Cast iron stoves "Kalita" are designed to create conditions as close as possible to a traditional Russian bathhouse, in steam rooms up to 30 cubic meters in volume. They have increased resistance to high temperatures and can accommodate up to 350 kg of stones for steam generation. The steam is light and pleasant, since heating of the room due to infrared radiation, characteristic of iron stoves, is completely eliminated.
"Kalita" is a successful replacement for traditional sauna heaters. The massive cast iron firebox, unlike metal options, retains heat in the stove for a long time. Natural stone is used for lining the stove, which also increases the heat capacity of the structure and allows it to be heated in 1.5-2 hours. The stones are heated from all sides.
Features of cast iron stoves
In this article we will talk about manufacturers of cast iron stoves with a closed heater, which can be installed in bathhouses to achieve Russian steam room conditions. Since cast iron stoves are made with thicker walls, the heat capacity of the units is greater. And if the design of the stove is well thought out and a lot of stones are placed, then the atmosphere in the steam room is very, very soft and pleasant.
There are only a few nuances when using these units. Sauna stoves made of cast iron have a considerable mass - at least 200 kg without all the “makeweights”. Since you can’t just put a stove in a Russian bathhouse, but you will need a lining (about 200-250 kg) or a brick screen (at least 600-800 kg), you can’t do without a foundation for the stove.
A cast iron stove with a brick screen or cladding requires a foundation
Second point. Cast iron does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. And to get steam you have to pour water. Even if it is boiling water, the difference with the surface of the oven is very large. If this “cold” water gets on a hot surface, it can burst. That’s why manufacturers make special glasses into which this water needs to be poured. And some also make containers for stones from steel (Sudarushka and Svarozhich Elite) - this way there is less chance of getting a crack.
The nice thing is that cast iron stoves consist of individual elements that are connected to each other using locks. That is, if something bursts, then it is not the entire oven that needs to be replaced, but only some part of it. But still, be careful when using it.
Read more about the features of cast iron stoves in the article “Sauna stoves made of stainless steel or cast iron? What's better?"
Advantages of the oven
The stove can be easily and quickly installed in its designated place in the furnace room, relaxation room or steam room. The light weight of the structure does not require the construction of a foundation, as for a massive Russian stove. The process is carried out using a dry method without the use of cement, so the bathhouse is ready for use immediately after installing the stove, which takes no more than two hours. You can do the assembly yourself; the help of specialists in this matter is not important.
The bath is heated evenly both along the perimeter of the steam room and along the height, so the floor does not remain cold. The uniform distribution of temperature along the height allows a large number of people to steam at the same time, since the lower shelves are also used. The heat capacity of the cladding is 2.5 times higher than that of conventional stove bricks, which allows you to steam in the sauna longer without additional heating of the stove. Important advantages of Kalita are also:
- durability of the structure,
- practicality,
- wide range of models,
- compatibility with German ceramic chimneys.
The therapeutic effect of the bath, in which Kalita is responsible for heating, deserves special attention. The warmth from natural stone helps to increase immunity, improve metabolism, normalize blood pressure and improve the health of the respiratory system. In turn, the finely dispersed steam created has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, calming and relaxing a person.
Stoves for baths Svarozhich
This company produces cast iron sauna stoves, with a closed heater. They are cast using German equipment from gray heat-resistant cast iron SCH 15-30. Production is located in Russia and Belarus.
There are two lines of cast iron sauna stoves produced by Svarozhich: Firebird and Slavyanka Premium. Both models can be supplied with cladding or under a self-clad brick screen. The cladding is made from bath stones of four types: coil, soapstone, soapstone, soapstone, soapstone. The thickness of the slabs is up to 40 mm. This type of cladding does not require a brick screen - all cladding material has a high heat capacity.
The Fire Bird and Slavyanka stoves are equipped with two types of doors:
- Regular cast iron. This is a standard inexpensive door decorated with glass. It closes with a bolt, pressing it to the portal. This method of closing is not airtight, so air leaks are possible even when the door is closed.
- Fireplace door with large glass. If you need tight temperature control, choose a fireplace door. In addition to the large panoramic glass, it ensures tightness.
So each version of cast iron sauna stoves can have two doors. Another feature is that the door has movable blinds that can be used to regulate convection, and therefore the intensity of combustion.
