Are you planning to buy a sauna heater? Saunas are linked to various mental and physical benefits, and installing one in your home is an excellent investment. There many sauna heaters to choose from, so finding the right one for your home can be a challenge.

In this article, we’ll talk about six different types of sauna heaters and explain the pros and cons of each one. So, let’s dive in. 

The Different Types of Sauna Heaters Explained

The earliest saunas were built in caves, but today we have several options for choosing the best sauna to install at home. Each type of sauna heater has some advantages and disadvantages, so you need to compare their features before purchasing. 

Sauna heaters determine how your sauna will work. They can also control the temperature and humidity levels, customizing the sauna experience for your comfort. 

1. Wood-Burning Heaters

If you want something that reminds you of the traditional sauna experience, a wood-burning heater can be the right choice. Wood-burning heaters heat the rocks in the sauna to increase temperature, releasing the heat for a conventional relaxing experience. 

Many homeowners prefer these heaters because they’re affordable. Yet, you should consider the cost and time spent to chop the wood and maintain the heater, as well as the resulting ash and smoke. Nevertheless, these heaters will work best if you’re looking for an authentic experience. 

Pros

• Affordable
• Rustic experience
• Can operate without electricity

Cons

• Require more maintenance
• Requires wood (Chopping wood isn’t that easy!)

1. Electric Heaters

It takes only a button click to activate electric heaters and enjoy a relaxing sauna experience. All you have to do is plug in the heater, set the temperature, and wait until the sauna is hot enough to heat the rocks. 

Many prefer these heaters because they come with various options like timers and temperature regulators. An electric heater will be the right choice for you if you want a straightforward-to-use option. 

However, despite being affordable, the cost of using these heaters regularly will increase your energy bill. Moreover, they don’t provide the same authentic experience as wood-burning heaters. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Several controls for more comfort

Cons

• Less authentic experience 
• Will increase the energy bill

1. Infrared Heaters

The infrared heater is one of the easiest and fastest options, but unlike other options, it doesn’t heat the rocks. Instead, it heats the body of the sauna itself. Typically, these are built into the sauna and sold as part of a full infrared sauna kit.

These heaters feature infrared panels that heat up and emit heat. As a result, they use less energy than electric heaters.

People prefer infrared sauna heaters because infrared can penetrate through skin layers and improve some skin problems like acne. Infrared heaters are more convenient for compact spaces but lack the experience you get from traditional heaters. 

Pros

• Energy-efficient
• Easy to use
• Work for limited spaces
• Can help with skin issues

Cons

• Don’t deliver an authentic experience

1. Gas Heaters

Gas heaters burn propane or natural gas to emit heat and heat up the rocks inside your sauna. They heat up quickly compared to traditional heaters, and they produce very little smoke and ash. 

Although they don’t deliver an authentic experience, many people prefer these heaters because they’re easy to use. Also, these heaters are great for outdoor sauna parties because you don’t have to rely on electricity. 

Yet, installing a gas line can be quite expensive. If you don’t have one, you might have to buy gas cylinders that last only a few sessions. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Suitable for outdoor use

Cons

• Installing a gas line is expensive
• Don’t deliver an authentic experience

1. Steam Heaters

Steam heaters aren’t that common in residential properties, but you might see them in gyms and spas. Steam heaters use electricity that heats up the water and creates steam. 

A steam sauna is different from other dry saunas because the air will be more humid. However, you can also control the temperature and amount of steam easily. 

The steam sauna can help with several health issues like skin problems and sinusitis. However, maintaining these saunas is more difficult because the steam can lead to the buildup of mold and mildew. Moreover, they require a lot of ventilation, and they’re not energy efficient. 

Pros

• A relaxing and soothing experience
• Steam can help with several health issues
• You can control the sauna experience

Cons

• Difficult to operate and maintain
• Not suitable for residential properties
• Require more maintenance

1. Smoke Heaters

These are the heaters you can typically find in Finland; otherwise, they’re very rare. Unlike wood-burning heaters that have chimneys, a smoke sauna will trap the smoke to create heat. 

The trapped carbon monoxide can lead to poisoning, so it should be cleared properly before anyone can use the sauna. Smoke heaters will deliver the most authentic sauna experience, but these saunas aren’t that easy to operate or maintain. 

They require special knowledge, and the accumulation of soot on walls and ceilings is annoying. You might be able to rent one, but they’re rarely installed in homes. 

Pros

• An authentic and traditional experience

Cons

• Difficult to operate and maintain
• Can be dangerous

Bonus: Saunum Climate Equalizers

Saunum’s patented air blending system draws heat and steam from near the ceiling, mixes it with cooler, more oxygenated air near the floor, then directs more comfortable, breathable steam throughout the room. This equalizes room temperature by more than 60% for a significantly better sauna experience. You’ll enjoy longer, more satisfying sauna sessions with more intense sweating. 

All sauna bathers have experienced the same issue – extreme variance in temperature and oxygen from the ceiling to the floor. The temperature at the ceiling can often exceed 200°F, while at the floor it will be under 100°F, causing your feet to feel uncomfortably cool and your head to be too hot. The temperature and oxygen level should be more consistent throughout. 

This revolutionary sauna heater includes an ingenious climate equalizing system that more evenly balances the temperature and oxygen levels throughout your sauna for softer, more breathable air.

How to Choose the Best Sauna Heater

After understanding the differences between these heaters, you need to think about your budget, your space, how frequently you use the sauna, and how much effort you’re willing to put into it. Some heaters are more suitable for novice owners, while others will work for you if you want an authentic experience. 

Wrap Up

 

There are six different types of sauna heaters, and each one comes with some pros and cons. We’ve explained briefly the kind of experience you can expect from each one to help you pick the right one for your space. If you are unsure which heater is right for you, reach out to us and we would be happy to help you find the perfect fit.