Cast iron bath stoves Vesuvius: reliability, safety and ergonomics

Advantages

The safe operation of furnaces is achieved by reliable bolted or welded connections of elements and assemblies. The technological joints of the fireboxes are sealed with a ceramic seam (the products can withstand temperatures of 1200 °C without breaking the seal). Universal stove options are recommended for use in Russian or Finnish baths.

The main advantages of Vesuvius stoves are described:

• ergonomic design;
• stylish design;
• increased efficiency - efficiency factor;
• specialized self-cleaning system;
• durable heat-resistant glass on the doors;
• increased fire safety.

Against the background of the above features, an additional advantage is the self-cleaning system of the glass door, thanks to which it is constantly kept clean.

The manufacturer launched 8 bath models on the market:

• "Rusich";
• "Scythian";
• "Vertical";
• "Lava";
• "Optimum";
• "Premium";
• "Russian steam";
• "Legend".

The range of Rusich stoves has incorporated the experience and findings of professionals in the niche of bath heating equipment. The performance of the devices is surprisingly combined with thoughtful design. Some closed structures are equipped with glass doors.

According to reasonable consumer estimates, Vesuvius Rusich stoves are recognized as the most productive devices for accelerated heating of the bath. The models are equipped with large, ventilated, open-type heaters, and this design feature allows the stones to be quickly heated from all sides in a short period of time. The stoves are equipped with an external convector casing. The design features of the casing favor accelerated heating of the stones - a powerful convection flow is created in the steam room.

Sauna stoves "Vesuvius Rusich" are considered reliable, durable structures. Service life is tens of years.

Series “Rusich”, “Lava”

These 2 series include 24 and 27 modifications, respectively, installed in steam rooms from 6 to 30 m3. The internal working part again remained unchanged, as did the thickness of the metal walls. But the rectangular or cylindrical heater here is open only at the top; on the sides it is fenced with a convection casing with grooves made for the passage of air.

“Rusich” or “Lava” is well suited for those people who cannot tolerate the direct heat emanating from the stove in the form of infrared radiation. The barrier in its path is the convection casing, and the heater is ventilated through it.

In fact, all furnaces have the same body (“Rusich” is rectangular, “Lava” is round). A variety of modifications is achieved through various configuration options, which include:

• an external channel for the firebox from the adjacent room;
• fireproof and panoramic glass.

According to company representatives, purchasing and installing a stove from one of these series will provide the fastest heating of the steam room, while the temperature of the heater can reach 350 °C. So the presence of an outer casing in the design is very useful here.

"Skif" - slowly, but surely

Reviews from numerous users confirm the reliability of the Vesuvius Skif bath heating products. Compared to “Rusich”, a larger number of stones are loaded into the stove design, because here, instead of a casing, a reinforced three-dimensional mesh was installed. The increased volume of stone mass reduces thermal radiation from the metal body of the stove. To fill the grid, it is preferable to choose stones such as: white quartz or crimson quartzite, jade or jadeite, serpentinite or serpentine.

Design features of the furnace:

• the firebox area is separated from the ash pan by a grate;
• The grate is designed to continuously supply air flow to maintain active combustion.

A thoughtful engineering solution guarantees uniform combustion throughout the entire volume of the firebox. The ash pan device allows you to control the level (intensity) of the flame. If desired by consumers, the design is equipped with a remote tank.

For example, the Vesuvius Skif 16 panorama model is equipped with an extended panoramic door. Cozy gatherings in the circle of such a stove are conducive to intimate conversations, and the design, which is not quick to warm up, retains heat in the room for a long time. The modification can withstand a mass of stones - 130 kg.

Professionals recommend installing “Vesuvius” in the wall adjacent to the steam room and guest room. A thoughtful installation allows you to add an elongated combustion chamber to the design. A special development will allow you to simultaneously warm up a steam room and a relaxation room.

Buyers are interested in the all-welded design of the Vesuvius 22 stove. A solid and reliable model creates a comfortable atmosphere in the steam room. The oven does not heat up quickly. It retains heat for a long time after the end of the kindling; the loading stone mass reaches 150 kg. Chimney of standard sizes - 115 mm.

Rating of the TOP 10 best stoves for the Vesuvius bath of 2021

"Legend" - notable characteristics

The Vesuvius Legend model is a reliable cast-iron version of a sauna stove. Design features and characteristics guarantee users increased efficiency - 80%. Cast iron options are characterized by accelerated heating of the room. The cast iron stove demonstrates resistance to temperature changes. Eliminating the slightest deformation at critical temperatures does not spoil the presentable appearance of the product.

