In a new sauna - with new steam and a new stove! But which model to choose so that the steam is thick, the air temperature is as needed, and at the same time you do not have to perform "dances with a tambourine" - that is, constantly throwing wood into the stove and adjusting something? Then it's time to opt for the Vulcan sauna stove - powerful and really hot! So, the Vulcan sauna stove is designed for a steam room from 8 to 30 cubic meters. And it is produced in two versions - with a firebox with a thickness of half a centimeter and with a firebox with parameters 0.25 cm. Different materials are also used for the manufacture of a firebox: carbon steel for thick walls and steel with heat-resistant characteristics for the second option. All in all, there are seven types of Vulcan furnace, and a dozen modifications. We will tell you about all its pros and cons in this article.
Design features
The Vulcan sauna stoves are produced with a thick furnace wall - 5mm of carbon steel, which are additionally reinforced in places of greatest load (here the thickness can reach 10mm). To make it convenient to clean the firebox and ventilation ducts from soot, a special hole with a lid is provided on the top panel of the stove. Cast iron grates in the Volcanoes have a specific shape. They are designed so that even damp firewood burns efficiently (it is often undesirable to use damp firewood - the stove and chimney will quickly become overgrown with soot).
Stove for the bath "Volcano". Design features
After investigations of "spent" own furnaces, carried out jointly with MSTU "Stankin", certain design changes were made to the design of the "Vulkan" furnaces. A complex labyrinth of dividers appeared in the firebox, with the help of which the heated air is retained inside for as long as possible. Thus, they achieve maximum heat transfer from the heated air to the walls of the stove and stones, and through them - to the air in the steam room. To increase the reliability in the firebox, additional stiffeners were welded on. These fins simultaneously increase the heat transfer area, increasing the efficiency of the furnace and the heating rate of the steam room and stones.
Much attention was paid to the improvement of welds, since they are the weakest link in any furnace. To exclude contact of seams with water, they are all made outside. To avoid deformation during heating, the new design is designed in such a way that almost the entire mass of the chimney falls on the reinforced pipe.
Stove "Volcano Etna 20" with panoramic door and cast iron
Glass doors in wood-burning stoves are beautiful, but many have come across the fact that glass cracks when the temperature changes. The new Vulcan furnaces are equipped with German doors with Schott Robax glass, which can be operated at temperatures up to 760 ° C. Moreover, more importantly, they do not crack at large differences: the temperature at the edges can be + 50 ° C, and in the middle + 500 ° C, and the manufacturer guarantees the absence of cracks. The declared service life is 20 years.
Stove "Volcano" for a bath. Schematic representation of the main design solutions
The design is also well thought out from the point of view of safety. A double metal shield is made to protect against hard radiation. It also serves as a good protection against burns, since the temperature of the outer casing is not so high. The air flow created in this case between the two layers of the walls contributes to a more complete transfer of thermal energy into the air.Manufacturers also declare protection against the ingress of combustion products (in particular, carbon monoxide) into the steam room by creating a powerful draft.
All the improvements and changes in the design have led to the fact that instead of the previously announced 10 years of operation, today the service life of the stoves for the Vulkan bathhouse has been doubled: manufacturers say that under normal operation they will last 20 years.
The principle of operation of the stove for the bath "Volcano"
This heater model
The heating system is what is necessary for a comfortable stay in a country house, especially in the winter season. Stoves for the Vulcan bathhouse can perform several basic functions at once, which are necessary for spending time in the sauna: heating water for washing, steam generation in the steam room, heating, including in the dressing room. Moreover, they do not dry out the air.
The stove for a sauna or bath "Vulkan" is a universal heating unit. First of all, it fits perfectly into the room of a bathhouse, dressing room, rest room, etc. In addition, it can be built into the wall, thereby saving free space. In addition, the Vulcan stove heats up at a high speed, after which the stones and, naturally, the air inside the steam room begin to warm up. Due to its design features, such a stove can simultaneously heat a large number of stones, thereby maintaining a stable temperature and steam of the desired quality in the room.
Furnace design features
Unlike the usual heating stoves, the Vulcan-type sauna stove has a special structure. It is equipped with an external casing, which is designed to protect the space from the harmful effects of thermal radiation, as well as to remove heat from the firebox itself. Such a casing is protected from overheating by the middle circuit, forming a niche for stones.
The Vulcan furnace design includes the following main parts.
- Housing.
- Glass, poker and scoop.
- Branch pipe.
- It blew.
- Firebox door.
- Place for stones.
- Tank.
- Crane.
