Tulikivi: Finnish Sauna Heaters Made from Soapstone

Tulikivi: Finnish Sauna Heaters Made from Soapstone

A Finnish sauna is not just a room — it is a philosophy. And every philosophy needs the right instrument. The heaters that embody this tradition most consistently are called Tulikivi. This is not simply a sauna equipment manufacturer — it is a Finnish company with over a century of history, whose entire foundation rests literally in stone: in soapstone (also known as talc-magnesite, in Czech as mastek) quarried from the company’s own mine in North Karelia. If you have not come across this name before, this article will explain why that should change.

A Story That Began in Stone — and Continues at the Fireplace

Tulikivi is rooted in the town of Juuka in North Karelia, northern Finland. The company has more than a hundred years of history behind it — under the name Tulikivi it has been operating for over forty years. The name is no accident: in Finnish it means “fire stone”. And stone — soapstone — has been at the heart of the business from the very beginning.

Today Tulikivi is primarily a manufacturer of soapstone fireplaces. These products, built on the unique ability of the stone to store and slowly release heat, form the flagship of the entire company and are exported throughout Europe. Beyond fireplaces, Tulikivi also offers natural soapstone cladding and tiles, stone interior elements, and of course sauna heaters — both wood-burning and electric. Sauna heaters have been part of the portfolio since 1985; the electric version arrived in 2009 and has since become an increasingly important part of the range.

Today Tulikivi is a publicly listed company, led by Heikki Vauhkonen — a second-generation “Tulikivi person” and minority shareholder. In 2026 the company is expanding its exports to Japan and North America. All production remains entirely Finnish: the heaters carry the Avainlippu (Key Flag) certification guaranteeing Finnish origin, with the exception of some imported electronics.

Soapstone: The Material That Changes the Sauna

Understanding Tulikivi means understanding soapstone. This natural rock — also known technically as talc-magnesite, in Czech as mastek — has exceptional thermal properties: it stores heat and releases it evenly and slowly. In a sauna context, this has profound consequences.

Conventional steel heaters heat up quickly and cool down just as fast — air temperature oscillates, steam comes in bursts. Soapstone works differently: as a thermal reservoir that heats sauna air steadily, without sharp fluctuations. The result is the typical Finnish steam experience — gentle, humid, deeply felt. That is löyly — the Finnish word for the steam created by pouring water over hot stones, the very soul of the Finnish sauna — and it is precisely this experience for which Finnish sauna culture has earned worldwide respect.

The second major difference is safety. Soapstone cladding keeps the heater’s outer surface temperature below 80°C even at full load — independent testing confirmed that surface temperatures stayed well below 100°C even at peak operation. Compare that with steel heaters where surfaces reach 150–300°C. In a sauna with Tulikivi heaters you simply do not perceive the heater as a dangerous source of radiant heat — you sit in pleasant warmth, not in fear of burns.

Material Comparison: What Brochures Don’t Tell You

The New Kevo Collection: Design Inspired by the Wilderness

The current Tulikivi electric heater range carries the name Kevo — derived from the Kevo Canyon in northern Finland, a natural wonder of rugged cliffs and deep silence. This is not just a marketing frame: the collection genuinely captures the combination of strength and calm that defines Tulikivi’s character.

The Kevo collection includes three models with distinct designs and technical parameters:

• Kaarna — a column-shaped heater with natural soapstone cladding, height 79–94 cm (adjustable), diameter 370 mm, weight 72 kg, stone capacity ~30 kg. Available in Classic (smooth soapstone) and Nobile (matte, water-jet processed) finishes. Power range from 4.5 kW to 15.3 kW.
• Pyry — multi-layer construction with cast stone cladding, diameter 360 mm, weight 44 kg, minimum safety distances of just 50 mm. Requires no protective railing and can be integrated directly into benches.
• Usva — minimalist design with a steel surface in black or white, diameter 360 mm, weight 26 kg. A compact solution for a wide variety of sauna types.

Alongside the Kevo collection, the Tuisku and Tuisku XL models remain in the range for larger spaces and commercial use. Each model and its technical parameters will be covered in depth in subsequent articles — always with a focus on which type of sauna it suits best.

Why Tulikivi Is Not “Just Another Finnish Heater”

There are many Finnish sauna heater manufacturers on the European market. Tulikivi stands apart on one key point: it is the only manufacturer using soapstone as heater cladding at this scale and consistency. This advantage is not merely aesthetic — it is structural.

Soapstone does not rust, does not change colour, and does not burn out. Tulikivi heaters look virtually the same after fifteen or twenty years as on the day of installation. Even heat release creates conditions you will appreciate with every sauna visit. And lower surface temperatures are valued by anyone bathing with children or elderly family members.

Tulikivi in the Czech Republic: Greus as Your Direct Connection

Greus is the official distributor of Tulikivi in the Czech Republic. This means direct access to the full current heater range, complete technical documentation, project consulting, and after-sales support. Whether you are designing a private wellness space in a family home, equipping a hotel spa, or building a premium sauna for a demanding client — Greus provides the expert background and personal approach that makes the difference.

Want to find out which heater suits your project? Visit greus.com or contact us directly — we are happy to help you choose a solution tailored to your sauna and your budget.