Electric sauna stove - design features, best models, useful tips

A real bathhouse, no matter whether Russian or Finnish, can only be wood-fired. For many, this is an axiom based on the assertion that it was wood-burning stoves that our ancestors used. But one has to wonder, did they have a choice? Of course not. Unlike us. In the modern world, there are many ways to heat a room, and one of the most affordable and convenient is electricity.

An electric oven is simple and safe. Its installation does not require approval from various authorities, and most importantly, it can be installed even in the bathroom of an ordinary apartment, turning the room into a real sauna. According to the principle of operation, this is an ordinary heater, but instead of firewood or gas, the filler is heated by a heating element (tubular electric heater). This design has several important advantages:

1. Safety as there is no open flame.
2. Easy to install and install. Often such stoves operate from a regular household network, that is, they are plugged into a household outlet.
3. Fast heating. The heating element reaches operating temperature in a couple of minutes, and then can maintain it for a long time.
4. Temperature adjustment. You set the desired temperature yourself and for this you do not need to control the combustion process, just turn one handle.
5. No waste or trash. No ash or carbon monoxide. Such ovens do not need to be cleaned or maintained in any way.
6. A wide variety of models by type of design and power. There are even options for cabins of 1-2 cubic meters.

These are only the most obvious advantages lying on the surface, but in fairness it should be said that there are also disadvantages here:

1. High electricity consumption. Even the smallest stove will consume at least 2 kilowatts of energy.
2. Combustion of oxygen. When used for a long time in a closed room, all the oxygen burns out.
3. To install a stove with a power of 4 kilowatts or more, you will need to make a separate electrical line.

You should also understand that not all ovens can be splashed with water to create steam. Although this is a heater, the heating elements do not like water. This point must be clarified before purchasing. The degree of protection of such stoves is sufficient to withstand accidental splashes, but it is not recommended to fill them with water. If you need a Russian sauna with a large number of clouds of steam, and not a dry Finnish one, then you can look for a model with a steam generator.

In our rating we will look at the best models of 2021 of different capacities. There will be very small stoves that can be installed in a regular bathroom in your apartment, as well as large structures for full-fledged saunas and bathhouses for commercial purposes.

The best electric ovens for small spaces: up to 10 cubic meters

If you live in an ordinary apartment building, but really love a bathhouse, then you shouldn’t deny yourself this pleasure. The modern market offers models designed for small spaces up to 10 cubic meters. These are compact, lightweight devices that can be hung on a wall or placed near a wall. They are safe and quite economical in terms of energy consumption. Their protection allows them to withstand splashes, and some heaters can even be splashed with water to create steam. A great way to turn an ordinary bathroom into a real sauna.

How to choose a good stove?

In addition to standard recommendations for power (1 cubic meter of steam room requires 1 kW of performance), it is necessary to take into account the heat storage capacity of the device - the higher it is, the less kilowatt is needed. The capacity of the stone is also important - it is directly proportional to the saturation of the air with steam.

Models with a multilayer metal body require a smaller safe distance to prevent fire, which means that the freed up space can be used for other needs. The most practical are angular variations - there will also be fewer indents here.

Closed or open heater - this is where user preferences come into play; the first solution is distinguished by expediency, safety, aesthetics, and compactness.

The built-in steam generator will never be able to imitate a Turkish hammam, but it is enough to increase the humidity to a comfortable level. If you plan to use a broom, it is better to choose a stove that can definitely be watered.

Built-in microclimate regulators are very inaccurate, since they reflect the state of the environment under the casing, and not in the room. Often a sensor triggers, automatically turning off the stove to avoid overheating. If there is a remote electronic control panel, you can also use an emergency shutdown, only in this case the sensors will be more accurate, since they are installed separately.

When choosing between flat strip and tubular electric heaters, you need to take into account that the latter are more compact and safe, and operate correctly.

Top 3. KARINA Optima 2.5

Rating (2021): 4.56

Best price The cheapest electric oven, costing almost 40% less than the closest competitor with similar parameters.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 13,000 rub.

