Kiuas
What is a Kiuas?
The kiuas (or sauna stove in English) is a specially designed heater used to heat the sauna. It holds and heats sauna stones, providing the necessary high temperatures and enabling the creation of steam when water is poured over the stones.
Types of Kiuas
There are mainly two types of kiuas:
Wood-Burning Kiuas: This traditional type of stove is fueled by burning wood. It includes a firebox where logs are fed and burnt to heat the stones placed on top. These stoves often have a chimney to vent smoke outside the sauna.
Electric Kiuas: This modern alternative uses electric heating elements to warm the stones. It's easier to control and doesn't require the hands-on management of a wood fire.
How a Kiuas Works
Heating the Stones: Whether wood or electric, a kiuas is designed to heat a pile of sauna stones. These stones are purposefully chosen for their ability to store and radiate heat efficiently.
Creating Steam: Pouring water over the hot stones produces steam. This process is called "loyly" in Finnish. The steam enhances the humidity and heat inside the sauna, providing a deeper and more intense sauna experience.
Features of a Kiuas
Temperature Control: Electric kiuases often come with built-in thermostats and timers, allowing precise control over the sauna's temperature. Wood-burning stoves require more manual control, adjusting the fire intensity and adding more wood as needed.
Safety: Modern kiuases include safety features such as protective casings around the hot elements, cool-to-touch exteriors, and automatic shut-off mechanisms to prevent overheating.
Efficient Heat Distribution: The design ensures even distribution of heat across the sauna. The stones maintain a consistent high temperature, and the generated steam disperses uniformly when water is poured over them.
The Experience of Using a Kiuas
Using a kiuas in a Finnish sauna is a ritualistic experience. The gentle crackling of a wood fire or the quiet hum of an electric kiuas, combined with the soothing warmth and periodic bursts of steam, create an environment of relaxation and mental clarity.
Maintenance of a Kiuas
Regular Cleaning: The stove, especially the ash tray in wood-burning models, needs regular cleaning.
Stone Replacement: Sauna stones might need occasional replacement as they degrade from continuous heating and cooling cycles.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation ensures the kiuas operates efficiently and safely, allowing fresh air to fuel the fire or cool the heating elements.
Importance in Finnish Culture
The kiuas is more than just a heating device; it's a symbol of Finnish culture and tradition. Sauna sessions are deeply integrated into the Finnish way of life, with the kiuas playing a central role in this cherished practice. Saunas are places for relaxation, socialization, and even spiritual reflection, with the kiuas providing the essential heat for these experiences.
