Infrared oven electric. Chamber-type IR oven for thermal processing of foodstuffs. Advantages and disadvantages of using an IR cooker
The tabletop stove is a lightweight and compact appliance for heating and cooking food in a wide variety of environments. They are irreplaceable in small-sized kitchens, in country houses and in summer cottages.
Until recently, the main tool for housewives in places where there is no gas remained electric stoves, familiar to many from Soviet times. But now there are more economical and easy-to-use infrared models. Consider their principle of operation and advantages.
Appearance and principle of operation of the infrared stove
An infrared stove is called a stove, the heating of which is carried out by heating elements that produce infrared radiation. This heating is based on the ability of the water contained in the products to absorb infrared radiation, while releasing a large amount of heat. Thanks to this, food is cooked quickly, acquiring excellent taste and retaining useful properties.
Most models of infrared tiles for domestic use have a glass-ceramic surface. They consist of a body, a heating element, a hob and a control unit.
The incandescence of the heating element, and then the dishes with food, is carried out by means of electric current.
The glass-ceramic surface of the stove is resistant to pressure and temperature changes. You can safely put heavy pots on it and not be afraid to wind up the maximum heating temperature. But glass-ceramics are afraid of point impacts. Do not drop heavy objects on it. The panel may break, for example, if the edge of the pot lid is struck, a metal corkscrew is dropped, etc.
The glass-ceramic surface has good thermal conductivity, thanks to which the stove heats up to a high temperature in a matter of minutes. In household models, as a rule, a maximum heating of up to 300ºС is provided, professional IR stoves heat up to 600ºС.
The use of a glass-ceramic panel makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the stove and the time to heat it up, increase the efficiency and, due to the low inertia, ensure a quick change in temperature.
You can cook any dish on infrared stoves: from borscht to pancakes. In addition to desktop models, modern manufacturers also offer floor-standing options with and without ovens. The number of burners, as a rule, varies from one to four. 
In addition, today infrared grills are held in high esteem. There are small models for home and summer cottages that can be used in the kitchen, balcony or veranda, as well as professional grills for restaurants. They allow you to speed up and improve the quality of service, make it possible to demonstrate the preparation of dishes in front of guests without soot and burning.
Various models of IR cookers for home and commercial use are offered for purchase. You can easily buy inexpensive household models of Saturn, Ricci, Sardo, A-PLUS brands and professional equipment Bertos, Zanussi, Gorenje, Angelo Po.
Advantages and disadvantages of using an IR cooker
Let's evaluate the advantages of an infrared stove:
- The first and, undoubtedly, a very important advantage is the efficiency of the device. The use of such a plate allows you to decently reduce energy costs.
- The IR oven allows you to significantly reduce the time spent on cooking, which means it adds free minutes to the housewives.
- Such a device, unlike a simple electric stove, makes it possible to sharply reduce the temperature, as if to turn on the gas, which is very convenient.
- The glass-ceramic hob is easy to clean, which simplifies the cleaning process and saves on the purchase of cleaning products and detergents.
- Most models are offered with several power levels (usually up to 10). When heating dishes at 60ºС, electricity is practically not consumed (not compared with a microwave oven)!
- Plates are equipped with timers and convenient displays for management. Many models have a child lock feature.
- Any cookware (except paper and plastic) is suitable for such a stove, you do not have to buy a new one as when buying an induction model.
- A glowing “Hot” indicator is usually provided so that you do not accidentally burn yourself while the tile cools after use.
- There is protection against overheating and power surges.
- An infrared stove is safer and more comfortable than a gas stove: there is no open fire, soot, carbon monoxide.
Now for the cons: 
- Surface made of glass-ceramic: it is necessary to transport and use the tiles carefully, because in case of damage to the coating, it will have to be completely changed. Although this is a conditional minus, because it is thanks to glass ceramics that the main advantages of the IR furnace are realized.
- Avoid flooding with water: this is an electrical appliance, moisture can damage it. When water gets on a working stove, an unpleasant crack is heard.
