Bath stoves Vesuvius: design features and review of manufactured models

Tula has been producing sauna stoves under the Vesuvius brand since 2004. The designers of this enterprise previously studied the best heating units of domestic and foreign production and created an original line of stoves that quickly gained popularity.

Traditionally, the company supplies the market with high-quality equipment with excellent technical characteristics, highly aesthetic appearance, safe to use and affordable.

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Design Features

The Vesuvius stove is the real “hot heart” of a Russian bath or Finnish sauna. It can become a powerful heat generator and a producer of useful dry or wet steam.

The oven is an all-welded convection type structure. The firebox is made of high-strength steel sheet 8 mm thick or cast iron and is designed using a special technology that allows the heat emanating from it to be evenly distributed around the perimeter of the room.

At the bottom there is a cast iron grate. The firebox door is made of cast iron, has a comfortable handle and a reliable lock. Between the metal casing and the firebox there is a container for storing stones, designed to hold a heavy mass. During the heating process, stones can heat up to 400 degrees.

The abbreviation added to the name helps to understand the design features of the stoves and the configuration of the model.

The letters mean the following:

• B - the stove has an external fuel channel, allowing it to be heated from an adjacent room;
• T - the furnace design has a heat exchanger;
• Ch - cast iron door;
• C - the stove door is equipped with durable fireproof glass;

• K - the stove is equipped with a heater grid;
• B — the kit includes a liquid tank;
• KV – convection-ventilated design;
• H - the chromium content in stainless steel is at least 18%.

Purpose

The stove is equally adapted for use in a Finnish sauna and a Russian bath.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the brand’s stoves are the following:

• large firebox size;
• attractive appearance;
• possibility of adjusting convection using a damper;
• even a large mass of stones does not overload the collector;
• glass door with self-cleaning and cooling function;
• rounded corners, smooth surface;
• even with long-term use, the casing will not irritate the owner with crackling noises or other unpleasant sounds.

These units also have some disadvantages:

• the cost of some models exceeds 40 - 60 thousand rubles, but the main difference from the rest is the volume that the oven can heat;
• If you line the wood stove with brick (which is necessary), the top of the screen gets very hot.

Vesuvius sauna heaters are guaranteed to have a long service life. This is facilitated by a special silicon coating on the walls, which protects the structure from exposure to high temperatures and humid air in the steam room, as well as repeated temperature changes.

Model range overview

offers customers several lines of bath stoves with some modification features:

Russian steam - durable units made of cast iron with an open or closed heater. The stoves operate in Russian bath mode, the steam is fine, dry and transparent.

President (Hurricane, Legend) - models with a cast-iron firebox, an enlarged heater grid and a closed heater module.

Rusich - made of especially durable boiler steel grade 09G2S 6-8 mm. The thickness of the top of the combustion chamber and the rear wall of the furnace has been increased to 8 mm, since these areas are the most thermally loaded.

Skiff - made of structural steel up to 8mm thick and has a minimum of welds. High-strength cast iron parts are used in areas exposed to high temperatures.

Classic is a classic stove with an open heater and a remote tunnel of increased length for simultaneous heating of the steam room and adjacent rooms. On the side of the rest room, the model is equipped with a large cast-iron door with glass.

Premium – elite and expensive stoves lined with natural stone.

Elite – models with an external tunnel designed for heating the steam room and adjacent rooms. On the firebox side, the stoves are equipped with a large fireplace door with glass.

Sensation - cast iron firebox with convector casing. This stove has a small heater, but will warm up the bathhouse faster.

Vertical - a type of units with an open heater, equipped with an additional chamber for burning previously generated gases that appear during smoldering fuel, double flame circulation technology has been introduced.

Sanduns are models with a cast iron firebox and a barrel-shaped heater, closed by a stainless steel heater and a funnel for supplying water to the closed heater. Conceptually, it is somewhat similar to the Geyser and Barrel furnaces from TMF, only made of cast iron.

All models have a long service life and are safe, which is confirmed by certificates of conformity and verified by numerous tests by the manufacturer and customers.

In addition to high technological characteristics, all Vesuvius brand furnaces have an aesthetic appearance. The design of the body can be selected to suit any interior and style of bath or sauna.