• Country Russia
• Heated volume (cub.m): 3
• Power consumption (kW): 2.5
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 60/32/22 cm
• Weight (kg): 8

If you have a small bathroom and want to turn it into a sauna, but without spending fabulous sums, then the Karina electric stove is the best solution. The most budget model from a Russian manufacturer, designed for a volume of only 3 cubic meters. Energy consumption is appropriate. At maximum load, the furnace consumes no more than 2.5 kilowatts per hour. But there are no programmable modes or nice extras here. The steam generator was not built in, and you can only set the temperature mode. But you can splash water on the stones. The heating elements are hidden deep in the depths of the stones and are located in such a way as to avoid contact with moisture as much as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Budget price tag
• Heating elements protected from moisture
• Economical energy consumption
• Protective mesh on the front side

• Designed for very small volumes
• No programmable modes
• No additional options

Final points

A sauna with an electric stove is a powerful consumer of electricity. When choosing, it will be very important to pay attention to the electricity consumption of the stove; this will save significant amounts, even if the stove is quite expensive.

From an aesthetic point of view, foreign models are superior to their Russian counterparts, but they are also more expensive. Specific options should be considered based on financial capabilities when purchasing, as well as taking into account the volume of the steam room and the power that the electrical wiring and transformer can withstand.

Top 2. Harvia KIP60

Rating (2021): 4.82

Fast heating A stove with three working heating elements, which almost instantly reaches the set mode and warms up the room in a matter of minutes.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 21,800 rub.

• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 8
• Power consumption (kW): 6
• Construction: wall
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 41/28/60 cm
• Weight (kg): 16

Electric oven from one of the most famous Finnish manufacturers. The device is designed to heat a room with a volume of up to 8 cubic meters. True, energy consumption is quite high, 6 kilowatts. For convenience, it is possible to connect to both household networks at 220 volts and two-phase at 380. The stove is distinguished by a quick set of the desired temperature, which is due to three heating elements hidden under 14 kilograms of natural stones. Heating of the room occurs in a matter of minutes, and numerous modes allow you to use the stove on an ongoing basis. It is enough to set the required temperature and humidity so that the desired microclimate is always maintained in the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Quick temperature set
• Three working heating elements
• Compact size
• High quality build

• High price
• High power consumption

Varieties

There are different design or design options for electric sauna stoves.

By type of installation there are:

floor

wall-mounted

By body type:

open (heater outside);

closed (this type of oven is called a “thermos”). The heater is located inside the housing.

The thermos is an efficient design that can produce the highest quality steam. In addition, heated and thermally insulated stones give off heat for a long time. The oven can maintain their temperature using only 1 kW of energy in 4 hours.

This heating method is called always-ready mode. However, thermoses are the most expensive electric ovens; their cost can be 100 thousand rubles or more.

By size of heater:

small models with a heater 20-40 kg;

models with a medium-sized heater 60-120 kg;

models with a large heater (more than 120 kg), intended for commercial use.

Expert opinion

Lovkachev Boris Petrovich

Bath master who knows everything about steaming

The larger the heater, the more practical the stove - you can pour water from a ladle onto it, adding steam using the traditional method.

However, such furnaces require high heating power - raising the temperature of a 150-kg stone backfill is not easy. Therefore, there are stoves with a small number of heating elements and a connection to a 220 V network, and there are more powerful stoves with many heating elements. They are connected to a 380 V network.

Many electric ovens come with additional features. These include:

stand-alone control panel (some models come with it, others will have to be purchased separately);

steam generator (usually for models with a small decorative heater).

The presence of additional functions significantly improves the quality of bath procedures, but increases the price of the stove. At the same time, electric stoves are on average cheaper than cast iron and even steel stoves using solid, liquid and gaseous fuels.

Top 1. Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z

Rating (2021): 4.87

The most popular model is the Mini-oven, widely discussed on specialized forums and collecting a large number of positive comments.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 17,200 rub.