Another point - since the stoves are made of cast iron, they come from the factory disassembled and you assemble them yourself according to the instructions that come with the kit.
Cast iron sauna stove Firebird
In this stove, the heater, although closed, is ventilated. This is not the best option for creating Russian bath modes, but you can still use it. The main thing is to choose the right fire mode and not overheat the steam room.
The structure of the Fire Bird stove from Svarozhich
At the moment there are three modifications: Lux, Russian steam and combi. Here are brief differences:
- Cast iron stove Fire Bird Lux. The front front wall is slightly higher, due to which the top is sloping back. Moreover, the top of the stove is also the lid of the heater. It opens upward, making it easier to access the stones and easier to pour water. At the same time, the heater is made of cast iron and is covered in flames on 5 sides, which guarantees good heating of the stones.
- Firebird Russian steam. The heater is made of cast iron, covered with a 2 mm thick heat-resistant stainless steel box on top. The box has only two holes, so the stones are not cooled by convection. In addition, the movement of air in the stove does not depend on the degree of heating of the heater. A steam gun is installed to supply steam (additional option).
- The modifications of the combi differ in that the cladding consists of two types of bath stone.
All stoves have a remote firebox: the stove can be heated from an adjacent room. The dimensions of the firebox allow the use of firewood up to 40 cm long. Since its weight is significant (without stones, lining and firewood from 270 kg), the stove must be installed on a separate foundation.
This is what the cast iron stoves Svarozhich Zhar Ptitsa look like in different versions
All of these stoves are designed for steam stoves of 12-30 m3, the chimney diameter of the first three modifications is 115 mm, and for “Elite” - 130 mm. To make it more convenient to select and navigate the technical parameters of the Firebird stove, they were compiled into a table.
Technical characteristics of Svarozhich Zhar Ptitsa stoves (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Svarozhich stoves are distinguished by a very wide door. In the photo below, the firebox is shielded from the inside with fireclay bricks. This slows down the heating of the steam room, but the temperature remains longer after heating. You see, the door is so wide that all the “insides” are clearly visible.
Shielding the firebox with fireclay bricks
Sauna stove Svarozhich Slavyanka Elite
This line is extended even further upward. Its width, even when faced with stone slabs, does not exceed 500 mm. The weight of this line is also slightly less. And this despite the fact that the combustion portal is cast from cast iron. The weight reduction occurred due to a decrease in the thickness of the firebox walls (6 mm instead of 10 for the “Fire Bird”) and also due to the fact that the container for stones is welded from stainless steel. Only the lower part of the heater is made of cast iron, which provides more uniform heating of the stones. The thickness of the walls of the heater is 3 mm, which is more than enough to withstand thermal loads and the weight of stones.
The structure of the Slavyanka stove from Svarozhich
The Svarozhich-Slavyanka stove has two heaters - a closed one with stones placed on the side and a small open one. The mass of stones in the closed heater is 40 kg, in the upper one - 20 kg. The chimney diameter for all modifications is 115 mm. The modifications are the same:
- Economy - under brick lining;
- Standard - in a stainless steel casing (for use in Russian steam room mode, a brick screen is still required);
- Classic - lined with soapstone;
- Luxury - in a lining with a system for regulating convective flows.
This is what cast iron stoves Svarozhich Slavyanka look like in different versions
The technical characteristics of these furnaces are presented in the table (see photo).
Technical characteristics of Svarozhich Slavyanka stoves (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Reviews of Svarozhich stoves
I have Slavyanka Elite. I took it under a brick screen. I’m happy with everything, it heats up my 15 cubic meter steam room in an hour and a half, but this is at +6-7° outside. At first I didn't put the top of the screen down, but it was hot. That’s why I blocked half of it, and on the other I have a grid with stones for decoration. Now, at 60°C in the steam room, the stones heat up very well and I can get as much steam as I want. The only annoying thing is that the doors don't fit snugly. Therefore, even with the dampers closed, there is traction. I tried to adjust the damper on the chimney, but smoke poured into the room. Then he adapted to drown her. But something needs to be done about the doors.