As you can see, the shortcomings are minor, they do not spoil the pleasant impression of using the device.
Preference should be given to a well-known manufacturer, and choose a model according to your needs. The main selection criteria are parameters such as the number of burners, the maximum heating temperature, the presence of a timer and additional functions.
Infrared fireplace stove is one of the latest technology. But such a hearth cannot be the main heating device for a house (or apartment).
An infrared heating oven is often used as a utility oven for a convection oven. The main advantage of this device is the transfer of a large heat flux in a short period of time. Such a miracle oven is suitable for quickly heating a room. You can also have a wonderful rest with your family in front of a burning flame. Such a fireplace is an electrical appliance, for its operation it is necessary to choose a suitable place and connect it to the mains.
The principle of operation of an infrared fireplace
In order to understand how the furnace functions, you should turn to physics for help. Heating of the room (housing) is carried out by infrared radiation (waves). Infrared waves are a kind of electromagnetic waves, which are distinguished, respectively, depending on their length (depending on the color of the light wave, it ranges from 400 to 800 nm). The red wave is considered the longest (700 - 800 nm). It is this wave that is called the infrared (or thermal) wave.
The sun, fireplace, stove (everything that generates heat) emit infrared radiation that does not harm human health (as well as light radiation).
Unlike other heating devices, infrared sources (fireplace, stove) do not heat the air, but the objects that are in the room. The device also heats the floor and walls, which give off their heat to the environment.
Benefits of infrared fireplaces
Infrared equipment evenly heats the air throughout the room. Such an electrical device does not adversely affect the human body. After all fireplace,as a heater, does not dry out the air, does not burn oxygen and does not emit foreign odors. Such a stove will be a highlight of any interior, because it is compact and attractive in appearance. If you follow basic safety measures, then the fireplace does not pose any danger, because it has a high degree of protection against fire or fire.
Read also: We make the Buleryan oven
Types of infrared fireplaces
Modern infrared ovens operate on electricity, diesel or gas fuel.
- Infrared gas fireplace
Infrared gas fireplace is one of the most popular today. It runs on propane-butane gas.
Such a focus can be used:
- in residential premises;
- outdoors (for heating summer areas of cafes and restaurants);
- at exhibitions (exhibition halls) or fairs.
A distinctive feature of such a gas appliance is the heating of the room due to thermal infrared waves and from the direct heating of ceramic panels. A huge plus is that the installation and installation of such a heat source does not require complex manipulations or special knowledge.
Without great effort, the room will be very cozy and warm. Also, you do not have to make a chimney, clean the ashes or stock up on firewood.
In gas fireplaces, it is quite simple to control the temperature regime. Such hotbeds of heat are safe, it is enough to observe elementary rules:
- place the equipment away from flammable objects (objects);
- ventilate the room (if possible).
Depending on the size of the room, you independently calculate the power: per 10 m 2 (square meters) - 1 kW.
- Diesel infrared fireplaces
Diesel stoves run on fuel that is sold at gas stations. They are especially practical in places where there are difficulties with electricity. Such The stove consumes no more electricity than an 80W light bulb.
You can significantly reduce heating costs if you use a diesel fireplace as an additional source of heat. Such equipment can be used as the main source of heat, if you use an additional battery.
Heat is distributed in all directions with a large angle of heating area. The big advantage is the fairly easy installation. This does not require a chimney. It is only necessary to find a suitable place for the fireplace.
The infrared diesel oven is wonderfully suited for sports and exhibition halls, construction and filming sites, hangars and warehouses. Thanks to mobility and the ability to heat a large space in a short time, diesel hearths are used in street cafes, at construction sites, in places where rallies or competitions are held.
