita and ChT-1 cast iron fireboxes:
And if you look at the people's favorite - the Vesuvius Legend stove, it turns out that it is practically only a cast-iron firebox, placed in a “playpen” of rods and strips of metal, where stones are then placed, forming a ventilated casing around the firebox. And there are a great many such ovens. They are fashionable, people love them, and there is less work for the manufacturer.
"Vesuvius Legend" with grid
But this is only one variety. Another option would be a steel casing that forms the walls around the firebox; inside this casing there is also a heater - open or closed, or both side by side. Let's look at another popular model:
Sauna stove “Sudarushka M” with cast iron firebox
A typical example of a stove in a steel casing. Only the firebox is made of cast iron, the rest is made of steel. The casing has convection slots, the lower ones are designed to take in fresh air to maintain combustion, and the upper side ones are designed to exhaust heated air. This design would be optimal only if there was a hot air outlet regulator. In its absence, convection will be considered unregulated.
Sauna stove “Sudarushka M” with a cast iron firebox.
Note that there is a reason to buy stoves with a cast-iron firebox for a bath, because their main advantage is the durability of the part of the stove that is most exposed to thermal loads. Everything else can be made of steel, but for a heater, steel is completely optimal because it transfers heat to the stones faster and is not afraid of water supply.
Bath stoves Kalita
These stoves are positioned as bath stoves: for Russian steam rooms. They are produced by the Russian enterprise Inzhkomtsentr VVD. They are made of gray heat-resistant cast iron. They have been on the market for many years and have a fairly strong reputation - they are reliable and quite economical (as for cast iron).
There are many models. Almost everything is covered with a brick screen, there is soap chloride and a coil. In any case, with normal thermal insulation of steam rooms and correctly selected power, in summer the steam room warms up in 1.5-2 hours, in winter - 2.5-3 hours. Only for normal convection, the screen (sarcophagus) needs two holes at the bottom and at the top (with doors) for more efficient heating.
Range of stoves with closed heater Kalita
There are many options, so we will briefly list the main characteristics and features of all.
Technical characteristics of cast iron stoves for Kalita baths (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Now about the features of these stoves. The furnace depth is indicated for modifications without an external combustion tunnel. If you are going to heat the stove from another room, then you need to take it out. Then the oven depth increases by 200 mm. The stem in some models is made of stainless steel, resistant to scale formation (can be used up to 900°C). In others, the remote firebox is also made of cast iron. So please check when ordering.
The structure of cast iron stoves for Kalita baths
Most of the container for stones is made of stainless steel: the bottom is cast iron, 10 mm thick, the walls are made of 3 mm alloy steel. In general, some stove models have open top stoves. This is not very good for a Russian bath. But if you wish, you can order a thermal casing-steam accumulator, which completely covers the heater and, as a result, the stones heat up faster and to higher temperatures. Water for steam is poured into a special glass, from which it is distributed throughout the entire stack.
What distinguishes all these models is the absence of small nuts in the design. This way the door fits tightly, the glass on the door does not turn black, and the system for regulating the air supply to the firebox works effectively.
Reviews of Kalita stoves
I have Kalita TM for 3 tiers. I loaded a lot of stones into it. Now that's it. Although it takes a long time to heat (two or three hours), then the even heat lasts for a very long time. Even the next day it is still very warm. So everything dries out perfectly after the bath. No problems with dampness or fungi.
Boris, Volgograd
I gave myself a gift for the New Year - Prince bought a Kalita. The cladding was captivating. Beautiful. The quality of workmanship and pairing were excellent. We drown for a long time, but then it’s such a thrill! Steam for me never gives me a headache, and after the bath my body feels so good and light. Expensive, of course, but I don’t regret it. The oven is excellent.
Vitaly, Moscow
I bought Kalita President in soap chloride. During the first heating, smoke poured into the steam room. It turned out that there were large gaps and the cast iron did not fit tightly. I had to seal everything with sealant. I bought this headache for 129 thousand.
Nikolay, Tula
We bought an arched one with a cast iron tunnel. Many thanks to the employees of Inzhkomcenter VVD. We asked a lot of questions, the answers were always accurate and complete. We advised on the choice of stove and power. Very useful recommendations on installation and chimney. As a result, we are very pleased. The service is excellent, the oven is beyond praise. The steam is wonderful. Our bathhouse is now top class.
Ivan Semenovich, Moscow
Installation principles and modernization of this stove
The weight of the Sudarushka stove is 120 kg, not counting the stones loaded into it. And then you need to put a foundation under it - you can use the simplest one, a poured one. And yes, if you install an auxiliary decorative tunnel to the stove, you can heat it directly from the dressing room.
But sometimes you can hear from some bathhouse attendants that their “Sudarushka” has burst – supposedly they don’t produce high-quality cast iron in our country. In fact, it all depends on the operation: if you pour water directly on it or disturb the thermal operating conditions of the stove, even the highest quality material will not withstand it.
Here’s another important point: sometimes bathhouse attendants complain that “Sudarushka” has problems with its water tanks. Apparently it starts to boil too early. In this case, many craftsmen use this trick: they put four plugs from cast iron batteries under the water tank, and thus the tank no longer lies on the heater, but 2-3 cm remains between it and the hot surface. This way the water does not boil, but remains hot . Many people also attach an additional damper to the heater - this makes the stones warm up even better.
