Thanks to the electric heater, you will get rid of fuel problems. All you have to do is flip the switch, and after some time you can go steaming.
A sauna equipped with an electric heater can be built in any suitable place in the house:
- and in the closet,
- and in the bedroom
- and on the balcony.
A modern home bath is, as a rule, a wood-lined cabin in which an electric heater and a lounger are installed. Over the few years during which the mass production of turnkey home saunas was carried out, a standard version of their design and filling managed to emerge. The corner allocated for the sauna is thermally insulated with mineral wool, which is then covered with aluminum foil.
How is a sauna organized?
It can be given a place both in an apartment (even if it is modest in size - often a place is allocated for this on the balcony), or in a separate building . decorate a room for a sauna , or you can buy a ready-made version of the cabin (of different sizes), which is simply installed on the allotted area inside the house.
By the way, a Finnish sauna usually comes with a swimming pool or at least the opportunity to take a dip in the bath. The problem is resolved to the best of the owner's ability. However, it is worth noting that a pool has two important problems : its weight with water and the humidity it creates.
Weight will determine the load on the foundation, and humidity will determine measures to protect against it (waterproofing and ventilation of the room).
The regime that a real Finnish sauna involves is not without reason called “dry air”. This is a combination of fresh air quickly heated to high temperatures ( it is optimal to keep the heating around 90 degrees ) and low humidity generated by steam from an open heater.
IMPORTANT ! This definition presupposes the presence of good thermal insulation of the room, a metal stove (they provide rapid heating), again, good ventilation and well-thought-out convection flows , as well as the presence of means for controlling temperature and humidity (plus the ability to quickly manage them).
Studying the necessary conditions, you come to the conclusion that today an electric sauna stove with built-in control and mode control functions is the best option . Only a gas stove can compete with it, but gas stoves must obtain permission , while wood stoves are less controllable - they have their own laws. You can verify the validity of our opinion by reading the following article: Stoves for steam rooms: wood, gas, electricity.
However, it’s worth making a short excursion right here, in which we will describe the structure of stoves operating on different types of fuel.
Areas of application of electric furnaces and their types
Electric heaters are used not only to equip saunas in apartments. Many people do not want to create unnecessary problems for themselves with the purchase of firewood or the installation of an additional branch of the gas main in a private house. In such cases, an electric sauna stove will be the best solution. However, before purchasing it, you need to calculate what power is needed for normal heating, and what type of heater will be most acceptable.
Based on operating voltage, such furnaces are divided into 2 categories - 220 V and 380 V (the latter, naturally, are more powerful). The heater installed in the device can be tape or tubular. As for additional functions, the electric heater may or may not be equipped with a steam generator.
Large rooms require higher power equipment
What types of ovens are there?
What do different types of devices have in common? The function of receiving heat and transferring it to the surrounding space. Heat is obtained from fuel, which can be:
- firewood;
- gas;
- electricity.
Coal is not recommended for use in sauna stoves , but pellets can be used.
In the first two cases, we need a combustion chamber for fuel , where either firewood or a gas burner is placed. In the latter case, a chamber is not needed, because a nichrome thread placed either in a curved tube (heating element) or in another shell (tape heater) is heated.
Accordingly, in the design of an electric sauna stove there is no need to separate the heater and fuel compartment - they represent one bowl with heating elements, where the empty space is filled with stones.
Wood-burning and gas stoves may otherwise be identical - there are companies that produce the same model with variations for gas and wood.
In addition to the fuel compartment, each sauna stove has a compartment for stones - open or closed, separated from the fire or allowing the flame to wash over the stones. Open heaters are good for better convection - heat redistribution between the stove and the room. Closed ones are a feature of the Russian bathhouse, where the stones are heated to temperatures that overheat the steam and make it light and finely dispersed.
Another important point is the material from which the stove is made. It can be brick (including cast iron) or metal . The first one takes a long time to heat up, takes a long time to cool down, and is used either as a material for the furnace itself or for the casing.
IMPORTANT! The main advantage of the brick is that it shields the bathhouse from hard infrared radiation , which can burn human skin even without contact with a heated object.
A brick stove takes a long time to heat up, produces a lower temperature, but maintains it significantly longer than a metal stove.
A metal stove heats up quickly, gives off heat quickly, cools down quickly . To correct the heat transfer process, it is often surrounded by a brick or stone casing. Sauna stoves are made from metal using different types of fuel: electric, gas and wood. Manufacturers often create an additional convection casing made of metal - air circulates freely in the empty space, preventing the surface from overheating, but maintaining strong convection.
According to their intended purpose, metal stoves are best suited for Finnish saunas. We have an article that talks in detail about what is good and what is bad for a Russian bath: “The best stoves for a Russian bath.”
Now that you have an idea of the similarities and differences between sauna stoves, it is worth evaluating the advantages that electric sauna stoves provide.