- Electro-gas infrared fireplaces
The owners of the patent RU 2304884:
The invention relates to the food industry, everyday life and public catering, namely the production of food products, including meat products. The oven consists of a body with insulation, a working chamber, a viewing window made of heat-resistant glass to monitor the readiness of the product, upper IR emitters installed in a device for adjusting its position, lower IR emitters installed permanently, a hearth installed in grooves built into side walls of the working chamber, for fixing the distance from the emitters of the product to the object, the mode controller or the power supply voltage regulator. There is a timer on the oven panel. The technical result is the simplicity of design, the oven can be used both in the field of catering and in everyday life, not only for cooking culinary dishes, but also for heating ready-made meals. 1 ill., 1 tab.
The invention relates to the food industry, everyday life and public catering, namely the production of food products, including meat products.
A device for thermal processing of food products is known, comprising mechanically interconnected upper and lower parts with supporting elements for installation on a horizontal surface and placed in the upper part of the source of infrared radiation, the upper part is made in the form of a closed chamber, on one side of which windows are made for transmittance of the source radiation, while the upper and lower parts are connected to each other by means of vertical racks fixed on the lower part, relative to which the upper part is installed with the possibility of moving in the vertical direction, turning around the horizontal axis and fixing, and the lower part is made with ledges for installation on them utensils for processed products .
The disadvantage of this device is the bulkiness and complexity of the design.
At present, a series of microwave ovens from various manufacturers have become widespread, and the market is flooded with various ovens that use various types of heating.
Known microwave oven of the German company "Bork" for the heat treatment of food products in a combined mode: exposure to microwaves and infrared radiation, "grill" mode, mesh round stand, rotary function switch.
The disadvantage of this furnace is the slow heating of the product, since the emitters are located in the corner of the upper part of the body under the grid, with this method, the product is heated very slowly, unevenly, since the emitters are under the grid, which reduces the radiation intensity, the "grill" mode is practical for thin-layer meat products, cutlets, chicken wings.
There is also known a method of heat treatment of food products in a Ferrete microwave oven, in the same way as in the description of the method of heat treatment in the second case, meat products are placed on a grill grate, this oven also has a "grill" mode, in which electricity is supplied only to the heating element, the use of power at 100, 80, 60, 40% is provided.
The disadvantage of this device is the slow heating of the product, as in the second case, the emitters are located in the corner of the upper part of the body under the grid, which reduces the radiation intensity due to reflection from the surface and leads to the creation of an uneven radiant flux over the entire surface of the product, as a result which is inevitable local overheating and burns of the product, also this method is intended and practical only for thin layers of meat, steaks, chops, chicken sausages
The invention is aimed at eliminating these disadvantages.
To do this, in a chamber-type IR oven for thermal processing of food products with IR radiation, including a housing with insulation, a working chamber, a viewing window made of heat-resistant glass, IR emitters, a mode controller, under, according to the invention, IR emitters are installed horizontally in the upper and lower parts of the chamber, with the lower IR emitters installed permanently, and the upper ones with the possibility of adjusting the distance to the product using a device for automatically adjusting the position of the emitter, which is a collapsible structure, and the distance to the lower IR emitters is regulated by installing the hearth on the grooves intended for this, built-in on the side walls of the chamber, and the lower IR emitters, depending on the product being processed, can be turned off using the mode control.
The novelty of this device lies in the simplicity of design, small-sized, desktop chamber type, it can be used both in the field of catering and in everyday life, not only for cooking culinary dishes, but also for heating ready-made dishes, for some types of culinary products, including and meat, modes have been developed that are set in the oven using a mode controller with software, as well as an automatic control device for IR emitters, the oven is equipped with hearths of various configurations and from various materials: ceramic (of different thicknesses, the optimal thickness of the ceramic hearth was selected by the method of a planned experiment) , mesh and solid metal, porcelain.
The authors, based on previously obtained results and their personal experimental studies, directed the task of the invention to the development of methods for thermal exposure and a device in which these methods can be implemented. In the proposed device, meat products retain their nutritional value and, in comparison with the known high organoleptic, taste and beneficial properties for humans, which persist for a long time. A simple and economical method of heat treatment of not only meat products, but also various other products, as well as a device for implementing the proposed methods is proposed.