Characteristics of "Rusich"

For example, the Rusich model range has absorbed the experience of many specialists in the field of heating equipment, and therefore combines high performance and modern design.

Stoves for baths Vesuvius Rusich

The Vesuvius Rusich stove, judging by the reviews, is the fastest for heating a bath. All models are equipped with a volumetric, ventilated, open-type heater - this particular feature makes it possible to heat stones immediately from four sides in a very short period of time. The weight of the stones is 40 kg. These ovens are equipped with an external convector casing. It is this that helps accelerate the heating process of the stones due to the formation of a fairly powerful convection flow in the steam room. According to reviews, bath stoves “Vesuvius Rusich” are not only very fast, but also quite reliable, so they can easily last for several decades.

TOP 10 best models

Among the variety of Vesuvius stoves, there are models that have won the most flattering customer reviews and are especially popular.

Vesuvius PK-01 (270)

Cast iron stove with a power of 8 kW. Copes with a steam room volume of 120 1 cubic meters. Wall thickness is 12 mm. The door is made of cast iron and has a window made of heat-resistant glass. One stack of firewood is enough for 6-8 hours of work.

The design has an ash door, with which you can regulate the combustion of fuel. The set includes an ash drawer and a hob. The bottom of the firebox is made of three cast iron grates.

The model quickly heats the room, distributing heat evenly and maintaining it for a long time. Additionally, you can connect an electric fan, which provides accelerated heating.

Pros of the model:

• fast and uniform heating;
• cast iron body;
• hob included.

• Disadvantages include the need to keep the door open while lighting firewood.

Triumph 180

Sauna stove with stainless steel body. Power 9 kW. Suitable for heating rooms with a volume of up to 15 cubic meters. There is a connection to the water circuit, which allows you to provide heating throughout the house by circulating warm water.

The set includes a cast iron hob. The bolted connection of the two parts of the housing ensures 100% safety during use. One stack of firewood is enough for five hours of burning. Due to smoldering, the stove maintains heat for a long time. The flame level can be adjusted.

There is a “clean glass” system - the door is made of cast iron with a window made of heat-resistant glass. The package includes a convenient ash drawer.

Pros of the model:

• scratch-resistant housing;
• economical fuel consumption;
• rapid heating of rooms due to the water circuit.

• No cons found.

Vesuvius PC-01 (220)

Wood-burning stove for a closed type sauna with a stainless steel body. Power 9 kW, suitable for heating up to 15 cubic meters. The model has a beautiful appearance with ceramic side inserts and is quite compact.

The bottom of the firebox is a cast iron grate. Due to smoldering, the stove maintains heat for a long time. Equipped with two cast iron doors - for the firebox with a heat-resistant glass window and for the blower. The main one is equipped with a “clean glass” function. A convenient ash pan is included in the package.

Advantages of the model:

• convenient traction adjustment;
• Beautiful design;
• great power.

• Disadvantages - at medium boost, fuel consumption increases.

SKIF STANDARD 12 (DT-3)

Closed steel sauna stove. Power 12 kW, suitable for heating 14 cubic meters. The door is made of stainless steel and glass, with an openwork pattern. The length of the combustion tunnel is 25 centimeters, which is convenient for placing the firebox in an adjacent room.

The package includes a convenient ash drawer. Open type heater, holds up to 100 kg of stones. The firebox is made of cast iron; one load of firewood is enough for 4-5 hours of combustion. Long smoldering maintains heat, the stove does not burn oxygen, and heats the room to 90 degrees in one hour.

Advantages of the model:

• compactness and beautiful design;
• cast iron firebox.

Minuses:

• after two or three years of intensive use it often burns out;
• There are uneven seams on the body.

Lava 16 C

A closed-type steel sauna stove with a cast-iron firebox and a glass door. The heater is open, holds up to 40 kilograms. The thickness of the firebox walls is 12 mm. The furnace power is 12 kW, capable of heating up to 16 cubic meters. /m.