Mikhail, Astrakhan
I have Svarozhich-Lux. The oven is excellent, if not for one flaw. There were many cracks in the door, which made it almost impossible to regulate the combustion. I glued thin strips of asbestos around the perimeter where the doors fit. I placed them on heat-resistant sealant until they dried, pressed them down with the door and cut off the excess . It turned out very accurately. Now, with the door closed, the draft is adjusted as necessary: using the blinds on the door.
Stepan, St. Petersburg
Wood burning stove Kalita Russian Steam
The Kalita Russian Steam stove has stylish rounded shapes that not only “soften” the appearance of the stove, but also increase the heat-transfer surface of the natural stone cladding. Now to clean the oven lining, just wipe it with a damp sponge. The new fastening system securely holds the stones and allows even an unskilled worker to completely assemble the stove in no more than one hour. The Kalita Russian steam stove is equipped with three types of combustion unit:
- The standard tunnel and glass door are made of mirror stainless steel. This is the standard equipment of the Kalita stove.
- The Kalita wood-burning stove has a cast-iron tunnel and a cast-iron door - the Kalita combustion unit has thus become completely cast iron. This model is cast at a Canadian plant using the latest Japanese equipment and is the most reliable, not only because the unit is made entirely of cast iron. The quality of casting is many times higher than standard cast iron made in Perm. The Kalita stove is heated from the adjacent room (furnace room, rest room) or from the steam room. The stove tunnel has a large glass that allows you to enjoy the flames of the fire. The handle is made of sheet stainless steel. The cast iron door is painted black. This combustion unit is distinguished by reliable and hermetically sealed fastening of the tunnel to the firebox.
- Stainless steel tunnel with cast iron fireplace door to the Kalita stove. We have been offering this type of door for sauna stoves since April 2010. The door, measuring 500x500 mm, is supplied from Finland. The door is coated with heat-resistant powder paint in matte black. The cast iron fireplace door of the stove has a large arched glass that will allow you to enjoy the play of live fire. The stove is heated from the adjacent room (furnace room, rest room) or from the steam room. A stainless steel mirror tunnel ensures that fire is reflected along all walls. The door closes hermetically, which prevents smoke from entering the rest room. A reliable locking system prevents accidental opening of the door. Although a stainless steel tunnel can withstand temperatures up to 9000C, it does not heat up more than 300-5000C, because The entire combustion process takes place in the cast iron firebox of the Kalita stove.
Discussion of fireboxes for the Kalita stove on the forum >>
Kalita Russian Steam stove - an excellent climate in the steam room for many years
The box for stones made of stainless steel has been seriously improved. The box acquired a rigid, non-deformable structure and a unique mounting system on a cast-iron combustion unit. It easily withstands temperature changes and ensures long-term and proper operation of the stove without any displacement relative to the firebox and natural stone cladding. Only our box will not allow the stove structure to be damaged and will reliably hold the expanding stones. The stone box tightly closes the heater on all sides, which allows for maximum heating of the stones. The box contains openings only for the door and the chimney outlet, so the internal convection of the stove is minimally dependent on the heating of the heater, and convection currents do not cool the stones. Only we offer you a decent box for a decent stove without increasing the cost of the design. The box perfectly holds 120-180 kg of stones (depending on the model). The Kalita Russian steam stove, like its ancestor Kalita TM, was created specifically for connoisseurs of a real Russian bath and the softest steam.