Furnace installation
Furnace installation rules
- An electric sauna heater can be installed either in the corner of the room or in its center.
- It must be installed on the floor or a flat base using special bolts that are included in the kit.
- When fastening, you must maintain the clearances specified in the instructions.
- Only 1 stove can be installed in the steam room.
- The surface of the walls behind the stove must be covered with a thermal protective screen. Light protection, for example, asbestos boards, is absolutely not suitable for this.
Thermal shield on the wall
Network connection
- The connection must be made using heat-resistant wires in a sleeve through a separate circuit breaker with a residual current device.
- To do this, you can use rubber-wrapped wires, for example A07BB (VSB) or H07RN (VSN), but in no case with PVC insulation. The table contains data for calculating the power and number of fuses and wire cross-section.
Power calculation table for electric oven
- All control elements, switches, distribution boxes are moved to another room. In the sauna itself, only the heating element and thermostat sensor remain.
- The temperature sensor is mounted next to the stove in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The sensor wire cannot be extended using ordinary wires.
- Using a sensor, heating operation will be suspended when the dangerous temperature is exceeded. Therefore, it is important to install it correctly.
- As an additional measure of protection, it is recommended to use a fire extinguishing system.
Stones for the stove
Laying stones
- Large stones are laid down, and small ones on top. Do not pack them too tightly or forcefully, otherwise air circulation will be impaired. The heating elements must be securely covered with stones. You cannot turn on the stove without stones.
- Once a year, go through the stones: clean them and remove small crushed stones so that heat exchange is not disturbed. But you can’t load the first cobblestones you come across instead: this can not only reduce the efficiency of heating, but also become harmful to health.
Advice! The stones must withstand the heat and high temperature changes that evaporating water creates. They should not crack or emit odor when exposed to high temperatures. Usually a basic set of stones is included.
Pros and cons of electric stoves for baths and saunas
The fact that the electric furnace is made of metal is the first advantage of this type. Other advantages arise from the fact that electricity is converted directly into thermal energy. Just compare it with firewood, which is full of problems and debris, not to mention the fact that the wood-burning stove itself cannot be mobile - it is tied to the chimney.
Yes, electric stoves for steam saunas are mobile ; they only need a sheet of non-flammable material underneath floor-standing models, or they don’t need anything at all if the model is suspended.
IMPORTANT! No chimneys, no debris, and with proper grounding, fire safety is higher than that of gas furnaces.
The numerous advantages of electric stoves can be completely offset by the fact that electricity is an expensive resource . Therefore, those who prefer inexpensive solutions should pay attention to other options. But there are also trade-offs. After all, the power of a stove that can be installed in an apartment is quite comparable to the power of an electric kettle and less than the power of some steam irons. But the sauna, which such a stove will heat, will be designed for no more than two people.
The second disadvantage is the slight difficulty with wiring. It’s better to invite an electrician who will install three phases if you took a 380-volt oven, and will determine the suitability of the existing wiring and do the grounding. But there are stoves with 220 volts, and this is the usual voltage in a household network.
If we talk about whether an electric heater is good for a sauna in a Russian bath, then a lot depends on the traditional ideas of its owner. Take a look at our articles about the Russian bath (see links above) - they talk a lot about why a metal stove is physically unable to provide the required conditions , and an electric sauna stove is no exception to this rule.
At the same time, among people who are less scrupulous about tradition, there is a widespread opinion that electric stoves are quite suitable for a sauna and a bath at the same time, the main thing is that there is a built-in steam generator and fine-tuning of temperature and humidity , allowing you to switch from Finnish to Russian bath mode.
Video on the topic
This video talks about why most electric heaters are not suitable for a Russian bath, but adds information about the extremely few types of stoves that are quite suitable.
By the way, we still have not touched upon such an important issue as the country of production. But it is precisely by this criterion that sauna equipment is often purchased.
DIY electric fireplace
At the first stage, it is necessary to select the optimal location for the unit and consider the shape and size of the structure. It is important to follow all safety rules. When using a fireplace operating from a standard 220 Volt network, you can use a single-phase network; for structures operating from 380, you must use exclusively a three-phase network.
Making it yourself: Option 1
- At the floor level of the bathhouse or sauna, it is necessary to leave a small cavity;
- The hole must be well covered with boards;
- The required number of heating elements is established, which is calculated individually and depends on the size, location, type of room and the desired level of heating, as well as their independent power;
- Under each TEN it is necessary to make an individual hole that opens into the waiting room;
- Wiring, to ensure safe operation, is also routed to the dressing room;
- The hood is done above the floor level, approximately 30-40 centimeters;
- To ensure good thermal conductivity and heat distribution, the heating elements must be lined with bricks or stones on all sides. You can also install fireplace stoves with increased heat capacity.
This horizontal stove works on the following principle: The heaters heat the air that comes out through the hood. Thus, steam gradually accumulates and the air in the room heats up.