- Protective fence.
- Regulator for switching modes.
Furnace interior
In addition, the oven is equipped with some additional elements that improve the performance of the system. So, for example, special dividers are mounted in the firebox, which increases the heat transfer of the fuel. Special holes will help clean the chimney and firebox without disturbing the overall structure. There is also an ash pan in such a stove, which is designed to collect ash and adjust the draft.
In the upper part of the furnace, special ribs are installed, which allow to increase the area of heat transfer surfaces, thereby improving the heat transfer process. It is thanks to these design features that the stones heat up quickly and evenly.
During the heating process, the water begins to evaporate, filling the steam room with the required amount of steam. The vapor release process can be controlled using special valves built into the furnace.
Advice from the master!
The outer coating of the furnace should also be noted, which provides high thermal insulation. This is a heat-resistant enamel that allows the owner of the unit not to think about external influences. If you want to add an original element, the design allows you to install heat-resistant glass doors.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Vulcan furnace
Such a heating system has undeniable advantages in the conditions of use in a sauna. All the positive aspects of using this unit are confirmed by the feedback from users who have already installed the Vulkan furnace. Here are the main ones.
- Operational reliability. Such a furnace can be used for several decades without even thinking about repairing it.
- Price. Considering the durability and quality, the cost of these ovens is very reasonable.
- Reasonable design. Manufacturers have done a good job creating a heater.For example, the smoke released during the combustion of fuel does not immediately go into the chimney, but first passes through the channels, thereby increasing the efficiency and productivity of the entire system.
- Profitability. Due to its design features, the unit saves a lot of money during operation, since the fuel consumption of the furnace is much lower.
Different models of the Vulcan heater
Compactness. The relatively small size and low weight of the stove make it easy to install it in almost any free space. It will not be difficult to carry out the installation yourself, which will save money on installation.
- Functionality. The properties and features of the unit make it possible to install it even in large rooms. One bookmark of firewood is enough to operate the bath continuously for 4 hours at a stable comfortable temperature. If you change the temperature indicators to lower ones, then you can take a steam bath longer.
- Ease of maintenance is an important factor that affects the operation of the oven after its installation. It is not difficult to understand the structure of the unit and the technique of caring for it. Even the most inexperienced user can easily operate the system.
- Protection against harmful heat radiation. This is ensured by equipping the structure with a double steel casing and the possibility of using a large volume of stones that delay the spread of radiation. When operating the oven, there is no need to worry about medical safety.
According to numerous reviews, the system also has its drawbacks.
- Inconvenient location of the drain valve. If the stove is heated from a nearby room, then this creates certain inconveniences when draining hot water.
- Small amount of water. This disadvantage can hardly be called significant, since the available volume is more than enough for one visit to the bath. However, according to users, filling water every time is rather inconvenient.
- Possible ineffectiveness of the damper for switching the mode from sauna to bath.
- Remote heat exchangers have insufficient outlet diameter. However, this does not affect the performance of the entire system in any way.
It is not difficult to conclude that the Vulcan stove is a really excellent heating system for a bath.
Selection of stones, fuel
Before you start using the Vulcan stove, you need to choose the right stones for it. The optimum temperature and heat dissipation will depend on this. If the amount of stones is insufficient, the bath will not be able to warm up well. But when the amount of stones is excessive, the temperature in the bath will become too high, and this will negatively affect the comfort of staying in the steam room.
The stones for the stove should be chosen carefully
Heating experts believe that 40 kg of stones per 1 m³ of space is optimal. In addition, you need to take stones that do not expand or deform from heat. It is important that when the temperature rises, they do not begin to crumble and crack. Usually they use round stones that are collected in reservoirs or quarries. Their size should be determined by the parameters of the oven itself.
For the fuel used, hardwood firewood is best. They are harvested and dried in advance. Firewood must be dry, otherwise it will take a lot of time to burn it.
Advice from the master!
It is extremely rare that coal is used as a fuel, since during its combustion the temperature can become prohibitively high, which can damage the masonry.
Review of some models of Vulkan sauna stoves and reviews about them
Let's consider the pros and cons of the Vulcan sauna stoves using the example of specific models. The Vulcan stove of the Elbrus 26 model in the standard modification can heat a steam room with a volume of 12 to 26 cubic meters. m. It has a powerful turbo-furnace with a wall thickness (in places of greatest load) 10 mm. The main parameters of the furnace:
- width - 500 mm;
- depth - 720 mm;
- height - 800 mm;
- weight - 100 kg;
- the weight of the loaded stones is up to 125 kg (in the model with a built-in stone tank 100 kg, with a heat exchanger 110 kg).
