How to choose a stove for a Vesuvius bath: TOP 10 models with descriptions of technical characteristics and customer reviews

The Russian company Vesuvius produces household wood-burning stoves for any need. Its catalog includes steel and cast iron structures, bath and heating models. We suggest that you read the descriptions of the most popular heaters and potbelly stoves of this brand, as well as reviews of their owners, so that you can form your own opinion about these stoves.

Bath models

Basically, the range of the Russian manufacturer is represented by open-type heaters, which do not have a body as such. Instead, there is a strong metal mesh where the firebox itself is located (cast iron, steel). Thanks to this design, any Vesuvius sauna stove begins to release heat into the room faster, since the hot chamber is surrounded on all sides by stones.

However, in reviews of steam lovers, there are often complaints about overheating. In fact, this is not the heaters’ fault - the now popular mesh instead of a solid body was originally intended for the Finnish sauna. And the Russian steam room needs well-shielded closed-type models that provide soft warmth. Vesuvius also has these.

1. Russian Steam bath stove.

A steel heater, designed for a room volume of 18-28 m3, is one of the most expensive in our review, and in the manufacturer’s range. But here all the signs of premium equipment are evident:

• The lining of the outer walls is made of a coil, providing softer heating of the steam room.
• Extended tunnel (22 cm), allowing the stove to be fired from the adjacent room.
• Large self-cooling glass on the door with a convection soot removal system.

A sauna stove with a closed heater heats the internal filling up to +400°C; the firebox itself is welded from structural steel and can withstand thermal loads. The grate bars, as in all other models from Vesuvius, regardless of purpose, are cast from cast iron. And this already guarantees them a long service life. Plus, the cost of Russian Steam is noticeably lower than its foreign-made analogues.

2. Bath stove Legend Standard 16 HF.

First of all, attention is drawn to the unusual design of the firebox of an open heater - it consists of two parts, but is completely sealed. All elements are cast, and a ceramic cord is used for sealing, which can withstand heating of at least +1200°C. The company promises a 30-year service life for the legend, which is not surprising - cast-iron sauna stoves are truly reliable and last a very long time.

Another thing is noteworthy: the manufacturer uses a special alloy that can easily withstand sudden temperature changes. Simply put, if you pour cold water on the hot cast iron of the Legend from time to time, it will not harm it. The standard Vesuvius HF marking means that the sauna stove is designed with a remote firebox door without glazing. The characteristics of the 16th model are as follows:

• The volume of the steam room is 8-18 m3.
• Efficiency is about 80%.
• Own weight – 92 kg.
• The weight of laying stones is 68 kg.
• The diameter of the connected chimney is 115 mm.

Even small cast iron stoves like the Legend are quite heavy. In addition to the weight of the stones, one should also take into account the weight of the thick-walled cast firebox, casing and door. So before installing a 160-kilogram stove, it is advisable to think about how to strengthen the base or prepare a small foundation for the heater.

3. Vesuvius-16 Scythian.

Another model for a bath, but with a more spacious mesh heater. The design of the steel firebox ensures a uniform supply of air from below through the grate, so the burning of wood is intense and powerful. Marking 16 means that these stoves are designed to operate in a steam room with a volume of 8-18 m3.

Skif has a lot of execution options. The difference between this or that model can be understood by the letter designations:

• Ch is a compact steel sauna stove with a cast decorated door. The grate bars are made of cast iron, so they are not afraid of constant high temperatures.
• C - almost completely repeats the previous model, but is equipped with a glass door through which burning firewood is visible and cozy light pours into the steam room.
• HF – Vesuvius sauna stove with a remote firebox for storing firewood from the adjacent room. The door is metal, but it does not spoil the interior, as it is decorated with an elegant pattern.
• VChB - like HF, it has an external firebox, but the kit already includes a 30-liter tank installed on the side of the grid. At the same time, the volume of the heater decreased slightly - from 130 kg to 90.
• VS is an analogue of Vesuvius Skif HF with a combustion tunnel 25 cm long. The highlight is transparent heat-resistant glass on the sash.
• VK (210 or 224) – heater with a self-cooling door. The convection mesh is no longer made from a 6-mm rod, but from wide forged strips of structural steel. The 224th model lacks gilded decor on the door.
• VKT is the same model of Vesuvius, but equipped with a stainless steel heat exchanger. It is not intended for full heating, but provides heating of a small volume of water in a remote tank.
• Panorama is a stylish stove with large glass 50 cm diagonal.