And finally, many people, of course, are surprised - why does the Sudarushka heater have a side door? And how convenient is it? In fact, it’s quite convenient - after all, for a long time in the Russian bathhouse the stove was a heater, and its door opened to the side. And following traditions is not only a marketing ploy, but also centuries-tested principles of operation of stoves.
- Vladimir
Stove with cast iron firebox Sudarushka
These stoves are also produced by the Inzhkomtsentr VVD enterprise and, like Kalita, have a good reputation.
These stoves were designed for small steam rooms. Since there is little space in them, they tried to make the models elongated upward. The result is the following structure: a massive cast-iron firebox sits underneath. On it is a heater made of steel (heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant or heat-resistant). To ensure high-quality heating of the stones, a double gas circulation was made, and to strengthen the structure, a corner was welded to the bottom, which also acts as a flame divider (it does not allow the fire to jump into the chimney).
The structure of stoves with cast iron fireboxes Sudarushka
The issue of steam release is also resolved in an unusual way - it comes out from the side. Here, when purchasing, specify which direction is more convenient for you (better - against the wall, and not towards the door or on the steamers).
If it is necessary to heat water from above, a water tank is also placed on the heater. The oven gets even higher. Some models (Sudarushka family RK and Sudarushka family combustion unit) can be equipped with a heat gun. This is a device with which water falls on the hottest stones that are located at the bottom of the heater.
If there is no water tank on top, the top of the heater remains open. This is bad for obtaining light steam: the stones are constantly exposed to air currents, which is why their temperature will be insufficient. To ensure that the heater is closed, there are cast iron doors (optional) that are mounted on top.
These are different options for stoves for Sudarushka baths
Assortment and technical characteristics
There are seven modifications of the Sudarushka stove today. There is a combustion unit for a brick screen, and different cladding options. The technical characteristics of stoves with cast iron fireboxes are summarized in the table.
Technical characteristics of Sudarushka sauna stoves with a cast iron firebox (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Separately, it is necessary to explain the design of the Sudarushka Rusa stove. This is a mesh oven, but its design is non-standard. There are two heaters - internal and external. You are unlikely to achieve very light steam, but something similar in terms of conditions may be possible: the firebox array can add additional temperature and you will get a certain amount of steam.
The Sudarushka MK and Rusa models have open and closed heaters
If you look at the parameters, the most suitable modification for the Russian steam room is the Sudarushka Family and Sudarushka MK combustion unit. In the rest, the laying of stones is too small. But everything depends more on whether the heater is closed with a lid.
Reviews of the stove with cast iron firebox Sudarushka
I have Sudarushka in stone. It's a bit harsh for a Russian steam room. We need to bring it to mind (screen it). There is another problem when supplying steam. To avoid getting burned, I cover myself with a broom. I get burned differently. But it works well, although it heats up harshly for me.
Stepan, Vologda
I struggled with the choice for a long time, then I bought myself a Sudarushka M and did not regret it. Cast iron is cast iron. And he took the heater not from black, but from stainless steel. So I think it will last a long time. I like the steam, but I removed the heat with a screen.
Leonid, Moscow
I covered the basic Sudarushka with a brick screen, and instead of the tank I installed a second heater (it is heated by the pipe and the lower heater). I built a steam cannon into the top heater and covered it all with stone. Now it takes longer to heat, so when guests come in they say it’s cold, but after a few servings the steam flies out screaming into the snow. This way it suits me, but as it was, it’s not a Russian bathhouse. But this is my opinion. The unit itself is excellent, but improvements are needed.
Semenych, Peter
New models of the Sudarushka sauna stove - for a wide variety of baths
In 2010, the regular “Sudarushka” was replaced by its improved model – “Sudarushka-M”. It costs more, but it looks much more stylish and rich compared to its predecessor. On the one hand, the firebox of the Sudarushka-M stove is the same as it was, stones can be loaded up to 40 kg and the tank is designed for 50 liters. But here you can also remove it by installing an additional heater and then putting at least twice as many stones. You can also install a 110-mm heater pipe on the Sudarushka-M to shield the infrared radiation from the always-hot chimney - and these are much more pleasant bathing procedures, especially for children and sensitive people. And finally, the steam of the Sudarushka-M is also very light, and, like its predecessor, it is designed for steam rooms up to 18 m3.
A new “Sudarushka S”, a family type, has also appeared on the market. It has the same durable cast-iron combustion unit, but now more stones can be loaded vertically.
Another improved version of “Sudarushka” is “Sudarushka K”. It retains the same elegance and compactness as the main stove, but the reliability and power have increased significantly - just like in Kalita. A cast-iron firebox, a strict and proportionate body, an insulated container for obtaining very high temperatures of stones and ultra-light steam - this is the secret of the new “Sudarushka K”. But in addition to everything in it, they did not remove the upper decorative stone mass - and therefore those bathhouse attendants for whom the appearance is most important are quite satisfied with this purchase. This model is also distinguished by a new remote door with fire-resistant glass. The stove itself looks great, fits into any bathhouse design and retains its stylish appearance for quite a long time. And in order for its walls to always shine, it is enough to wash them occasionally with warm water - that’s all the care is.
Since the same 2010, the new Sudarushka MK sauna stove began to be equipped with stainless steel shields with specially beveled edges, and the same tunnel with large glass. Fashion is the engine of progress!
