They also warm up the room very well, allow you to maintain a stable temperature in the steam room, but at the same time they are easy and safe to use.
Before choosing a sauna stove model, determine the power of the heating device.
Not only the cost of the device, but also the size of the steam room for which the device is intended depends on this indicator.
There are other criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing. They will be described in detail below, and the rating of the best models of electric sauna stoves for 2021 will help you decide on the choice of an electric sauna stove.
Rating of the TOP 15 best electric stoves for baths in 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 4 best electric sauna stoves by price/quality for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Harvia Vega Compact BC35 gray | Find out the price |
| 2 | Sawo Mini X MX-36NB-Z | Find out the price |
| 3 | Harvia Cilindro PC90E | Find out the price |
| 4 | Harvia Cilindro PC70E | Find out the price |
| TOP 4 best electric sauna stoves for 220V | ||
| 1 | Helo Saunatonttu 3 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Harvia Alfa A30 Steel | Find out the price |
| 3 | IKI Pillar 9 kW | Find out the price |
| 4 | Harvia Wall SW80 | Find out the price |
| TOP 4 best electric sauna stoves for 380V | ||
| 1 | Harvia The Wall SW45 | Find out the price |
| 2 | IKI Pillar 15 kW | Find out the price |
| 3 | Sawo TOWER TH3-35NB | Find out the price |
| 4 | Harvia The Wall SW60E | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best inexpensive electric sauna stoves | ||
| 1 | Harvia Vega BC45E | Find out the price |
| 2 | Sawo NORDEX MINI NRMN-30NB-Z | Find out the price |
| 3 | Karina Lux 4 in stone horizontal | Find out the price |
TOP 5 best electric furnaces for saunas and baths for 220 V
Sawo SCANDIA SCA-60NB-Z
A high quality electric heater for a small home sauna or bathhouse at a reasonable cost . Suitable for installation in a room with a volume of 5-8 cubic meters. Holds up to 22 kilograms of stones, allowing you to fill the room with a pleasant, soft steam.
Equipped with a convenient and simple built-in remote control for controlling the device, which adjusts the power and operating time of the electric furnace and the turn-on delay timer.
The outer casing is made of stainless steel, the internal coating is made of durable galvanized steel, not subject to corrosion processes. An excellent combination of quality, reliability and affordable price.
Characteristics:
- power - 6 kW;
- min. sauna volume - 5 m3;
- Max. sauna volume - 8 m3;
- maximum weight of stones - 22 kg;
- dimensions - 51.5*29*45 cm;
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- modest dimensions;
- there is no heating of the case during operation;
- controlled from a remote control, there are redundant buttons on the body;
- protected from corrosion;
- creates a pleasant atmosphere in the steam room.
Flaws:
- none.
Harvia Cilindro PC70E
An electric stove for heating baths and saunas from a well-known Finnish manufacturer combines the latest technologies and uses electrical energy economically.
Covered with durable fireproof paint. Long-term operation is achieved due to the successful selection of materials and convenient design made of cylindrical metal. This design allows you to take full advantage of the electric heater’s wide range of capabilities, as it can hold up to 90 kilograms of stone.
The grate type of heater makes it possible to quickly and efficiently heat the steam room to the required temperature level.
This stove model can be mounted near the shelves of the bathhouse or built into them, since the surface does not heat up during operation. The best choice for those who value comfort and ease of use, without paying attention to the inconspicuous appearance.
Characteristics:
- power - 6.8 kW;
- min. sauna volume - 6 m3;
- Max. sauna volume - 10 m3;
- maximum weight of stones - 90 kg;
- dimensions - 32*32*93 cm;
Advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- rapid heating of the room;
- high quality metal.
Flaws:
- low location of temperature regulators.
Sawo ARIES ARI3-60NB-WL-P
The model is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of the Finnish electric furnace manufacturer . It is of the wall type, which does not prevent it from effectively heating the entire steam room. Saves useful space in the room, so the steam room can serve a larger number of vacationers at the same time.
During bathing procedures, you can change the quality of the resulting steam - when watering the upper stones it will be rich and thick, the lower ones - thinner and more moderate.
