Electric stove for sauna and bath: TOP-12 best models + recommendations for buyers of electric heaters

Pros and cons of electric sauna stoves

The fact that the electric furnace is made of metal is the first plus of this type. Other pluses follow from the fact that electricity is converted into thermal energy directly. Just compare it with wood, which is full of problems and garbage, not to mention the fact that the wood stove itself cannot be mobile - it is tied to the chimney.

Yes, electric steam sauna stoves are mobile, they only need a sheet of non-combustible material down under the floor models or nothing at all if the model is suspended.

IMPORTANT! No chimneys, no debris, and with proper grounding, fire safety is better than gas stoves.

The numerous advantages of electric stoves may well be 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 compromises.

After all, the power of the stove, which can be put in an apartment, is quite comparable with the power of an electric kettle and less than the power of some steam irons. But the sauna that such a stove heats up will be designed for no more than two people.

The second minus is a little complexity with wiring. It is better to invite an electrician who will last three phases if you took a 380-volt oven, and determine the suitability of the existing wiring, and grounding will do. But there are stoves for 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 nature of the ideas of its owner. Take a look at our articles about the Russian bath (see links above) - it says a lot about why a metal stove is physically unable to give 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, it is widely believed that electric stoves for a sauna and a bath at the same time are quite suitable, the main thing is that there is a built-in steam generator and a fine-tuning of temperature and humidity, allowing you to switch from Finnish to Russian bath.

Related videos

This video talks about why most electric heaters are not suitable for a Russian bath, but adds information about the extremely few varieties of stoves that are quite suitable.

By the way, we still have not touched on such an important issue as the country of production. But it is by this criterion that sauna equipment is often purchased.

Description of electric furnaces

The number of stones loaded into the heater is largely responsible for the rate of heating the room.

Kinds

1. Models that provide for the laying of a significant mass of stone require more time to heat up. The heat emitted by them is more uniform and softer. Water can be poured onto such devices, it evaporates without reaching the heating elements. The atmosphere is close to the classic Russian bath. There is another mode of operation - "sauna". To power these ovens, a 380 V power supply is required.
2. Electric furnaces designed to load a small amount of stones quickly warm up the steam room. You can pour water on them in small quantities and infrequently, waiting for the optimum heating temperature. Such devices are more often used in saunas, since this mode of operation contributes to their long-term operation. Installation is possible even in an apartment, powered by a conventional network.
3. Thermos ovens. They have a closed body type with a lid in the upper part of the device, covering a container with heated stones. With the lid open, it will become warm in a few minutes. The generated steam is quite fine and hot, like in a Russian bath.
4. Steam generators. Ideal for creating a high level of humidity in the steam room. But the air at the same time turns out to be difficult to breathe, because the popularity of such equipment is not too high.
5. Electric furnaces equipped with a steam generator. They have a separate water tank. As well as steam generators, they produce very humid steam.

It is possible to use an electric furnace and a steam generator together to obtain high-quality, dry steam. For this purpose, moist air from the steam generator is fed to the bottom of the heater, where it is dried and heated to the required values.

Device and principle of operation

The design of the electric furnace is not particularly complicated.

Its components:

• case made of metal with double walls;
• electric heating elements - heating elements or tape type;
• heat-insulating material - steel screens located one after another and protecting the walls of the bath from excessive heating;
• cage for stones.

The rate of heating of the room depends on the mass and size of the latter. When using heavy stones of a significant size, the bath will warm up faster.

The heater stove can be open or closed. The first option is more popular, because it allows not only to heat the steam room with high quality, but also to get steam of optimal humidity.

Closed sauna stoves can be a closed structure of a vertical or horizontal type, consisting of:

• heating element;
• conductor of electric current;
• surface that reflects the generated heat.

When the device is turned on, the heating elements begin to produce heat, from which the stones inside are heated, gradually increasing the temperature inside the bathhouse.

NOTE!
To regulate the level of humidity, warm water is poured over the stones, which turns into fine steam.

Peculiarities

1. To connect the sauna heater to the power supply, it may be necessary to arrange a separate power supply line. It is recommended to lay wires with a large cross section (4-8 millimeters), which are characterized by heat resistance. The wire connected to the electric meter is first connected to the RCD, and only after that the device can be used.
2. Warming up the room at maximum power can last from 30 to 120 minutes. The time interval depends on the selected indicators of the power of the furnace and the quality of its thermal insulation. When the required temperature level is reached, the power of the device will need to be reduced by 1.5-2 times. Adjustment can be made in manual and automatic modes (if there is a built-in thermostat).
3. When choosing an electric heater, it is worth considering the presence of additional safety requirements. The constant supply of air from the outside will increase the energy consumption. Insufficient oxygen supply can cause fainting or a general deterioration in well-being. To prevent such problems, it is necessary to equip a ventilation gap under the door, at least two centimeters, or install deflector grilles in the lower part of the canvas, through which fresh air will enter the steam room. Natural convection of air masses will evenly distribute heat in the room.

