11 best electric sauna stoves

*Editor’s top picks. Selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not constitute a buying guide. It requires expert advice before buying.

People are often made to build their own baths by increasing the rates in public saunas. According to information from state reports, the average cost of bathing in the country in January 2021 was a little over 410 rubles per month. In Moscow, the price reaches 1100 rubles.

According to the analytical company Discovery Research Group, on the territory of Russia since 2016, the number of stoves in the territory of Russia has been growing. There has been a rapid increase in sales of electric stoves for saunas and saunas. Experts explain it by the fact that often the use of modern electric furnaces is more profitable than solid fuel counterparts. The latter require systematic maintenance, delivery of solid fuels. For those wishing to build a personal sauna, we have compiled a rating of electric sauna stoves.

What are the criteria for choosing an electric sauna stove?

First you need to pay attention to the power of the unit. The capacity must be adapted to the size of the room. We recommend buying models with a slightly higher productivity than you need. This approach will prevent the use of the stove at maximum power, which prolongs the service life of the device. You should also take into account that:

1. In apartment buildings, it is not desirable to use electric stoves with more than 6 kW;
2. Electric heaters with productivity less than 3 kW are connected to 220 V, models of higher productivity need a power supply of 380 V;
3. Efficiency of the furnace unit is calculated based on the relation of 1 kW of energy per 0.6 … 1 m3 space.

In addition, it is necessary to determine the type of electric stove. Models with a large amount of stone are characterized by emission of uniform and soft heat. Variants that do not require a lot of masonry fill are faster to heat up. Electric heaters are noted for their long time of keeping warm. Models with steam generators help to recreate high level of humidity inside the steam room.

It is important to consider the control option of the device. Models with switches on the front are regarded as classics. The versions equipped with remote control modules are more comfortable. There are also smart furnaces that can be controlled by a smartphone. We recommend to give preference to oven systems of the checked brands.

11 best electric sauna ovens

The best electric furnaces for large facilities (over 20 cubic metres)

These electric heaters are notable for their high output. These appliances can withstand heavy loads, so they are not only suitable for private use but also for commercial use.

Harvia Club K15G

Rating: 4.9

The floor heater weighs only 25 kg and can hold 60 kg of stones. So this model will not overload the floor. Open construction allows you to create a desired level of humidity inside the steam room. The heater is powered by the network of 380 V. The casing is made of quality stainless steel, so it can withstand humidity and intense heat.

The capacity of the furnace unit is 15 kW. This capacity is large enough for a room of 14 to 24 cubic meters. Classically styled, this model will fit in any interior style steam room. The device can be controlled from a remote control.

The electric heater stands out due to its reliability, stability of operation even in conditions of prolonged extreme load. The model stands out by the fast heating up of the stones. This is due to the location of the stone material between the heating elements. The device is easy to use and intuitive to operate.

Advantages

• Proven Finnish manufacturer;
• Compact size (50.5x70x43 cm);
• stylish design;
• small safety distances.

Disadvantages

• No steam generator.

Polytech Kristina Classic Stone 14 kW

Rating: 4.8

Model is made of heat-resistant stainless steel. This makes it possible to operate the device in the mode of significant temperatures and high humidity for a long time. Facing with natural stone adds originality. The device is heated by a strip heater, which creates a strong convection flow of hot air. It makes it possible to heat even large steam rooms quickly.

Furnace unit can effectively heat the room volume of 18 … 22 cubic meters. Due to its high capacity, the sauna heater is powered by a 380 V connection. IPX4 rating makes it possible to spray water on the stones to set the desired humidity level.

The model weighs 30 kg and can hold the same weight of stones. It prevents from overloading the floor. Therefore it is not necessary to provide additional reinforcement under the stove. Installation stands out with its easy operation.

Advantages

• Power saving (thanks to the use of LEN);
• Reliability, proven by time;
• The absence of the effect of burning oxygen;
• compactness (56x38x83 cm).

Disadvantages

• lack of stones in the set.

The best electric stoves for average spaces (up to 20 cubic meters)

These devices have the best ratio of cost to quality. This type of device can be used in small commercial baths. Such devices are also suitable for use in private steam rooms.

Harvia 20 Pro

Rating: 4.9

The furnace is able to operate in a steam generator mode. It makes it possible to build a real sauna. With a 20-liter water tank, the device can provide the room with thick steam. The model is equipped with a decorative glass door in a cast iron frame. The trim is made of stainless steel. The sauna heater can be installed on uneven floors thanks to the adjustable legs.

The system weight is 60 kg. There is a loading capacity of up to 40 kg of stone material. Stones of fraction 10…15 mm are permitted. The model features compact dimensions (76x51x43 cm). Thanks to its small size, the stove does not take much space.

The sauna heater is reliable even when subjected to prolonged heavy load. Model is distinguished by stylish design, so it will perfectly fit in a steam room with any interior design. The appliance is distinguished by quick heating of the stones, high energy efficiency.

Advantages

• reputable manufacturer
• No air drying effect;
• Years of reliable service;
• High steam productivity.

Disadvantages

• need to get used to the controls;

Sawo Nordex NRX-90NB-Z

Rating: 4.8

The sauna heater is in a suspended version. The body of the device is made of high quality heat-resistant stainless steel. Thanks to this the electric heater can withstand continuous exposures to high temperatures and thick water vapour. Compact size 40×29,5×59 gives you the opportunity to save space in the steam room.