The reliability of the stove is determined by the integrity of the seams. The volumetric mesh around the firebox holds 160 kg of material. With the same weight of the stove (160 kg), it is recommended to worry about a reinforced foundation. “Vesuvius Legend” lives up to its name and efficiently heats rooms from 10 to 28 cubic meters.

"Vesuvius Premium" - justified expectations

The line of premium class sauna stoves includes modifications of 2 models - “Vesuvius Elite” (22 or 26) and “Russian Steam”. (they look alike in appearance). Grateful user reviews confirm the improved performance of the products when heating the air mass to 140 °C in rooms of 22 cubic meters. An important advantage of ovens is that the doors are equipped with reliable heat-resistant glass.

A notable feature of the design is the possibility of heating the stove from the adjacent room - it is equipped with a remote firebox.

Wood briquettes, pallets or dried firewood are considered the best fuel option. The stylish design with an attractive coil lining is complemented by reliable damping of harsh thermal radiation from metal surfaces.

Professional installation and installation of furnaces in Voskresensk, Kolomna and Yegoryevsk

We offer installation and installation of furnaces in Voskresensk, Kolomna and Yegoryevsk by our professional team: reasonable price, without unnecessary overpayment! Not a single bad installation or death - you pay only for high-quality work, saving your nerves for decades to come. Remember: cheap installation can cost you three times more, and manufacturers provide an official guarantee only with qualified installation! Our installation is truly high-quality and neat: we will leave everything behind in its best and most beautiful form. Before installation, our specialist will come out for a free measurement, where the required amount of chimney and other material will be calculated. After the measurement, you will know the exact cost of installation, without unexpected costs and time. You only need to choose the material and manufacturer of the chimney, which also determines the quality and service life of the stove. In addition, we sell chimneys only of the best quality, and chimneys in Voskresensk, Kolomna and Yegoryevsk Metallica can be exclusively purchased only from us.

“Lava” - fireplace type sauna stove

The company's staff guarantees the buyer accelerated heating of a 40-kilogram mass of stones to 350 °C. After the end of the heating session, the stove maintains the temperature in the steam room for a long time. An accelerated heating firebox was specially developed for this model. Structural steel with typical values ​​of 6–8 mm is used. In some places the thickness reaches 12 mm.

The combustion intensity of the selected fuel (dry firewood) is regulated using a movable ash pan. When the structure is carefully pulled out, the intensity of the flame increases. With proper selection of the location when closing the ash element, the user achieves smoldering firewood without extinction.

Why do buyers choose Vesuvius?

Vesuvius wood stoves have many advantages over their analogues. In addition to stylish design, stoves are rich in functionality.

The design of the stove is made in a round shape. Thanks to this solution, the heat is distributed evenly. The stones heat up to the same degree, which helps retain heat in the room for a longer time. Also, this option of heating stones maximally extinguishes the infrared radiation of the metal.

The design of Vesuvius stoves fits perfectly into the interior of the bathhouse

For the manufacture of furnaces, only high-strength steel is used. Plates are used with a thickness of at least 8 mm. Thanks to this, Vesuvius stoves are considered one of the most durable. Also in the Vesuvius line there are models made of cast iron, which are distinguished by high structural strength.

The stone mesh can hold up to 130 kg depending on the oven model. The stones can be heated up to 400 degrees, which makes Vesuvius stoves an excellent option even for a hot sauna.

The oven door is protected with heat-resistant glass that does not crack at extreme temperatures. The glass is equipped with a self-cooling and self-cleaning system. The door itself is made of steel or cast iron and closes tightly against fire. The oven door handle does not glow from the heat, which is also an advantage.

“Vesuvius Russian Steam” - a stove for a Russian steam room

The company's engineers worked conscientiously on the project and created a furnace to obtain the required air mass condition, which is inherent in the original Russian steam rooms. The characteristics of bath equipment allow you to achieve high humidity with the presence of “light” dry steam. Under these conditions, the temperature in the steam room does not exceed 50 -70 °C.

A reliable mesh heater is constructed around the stove. In addition to the reinforced external mesh, a special closed-type heater is provided in the upper part of the firebox. The designers have provided easy access when loading through a cast-iron door at the end (back) of the firebox. The parameters of dryness and lightness of steam are achieved by heating the stones selected for the closed heater - 400 °C.

Water is supplied through the cast-iron door into the closed heater - the required steam concentration is achieved. Experts in the Russian steam room claim that the true indicators of real steam are created when the temperature rises to 500 °C.

Model range of Vesuvius stoves

To do this, it is worth carefully considering the range of products and some of them in detail. All products related to sauna stoves can be divided into steel and cast iron. The differences between these two metals naturally give the stoves certain qualities, and it is worth understanding what to expect in one case or another.