Electric heater with a steam generator for a sauna - will we get a Russian bath or not?

To begin with, we will have to turn to those conditions that are commonly called the classic Russian bath. This will help determine which stoves are suitable for a Russian bath. If we talk purely about physical parameters, then the temperature in such a bath should not be higher than 65 degrees, and the humidity is good in the region of 55%.

But the Russian bath has specific requirements for the quality of steam and heat. Steam is needed exceptionally light, invisible to the eye, which is obtained only if the water is heated above the boiling point. And it turns out either by heating the stones to 400 degrees and above, or by heating with electricity.

Note! The steam generator is really able to create light steam, and literally in a matter of minutes.

As for heat, soft IR radiation (IR - infrared) will be optimal in a Russian bath. And it is obtained as a result of the slow heating of the brick or stone surrounding the firebox.

Electric sauna heater with steam generator Harvia

Electric stoves of this kind are found on sale, they are lined with stone in the same way as wood-burning counterparts, but in most cases there are either models with a metal convection case or with a mesh casing that is filled with stones. This is also a kind of convection case - the air actively moves between the heated stones in the casing, its temperature rises and it rises.

It is clear that the metal case (about metal stoves here) does not contribute to the production of soft IR radiation, although the greatest heat will still come from the stones in the open heater, because it is between them that there are heating elements or tape heaters. This is because electric furnaces usually have strong convection, they actively suck in cold air from below, heat it up and release it into space. That is why the air in the steam room heats up so quickly (about steam room stoves in a separate article).

But the Russian banya requires fully regulated convection, which means it stops at the right moment, when the so-called “steam cake” forms under the ceiling. This is where the main contradiction lies: electric stoves were created for saunas, where convection is an integral part of creating the right conditions for a Finnish bath. In the vast majority of cases, the ovens you can buy will not have convection controls.

CONCLUSION! In other words, the stove can be set to the desired temperature, you can turn on the steam generator, but you can’t take a steam bath as it should be with a “steam cake” unless you have a “thermos” stove or something like that.

Where are all these numerous stoves with steam generators used, which can be found in the model ranges of almost all large companies involved in the production of bath stoves? The answer is simple: between the classic Russian and Finnish baths, there are many intermediate states that do not quite correspond to the reference conditions, but may well suit bathers.

On a note! The main thing is that when designing ventilation in a bath / sauna, the possibility of adjusting air exchange is laid - for this you need only doors, dampers or gates that close at will. Only in this case you can really vary the modes of the Russian and Finnish baths.

In connection with all of the above, we would not like to be unfounded, so we asked what they say about electric sauna heaters with steam generators for saunas on the sauna forums (the reviews look less suspicious there).

Manufacturers and their top models

Now, on the wood-burning stove market, there are products of Russian, Finnish, Swedish and German brands.Some of them are discussed in the table below.

Manufacturer	Characteristics
Vesuvius	Made of structural steel or cast iron; Differ in quality of execution of details, absolute tightness and low prices.
Harvia	A wide variety of models; Have an efficient air circulation system; There is a choice of modifications with a built-in or remote firebox.
Hephaestus	They are made exclusively from SCh-20 cast iron; The body and the furnace do not have welds and threaded connections; Differ in high heat resistance and heat capacity.
Teplodar	In the model range there are roomy boilers with high heat output and economical "mini" options; The rugged housing is made of steel, 4mm thick, with the addition of 17% chromium in places with a greater thermal load.
Bonfire	A series of furnaces of this brand has more than 20 modifications; It is possible to complete any of the models with heat-resistant glass Schoot Robax; There are models with a register-heat exchanger and a combustion stabilization mode.

The best steel electric sauna stoves

Electric furnaces made of alloy steel can be an excellent replacement for cast-iron wood-burning models.

Such devices are characterized by relatively low weight, affordable cost and fast heating. Their only drawback is the need to connect to a separate power supply line.

EOS Filius 7.5 kW – premium heater

5.0

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

Suspended stove-heater for baths and saunas from a well-known German manufacturer. The main feature of this model is the multi-layer construction of the back wall of the case.

This technical solution eliminates the possibility of overheating in this area, which allows you to mount the unit in close proximity to the wall. The stove is controlled from the remote control. The price of the furnace is 65 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• Reliable design;
• fire safety;
• Rapid heating of the sauna room;
• Excellent build quality.

Flaws:

High price.

This model will become a real decoration of a small sauna, organized in an apartment or a private house.