Despite the fact that Vesuvius Skif, according to reviews from its owners, sometimes produces excess heat, the steam in the bathhouse will not be harsh. All thanks to the minimal area of ​​open metal surfaces with their radiation that is uncomfortable for humans. However, it is better to use these models for a dry-air sauna.

Read about the features of other types of sauna stoves and the nuances of choice in the article How to choose a good boiler for a sauna?

Distinctive features

Heating devices operate on wood and are designed for heating rooms of different sizes . The products are presented in a variety of models: with a natural stone finish, with a mesh casing, with a glass door and elegant forging.

The stoves are designed for high heat, do not burn oxygen and do not create infrared radiation. This makes them an excellent option for arranging a steam room.

The products are designed similar to Finnish designs . The company also produces components: tanks, chimneys, heat exchangers and other elements.

This allows you to replace the required part without purchasing a new design.

Due to the round shape, uniform heat distribution throughout the room is ensured . The devices are equipped with spacious compartments for stones (up to 10 kg).

NOTE!

The stones are placed in the space between the firebox and the metal casing, heating up to 400 degrees Celsius and creating soft steam.

The combustion part is made of high-alloy steel with a thickness of 8 to 12 millimeters . The heating design is also made of steel, but the thickness varies from 5 to 8 mm depending on the model.

The wheels and door are made of cast iron. The body is coated with an organosilicon compound with excellent heat-resistant characteristics, which eliminates the combustion of oxygen.

Brand series and their brief description

Fireplace stoves from the Vesuvius brand are presented in several series:

• Skif - round-shaped structures with an open grate for laying stones, the thickness of the firebox is up to 12 mm;
• Skif 16 - units for steam rooms with an area of ​​8 to 16 m3 with a firebox made of steel 8 mm thick;
• Skif 22 VK - stoves for steam rooms with an area from 18 to 23 m3 with a steel remote firebox 8 mm and a cast iron door;
• Rusich - classic closed stoves for rooms from 18 to 24 m3, there are models with glass and cast iron doors;
• Elite is a premium line lined with natural stone, which has a beneficial effect on the body;
• Russian steam - a unit for a steam room with an area of ​​18 to 28 m3 with a remote-type firebox and a cast-iron door;
• Lava - models in a modern design with an external convector casing, heating the room in a short time;
• Legend - cast iron structures with an efficiency of 80%, quickly creating soft steam;
• Vesuvius Ch 100 - stoves for heating residential premises with a volume of up to 100 m3 with a steel body 5 mm thick and a cast iron door;
• Vesuvius K 250 - furnaces for residential buildings with an area of ​​up to 250 m3 with a steel body;
• Optimum H - sauna stoves for steam rooms from 6 to 15 m3.

Types of devices

The company produces 11 types of stoves for baths and saunas:

• Classic;
• Vertical;
• Optimum;
• Russian steam;
• The president;
• Rusich;
• Lava;
• Premium;
• Elite;
• Legend;
• Scythian.

Each model has its own characteristics, so the consumer has plenty to choose from.

Several letters are added to the name of each model, let's decipher them:

• The letter “B” means that this stove has an external fuel channel, allowing it to be heated from an adjacent room.
• The letter “T” indicates the presence of a heat exchanger in the furnace design.
• The letter “CH” literally means a cast iron door.
• “C” - the stove door is equipped with durable fireproof glass, allowing you to observe the combustion process.
• “K” - indicates that the stove is equipped with a mesh heater.
• "B" - liquid tank.
• The combination of letters “KV” stands for convection-ventilated oven.
• “H” - the percentage of chromium in stainless steel is at least 18%.

Rating of TOP 7 best models

The best fireplace stoves Vesuvius

The Vesuvius brand line includes dozens of different fireplace stoves. They differ in size, design, shape and functional characteristics. The review presents the 7 best models according to users. This will allow you to choose the best option.

Vesuvius PK-01 (220) CORNER BEIGE

The stove is made of high-strength steel and equipped with a cast-iron combustion door with heat-resistant glass . The design has a system for adjusting combustion modes.

Designed for rooms up to 150 square meters.

Creates soft steam in a short time and distributes it evenly throughout the room.

The power is 9 kW, which ensures heat maintenance for 5 hours.

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions - 73.4x84.3x52.8 cm;
• weight - 115 kg.

Advantages:

• optimal price;
• long-term heat retention;
• spacious firebox;
• modern design.

Flaws:

• high consumption of firewood;
• heavy soot on the glass.

Vesuvius PK-01(220) CORNER RED

The body is made of high-strength steel and lined with natural stone . It quickly warms up the air in the room and distributes heat within 15 minutes after laying firewood.