High quality stainless steel is used for production, which has a high level of resistance to corrosion processes and does not collapse under conditions of high temperature and humidity..
Heating elements are mounted along the entire length of the stone cage, which allows you to warm them up in the shortest possible time. The operation of the electric heater is adjusted using the built-in remote control, which allows you to make adjustments to the equipment during steaming procedures.
Characteristics:
- power - 6 kW;
- min. steam room volume - 5 m3;
- Max. steam room volume - 8 m3;
- maximum weight of stones - 65 kg;
- dimensions - 41.5*25*103 cm;
Advantages:
- excellent combination of high quality and reasonable cost;
- interesting design;
- durable heater grill;
- built-in timer and thermostat;
- compact dimensions;
- built-in controls.
Flaws:
- No.
Sawo MINI MN-36NB-Z
An electric heater is one of the best options for small home steam rooms and saunas, as it is designed for use in a room with a volume of 3 to 6 m3.
The optimal combination of Finnish quality and moderate cost of the device. The material of manufacture inside is galvanized, outside is high-quality stainless steel. Allows you to guarantee many years of uninterrupted operation of the electric furnace. High-quality heating elements are used as heating elements.
The device has a miniature size, making it incredibly popular for small spaces..
The set comes with an ergonomic control panel placed on the side. It can be installed on any side of the electric heater according to your desire. A pair of regulators allows you to set temperature conditions, limit the temperature or operating time of the device.
Characteristics:
- power - 3.6 kW;
- min. sauna volume - 3 m3;
- Max. sauna volume - 6 m3;
- maximum weight of stones - 11 kg;
- dimensions - 43.5*21*45 cm;
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- wide functionality;
- high level of reliability;
- durability.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Sawo MINI COMBI MNC-36NS-Z
An excellent solution for saunas and small baths . The device is equipped with a built-in steam generator, which creates a light and pleasant atmosphere inside the steam room, reminiscent of a real Russian bathhouse. The steam generator has a built-in scale to control the minimum liquid level.
In addition, it is possible to add water to the stones inside the cage to maintain the mode of a traditional sports sauna. The material is high-quality stainless steel, with a galvanized coating on the inside.
The device is connected to a remote control panel, which must be purchased separately . It makes it possible to control the microclimate in the steam room. The delivery set includes a bowl for essential or aromatic oils.
Characteristics:
- power - 3.6 kW;
- min. room volume - 3m3;
- Max. room volume - 6 m3;
- maximum weight of stones - 10.5 kg;
- dimensions - 33*50*24 cm;
Advantages:
- presence of a steam generator;
- small overall dimensions;
- reliable;
- a large number of options;
- stable work.
Flaws:
- none.
How to choose an electric stove for a sauna?
The main criterion when choosing an electric oven is its power. The rate of heating of the room depends on it. But it should be borne in mind that increased power entails increased electricity consumption and load on the electrical network.
Other important selection criteria include::
- Availability of a steam generator . Most models of electric stoves are designed to create the atmosphere of a Finnish sauna with dry steam. But, if the device has a steam generator, when it is turned on, you can create the microclimate of a real Russian bathhouse.
- Furnace top design . It is desirable that the top of the body be lattice. Such stoves are more spacious, and if the user accidentally splashes too much water on the stones, it will not linger in the body, but will flow out.
- Design . For many users, this indicator plays a decisive role. Most modern models from well-known manufacturers are distinguished not only by their attractive design, but also by their compact dimensions, so installation will not be difficult.
But the main feature of electric sauna stoves is that they do not need to be connected to a chimney, so they can be installed even in multi-storey buildings.
However, it is not recommended to do the connection yourself: in order for the stove to work without failures, it must be connected by an electrician.
Description of electric furnaces
The rate of heating of the room is largely determined by the number of stones loaded into the heater.
Kinds
- Models that involve laying a significant mass of stone require more time to heat up . The heat emitted by them is more uniform and soft. You can pour water onto such devices; it evaporates before reaching the heating elements. The atmosphere is close to a classic Russian bathhouse. There is another operating mode - “sauna”. To power such ovens, a 380 V power source is required.