The furnace system has a capacity of 9 kW. The machine can be operated with either 220 V or 380 V AC. The oven is equipped with a temperature regulator, which enables infinitely adjustable temperature level inside the steam room. Can be controlled by means of a built-in control panel.

The sauna heater can hold about 20 kg of stones. Fast heating rate, economical use of energy. Electric furnace done in a minimalist design. So it will perfectly fit in any interior design style. The installation is easy to use, the control unit is intuitive.

Advantages

• Heat-resistant thermostat;
• Galvanized interior of the casing;
• availability of a timer;
• economical power consumption.

Drawbacks

• no remote control.

Harvia Ci

The PC90

Rating: 4.7

The model is made in a suspended version. Installation of such equipment does not require special equipment and special knowledge. The hanging installation method saves space in the sauna. Weighing 11 kg, the unit can hold up to 20 kg of stone filler.

With a capacity of 8 kW, it quickly heats and maintains a room temperature of up to 13 cubic meters. The device is powered from 220 V and 380 V networks. This makes the unit extremely versatile. The control box is on the side of the oven. Through rotary switches you can adjust the operation time and temperature mode inside the steam room.

The design of the heater is laconic, so it will look harmoniously in any style of a steam room. The electric heater is clad from the outside with stainless steel sheeting. The inside of the heater is made of galvanized steel. It makes the body of the fixture resistant to the formation of corrosion.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• safety of application;
• reliable control mechanism;
• ergonomic design.

Disadvantages

• not a good location for the thermostat.

Best electric heater for small spaces (up to 10 cubic meters)

These electric heaters are often used in home saunas. For commercial applications, such units are not suitable because of the low productivity.

Harvia Ci

PC70E

Rating: 4.9

The electric furnace is made in an original minimalist design. The body of the device is made of stainless steel. This material is corrosion-resistant and can withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The control unit is on the side of the device. The thermostat and rotary knobs are made of heat-resistant polymer.

The stone compartment can hold up to 20 kg of stone filler. The weight of the unit itself weighs up to 11 kg. Open type design allows to moisten the stones with water. This way you can regulate the humidity level inside the sauna. The oven is wall-mounted. No special knowledge or special tools are required for installation.

Power rating of 6 kW makes it possible to install the stove in multi-apartment buildings. The device is powered from 220 or 380 volts. The model is characterized by rapid heating of the stones, the possibility of heating rooms up to 8 cubic meters in volume.

Advantages

• Compact size (54x48x31 cm);
• availability of fuses;
• ergonomics;
• timer.

Disadvantages

• lack of steam generator.

Sawo Scandia SCA-60NB-Z

Rating: 4.8

The model has a compact size of 51.5x29x45 cm. This size makes it possible to install the electric furnace inside steam rooms with a volume starting from 5 cubic meters. The device is characterized by an open compartment under the stones. Water can be sprinkled on the stone aggregate. Thanks to this, the humidity in the steam room can be adjusted.

The stone compartment can hold up to 20 kg of filler. It is enough to quickly heat a room up to 8…9 m in volume3. Heating elements operation is set by means of a control unit placed on the side. There are 3 heating elements inside the case. This makes it possible to heat the stones quickly and evenly.

The control module allows you to smoothly adjust the temperature and set the time of the device. The model is able to use both two-phase and three-phase power; or. Wall mounting of the heater helps to save space in the steam room.

Advantages

• Presence of an overload sensor;
• Stable operation under heavy loads;
• easy control;
• possibility of use in the apartment.

Disadvantages

• inconvenient location of the control module.

Harvia Vega Compact BC35

Rating: 4.7

The Finnish manufacturer has been manufacturing furnace systems for over 60 years. That’s why this electric sauna heater is so reliable, easy to control and has a long service life. Electric heater is able to function smoothly in conditions of intensive loads.

3.5 kW power makes it suitable for small home saunas. The appliance can be powered by a three-phase or two-phase system. Enough heating capacity for a room of up to 4.5 cubic meters. The model is in a hanging version, so it does not take up much space.

The control unit is on the side. With the rotary knobs you can adjust the operating time and heating temperature of the electric stove. Heat-resistant material on the handles. The body is characterized by a discreet design. The sheathing is made of stainless steel coated with a rust preventive agent. Therefore, the electric heater easily withstands high temperatures and moisture.

Advantages

• Capacious stone filler compartment (up to 12 kg);
• Possibility to sprinkle the stones with water;
• compact size (28×29.5×50.5 cm);
• easy maintenance.

Disadvantages

• Stones can burn you.

Sawo Mini X MX-30NB-Z

Rating: 4.7

The device is made in open version. The stone compartment can hold up to 10 kg of filler. It helps to keep the heat on for a long time. The stones can be dampened with water, which helps to regulate the level of humidity inside the steam room. The amount of stone filler is enough to provide steam for 3 people. The pendant design of the electric furnace saves space indoors.

The model can be connected to 220 or 380 volts. This makes it a very versatile appliance. 3 kW power is enough to quickly heat stone fill and up to 4 cubic metres of steam. The compact size (33×31.5×45 cm) makes it possible to install the device indoors, starting from 2 m3.

Front control panel with rotary switches. The latter can be used to regulate the temperature and operating time of the electric sauna heater. Energy efficient, low power consumption.

Advantages

• ergonomic;
• anti-corrosion coating of the body;
• low maintenance;
• long service life.

Disadvantages

• no steam generator.