Considering the feedback from consumers, we can say that "Elbrus - 26" is a very effective and reliable sauna stove with high heat transfer and long service life. Due to its low weight, it is easy to install (requires two people) and very easy to operate. It can be completed with a built-in 35-liter water tank, it is possible to install a heat exchanger (you can install it to the right or left of the firebox). The branch pipe can be of two diameters: for pipe 115mm and 110mm. As a disadvantage, it is noted that the water in the built-in tank warms up too quickly: you have to drain hot water, add cold water, but this problem does not exist when using a remote tank.
Oven "Volcano Elbrus" with a standard door and glass
The Vulcan Etna 20 stove (premium modification) looks very aesthetically pleasing. The panoramic door adds chic (the photo is located above). Non-standard design - the stove is made in the form of a large vase - deserves attention. In the Etna 20 model, there are ribs on the body and on the pipe mesh, which provide high heat transfer: the stones laid between them warm up faster and to higher temperatures. Of the shortcomings of the model, only one circumstance can be distinguished: some users consider the stove too hot (this is for a Russian steam room, this stove is very good for use as a dry-air Finnish sauna). To eliminate this drawback, you can cut off some of the ribs, thereby reducing the heat transfer area.
With two stoves - open and closed - one more model “Volcano Prometheus” is produced, laying stones here 100 kg in the modification “Prometheus 16” and 200 kg in “Prometheus 24”. This is also a good and more budget-friendly option for a sauna, but keep in mind that there is no water tank.
Stove "Volcano Prometheus" with an external heater (with a grid on a pipe and without)
The Vulkan Elbrus 16 ovens are more compact (optionally equipped with a panorama door or a regular-sized door with glass). Its dimensions: 540 * 400 * 800mm, weight - 80kg, weight of stones to be laid - 75kg. Used for steam rooms from 6m3 to 16m3. Like other members of the family, it has a cast-iron grate, which ensures high-quality combustion of even damp firewood. The disadvantages of this model (and not only this one) include high heat transfer. Some users note the darkening of the wood sheathing due to excess heat, therefore it is desirable to erect protective screens or cladding adjacent structures with heat-resistant materials. A significant disadvantage is the lack of a built-in water tank and the impossibility of installing a heat exchanger. This is due to the small size of the oven. As a way out, you can use the hinged versions of the tanks (read about the types of water tanks here). In general, a good budget option for small couples.
Testimonials
Now directly the reviews. We give impressions from the operation of only sauna stoves, not heating ones.
“I had two Volcanoes, both for a long time. Each is over 10 years old. And it's still a secret for me what kind of steel they use. Externally - ordinary black metal, but do not burn out. The stove is good, but for the Russian bath you need “dancing with a tambourine” in full: a brick screen, a steam cannon and a convector on the pipe. "
My Vulcan is already an old man. And I would be glad to change it to a new model (I like Harmony), but it will not burn out in any way, it seems that it is not even going to. And we drown it only with birch, and harshly: I love high temperatures.
This is a photo of the furnace weld (to increase the size, click on it with the left mouse button)
My Vulcan is already three years old, U16 or 16U, I don't even remember. My insulation is mediocre. In an hour, the steam room in winter (14 cubic meters) heats up to 90 °. I had friends - fans of extreme sports, so in 30-40 minutes they caught up to 140 ° C with oak.I am satisfied with this stove, but I will have to change the pipe to an insulated one, otherwise one has already leaned against it.
I love the Russian steam room, which is not hot, but I decided to test how the damper at Vulcan works. After steaming, I turned the knob. in a minute the temperature rose from 80 to 90. This despite the fact that the wood was no longer burning, probably due to stones.
There is also an old Volcano with a 30 liter tank. Everything suits except for this very tank. Water boils very quickly and very early. Moreover, the tap is located so low that you need to draw water either by bending over or kneeling. Neither one pleases me. And in general, I was convinced that the water tank in the steam room is pure evil. If it boils - a guard, all in a pair, and it is some kind of sticky. And if you don't leave it empty, it will burn. I decided for myself: it is better to put a separate water heater and not toil all the time.
Heating stoves "Volcano Alpina"
In addition to baths, Vulkan also produces Alpina heating stoves in several modifications. These powerful ovens are designed to heat decent areas. Even the smallest of them ("mini" modification) can heat a room with a volume of up to 50 m3. But "Mini" is positioned as a heating wood-burning stove for non-residential premises: it looks not the most presentable, but the power with small dimensions (500 * 310 * 570mm) is very decent. The stove can be heated exclusively with wood, the size of the log is no more than 45 cm.