- Electric ovens designed to load a small amount of stones quickly heat up the steam room . You can pour water on them in small quantities and infrequently, waiting for the optimal 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 from a regular network.
- Thermos stoves . They have a closed type of housing with a lid at the top of the device covering the container with heated stones. With the lid open, it will become warm within a few minutes. The steam generated is quite fine and hot, like in a Russian bath.
- Steam generators . Ideal for creating a high level of humidity in the steam room. But the air turns out to be difficult to breathe, which is why the popularity of such equipment is not very high.
- Electric furnaces equipped with a steam generator . They have a separate container for water. Just like steam generators, they produce very moist steam.
It is possible to use an electric furnace and a steam generator together to produce high-quality, dry steam . For this purpose, moist air from the steam generator is supplied 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:
- double-walled metal body;
- electrical heating elements - heating elements or tape type;
- heat-insulating material - steel screens located one behind the other and protecting the walls of the bathhouse from excess heat;
- cage for stones.
The rate of heating of the room depends on the mass and size of the latter . When using heavy stones of significant size, the bath will heat up faster.
The stove stove can be open or closed . The first option is more popular, since it allows not only to heat the steam room efficiently, but also to obtain steam with 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 humidity level, warm water is poured over the stones, which turns into fine steam.
Peculiarities
- To connect the electric heater to a power source, you may need to install a separate power supply line . It is recommended to lay wires with a large cross-section (4-8 millimeters), which are heat-resistant. The wire connected to the electric meter is first connected to the RCD, and only after that the device can be used.
- Warming up the room at maximum power can last from 30 to 120 minutes . The time period depends on the selected furnace power indicators 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).
- When choosing an electric heater, you should take into account the presence of additional safety requirements . The constant supply of air from outside will increase energy consumption. Insufficient oxygen supply can cause fainting or general deterioration in health. To prevent such problems, it is necessary to equip a ventilation gap under the door, at least two centimeters, or install deflector grilles at the bottom of the door, through which fresh air will flow into the steam room. Natural convection of air masses will allow the heat to be evenly distributed in the room.
Correct calculation of the working power of an electric heater
With sufficient thermal insulation of the bath, the required power of the electric heater is calculated taking into account the established standards:
- for wooden buildings - from 1.35 to 1.5 kW per cubic meter. m;
- for panel buildings - from 0.8 to 1 kW per cubic meter. m.
This is explained by the fact that wood is a material with good thermal conductivity, and therefore requires a reserve of power for quick heating.
When calculating this indicator, it should be remembered that a sauna stove with a power of up to 6.5 kW operates from a standard 220 V network, a device with a power of 7 kW or more requires connection to a three-phase network of 380 V.
Important! When operating powerful heating devices, sudden changes in voltage in the network are possible, so it is recommended to additionally use voltage stabilizers.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric heaters
Let us highlight the main features of electric sauna stoves.
• Easy to maintain, there is no need to load and light firewood or remove ash. • Automatic control, the ability to accurately regulate temperature (and humidity for models with a steam generator), start and turn off at a given point in time. • Compactness, mobility, the ability to rearrange the heater or move it to another room. • Wide selection of models with different power and user characteristics. • Ability to quickly set the desired temperature and humidity. • The smallest models can be used to organize a steam room even in a city apartment. • Simplicity of design, absence of fireplace and chimney. Saves construction time and costs compared to a traditional wood stove.
• Most inexpensive models do not provide conditions suitable for a Russian steam room (combination of temperature and humidity, correct steam consistency). • Difficulty in achieving optimal parameters even when using advanced electric heaters.
How the electric heater "Harvia" works
The design of any stove determines its capabilities. Let’s briefly look at the design of the Harvia electric sauna stove, taking into account that many electric heaters are designed in a similar way.
So, an electric stove is a hollow body with heating elements installed inside .
Ten
In turn, a heating element is a hollow tube with a spiral inside . Under the influence of current, the spiral heats up, the tube serves to protect it. ( Tubular electric heaters are the most common.)
This is what the heating element for the Harvia electric heater looks like
Heating elements are very fragile and do not withstand pressure, bending and contact with water. Therefore they often fail.