It takes longer for the stones to heat up. The stove heats the room through convection and radiant heat.

The combustion chamber is equipped with fireclay that can withstand temperatures up to 1300 degrees.

The firebox is separated from the body, due to which the body does not overheat and a high degree of fire safety is ensured.

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions 43.4x81.3x50 cm;
• weight - 107 kg.

Advantages:

• budget price;
• large firebox;
• quality materials;
• simple installation;
• quick warm up.

Flaws:

• smoke enters the room;
• The glass gets dirty quickly.

Vesuvius PK-01(270) BEIGE

The unit has a modern design and is equipped with a glass door that can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees and is resistant to mechanical stress..

The stove's power is enough to heat a steam room with an area of ​​up to 150 square meters.

Due to its light weight, the structure can be easily installed by 1-2 adult men.

This does not require a separate foundation.

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions 75.2x84.3x58.6 cm;
• weight - 132 kg.

Advantages:

• compact size;
• quick heating of the room;
• long-term heat retention;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• the door needs to be cleaned frequently to remove soot;
• high fuel consumption.

Vesuvius PK-01 (220) CORNER SOAPOLOCHLORITE

Corner stove with cast iron combustion door, equipped with heat-resistant glass . The blower door has a system for adjusting combustion modes.

The firebox is equipped with high-quality fireclay that can withstand temperatures up to 1300 degrees Celsius.

The power is enough to heat a room up to 150 square meters.

The stove is lined with soapstone, due to which the body does not overheat. The service life of the unit is at least 10 years with active use

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions 43.4x81.3x50 cm;
• weight - 107 kg.

Advantages:

• acceptable price;
• quick heating of a large area;
• spacious firebox;
• the heat persists for 1.5-2 hours.

Flaws:

• high consumption of firewood;
• During the first fires the paint burns.

Vesuvius PK-01 (270) RED

Reliable and safe to use stove made of structural steel . Equipped with a cast iron door with heat-resistant glass and a combustion mode control system.

The firebox is equipped with fireclay that can withstand heating up to 1300 degrees Celsius.

The bottom of the combustion chamber is made of triple cast iron grates.

Ceramic side inserts give the design a unique look. The power is enough to heat a steam room up to 150 square meters. Firewood burns for up to 5 hours.

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions 75.2x84.3x58.6 cm;
• weight - 132 kg.

Advantages:

• budget cost;
• high quality materials;
• spacious firebox;
• durable door.

Flaws:

• glass gets dirty quickly;
• complex installation.

Vesuvius PK-01(220) CORNER Sandstone

The stove is made of structural steel . Designed for heating rooms up to 150 square meters. The cladding is made of natural, environmentally friendly stones that have excellent heat capacity and promote long-term heat retention with uniform output.

The model is equipped with a cast iron door with heat-resistant glass and regulation of combustion modes.

The combustion chamber is equipped with chamotte, which ensures high-quality heat transfer.

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions 75.2x84.3x58.6 cm;
• weight - 132 kg.

Advantages:

• low price;
• quick heating of the room;
• long-term heat maintenance;
• spacious combustion chamber.

Flaws:

• high consumption of firewood;
• glass gets dirty.

Vesuvius PK-01 (205)

The fireplace stove is made of high-quality alloy steel with a spacious firebox, equipped with fireclay . Regulation of combustion modes is provided.

Power is 9 kW.

Ceramic side inserts make the design look attractive.

Installation is carried out without creating a separate foundation. The service life of the unit is at least 10 years with active use.

Characteristics:

• heated area - 150 m³;
• power - 9 kW;
• burning time - 5 hours;
• chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
• dimensions 60.5x81.3x55.6 cm;
• weight - 150 kg.

Advantages:

• optimal price;
• long-term heat retention;
• attractive appearance;
• spacious combustion chamber;
• heating a large area.

Flaws:

• high consumption of firewood;
• Difficult installation due to massive dimensions.

User reviews

A prerequisite for purchasing a stove is to read reviews about its operation:

1. Two years ago I purchased the Typhoon model - an analogue of Skif, but with thicker metal and a solid sheet at the front. I try not to use it at full capacity: I load it at about three-quarters, and use it 2 times a week. About a month ago I pulled out stones to check the combustion part: the metal was practically not deformed and did not burn out. I think I will use it quietly for another 4 years. Anton, 46 years old.
2. About three years ago I took Skif. A budget, but quite reliable option for a sauna stove. I immediately realized that the heater would not last for decades, so I didn’t really count on quality. But so far there are no problems, we go to the bathhouse regularly. The stove heats the room very quickly, heating is uniform everywhere. Sergey, 38 years old.
3. I thought about it for a long time, but still decided to buy Vesuvius Rusich - I liked the design, the quality, according to reviews, it seemed okay, and the manufacturer promised a high heating speed. But, either I did something wrong, or the promises did not correspond to reality, I could not achieve strong heating, although I tried for a long time to provide the necessary traction, I used a variety of firewood. As a result, the pipe is hot, but the heat from the stones is minimal, and clearly not enough for the steam room. In order to get some steam, you have to spend half a day on heating. It would be a shame to redesign it, and I don’t want to, since the stove is new. I'll try to install a stone net on the pipe - maybe the return will be greater. Igor, 48 years old.
4. I have a Vesuvius stove made of Legend cast iron, with a tunnel, but I’m not particularly delighted yet. The wall between the steam room and the dressing room is 30 centimeters, and the extension is 25 centimeters. But I was very attracted by the price, and I liked the design. I had to work hard on the opening - I made a square niche, inside of which there is a stove. Nikolai, 47 years old.
5. After consulting with friends, I decided to purchase Lava, a fireplace stove with large glass that is quite resistant to high temperatures. So far I see only one advantage: it is convenient to regulate the degree of combustion of firewood using the ash pan, which, when pulled out, quickly burns the logs and, accordingly, quickly heats up the room; if the ash pan is closed, the coals smolder evenly. And the children became interested in going to the bathhouse - the play of fire in the firebox is very attractive to them. Oleg, 35 years old.
6. I spent a long time selecting a stove for my bathhouse, with an area of ​​24 m3, studying and analyzing opinions on the Internet. Based on them, I concluded that the Russian Steam sauna stove is the best option for reproducing the conditions of a Russian steam room, and decided to opt for it. The manufacturer promised heating of the room at least seventy degrees, but I managed to achieve heating only up to forty degrees, having spent five kilograms of dry birch. Very disappointed, it would be better to buy a stove that has a closed firebox. Nazar, 43 years old.
7. About five years ago, I bought a Vesuvius Ch 100 model stove for my country house. Since the main source of heating is radiators, I use the stove mainly in late autumn, early spring and in severe frosts, if there is not enough heat. A very good stove for household needs - it uses very little wood, is convenient for cooking, and is very easy to clean when it gets dirty. So far I'm happy with everything. Polina, 49 years old.
8. After reading reviews online, I decided to purchase Vesuvius Rusich for my bathhouse. Overall, I’m happy with it so far, although at first for some reason there wasn’t enough draft in the pipe, and there was a lot of smoke in the room. To eliminate this problem, it was necessary to construct an extended chimney. Now there are no problems with the oven. I don’t recommend saving on components - repairs will cost more. Egor, 26 years old.
9. Having familiarized myself with the price range and characteristics of the stoves, the Vesuvius Optimum Ch stove seemed very attractive, so I installed it in my small steam room of 8 cubic meters. Its light weight and dimensions made it possible to easily deliver and install it indoors. In this model, the firebox door is made of cast iron - it won’t burn out; for me, the main thing is to take a good steam, and not look at the fire. After my first visit to the bathhouse I was quite satisfied; this stove is an excellent option for little money. Larisa, 44 years old.
10. I agree with critics of the Vesuvius stoves - after three years of not very frequent use, the stove burned out badly and became deformed. You will have to change it, and this is not an easy task; you need to dismantle the wall where the firebox is and connect the pipe to the new stove. I do not recommend purchasing Vesuvius stoves, despite the attractive price. Petr Romanovich, 65 years old.
11. My case is not entirely standard. I decided to use the Vesuvius stove to heat the garage. The requirements were: small dimensions, high power, maximum safety, since in the garage I deal with fuels and lubricants, varnishes, paints and other flammable substances. The stove will provide both heating of the room and serve as a source of heat for preparing or heating water and food. Thus, it will replace the microwave and kettle, which burn large amounts of electricity. Artem, 36 years old.
12. I've had Vesuvius for three years now. There were no complaints, but recently for some reason it started smoking a lot. I follow all the rules of use and care, I remove the ash on time, there is no deformation. The only problem is that it is not possible to completely remove soot - the design does not allow it. Innocent, 64 years old.

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After analyzing all the above characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and, of course, reviews of the stoves, each individual person will decide for himself whether a Vesuvius stove is suitable for him.

The main thing is not to rush into a purchase and decide on the purpose of its use, because spending even a small amount of money on a low-quality product will not bring positive emotions to anyone. A thorough analysis of the purchased product is the key to a successful purchase, the operation of which will last for many years.