You get the highest quality Russian steam combined with 100% reliability of the furnace unit
Almost all metal stoves with an open heater cannot heat stones above 3000C without overheating the steam room. Due to the fact that the stones are in a completely closed heater, the Kalita Russian Steam stove is capable of heating the stones to a temperature of over 3000C, the lower part of the stone stack warms up to more than 5000C. At the same time, thanks to the massive cladding made of natural stone, the steam room does not overheat. When applied to hot stones, the water evaporates explosively and turns into finely dispersed superheated steam. This kind of steam is popularly called “light”. The Kalita Russian Steam stove is the only one on the Russian market that is capable of creating real “light steam” in your steam room. With our stove, being in the steam room will always be easy and comfortable. Lining the Kalita Russian Steam stove All linings are made from natural solid stone and have a thickness of 50 mm. 1. Soapstone is the undisputed leader among other materials in terms of thermo-physical properties. 100 kilograms of soapstone replaces the heat capacity of 500 kg of brickwork. In practice, after heating the stove for 4 hours - 3 hours, the stove works by inertia and remains warm for more than a day. Soapstone takes on special meaning when installed on a sauna stove. The thermal radiation of the stone coincides with the radiation of the human body. Being in such a steam room has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. 2. Serpentine is actually soapstone with serpentinite inclusions. It would be more correct to call it a polished coil. The color of such a stone can vary from grayish-green to dark green. The rock is slightly harder than soapstone, polishes better and has White Quartz in its structure, which releases ozone when heated. In terms of heat-accumulating properties, the coil is slightly less heat-intensive than soapstone (about 10-15%), but in return you get the Royal appearance of the Kalita sauna stove. 3. Combined furnace lining is a completely new product presented by our company. The central cladding slabs are made of soapstone, and the top cladding plate, the corners on the sides of the stove and the legs of the stove are made of coils. The contrast of colors in the stove lining makes it exclusive. Now you can regulate the heating intensity of the steam room yourself thanks to the convection control system. Special soapstone plugs will allow you not to overheat the steam room and get those bath conditions that are most comfortable for your body. By opening the convection currents during the initial firing of the furnace, you quickly warm up the steam room, raising the temperature to the value you need. By blocking the hot air flow, your steam room will heat up only from the soft and comfortable warmth of the soapstone with which the cast-iron stove is lined. You don’t have to pour cold water on the walls to “reduce” the temperature or raise the humidity, and also cool the shelves because... it is impossible to sit on them. You simply heat your steam room to a temperature that is comfortable for you, warm up, and by adding water to a hot heater, you get a cake of superheated, finely dispersed “light” steam under the ceiling. It is this regime that has a beneficial and healing effect on your body; it is the Russian bath that makes us relaxed and happy. After taking this procedure, the steam will “settle”, condensate on the skin, walls, floors, the residual sauna exhaust will be removed by ventilation, and you will again get a comfortable temperature in the steam room and well-heated stones in the stove. The steam room is waiting for you! To make the stove in the recreation room look like a full-fledged fireplace, we recommend a portal made of natural stone.
Bath stoves Kalita
These stoves are positioned as bath stoves: for Russian steam rooms. They are produced by the Russian enterprise Inzhkomtsentr VVD. They are made of gray heat-resistant cast iron. They have been on the market for many years and have a fairly strong reputation - they are reliable and quite economical (as for cast iron).
There are many models. Almost everything is covered with a brick screen, there is soap chloride and a coil. In any case, with normal thermal insulation of steam rooms and correctly selected power, in summer the steam room warms up in 1.5-2 hours, in winter - 2.5-3 hours. Only for normal convection, the screen (sarcophagus) needs two holes at the bottom and at the top (with doors) for more efficient heating.
Range of stoves with closed heater Kalita
There are many options, so we will briefly list the main characteristics and features of all.
Technical characteristics of cast iron stoves for Kalita baths (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Now about the features of these stoves. The furnace depth is indicated for modifications without an external combustion tunnel. If you are going to heat the stove from another room, then you need to take it out. Then the oven depth increases by 200 mm. The stem in some models is made of stainless steel, resistant to scale formation (can be used up to 900°C). In others, the remote firebox is also made of cast iron. So please check when ordering.
The structure of cast iron stoves for Kalita baths
Most of the container for stones is made of stainless steel: the bottom is cast iron, 10 mm thick, the walls are made of 3 mm alloy steel. In general, some stove models have open top stoves. This is not very good for a Russian bath. But if you wish, you can order a thermal casing-steam accumulator, which completely covers the heater and, as a result, the stones heat up faster and to higher temperatures. Water for steam is poured into a special glass, from which it is distributed throughout the entire stack.
What distinguishes all these models is the absence of small nuts in the design. This way the door fits tightly, the glass on the door does not turn black, and the system for regulating the air supply to the firebox works effectively.
Reviews of Kalita stoves
I have Kalita TM for 3 tiers. I loaded a lot of stones into it. Now that's it. Although it takes a long time to heat (two or three hours), then the even heat lasts for a very long time. Even the next day it is still very warm. So everything dries out perfectly after the bath. No problems with dampness or fungi.