SAWO Scandia SCA 90 NB-Z - with large stone compartment

5.0

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

A powerful sauna stove of a closed type, which is capable of heating a small steam room to the desired temperature in 8-10 minutes.

The well-thought-out design of the steel convector body quickly warms up the air in the room, and the stones serve to maintain the temperature and generate steam.

The main feature of this model is the ability to control the operation of the device from the remote control. The average cost is about 20 thousand.

Advantages:

• Excellent power for the declared volume;
• Quick heating of the steam room;
• Simple and convenient control with a remote control;
• High quality materials, components and assembly.

Flaws:

Large power consumption.

A great option for organizing a small sauna.

Polytech Classic 10 – with an innovative heating element

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

93%
buyers recommend this product

The floor bath electric furnace is made of stainless steel and has quite modern appearance.

The main feature of this unit is the use of a tape heater with an increased heat transfer surface.

At a relatively low temperature, the tape element creates a powerful convection air flow that quickly warms up the room. The stones located above it serve to generate steam and maintain the temperature in the steam room.

The unit is controlled by means of a remote control, which itself, after a certain period of time, will disconnect the device from the network for security purposes. The average cost of a Polytech belt oven is 17.5 thousand.

Advantages:

• High performance;
• Rapid heating of the room;
• Increased area of ​​the heating element;
• Auto power off.

Flaws:

The need to lay a separate cable and connect to a 380 V network.

An inexpensive and easy-to-use model with excellent technical characteristics for connoisseurs of hot saunas and dry steam.

Harvia Cilindro PC70E - compact model for small steam rooms

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

87%
buyers recommend this product

See review

One of the most compact floor-standing electric sauna heaters from the legendary Finnish manufacturer differs from competitors in its vertical orientation, which allows you to place the unit even in a tiny space.

The main feature of this model is the large volume of stones placed in the lattice of the case. The switches are located on the front solid wall. The price of this model is about 16.5 thousand.

Advantages:

• Compactness;
• Excellent build quality;
• Rapid heating of the sauna;
• Possibility of producing "light" and "heavy" steam;
• Remote control.

Flaws:

Not very convenient location of controls.

A good and inexpensive model for a small sauna.

Type of fuel

Wood is a traditional economical option. Its use allows you to quickly and evenly warm the room.The disadvantage is that you have to control the combustion process, periodically report fuel and clean the chimney.

Electricity is a safer and more fashionable solution. Electric heaters quickly heat up the air. A visitor to the sauna can fully control the temperature and humidity conditions in the steam room. In order for the electric furnace to function smoothly, it is necessary to provide a stable source of energy at the place of its installation. The main disadvantage of such boilers is the relatively high consumption of electricity.

A factory-made gas stove must be installed under the guidance of a master. It is advantageous to place it where there is a lack of firewood and low gas tariffs. Otherwise, heating costs will be more significant in comparison with the cost of maintaining a solid fuel stove.

Selection errors

The absence of a clear and detailed design of the bath, with the technical characteristics of the stove, will lead to redevelopment of the premises, or additional costs when purchasing.

Neglecting the advice of a specialist will reveal “surprises” with the equipment, the correction of which will take time and money.

Unprofessional installation of the furnace is life-threatening and provokes a quick failure or the need for repair.

We should not forget about the special preparation of the base for wood-burning units made of steel sheets on a concrete substrate.

The quality of the sauna stove is proportional to the price, according to the type of fuel and power.

Varieties

Electric stoves can be roughly divided into those designed for saunas and those used for Russian baths. A mandatory element of the latter is a steam generator. Its presence in sauna devices is at the discretion of the buyer.

Devices with a steam generator usually have a water tank.Water is poured into them manually or supplied automatically if the structure is connected to the water supply. The heating temperature reaches 600 C.

Some models are equipped with compartments for medicinal plants or essential oils. It should be understood that this tank is provided for the operation of the steam generator. It cannot be used for washing and domestic needs in the absence of hot water. Firstly, compared to the tanks in a stone oven for a bath, for example, this tank has a small volume. Secondly, it does not provide a tap or a wide cover for scooping heated water.

Electric stoves, like any sauna stoves, come with an open and closed heater. The latter are also called "thermos". A stove with an open heater, according to users, allows you to create the mood of a classic Russian steam room. Heating stones in such a device are in plain sight, they can be watered. Due to the high temperature, it instantly evaporates, turning into a transparent vapor.

However, stones in an open system cool down quickly, and additional energy consumption is required to heat them. The stones in the "thermos" are constantly in heating mode. They do not cool down, therefore, as the desired temperature in the steam room is reached, they can be switched to keep warm mode, thereby reducing energy consumption. Closed heaters are expensive. Their average price starts from 50,000 - 70,000 rubles, while the minimum cost of an open analogue is 10,000 - 14,000 rubles.