The technological cycle for the production of food products, including meat products, includes heat treatment of the product with infrared rays, in which infrared emitters are built in on both sides in the upper and lower parts of the chamber-type oven body without protective devices, due to saving energy consumption for protective devices, since some of the energy is spent on heating the protective devices.
Heat treatment can be carried out on various baking trays or hearths of various configurations and from various materials: ceramic (of various thicknesses), porcelain, mesh, solid metal.
The invention is illustrated in the drawing, which shows the view of the furnace in frontal section.
The oven consists of a housing 1 with insulation 2, a working chamber 3, a viewing window made of heat-resistant glass (not shown) for monitoring the readiness of the product, upper IR emitters 4 installed in the device 5 to control its position, lower IR emitters 6 installed stationary, hearth 7, installed in grooves 8, built-in on the side walls of the working chamber 3, to fix the distance from the emitters of the product to the object 9, the mode controller or the power supply voltage regulator (not shown), a timer is provided on the oven panel
The oven works as follows.
Depending on the product being processed, the processing mode is determined using the mode controller. Open the door. Using a device for automatically adjusting the position of the emitters 5, the distance between the upper IR emitters 4 is set. The processing object is placed on the under 7 and placed in the working chamber 3 in the grooves 8 at a distance from the lower IR emitters 6, depending on the selected mode. Close the door, turn on the mode controller and the timer and perform heat treatment. In the process of heat treatment, depending on the mode in the furnace, it is provided to turn off the lower emitters using the mode controller. The readiness of the product is determined either visually or in accordance with the worked out modes by turning off the timer.
The quality of the meat processed in the proposed oven had high organoleptic characteristics and a fairly high nutritional value, which is confirmed by analyzes of the amino acid composition compared to cooking carried out in known microwave ovens, which confirms the advantages of the proposed device and the proposed modes.
| Table Amino acid composition of meat proteins (% per 10 ml of solution) |
||||
| Amino acid | I mode, IR heating 20 cm to the emitter | II mode, IR heating 10 cm to the emitter | III mode, IR heating 5 cm to the emitter | IV mode, microwave heating |
| Asparagine | 2.21 | 2.13 | 1.86 | 0.44 |
| Threonine | 0.49 | 1.88 | 1.43 | 0.42 |
| Serene | 0.79 | 1.87 | 1.18 | 0.41 |
| Glutamine | 8.94 | 1.90 | 1.53 | 0.60 |
| Proline | 2.69 | 3.07 | 5.18 | 0.61 |
| Glycine | 1.36 | 1.29 | 3.62 | 0.50 |
| Alanine | 1.13 | 1.73 | 3.20 | 0.40 |
| Cysteine | - | 2.12 | 1.75 | 0.53 |
| Valine | 1.22 | 3.81 | 2.76 | 1.47 |
| Methionine | 0.49 | 2.08 | 2.01 | 1.14 |
| Isoleucine | 1.15 | 2.14 | 1.66 | 0.92 |
| Leucine | 2.9 | 2.08 | 1.96 | 1.03 |
| Tyrosine | 5.39 | 2.61 | 6.26 | 1.74 |
| Phenylalanine | 3.83 | 2.92 | 6.14 | 1.59 |
| Histidine | 1.13 | 4.15 | 1.71 | 1.46 |
| Lysine | 1.34 | 1.9 | 5.58 | 0.86 |
| Arginine | 3.93 | 3.92 | 19.98 | 2.00 |
| 38.95 | 41.6 | 60.23 | 16.53 |
The tabletop stove is light and compact, it is a great helper in small kitchens, summer cottages and other country houses.