Firebox from an adjacent room is allowed. The chimney is standard, with a diameter of 11.5 centimeters, and is placed on top of the stove. The package includes an ash box. One bookmark is enough for 3 – 4 hours of burning. The door and bottom of the firebox are made of cast iron. The oven heats the room to 70-90 degrees in thirty minutes.

Advantages of the model:

• compact dimensions;
• convenient traction adjustment.

• Cons - according to users, it often burns out after 3-4 years of use.

LEGEND FORGING 16 (205)

Cast iron stove with a power of 11 kW. Copes with a volume of 18 cubic meters. The wall thickness of the model is 12 mm. The cast iron door with a window made of heat-resistant glass opens 90 degrees. One stack of firewood lasts for 5 hours.

The firebox consists of 3 elements, the joints are closed with a ceramic cord that can withstand heating up to 1200 degrees. To fix the parts together, a bolted connection is used, which ensures complete safety during operation. The heater is an open type, capable of holding up to 120 kg of stones. The combustion tunnel is 25 centimeters long.

Advantages of the model:

• high power;
• fast and uniform heating;
• spacious heater.

• Cons - the non-standard chimney diameter of 12 cm requires individual selection.

Legend Retro 24 (DT-4)

The oven is a closed type, with a cast iron firebox and a glass door. The body is coated with black heat-resistant paint. The thickness of the firebox walls is 10 mm. The furnace power is estimated at 12 kW, capable of heating up to 26 cubic meters. It is allowed to place the device in such a way that the firebox is carried out from an adjacent room.

The door is attached to the combustion tunnel with a bolt, so if necessary, it can be removed and replaced. The joint between the tunnel and the firebox is treated with a heat-resistant sealant that prevents smoke from penetrating into the dressing room. The package includes an ash pan that does not have a back wall, which makes cleaning easier.

Advantages of the model:

• compact dimensions;
• increased wall thickness;
• convenient traction adjustment.

• No shortcomings were identified in the model.

RUSICH ANTHRACITE 22 (DT-4)

A closed-type sauna stove with a body and firebox made of cast iron. The power of the device is 9 kW, suitable for heating up to 14 cubic meters. The model has a beautiful appearance and is quite compact. The body is painted with black heat-resistant paint, and the door has a patina. The thickness of the firebox walls is 8 mm.

The air heats the room to 70-90 degrees in just half an hour. Due to smoldering, the stove maintains heat for a long time. The flame level can be adjusted. The package includes a convenient ash drawer. A closed heater can hold up to 40 kilograms of stones. The combustion tunnel is 20 centimeters long. Allows you to place the door in an adjacent room.

Pros:

• body and firebox made of cast iron;
• economical fuel consumption;
• fast and uniform heating.

• The disadvantages of the model are that the stove cannot be placed in a steam room.

LEGEND FORGING 22 (270)

Cast iron stove with a power of 12 kW. Copes with heating a room with a volume of 24 cubic meters. Wall thickness is 12 mm. The glass door opens 90 degrees, cools quickly and is self-cleaning.

A 25 cm long combustion tunnel allows you to install a heating stove through an adjacent room. An open type heater made of structured metal strip can hold up to 180 kg.

Pros of the model:

• long combustion tunnel;
• spacious heater;
• uniform heating.

• Cons : heavy weight and dimensions.

LEGEND FORGING 22 (271)

Wood-burning stove of a closed type with a body and firebox made of cast iron, painted black with patina. Power 12 kW, suitable for heating steam rooms up to 24 cubic meters. The model is distinguished by its beautiful appearance and compactness.

The thickness of the firebox walls is 12 mm. The door is cast iron. The package includes an ash drawer without a back wall, which makes cleaning easier. An open type heater can hold up to 180 kg of stones.

Advantages of the model:

• Beautiful design;
• spacious heater;
• thick firebox walls.

• Cons - it is difficult to control combustion in the firebox due to the blind door.

How to choose the right model

When purchasing a stove, you should consider the following parameters:

Housing material

Cast iron is more reliable and durable. Steel has less cost and weight.

Door

When choosing a glass door, it is important to ensure that it has a “clean glass” system.

Heater type

Open heats the room faster, but cools down just as quickly. This is an excellent option for rare use of the steam room. Closed heaters accumulate heat due to slow cooling; each time it takes less and less time to heat them up.