Heating stoves "Volcano Alpina" (Mini on the right)
The second most powerful model of this family - "Alpina-200" can heat a room up to 200m3. The most powerful "Alpina 250" is designed for a volume of 250m3. The firebox is made of 5mm thick carbon steel. There is a channel for afterburning gases, which ensures long-term burning: one full load of firewood burns for 15-20 hours. This model has two fuel doors, which allows storing the maximum amount of firewood and achieving a long burning time. The casing has corrugated walls for maximum heat dissipation. If you want to organize air heating of the room - Alpina is an effective and inexpensive solution, besides, the stove is compact - 614 * 412 * 725mm, weight 85kg. Easy to install: a non-combustible base is required, which can be a sheet of iron laid on an asbestos sheet or any other heat-insulating material. It is also necessary to connect a chimney with effective draft. There are no other requirements.
Briefly about the history of the bath
According to tradition, the classic Russian bathhouse was equipped with a stove, the peculiarity of which was the absence of an open fire. This made it possible to take bath procedures for a long time, while feeling special comfort, since the oxygen did not burn out. The advantages of using such a furnace could be attributed to the fact that it provided heating of the room with the required temperature of 90 degrees.
The very first wood-burning stove was a well made of clay bricks, which was not at all afraid of fire. Cobblestones were placed in it, and a cauldron of water was placed. The fire heated the stones, which gave their heat to the room. And to get steam, you just had to splash water on the hot stones. The very first wood-burning stove smoked in the room itself, since the combustion products were removed through the door. Smoke exhaust pipes were invented a little later.
Advantages and disadvantages
Dignity
- The main advantage of Vulcan furnaces is, perhaps, their reliability and low price. The service life is on average 10 years. But the manufacturer is constantly working on improving its products, thanks to which, since 2013, furnaces have been produced with a firebox, in which the thickness of steel in the busiest places has increased to 10 mm (previously it was 5 mm). This innovation made it possible to extend the service life of the sauna heater up to 20 years.
- The strong heat radiation, characteristic of all metal furnaces, is mitigated by the double steel jacket, so there is no need for additional protection. But if the stove is planned to be used in a Russian bath, it will still have to be covered with bricks and not necessarily fireproof.
- The presence of a special shutter, which switches the "Volcano" from the "bath" mode to the "sauna" mode and vice versa. The damper opens or blocks the flow of heated air from the fuel chamber to the stones. The stones in the Volcano are located in narrow grooves, which creates some inconvenience when laying, but significantly increases the degree of their heating. The outer side of the furnace is equipped with welded metal ribs, which give it additional rigidity and increase the total area of the heat transfer surface. Thus, the bathhouse warms up quite easily and quickly, and the firebox itself lasts much longer.
- Most models have a valuable air regulation. With open access, the air, passing through the hot stones, heats up to hundreds of degrees. If access is blocked, the temperature will drop and the climate will become milder.
- In just 1.5 hours, the Vulcan oven in Russian bath mode warms up to 80 degrees, then it can be switched to sauna mode with a temperature of 90 degrees.
- The volcano can easily be carried by two people, and there are no problems with delivery by transport.
- Buyers are especially pleased with the fact that even a year after the start of operation, the stove does not lose its visual appeal and looks like new.
The stove runs on almost any solid fuel, so it is not entirely correct to call the "Volcano" a wood-burning stove.
In general, the design of such furnaces is well thought out. In order to clean the chimney and remove soot from the furnace labyrinths, you do not need to dismantle anything. The cleaning procedure is performed through special holes. The ash is collected in a tray that can be easily pulled out.
disadvantages
- The water boiler is too small (only 20-40 liters), so there is a need to constantly top up the water, in addition, in a small tank, water boils faster than the steam room warms up. If you install a model with a mounted boiler, a different picture arises: the water heats up for too long, which is also not very good. In order to avoid such problems, it is better to purchase a model with a remote boiler or without it at all, and a wood-burning or electric boiler for heating water can be purchased separately.
- Too narrow vertical openings for stones, which creates some inconvenience when laying. Although, on the other hand, this can be a plus, since the narrow trough provides a good flow of hot air.
- The diameter of the Vulcan's terminals with a remote heat exchanger is only 0.5 inches, which is, of course, small. The best option would be 0.75.
- The tap for draining hot water for models with a built-in boiler is not very well located, especially if the stove is fired from an adjacent room (it is too close to the wall).
