The sauna stove is the core heating equipment in the sauna room. It controls the room temperature and produces steam, allowing people to immerse themselves in a comfortable environment and relax. Whether it is a wood burning sauna stove, an electric sauna stove, or an infrared sauna stove, maintaining and cleaning this essential component is crucial. If you want to ensure your sauna experience is not affected, please read this sauna stove maintenance guide carefully.
Three Major Types of Sauna Stove
When you learn about saunas, you'll find that common types include traditional wood burning saunas, electric saunas, and infrared saunas. Although the health benefits are similar, the sauna stoves they use are completely different. For anyone seeking the perfect sauna experience, choosing the right sauna stove is crucial. Here are three different types of sauna stoves:
Wood Burning Sauna Stove
If you ask which type of sauna is most deeply connected to nature, I would easily say it is the wood-burning sauna. It not only provides a relaxing experience but also fosters a sense of harmonious coexistence with the natural world. Typically, this kind of sauna is built outdoors and used with a wood burning sauna stove, representing a traditional Finnish classic.
This wood burning sauna stove usually uses easy-to-ignite fuels such as birch, pine, and fir to heat the stones, raising the sauna's temperature. This ancient method of heating creates a unique atmosphere; the crackling sound of burning wood is a natural melody, and the wood's fragrance evokes a primal connection to the earth. Each time you enjoy a wood burning sauna stove, it becomes an opportunity to engage with nature. Furthermore, the fire in this primitive setting not only provides warmth but also offers a psychological sense of security and strength, making it easier for people to relax and find peace.
In ancient Finland, it was customary to pour water on the stones in traditional saunas. This practice, known as "Löyly," creates steam and heat in the sauna. More importantly, it symbolizes the soul and core experience of the sauna in Finland. For us, the warm, moist heat generated by pouring water on the stones resembles a natural hot spring, enveloping the body as if you were in a misty rainforest or a serene lake.
Electric sauna stove are well-known for their rapid heating capabilities, making them commonly found in hotels, gyms, and urban settings. An electric sauna stovre is a modern heating device that utilizes electric heating elements to generate heat. While it heats stones similarly to a traditional sauna, an electric sauna sotve up more quickly and offers precise temperature control. However, it is important to ensure that the stones cover the heating elements when adding water; otherwise, the heating elements may become damaged or short-circuited.
This type of electric sauna stove is typically used in indoor sauna rooms. It provides quick heating, catering to today's fast-paced lifestyle, allowing people to enjoy the relaxation of a sauna more rapidly after a tiring day. Although it may not offer the natural ambiance of a traditional sauna, it provides significant convenience for those with busy schedules.
Infrared Sauna stove
The infrared sauna stove is a product of modern innovation and represents a distinct method of sauna heating. Unlike traditional saunas, it does not create a steamy environment or require very high temperatures. Instead, it directly heats the skin and tissues through far-infrared radiation, producing a warm and healing effect that is suitable for most people. With its unique low-temperature deep-heating technology, infrared sauna sotve have not only become popular choices for home saunas but are also widely used in medical, rehabilitation, and beauty fields.
Warnings and Solutions for Sauna Stove
Sauna heaters can be vulnerable to internal and external factors, such as rust and moisture. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance of sauna heaters are crucial for an optimal sauna experience. If your sauna heater shows signs of overheating, rust, or unusual noises, you need to pay attention. These are warning signs indicating that the sauna heater is not operating normally and requires timely inspection and maintenance; otherwise, it could negatively impact your sauna experience and the heater's lifespan.
Here’s how to check the sauna heater and address potential issues:
Electric Sauna stove
If you use an indoor sauna room, regularly remove the sauna stones from the electric sauna heater and check for water accumulation, dust, or impurities on the internal components. This helps avoid damage to the heating element and maintains heating efficiency.
Tips:
If you notice mild surface rust, use a soft cloth and an appropriate rust remover to clean it, ensuring the equipment is completely dry after thorough cleaning.
If the internal components of the sauna stove are seriously rusted, it is advisable to contact professional technicians for replacement or to purchase a new unit. Continuing to use a severely rusted heater can reduce heating efficiency and pose safety hazards.
Wood Burning Sauna Stove
If you are using a wood burning sauna stove, it is essential to regularly check the stove body, combustion chamber, chimney, and wood-burning process to prevent smoke from escaping into the sauna room, which can be harmful to health and lead to safety accidents.
Inspection Steps:
Visual Check: First, inspect the stove body for cracks or signs of rust to ensure proper sealing.
Combustion Chamber: Clean out any ashes in the combustion chamber and check for signs of damage or corrosion.
Chimney Inspection: Examine the chimney for blockages and ensure that there is no significant accumulation of soot, resin, or impurities. Ensure that the chimney is clear and securely connected.
Wood Burning Observation: Observe the burning wood to ensure that the flames are bright and the wood is fully burned. Insufficient air circulation or excessive moisture in the wood can affect combustion.
Tips:
If you notice rust on the surface of the stove body, use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean it until the metal surface is exposed. After cleaning, apply a rust inhibitor or high-temperature rust-resistant paint for added protection.
If the stove body or combustion chamber is severely rusted or cracked, you may need to weld or replace certain parts, or even the entire stove body.
If the chimney is loose or damaged, it should be repaired or replaced promptly to prevent smoke from entering the sauna room, which could pose safety risks.
The Importance of Sauna Stones
If you think sauna stones are only used for heating and pouring water, you’re mistaken. Sauna stones also require care, even though they don't have any technical components.
Over time, grease and sweat accumulate on the surface of the stones, forming a thin film that can affect heat distribution throughout the sauna room. Additionally, nothing can withstand the effects of time, especially in a sauna where temperatures fluctuate. The structural integrity of these stones may gradually change, leading to cracks or breakage. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly check their condition and wash the surface of the sauna stones with warm water at least once a year to remove dust and debris.
The steps for cleaning sauna stones are relatively simple:
Cool Down: Wait for the sauna stones to cool down.
Inspection: Remove the stones one by one and check each one carefully.
Cleaning: Use a soft brush to clean the surface of the stones.
Drying: Allow the stones to dry completely before placing them back into the heater.
FAQ
Q: How often do I need to clean the sauna heater?
A: If you use the sauna frequently, clean it at least once a month. If you use the sauna less often, clean it no more than every two months.
Q: Can essential oils be used in sauna heaters?
A: Although it is not recommended, you can use diluted oils that are resistant to high temperatures. Avoid using flammable oils or those containing alcohol.
Q: What should I pay attention to when maintaining a sauna heater?
A: First, ensure that the power is turned off and that the stove and sauna stones are cool. Then, clean according to the detailed instructions provided by the manufacturer.