It is important to check the quality of the unit:

• the body does not have uneven seams;
• all parts are insulated;

• the door closes tightly;
• The heater is welded reliably, without chips or cracks.

For your information! The model with an open mesh heater, according to numerous customer reviews, looks good in appearance, but is not so good in operation. If you deviate from the instructions, the steam from the stones will be unpleasant: damp and heavy.

conclusions

Despite the negative reviews, it cannot be said that all stoves are of low quality. When choosing a sauna stove, it makes sense to look into a store with an “understanding person” so that you don’t bite your elbows after the purchase.

If you are limited in funds, but want to buy a stove with thick walls (8-10 mm), then you can take a closer look at stoves. Despite the fact that Zhara stoves are made of pipes and look like a steam locomotive, they are quite reliable. After covering the stove with brick, everything looks quite aesthetically pleasing.

If you have a piece of pipe of suitable diameter and a welding machine, you can make a sauna stove yourself.

If you are willing to pay for quality, check out Finnish-made stoves.

Furnace installation rules

Before installing the stove in the steam room, you need to take care of the base. You can use metal sheets or fireclay bricks laid with special heat-resistant clay. Sheets covered with tiles, as well as metal with a heat-insulating base, are suitable.

It is also advisable to take care of additional fencing of the heater using basalt wool. Apothecary stone has not only heat resistance, but also healing properties as a fencing; it helps in the treatment of pain in joints and muscles, and is also effective in the fight against migraines.

To create a classic Russian bathhouse, you need to completely surround the stove with a brick wall. This will create a special protective screen.

A protective screen must be made for several reasons:

• the screen will make the heat from the stove less harsh;

• the stove will last much longer, since the temperature of the metal walls will decrease and they will not burn out;

• Thanks to the intense air flows inside the screen, the bathhouse will retain heat well.

Instead of brick, you can make a metal screen. But it is worth considering that such protection will create too high a temperature in the steam room.

When the stove is located in a steam room, the tank is invariably placed in the washing compartment. A samovar-type heat exchanger is used, which does not allow heat to escape through the chimney pipe, but is used to heat water. This double action increases the efficiency of the Vesuvius furnace.

Expert opinion

Lovkachev Boris Petrovich

Bath master who knows everything about steaming

For your information! Some bath attendants modernize the Legend stove from the Vesuvius series by cutting the wire frame and making the lining half a brick. In this case, upper and lower doors are provided, but the stones are placed only on top.

Equipment of Vesuvius furnaces with water tanks

Stoves without tanks for heating water are usually available for sale.

But the Vesuvius company produces various options for special containers, and the buyer can choose one of them:

Rectangular shape . They are divided into those that are mounted on a pipe (with a capacity of 50 to 80 liters) and mounted structures (from 60 to 125 liters).

Oval . They are attached to the pipe, cut into the contour, and placed vertically or horizontally. The displacement of these models is from 55 to 90.

Round and flat heat exchangers (from 6 to 12 liters) . Connected to the water supply system or included in the heating circuit.

FAQ

The first time I lit the stove outside. Smoke was coming from the portal box through the cracks. Should these gaps be sealed with heat-resistant sealant before final installation, or will the chimney not smoke under the hood?

During the combustion process, with a warm chimney and good draft, it should not smoke, but during ignition, smoke may break out (depending on the weather outside). If you don’t want to smell the real aroma of a Russian bath, it’s better to close it up.

The glass on the door of the Vesuvius Skif oven cracked. Is it possible to install fireproof glass from an old electric stove?

No. Glass removed from an electric stove will not work: its heat resistance is only 320 degrees, but you need 1200 degrees or more in the oven. You need to purchase something special for stoves and fireplaces.

Rating from users

It is also worth reading the rating in the article about which sauna stove is better and about the best wood-burning stoves.

Additional useful information about sauna stoves:

• Inexpensive;
• How to install;
• How to install models with an external firebox;
• How to install in a steam room.

*** Finally, let’s add that good fireboxes are approximately the same - the market is small, everyone has long adopted the best from each other. Therefore, focus on an experienced manufacturer and you won’t go wrong.