Boris, Volgograd
I gave myself a gift for the New Year - Prince bought a Kalita. The cladding was captivating. Beautiful. The quality of workmanship and pairing were excellent. We drown for a long time, but then it’s such a thrill! Steam for me never gives me a headache, and after the bath my body feels so good and light. Expensive, of course, but I don’t regret it. The oven is excellent.
Vitaly, Moscow
I bought Kalita President in soap chloride. During the first heating, smoke poured into the steam room. It turned out that there were large gaps and the cast iron did not fit tightly. I had to seal everything with sealant. I bought this headache for 129 thousand.
Nikolay, Tula
We bought an arched one with a cast iron tunnel. Many thanks to the employees of Inzhkomcenter VVD. We asked a lot of questions, the answers were always accurate and complete. We advised on the choice of stove and power. Very useful recommendations on installation and chimney. As a result, we are very pleased. The service is excellent, the oven is beyond praise. The steam is wonderful. Our bathhouse is now top class.
Ivan Semenovich, Moscow
Stove with cast iron firebox Sudarushka
These stoves are also produced by the Inzhkomtsentr VVD enterprise and, like Kalita, have a good reputation.
These stoves were designed for small steam rooms. Since there is little space in them, they tried to make the models elongated upward. The result is the following structure: a massive cast-iron firebox sits underneath. On it is a heater made of steel (heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant or heat-resistant). To ensure high-quality heating of the stones, a double gas circulation was made, and to strengthen the structure, a corner was welded to the bottom, which also acts as a flame divider (it does not allow the fire to jump into the chimney).
The structure of stoves with cast iron fireboxes Sudarushka
The issue of steam release is also resolved in an unusual way - it comes out from the side. Here, when purchasing, specify which direction is more convenient for you (better - against the wall, and not towards the door or on the steamers).
If it is necessary to heat water from above, a water tank is also placed on the heater. The oven gets even higher. Some models (Sudarushka family RK and Sudarushka family combustion unit) can be equipped with a heat gun. This is a device with which water falls on the hottest stones that are located at the bottom of the heater.
If there is no water tank on top, the top of the heater remains open. This is bad for obtaining light steam: the stones are constantly exposed to air currents, which is why their temperature will be insufficient. To ensure that the heater is closed, there are cast iron doors (optional) that are mounted on top.
These are different options for stoves for Sudarushka baths
Assortment and technical characteristics
There are seven modifications of the Sudarushka stove today. There is a combustion unit for a brick screen, and different cladding options. The technical characteristics of stoves with cast iron fireboxes are summarized in the table.
Technical characteristics of Sudarushka sauna stoves with a cast iron firebox (to increase the size of the table, right-click on the picture)
Separately, it is necessary to explain the design of the Sudarushka Rusa stove. This is a mesh oven, but its design is non-standard. There are two heaters - internal and external. You are unlikely to achieve very light steam, but something similar in terms of conditions may be possible: the firebox array can add additional temperature and you will get a certain amount of steam.
The Sudarushka MK and Rusa models have open and closed heaters
If you look at the parameters, the most suitable modification for the Russian steam room is the Sudarushka Family and Sudarushka MK combustion unit. In the rest, the laying of stones is too small. But everything depends more on whether the heater is closed with a lid.
Reviews of the stove with cast iron firebox Sudarushka
I have Sudarushka in stone. It's a bit harsh for a Russian steam room. We need to bring it to mind (screen it). There is another problem when supplying steam. To avoid getting burned, I cover myself with a broom. I get burned differently. But it works well, although it heats up harshly for me.
Stepan, Vologda
I struggled with the choice for a long time, then I bought myself a Sudarushka M and did not regret it. Cast iron is cast iron. And he took the heater not from black, but from stainless steel. So I think it will last a long time. I like the steam, but I removed the heat with a screen.
Leonid, Moscow
I covered the basic Sudarushka with a brick screen, and instead of the tank I installed a second heater (it is heated by the pipe and the lower heater). I built a steam cannon into the top heater and covered it all with stone. Now it takes longer to heat, so when guests come in they say it’s cold, but after a few servings the steam flies out screaming into the snow. This way it suits me, but as it was, it’s not a Russian bathhouse. But this is my opinion. The unit itself is excellent, but improvements are needed.
Semenych, Peter