In addition, the average person cannot check the qualitative composition of alloys of iron with carbon and other metals, and this should also be kept in mind. Steel, as is known, is a more ductile metal and, unlike cast iron, loss of shape or burnout of the metal can occur under constant extreme temperature loads. Decarburization and oxidation of steel, with the formation of scale and loss of metal into waste, leads to loss of structural properties and thickness of the metal, and warping.

Periodically, in the description of Vesuvius steel furnaces, the use of structural steel (not heat-resistant) is mentioned. This should not mislead the buyer, since this grade of steel does not contain chromium and is not heat-resistant, although this does not mean anything bad.

Installation options for bath stoves Vesuvius

Low-alloy structural steels are used in the production of building profiles and other metal products, and have a relatively low cost. Thanks to this, a steel stove is easy to find in almost any hardware store or market.

The advantage of a steel structure will be the speed of heating of both the stove and the bathhouse or steam room. Thanks to the high heat transfer coefficient, it is possible to quickly reach a high steam room temperature, up to 150 - 160˚C. The advantages include ease of installation; it is enough to put the structure in its place and equip it with a chimney when it is ready for use. This material has no less disadvantages.

Video: Review of Vesuvius bath stoves

Despite the assurances of sellers, a steel stove is, in the vast majority of cases, suitable for recreating the atmosphere of a “dry” Finnish sauna. It will be difficult to obtain finely dispersed, pleasant steam from a Russian bath without overheating the steam room. In addition, from the steel walls of the furnace, we will definitely receive excess infrared radiation that burns the skin, which we fight by arranging various screens. As opposed to steel, cast iron combustion units have a number of advantages.

Cast iron can more easily withstand high temperatures, up to 1000–1200˚С, while steel loses carbon at 600–800˚С. There is no fear in covering such a stove with stone or tiles, as this will not lead to dire consequences. The porous structure of the metal makes the heating and cooling mode softer. The composition of cast iron no less affects its properties and, oddly enough, one of the metals that determines the heat resistance is also chromium and silicon. The shape of the graphite inclusions allows cast iron to be both heat-resistant and withstand mechanical loads, similar to those seen in the Vesuvius commercial.

Now, having refreshed your memory with the necessary knowledge, you can take a closer look at the stoves. The range of steel furnaces is represented by seven lines, which have some features.

Oven "Optimum"

The first of them is “Optimum,” judging by the name, which gently hints at the most budget option, with modest performance. The firebox is small in size, about 30x20 cm. According to the description, it is made of metal 5 mm thick, it is not specified whether all the walls are. The modest size should ensure heating of the steam room within the range of 6-14 m². Framing it with a standard grille for “Vesuvius”, called “Convection-ventilated casing “MESH””, made of a round rod, allows you to place about 110 kilograms of stones around the firebox.

The two models in the line differ only in the length of the loading channel, which requires the firebox to be fired from a steam room or from behind a wall.

The door and grate are cast iron, and the latter seems to be standard for all models and, in my opinion, is “watery,” but this is subjective. The door has a cast pattern and a light “patina”, bronze-like. The dimensions of the oven are 58-high, 50-wide, 56-depth, weight respectively 44 kg. A removable ash pan without a back wall - at the same time serving as a shovel. Such a stove is suitable for a very modest-sized steam room.

SKIF stove

The next line of products called “SKIF” is the richest in terms of variety of modifications and has 30 models. If we don’t talk about changing the form factor and body kit, this line has absorbed almost all possible combinations from Vesuvius.

Let's start with the casing, which has two options. The above-mentioned casing is made of strips with a decorative imitation of forging, which adds the word “Forging” to the name of the model. The largest “Skif” grill can hold up to 230 kg. stone, which will provide steam and heat, an area of ​​up to 40 m².

In such a case, it is worth remembering the weight and building a foundation that matches it. The next visible difference will be the doors and fuel channels corresponding to their sizes. The doors have more than five standard sizes and all can be glazed.

The largest of them, in the “Fireplace” and “Panorama” style - only with glass. All “Scythians”, regardless of size, have a rectangular firebox, where the rear and top walls are made of 8 mm metal, the side walls are 6 mm. Three models have water heat exchangers, small rectangular containers with water intake pipes attached to the side of the firebox.

The two stoves are distinguished by the additional capacity of a closed heater placed directly on the firebox. The thickness of the upper wall of the firebox is designated as 8+4, which indicates two layers of metal that are designed to withstand increased load. A closed container with stones should give fine, light steam close to the “Russian bath” regime, from stones heated to 400 - 450˚C. All stoves also have a cast iron tooth - a flame breaker and a grate.