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• Country: Finland
• Heated volume (cub.m): 6
• Power consumption (kW): 3.6
• Construction: wall/floor
• Dimensions (W/D/H): 45/33/31 cm
• Weight (kg): 5

Compact, lightweight heater stove with a capacity of 10.5 kilograms of stones. Designed to heat a room up to 6 cubic meters with an energy consumption of only 3.6 kilowatts. The device is very convenient and has programming capabilities. With its help, both Russian and Finnish saunas can be recreated. You can splash water on the stones, and there is also a built-in steam generator with several power modes. This is the best oven for small spaces that can be set to energy-saving mode and will constantly maintain the required temperature and humidity in the room. We also note the high reliability of the design. This is one of the most popular stove manufacturers and has proven itself.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Compact dimensions
• Low power consumption
• Programmable
• Many operating modes

• Wooden walls must be insulated
• There are low-quality fakes

See also:

• 12 best brands of sauna stoves

to the beginning of the rating

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.

The best electric stoves for medium-sized rooms: from 10 to 20 cubic meters

For a room larger than 10 cubic meters, a more powerful unit will be required. There is no power calculation scheme here as with heaters, so the stove can consume either 10 or all 20 kilowatts. In any case, it is advisable to connect it to a separate line so as not to load the household outlet. Also in this category there are two-phase versions operating at 380 volts. They are unlikely to be installed in an ordinary home, but they are an excellent option for commercial baths and saunas, where it is not possible to use open-flame heaters.

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.

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

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of electric furnaces for heating saunas and baths include:

1. Quick heating of the room and stable maintenance of the temperature in it.
2. You can choose a model that is compact in size.
3. Unlike gas furnaces, there is no need to coordinate the installation of the device.
4. Quick and easy installation of equipment.
5. There is no need to organize firewood storage.
6. Such a stove operates without a chimney.
7. Easy to manage, maintain and operate.
8. Availability of built-in fuse against overheating.
9. Reliable thermal insulation guarantees the safety of using the electric furnace.
10. There is no carbon monoxide emission during operation.

Among the disadvantages are:

1. The high cost of electrical energy does not allow using the bathhouse for procedures too often and for a long time.
2. It is not always possible to install a powerful stove due to power limitations in the electrical network in a private residential building in the range from 4 to 6 kW.
3. Compared to devices running on wood or natural gas, the heating power of electric furnaces may be lower.

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

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.

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

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.

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 2021

to the beginning of the rating

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 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

Rules for installing electric sauna stoves

Requirements SNiP 41-01-2003

This document regulates the basic rules for placing electric furnaces from a fire safety point of view:

• The stove must be installed in a corner closer to the entrance, however, subject to the requirements of SNiP, installation in the center of the room is also allowed.
• The floor where the stove is installed is covered with non-combustible materials.
• The distance between the wall and the furnace body must be at least 0.5 meters in the absence of a screen. If such protection is installed, it is allowed to place the electric oven closer.
• There should be a hole in the area of ​​the heater for fresh ventilation.
• The furnace body must be protected by a fence located at a distance of at least 70 cm.

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How to install the housing and controls?

The first step is to wash and dry the stones, place them and turn on the stove. When connecting an empty stove, the heating elements will burn out. When installing the control panel, the following requirements must be met:

• The external remote control is installed in a room where there are no elevated temperatures.
• The wiring is done in advance.
• The power that the electrical panel and wires can withstand must not be lower than the power of the electric furnace.
• The presence of an RCD is required.
• In order to avoid contact between wires and heated walls, they are laid in a special bus made of fireproof material.

Installation of sensors and grounding

It is recommended to use only cables made of heat-resistant material. The presence of twists is excluded; all wire sections must be intact. Sensors are usually mounted above the door, heater and steam benches.

GOST 12.1.030-81 requirements and electrical wiring cross-section

According to GOST 12.1.030-81, the electrical circuit must be grounded directly or grounded through the shield. As mentioned above, the power that the wiring can withstand must be higher than the power of the furnace itself. The selection of conductor cross-sections is made according to special tables.

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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

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.

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.

Types of metals

The body and internal components can be made of various types of materials; cast iron specimens are durable and have high heat transfer, but are quite bulky and heavy.

Stainless steel will be lighter and less massive and has a number of advantages, including an attractive appearance. Enameled steel is used in rare cases, but some people use such devices to equip steam rooms.

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.

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.