The difference between the units is also due to the type of heating elements used. The following varieties are distinguished:

Tubular (TEN). It is a heating coil enclosed in stainless steel tubes. Heating elements are used in many household appliances, for example, a washing machine. The advantage is low cost. At the same time, the device is not very durable. When laying stone, they are easily damaged.

Depending on the location of the control panel, devices are distinguished in which the control system is placed outside the steam room, as well as those in which the control buttons are located directly on the device body.

The former are preferable because they are protected from the adverse effects of moisture. They are safe and durable. Models with a control panel on the oven body may be exposed to accidental water ingress.

A separate panel can be mounted in any convenient place, it is recommended to take it outside the steam room, for example, to a dressing room or a rest room. For ease of use, such devices are available with a remote control. In other words, all the necessary parameters are set on the control panel before the start of the bathing procedures; if necessary, make changes to them, there is no need to leave the steam room, just use the remote control.

There are wall and floor models. The former are equipped with brackets for mounting, the latter have legs. There are universal designs that can be mounted in any of these ways. Corner devices are considered a variety of outdoor electric heaters, which are optimal for steam rooms of a small area.

Depending on the shape of the device, there are cylindrical, rectangular, round. They have various sizes and designs.There are both laconic rectangular and corner designs, and stoves that imitate a fireplace or traditional, supercharged (wood-burning, for example), equipped with a mill wheel through which water flows.

The dimensions of the furnace are determined by its power and the number of loaded stones. So, small structures, provided mainly for saunas, can hold up to 35–40 kg of stones. For a Russian steam room, it is better to choose a device with a maximum load of 60–120 kg. It gives a good heat, you can pour large volumes of water on the stones. Most of these models have 2 operating programs - in the "sauna" and "bath" modes.

The outer case of the device is designed to protect heating and other elements from damage, as well as to protect the user from burns. It can be metal, upholstered with heat-resistant wood, soapstone (natural mineral). Models with an open heater, surrounded by a mesh body, look no less impressive.

Recommendations for selection

There are quite a few different models of electric ovens on the market. To make the right choice, you need to consider several factors:

• sauna dimensions;
• estimated number of people and frequency of use;
• features of the electrical network;
• the intended location in the room;
• etc.

It is also important to check the documentation when buying. It must contain a product passport, an installation guide and two certificates: for the appliance itself and for its fire safety.

Room volume

The required power of the stove depends on the size of the room. To heat 1 cubic meter of a steam room, if it is properly insulated, 1 kW is enough. If the insulation is not enough, a more powerful device will be required.

The power of the stove must be selected exactly depending on the characteristics of the room, and not “with a margin”. An oven that is too powerful will quickly dry out the air and consume more electricity than necessary. And the lack of this characteristic will not allow you to reach the desired temperature (or the sauna will heat up for too long).

Controls

The remote control is more convenient because it allows you to turn on and adjust the stove without even going into the steam room. That is, it will warm up during the preparation for bath procedures. On the other hand, with built-in management, it is easier to change something in the process. Duplicated systems have the advantages of both.

Photo 2. Remote control panel for an electric sauna heater from the manufacturer Harvia.

Remote controls have different complexity. But the more features it has, the more expensive the device is. As a result, in some cases, the cost of the remote control itself will be higher than the cost of the furnace. Therefore, when choosing, it is recommended to decide which functions will be used frequently, and which ones can be dispensed with.

Heater type

Two types of heating elements are used in electric furnaces: tubular and tape. Heating elements are tubes made of carbon or corrosion-resistant steel. They are heated to a fairly high temperature, 700-800°C. But tubular electric heating elements are more fragile. That is why they break more often.

LANs are made of stainless steel, but in the form of ribbons wound on a ceramic frame. They warm up to lower rates, about 400-500°C. But this is enough to heat the steam room.

LANs are more durable than heating elements and create a more comfortable environment in the sauna. The room heats up faster. But tape heaters do not allow contact with water.Because of this, as well as the lower temperature, tubular systems are used for steam generation.

Important! Direct contact of the heating element with water is still undesirable, especially with cold water. Therefore, the pipes are closed with stones, and the liquid is poured onto them. Therefore, those who like to take a steam bath are more suitable for stoves based on heating elements.

There are two types of heaters available. They combine the advantages of both, but are also more expensive.

Therefore, those who like to take a steam bath in the bath are more suitable for stoves based on heating elements. There are two types of heaters available. They combine the advantages of both, but are also more expensive.

Stove exterior

Electric heaters are produced in various forms, which depend on the location in the sauna.

Rectangular, cylindrical and even round stoves are placed in the center of the room or against the wall. Triangular are designed for installation in a corner. This saves space.

Another way to save space is to place the stove on the wall. Such models have special fastenings. They are regular (rectangular) and angular.