Collection: Sauna Stones & Rock Baskets

Choosing sauna stones

Sauna stones store heat from the stove and turn thrown water into löyly (steam). They need to be dense, heat-resistant and sized to let air flow through the stove. Both stone products here are olivine gabbro, which the listing describes as sourced from Northern Minnesota bedrock. Both are sold in 35 to 38 lb bags and suit wood-fired or electric stoves.

How many stones do you need?

Go by your heater's manual. For reference, the electric sauna heaters we sell call for 22 to 33 lb (10 to 15 kg), so one bag covers most of them. The standard tent stove basket holds 30 to 40 lb, about one bag, and the XL basket holds 70 to 80 lb, about two bags.

Rounded or thermal?

Some heaters specify round stones. Harvia notes, for example, that certain heaters require round stones, so check your manual. The thermal stones come in 2 to 4 in or 4 to 6 in sizes, so match the size your heater's manual calls for.

Stacking and care

• Do not overpack. Harvia warns that too many stones can block airflow in the heater, while too few reduces the steam.
• Wash and dry stones before you stack or restack them.
• Check the stones at least once a year, or more often if you see grit under the heater. Replace any that are cracked, crumbling or discolored.

Rock baskets for tent stoves

The stainless rock baskets sit on top of our tent stoves. They keep stones from slipping between the stove body and heat shields and let air move through. They are built from a tray and four screw-together side panels.

Related

Find stoves in wood burning sauna stoves and all heaters in sauna heaters. Buckets, ladles and other tools are in sauna accessories.

Sources: Harvia: looking after sauna stones.