Option 2: vertical fireplace
- First you need to assemble the metal frame. It is very important that the selected material has a high degree of fire resistance, and all seams are well sealed and insulated;
- An individually selected number of heating elements must be connected to each other and evenly distributed on the inside of the metal frame;
- The interior of the structure must be lined with stones;
- The wall to which such a heater is adjacent must be well insulated;
- Each heating element must be connected to the network and their power adjusted;
- It is recommended to use bricks or sheet metal as insulating material;
- Also, stones and TENS can be placed not just in a metal frame, but also in any other metal object, such as a forged barrel or basket. This will give the fireplace originality and make it stand out against the general background.
An electric fireplace for a sauna has a fairly simple principle of operation, which allows you to make such a unit with your own hands and with minimal financial costs. If necessary, you can also buy a completely finished and assembled model, of a certain power and in the required design, in the catalog of our online store.
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 has already been 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:
Electric sauna stove: reviews
IMPORTANT! Most consumers in their reviews pay attention to the simplicity and ease of use, good steam generation, fast heating and small dimensions of the ovens, which free up space.
Users made a special mention of the ability to choose different designs. According to the owner of a sauna chain, who chose Narvi products, this is a big plus, as is the affordable price of its models.
Others like the fact that electric sauna stoves are made primarily of stainless alloys , which guarantees their durability .
Among the “ideal” models of electric sauna stoves are, for example, SAWO Cumulus CML-60 NB, Narvi NM, SAWO Tower TH3-60 NB.
Many admit that they have chosen Finnish stoves. But there are also those who appreciate the merits of domestic products.
In particular, about the Kristina Classic electric heater, manufactured, it is said that the tape heater in it is not afraid of water , so it can be poured without fear.
Other users see Russian electric heaters as a “memory of a tank” and prefer European design.
Another category of consumers pays attention to the possibility of using a sauna stove in the “Russian bath” mode. One of them says that he is very pleased with the capabilities of the Swedish Tylo Combi oven with controlled humidity and temperature.
As for the minuses , the most often mentioned are the high power consumption and the considerable cost of high-quality models.
Almost everyone considers a remote control
Video on the topic
A few useful tips that are not included in our article will help you choose the right electric heater:
*** So, we hope that our readers came to the same conclusions as we did: electric sauna stoves are an excellent combination of technology and tradition, suitable for use specifically in a Finnish sauna. And there are quite enough models to cover all user segments - from simple mini-stoves and budget options to elegant, highly reliable models designed for daily use in commercial saunas.
How to use an electric heater?
Electric heater, how to use it:
- The air in the steam room cannot be heated above 100 degrees Celsius. Such hot air will not only dry out the respiratory tract and skin, but will also contribute to the beginning of the process of wood pyrolysis (gases harmful to humans will begin to be released into the air).
- You cannot add essential oils to the water that will be applied to hot stones. For these purposes, special formulations are used in which the oil does not burn out, but evaporates. To saturate the steam with healing aromas, simply place a bowl of hot water in the corner of the steam room and drop essential oils into it.
- It is not allowed to dry fabric items over the heater (even if the device is turned off). This may cause a fire.
- The stones must be sorted out once a year, washed, and rubble and damaged stones removed. However, remember - special stones are used for electric heaters, which were mined in special deposits and were tested at high temperatures. If other stones are used, the efficiency of the stove may decrease dramatically. In addition, it may not be harmless to health.
Articles about baths:
- back to the section “Building a house with your own hands”
- Bath brooms
- Bath and sauna in the house
- Ventilation holes in the bath
- Bath ventilation system
- Internal structure of the bath
- Interior decoration of the bath
- Construction of a chopped bathhouse
- Construction of bath walls
- Auxiliary materials for the construction of a bathhouse
- Choosing a place for a bath
- Choosing a stove for a bath
- We make furniture for a bath
- Reducing humidity on the walls of the bathhouse
- Which sauna should you choose?
- Choosing stones for a bath
- Installation of a sewerage system for a bathhouse
- Caulk of a wooden bath
- Operation of hatches and chimneys
- Materials for building a bathhouse
- Installation of a concrete floor in a bathhouse
- Installation of bath doors and windows
- Installation of a wooden floor in a bathhouse
- Bathroom ceiling installation
- Lighting in the bath
- Features of choosing tiles for a bath
- Finishing of sauna log houses
- Bath heating
- Cleaning the ash pan
- How to choose the right stove for a sauna
- How to take a steam bath correctly
- Heaters for solid fuels
- Steam room ceiling
- Rules for lighting the stove
- Types of sauna stoves
- Bathhouse repair
- Chimney pipe repair
- Repairing the crown of the chimney
- Bath walls
- Arrangement of the roof of the bathhouse
- Thermal insulation of the bath
- Oven Installation Instructions
- Bathhouse foundation
- Cleaning chimney bricks