Not so long ago, only electric stoves were the main assistant to housewives in areas not provided with gas. Nowadays, infrared desktop stoves (IR) are in great demand. Heating in it occurs with the help of heating elements that generate infrared radiation, and heating is based on the fact that the water in the products absorbs this radiation. This generates large amounts of heat. This principle of operation is the key to fast cooking. And it turns out with excellent taste characteristics and does not lose useful qualities. Many modifications of infrared stoves for domestic purposes are equipped with a glass-ceramic surface. They are formed by: a body, a heating component, a hob and a control unit. The heating element heats up and then heats up the cookware. These actions are provided by an electric current. The glass-ceramic surface is resistant to pressure and temperature fluctuations. On it, you can easily place massive dishes and set the maximum heating parameters. However, point impacts are dangerous for such a surface. Do not drop heavy objects on it. It can be seriously damaged, for example, by a metal corkscrew or the edge of a saucepan lid. This surface has excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the stove heats up to high rates very quickly. In domestic versions, the temperature limit is usually 300ºС. In professional - twice as much. Thanks to the glass-ceramic panel, you can: IR models allow you to cook a variety of dishes: from soups to pancakes. Available in desktop and floor versions. The second can be arranged ovens. Models are usually equipped with at least one burner, a maximum of four. Also today, more preference has been given to infrared grills. There are modifications of small dimensions. They are often used on loggias, verandas and for summer cottages. There are professional variations that are commonly found in catering establishments. They significantly accelerate and develop the quality of service. Its advantages are: These disadvantages are rather conditional. And they do not negatively affect the impression of using such tiles. Today, the question of the advantages of an induction or infrared stove is very relevant. Better short: the first heats only the dishes placed on it. And certain dishes are required here. Such models work more economically. The second is everything that is placed on it. And if there is nothing on it, it can warm up the air. Therefore, if you need a good economical option and you are ready to deal with the availability of certain types of cookware, then you need an induction unit. If the dynamics of heating and cooking is important to you, purchase desktop infrared cookers. It is important when buying to follow certain criteria. The primary criterion is the choice based on the brand. It is better to focus on the famous manufacturer. And choose one or another modification according to your needs. Other key criteria: Price indicators of IR tiles are determined by the following factors: The most impressive price tags are observed in devices made of stainless steel. The cost of this technique may develop when it contains additional options, for example: The serious cost of IR tiles subsequently pays off, since electrical resources are significantly saved. When operating an infrared tile, do not forget that this is still an electrical unit. And it is subject to certain safety rules. Before cleaning the stove, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical system. For this procedure, use only a soft sponge or cloth. Here you should also use a liquid dishwasher or a special preparation for cleaning this material - glass ceramics. The use of abrasive methods is prohibited. They adversely affect the appearance and quality of the surface. Do not forget to periodically eliminate the dust that is concentrated in the ventilation grilles of the device. You can operate manually, or you can use a vacuum cleaner. In no case do not arrange the cleaning of the tile by completely lowering it into the water. When the IR model is operated carefully and all recommendations for its use and care are followed, it will work for a very long time. Today in the assortment you can find many different desktop IR stoves. To make a wise choice, you need to know which brands are leading and which models have a good reputation among users. The following is a list of five popular modifications.Weaknesses and strengths of IR tiles
Dilemma: induction or IR?
Criterias of choice
Principles of care for this equipment
Top model examples
- Protection against overheating of internal components (when the case is heated above 1000C, the device turns off)
- Panel overheating protection (activated when the surface of the disks exceeds 5800C)
- Simple mechanical control
- The surface is easy to clean and wash
- Infrared burners provide fast heating
- You can use any dishes (except plastic and paper)
- original design
- When the device fails, it is difficult to find replacement components
The compact desktop cooker consists of a metal body, infrared heating elements and a control board. The model is available in two colors - black (RIС-3206) and silver (RIС-3206i). The control is very simple - two mechanical heating power regulators, each for its own burner. The glass-ceramic surface is durable, can withstand a lot of weight, however, it is afraid of point impacts. The diameter of the burners is 18 and 15 cm, respectively. The plate is completed with 4 legs-supports. There are 2 operation indicators on the control panel, which light up when the corresponding hotplate is switched on.