Carefully! The manufacturer does not consider cases where this occurs as a violation of operating rules to be a reason for warranty repair. For example, you accidentally tilted one of the elements and it broke.
If one of your heating elements has burned out, you can replace it yourself or with the help of a specialist. The main thing is to write off the markings, including the code and power , so that the store can select the right replacement model for you. Or you can take the burnt-out heating element with you.
Stones
The Harvia electric heater does not work without stones. More precisely, it doesn't work for long . Heating elements must transfer heat to stones, which have a high heat capacity and prevent the heating elements themselves from overheating.
Stones for the Harvia electric heater on the manufacturer’s website
According to the manufacturer’s own experts, only crushed stones with an uneven surface are suitable for use in heaters. They do not recommend using boned ones, since they have less surface area. In addition, it is important to follow the rule of free laying, with gaps between the stones; this is only possible if there is uneven chipping.
Attention! The manufacturer claims that there is no place for ceramic, talc and smooth stones in its heaters.
For his part, he offers crushed stone measuring 5-10 cm, which is suitable for small and medium-sized heaters. Stones from 10 to 15 cm are suitable for either wood-burning or high-power electric heaters (for example, Symphony (not produced) and Forte: AFB4, AFB6 and AFB9).
IMPORTANT! Turning on the Harvia electric sauna stove without stones between the heating elements is strictly prohibited.
As for breeds suitable for an electric stove, then anything that is generally suitable for a bath will do. We have written a lot about bath stones, take an interest. But Finns usually sell branded soapstone for their stoves. Here it’s up to you to decide whether to take it or another stone. The main thing is to take a smaller fraction than for a regular wood-burning heater.
Useful video
Watch a Finnish video about how to place stones correctly (if you need more details, we have a whole article about laying stones in electric heaters):
Recommendations for installing an electric heater
An electric stove for a sauna and bath can be installed according to the following scheme:
The device is installed at the front door so as not to clutter the room during procedures.
A special section of the furnace is filled with stones to fill the existing voids.
The control unit is moved outside the steam room, preferably into the room adjacent to it.
A safety switch is installed in the distribution panel for emergency shutdown of the furnace.
The control elements are connected to the device using a heat-resistant power cable through a separate circuit.
Temperature sensors are installed at the points specified in the manufacturer's instructions - above the front door, above shelves and benches, heating equipment.
Features of the construction of a bathhouse with an electric heater
When designing a bathhouse with an electric heater, special attention must be paid to the reliability of electrical networks and properly equipped grounding. If the room is large enough, then you definitely need to choose an electric oven powered by 380 volts. This means that you need to lay wiring with a wide cross-section of cores.
The electric heater in the steam room can be placed on the floor or wall. More powerful models require floor placement. In a small steam room, the heater can be mounted on the wall.
Another important point is room ventilation. Although there is no open fire, as in a traditional oven, oxygen will be vigorously consumed. Therefore, the issue of reliable ventilation of the steam room is very important for your health and safety.
Accessories
The Finns, as already mentioned, are trying to sell not just stoves, but a complete set of everything a steamer needs - from a finished sauna to a fence for the stove.
We list the main accessories that are offered to the client:
- remote controls;
- water dispenser;
- color lighting;
- speakers are waterproof;
- wooden fencing;
- steam generator.
The latter deserves a few words.
Harvia electric heater with steam generator
Heater models that come complete with a built-in steam generator are labeled with the word Combi, for example, Harvia Club Combi: K11GS, K13.5GS and K15GS .
In addition to the built-in ones, there are also separate steam generators , but they are supplied as equipment for steam cabins - completely insulated, in which humidity conditions of up to 100% are achievable, while the heating element is the steam generator itself. So the Finns created something like a hammam , because the temperature in the cabin does not rise above 45 degrees. Steam cabins are advertised as a means of muscle relaxation and fighting colds.
Thus, the only option to artificially reproduce the conditions of a Russian bath is to buy any of the electric heaters with a Harvia brand steam generator, set the temperature to 55 degrees and try to get light steam from the steam generator using electricity.
Harvia Club Combi electric heater with steam generator. Harvia Photos
Take a look at our review of Harvia products - Combis are also present there.