The presence and position of the tooth allows you to regulate the efficiency and combustion modes. Despite the declared modes, for all stoves in the “Skif” line, experienced bathhouse attendants classify such convection heating stoves as Finnish type. Open stones do not have the opportunity to accumulate the required temperature quickly enough without overheating the room and without eating a large amount of firewood and, accordingly, will not produce light, dry steam. The ash pans of the Skifs, as well as all models, are of the same type.

Oven "Lava" and "Rusich"

Next in the list and in number of models is the “Lava” series – 23 and “Rusich” – 20 mods. Almost all models have the same design: a convection casing, cylindrical or rectangular in shape, is designed to cut off the unpleasant infrared spectrum and allow the container with the stone to reach the desired temperature.

Sauna stoves Vesuvius “Rusich”:

This design allows you to get more “correct steam”. The filling of the heater heats up more efficiently, allowing you to produce dry, light steam, justifying the name of the line. Like the Skif, the firebox has a small rectangular shape, reinforced in critical places. That is, the top and back walls are 8mm, the side walls are 6mm. Air heated in the space between the casing and the firebox enters the stones, increasing the temperature of the stones quickly without overheating the steam room. This, conditionally, made it possible to add another steam room mode, the so-called “Hammam”, the most gentle.

Furnaces Vesuvius “Lava”:

FURNACE LAVA 12 (DT-3)

LAVA OVEN 28 (205)

LAVA OVEN 16 (220)

LAVA OVEN 22 PANORAMA
Otherwise, the variety is similar to the previous line and is organized using combinations of sizes, both the stoves themselves and the combustion tunnels with doors. Large doors with fire-resistant glazing allow you to adjust the draft using a built-in damper. In these model ranges, the weight of the stone for all models within the line is the same and will be about 40 kilograms for “Rusich” and 50 kg for “Lava”, and the area of ​​the steam room can reach 30 m².

Stove "Russian steam"

A separate series includes stoves with a closed heater. Including the aforementioned Skif models, the five products in the line include three Russian Steam models. The difference in this case lies in the enlarged combustion chamber, a more complex shape, designed for increased loads. An insulated container for stone is placed above the firebox.

The heater door is led into the steam room for comfortable regulation of the amount of steam and temperature in the steam room. The convection casing is a mesh, in these models it also starts from the floor, and the overall thermal inertia of the oven becomes very impressive. In the 2017 model, the casing and door are made in a budget version, which will please budget-conscious owners of spacious steam rooms. In total, the listed design features allow us to come closest to the implementation of industrial production of the main element of the Russian bath, which is confirmed by diplomas and awards at competitions and exhibitions.

Stove “Russian steam” fireplace (205):

“Elite” stoves of the “Premium” line

The following four models embody premium products in appearance and quality. Which actually defines a series. The main distinguishing feature was the use of natural stone as facing panels, which also serve as excellent transformers of infrared radiation into soft heat, and the function of inertial heat storage, and the most noticeable - aesthetic role.

OVEN ELITE 22 VK (210)

OVEN ELITE 28 VK (210)

The coil has long been known and appreciated, first of all, for its decorative properties. As a mineral with a beautiful and noble color and structure, it has earned respect and love from decorators and jewelers. Due to complex hydrothermal processes occurring in basaltic magma, the coil has excellent heat-resistant properties and abrasion resistance. It turns out that asbestos fibers, of natural origin, penetrate the mineral and prevent it from cracking or exfoliating. This led to the use of stone in bathhouses and stoves.

STOVE ELITE 22 FIREPLACE (205)

More than its beauty, legends about the healing properties of the stone that exist among different nations are popular. Let’s not delve into such shaky matters, and leave them on the conscience of the sellers, along with the buyers’ assessments.

STOVE ELITE 28 FIREPLACE (205)

In short, the “Elite” stoves of the “Premium” line combine:

• a more spacious firebox from “Russian Steam”;
• successful form factor of “Rusich” and “Lava”;
• the largest stone container located above the firebox;
• noble look of natural stone.

All ovens have door glazing with glass ceramics from “SHOT ROBAX”. Glass has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, high resistance to thermal shock, and high thermal conductivity - which preserves the effect of a fireplace. A short-term increase in temperature to 760˚C will not cause damage to it. German manufacturers of fire-resistant glass promise 20 years of fire-resistant transparency at a relatively low cost, so this option ceases to be a luxury.

Once again, in a separate line, the already mentioned “Skif” stoves, with a steam generator, are displayed. Since in steam business, one of the first roles is played by the quality of steam, its generator is sometimes required, even as an additional equipment for the furnace. If a steam generator is provided for in the design, the owner is guaranteed to receive what is required from the stove. That is, light, non-burning and non-drying the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, steam produced at a temperature not lower than 500˚C. Essentially, a steam generator is gutters, channels, pipelines through which water flows to the place of proper evaporation.