- Thanks to the high power of 1200 W, the burner heats up quickly
- Economical power consumption
- Several types of protection (against overheating of the internal structure and overheating of surfaces)
- Non-slip rubber feet increase the stability of the device
- Simple and clear mechanical control
- Glass-ceramic surface is easy to clean and wash
- High price
The infrared stove in a stainless steel case is equipped with one burner with a diameter of 18 cm. The manufacturer produces two types of models that differ in appearance. The RICCI RIC-3106i comes in silver with a black control panel, the RICCI RIC-3106 comes in black with a contrasting red insert and a shiny silver handle. The model is quite light, weighing 2 kg, it can be easily moved from place to place. The control panel consists of an indicator that lights up when the hotplate is turned on and a heat control knob.
- The control panel displays error codes to help diagnose the problem.
- Three types of protective shutdown
- Heating temperature is adjustable in the range of 60–2400С
- Control panel is locked
- 180 minute auto-off timer
- Residual heat indicator tells you when the surface is cold
- Maximum burner power 2 kW
- Indicators and fan continue to work all the time while the stove is connected to the network
Ecology of consumption. Homestead: Infrared sauna improves, stimulates and tones the activity of the whole organism, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, and improves overall well-being.
To correctly understand what exactly we are talking about, you should remember the basics of what IR rays are.
Let's understand the terminology
Infrared is a type of electromagnetic radiation, described by optical laws. That is, the nature of IR radiation is similar to ordinary light. These rays in the spectrum occupy the range between visible (red), with L=0.74 μm (where L is the wavelength), on the one hand, and HF radio emission, L=(1-2) mm, on the other.
This region of the spectrum is divided into three groups:
- DW - Longwave (50.0≤L≤2000) µm;
- MW - Medium wave (2.5≤L≤50) µm;
- SW - shortwave (0.74≤L≤2.5) µm.
This radiation takes place in any heated body. Moreover, the higher the source temperature, the shorter L, and the more intense the IR radiation.
At low temperatures, almost the entire range of such radiation is in the infrared range. Visually, such a body looks dark. As the temperature rises, the wavelength emitted by the body shifts towards the visible spectrum, passing, sequentially, red, yellow and, when high temperature values are reached, white.
On the one hand, this information is not related to the topic of this article, but on the other hand, it is directly related. It allows you to understand the terminological confusion that manufacturers of IR ovens allow themselves when describing their products:
- Some call it infrared;
- Others - longwave;
- Third - dark;
- Fourth - light.
But all of the listed ovens are infrared. And the discrepancy in the names is due to the fact that DWs have a lower temperature of the outer surface, so their IR radiation lies in the long-wave range. Such emitters are often referred to as dark ones, because. at such temperatures, the bodies practically do not glow. CB ovens are called gray. Their outside temperature is higher. And KV are characterized by max temperatures, and are called light, or white. In numbers it looks like this:
- Superdark bodies - (200≤t≤400)°С;
- Dark - (400≤t≤600)°С;
- Catalytic low temperature
- (600≤t≤800)°С;
- Medium temperature light - (800≤t≤1000)°С;
- High-temperature light - over 1000 ° C.
The design of the infrared oven
IR stoves for saunas are more correctly called heaters, since the principle of their operation is similar to heaters.
These devices have:
- metal or ceramic heat-resistant case of a rectangular shape, having the appropriate strength;
- an IR lamp is installed in it, similar to a fluorescent lamp (daylight);
- the case contains a heat-reflecting screen and a heat-insulating layer that protects the case from overheating;
- reflector that radiates heat;
- panel on which the heating elements are mounted.
When connected to the mains, the latter are heated. Heat is transferred to the reflector - emitter. The room warms up in stages. First. Radiation zone. Then the air in the room. This ensures even heating.
In modern products, the following elements can be used as a heater:
- ceramic. A plate of ceramic material in which a high-resistance conductor is embedded:
- (nichrome), designed for heating up to a thousand degrees;
- Fechral (with very high resistance) - up to 800 ° C, respectively.
Due to specific design features, they are used only in ceiling and wall models. They are not used in floor-standing devices. Average service life - up to 4 years;
- Quartz. They are made from tubes made of quartz glass. They have insulation made of Al profile silt, which allows to achieve heat radiation from the entire surface of the plate at once. In many models there are several similar heaters.
Products are designed for seven years of operation;
- Carbon. A tube made of quartz, in which a carbon thread is embedded in the form of a spiral. The flask is vacuum. Carbon threads are heated up to 3000°C (while maintaining strength). The type of heating element determines the heating temperature of the reflector plate. Usually it is (200-600)°C. But max case heating temperature ≤ 60°C.
- Film emitters. They are fixed on the entire inner surface of the cabin (walls, ceiling). operating temperatures of the surface of such a radiator (25-50)°C. Often used in conjunction with ceramic.
The average dimensions of such a device: (1000-1500) * 160 * 40. Weight, depending on the model, (3.5 - 5.0) kg.
IR heaters are offered to the client in the following configuration:
- Complete heater;
- Fasteners included (this includes brackets, as well as hardware).
Everything else needs to be purchased separately:
- Automatic switches;
- Cable and plug matched to the existing load;
- thermostat;
- Other accessories.
Installation of IR ovens
Such heaters can be installed:
- On the floor. The downside is that they take up a lot of space. There is a high probability of overturning by negligence. Therefore, the devices must be equipped with an automatic shutdown if the heater falls;
- On the walls. Attaching is more difficult. But this is fully offset by the safety of this option, its compactness and visual appeal;
- On the ceiling. Requires the most complex installation and adjustment.
There are options for IR ovens designed for corner installation. They radiate in the (90-120)° sector.
To maintain the required temperature, special thermostats are used.
The zone of maximum efficiency of the heaters is approximately 150 mm from the body of the bather. With this in mind, the vertical wall-mounted installation option, in the immediate vicinity of the shelves, is considered optimal.
To warm up the legs at the level of the calf muscles, one or two heaters are installed.
Infrared chest heaters are mounted in the corners of the sauna cabin.
The optimal power for an infrared sauna is 350W (when located at a distance of 150 mm from the body). Higher capacity heaters are not recommended. At this distance, they can cause a burn. And at a greater distance, the efficiency of IR radiation decreases.
The surface of the installed emitters needs to be cooled. This explains the recommendation to leave between their rear wall and the enclosing structure of the sauna cabin 30-50 mm for the formation of convective flows. This allows you to cool the devices and reduces the warm-up time of the entire volume of air in the sauna cabin.
Furnaces are connected to a standard power supply network (230V/50Hz) at a current strength of 15A. a special socket for connecting the infrared sauna cabin is not required.
IR oven control
There are 2 control options:
- Provides temperature control. Turning the heaters on and off is carried out automatically according to the commands generated by the VCT sensor (temperature control). This option does not allow you to completely warm up the body of a person in the steam room;
- Designed to control power consumption. These models are designed to change the intensity of IR radiation, which allows you to select the indicator that is optimal for a particular person. In such a case, the entire human body is heated evenly, gradually and smoothly. What provides the maximum therapeutic effect.
To control IR ovens can be used:
- External control panel located outside the sauna cabin. Allows you to set the radiation power and duration of the procedure. After the set time has elapsed, the system disconnects from the network automatically;
- The built-in block of automatic equipment for regulation of work of all heating elements. With an average power consumption of 1.1 kW, this product is designed to control 6 IR heaters. Therefore, they are equipped with mini steam rooms, for one or two users. For larger saunas, a more powerful (1.5 kW) unit with 8 heaters is recommended;
- Internal remote control for adjusting the microclimate parameters to optimal values.
Advantages of IR ovens
Among the main advantages of such heaters for saunas, it should be noted:
- Their compactness, which makes it possible to complete them with even small apartment saunas;
- Simplicity and convenience of installation and dismantling;
- Autonomy. Such furnaces do not require constant human control and do not need periodic addition of fuel;
- Minimum warm-up time. The classic oven will heat the steam room to the desired temperature in 1.5 - 2 hours. IR oven requires ≤ 20 minutes. At the same time, oxygen is not burned out of the air;
- The low temperature of the case allows you to mount such heaters on surfaces finished with any materials;