Investing in a home sauna means creating your own personal wellness sanctuary, where you can relax after a long day, detox after a long night, support faster recovery after an intense workout, and much, much more.
But similar to choosing among all the types of saunas, picking among the different types of sauna heaters can feel overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from, and the heater in your sauna dictates both the experience you have and the costs involved.
That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide unpacking the sauna heater types. Nordica Sauna actually carries all four of the most common heaters, and you can count on us to help you choose the right one among each of these:
- Electric Sauna Heaters
- Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters
- Gas Sauna Heaters
- Infrared Sauna Heaters
So, learn more below - or better yet, get in touch with our customer service team for one-on-one support in picking the perfect sauna heater. All our heaters are sourced from the best sauna brands and available at the lowest prices online, guaranteed. Take the next step today!
Type | Efficiency | Installation | Cost | Aesthetic | Ideal Sauna Size |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Electric | High | Moderate (Professional wiring needed) | $$ | Modern, sleek | Small to medium |
Wood-Burning | Medium | High (Chimney required) | $$$ | Rustic, traditional | Medium to large |
Gas | High | High (Gas line required) | $$$$ | Functional | Large |
Infrared | Very High | Low (Plug-and-play) | $ | Compact, modern | Small to medium |
The Role of the Heater in Your Sauna
The heater in your sauna is what transforms a simple wooden structure into a space for relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. It’s what actually induces the sweat in a sauna, after all.
Not all sauna heaters provide the same experience, though. The specific heater you choose shapes everything from precise temperature control to the ambiance within the sauna, the type of steam produced, ongoing costs of operation, maintenance requirements, and much more.
Some heaters warm your space as quickly as possible while others are designed to create soft, soothing heat for longer sessions. In comparing the infrared sauna vs dry sauna or the infrared vs steam sauna, the actual therapeutic effects will differ, too.
The point is you need to take the types of sauna heaters as seriously as any other aspect of choosing a sauna, like picking between an indoor vs outdoor sauna. So, what are the different sauna heater types you have at your disposal?
What are the Different Types of Sauna Heaters?
If you were to take a trip back in time to the origins of saunas in Finland, you’d see they were heated using wood-burning stoves. It definitely got the job done - but today’s sauna user wants much more control and convenience.
This has spawned all sorts of innovation in sauna heating technology, with options ranging from electric heaters to gas heaters, and even infrared sauna heaters! Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option below.
Electric Sauna Heaters
Electric sauna heaters are the most popular option in 2025 given their convenience, efficiency, and versatility. As you can imagine they’re powered by electricity and the installation process is fairly simple, too - just connect to a power supply and turn it on!
Both residential and commercial saunas alike can be powered by an electric heater. Here are some of the key features that set them apart from the rest:
- Precision Temperature Control: Built-in or external digital controls allow you to set and maintain precise temperatures. Very user-friendly and customizable. Some can even be controlled remotely!
- Quick Heating Times: You don’t want to wait around to use your sauna, and you don’t have to with electric heaters often reaching target temperatures within 30 minutes. Again, you can pre-warm your sauna remotely so it’s ready when you get home!
- Compact Design Options: Wall-mounted or floor-standing models make it easy to integrate an electric heater into various sauna sizes and layouts.
- Safety Features: Overheating protection and automatic shut-off mechanisms provide peace of mind during use.
These are a great fit for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, efficient solution that delivers consistent heat without the need for manual intervention.
Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters
Wood-burning sauna heaters are the most timeless choice for anyone who wants the traditional, rustic experience reminiscent of the original Finnish saunas.
These rely on wood as the heat source to create a natural, authentic ambiance that’s unlike any other type of sauna heater. Key features include:
- Off-Grid Capability: Perfect for saunas in remote or off-grid locations since they don’t require electricity. This also reduces your carbon footprint.
- Aromatic Experience: Burning wood releases a pleasant aroma that can enhance the sensory side of your sauna sessions.
- High Heat Output: These heaters can achieve incredibly high temperatures for a dry heat environment that purists prefer.
- Manual Control: You control the heat by adjusting the wood supply, which adds a hands-on, interactive element to the sauna experience.
Now, it’s important to note that wood-burning sauna stoves aren’t for everyone. The manual effort that goes into operating them can sometimes be seen as a hassle. You need to keep wood on hand and remove ashes regularly.
Proper ventilation is also necessary for safe, efficient performance. But if you love the traditional appeal of sauna therapy and have access to free or low-cost firewood, it’s a no-brainer!
Infrared Sauna Heaters
While technically not a “traditional” sauna heater, there’s a reason our collection of infrared sauna for sale is among our best sellers. These are unique in that they don’t add heat to the air within the sauna. Rather, they heat the body directly. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
- Low Operating Temperatures: They operate at lower temperatures (120°F-140°F) without compromising on the experience, perfect for those sensitive to heat.
- Energy Efficiency: Infrared technology uses less energy compared to traditional heaters, making them an eco-friendly option. They tend to cost less upfront, too!
- Health Benefits: Infrared heat penetrates deep into the body to support better detoxification, pain relief, and improved circulation.
- Compact Design: Infrared panels are typically slim and can be mounted on walls or ceilings, saving space in smaller saunas.
But are infrared saunas safe? And are infrared saunas worth it? Yes, and yes. Those drawn to sauna therapy for the physical benefits will find this style more in line with their goals. Plus, they’re more affordable and accessible.
That being said, the experience they deliver is a bit different from that of traditional saunas for sale, so just keep that in mind. It’s worth trying one of these locally before committing if you aren’t sure what to expect.
Gas Sauna Heaters
These may be less common but we’re here to introduce all the different types of sauna heaters. You’ll find these more commonly in larger saunas for commercial use. They rely on either natural gas or propane as a fuel source, with features such as:
- High Efficiency: Consistent heat with lower operational costs compared to electric options, especially for frequent use.
- Fast Heating: These warm up a sauna quickly to minimize wait time before sessions.
- Durable Construction: Built to handle heavy-duty usage. A reliable choice for large-scale operations, be it a spa or fitness center.
- Customizable Installations: Gas heaters can be vented or non-vented depending on the sauna's location and requirements.
Just be aware that installing gas sauna heaters requires professional expertise given you’ll be working with gas line connections and ventilation systems. They’re impractical for smaller home saunas most of the time.
Which of the Sauna Heater Types is Right For You?
There you have it, all the different types of sauna heaters! Each has its place, but only one is right for you. If you still aren’t sure which direction to take, let us provide some insights below to steer you toward the right path.
Installation Location
If you have already chosen between an indoor sauna or outdoor sauna, that information can help narrow down your options to some extent.
For example, electric and infrared heaters are popular for indoor saunas since ventilation isn’t necessary and they’re inherently more compact. In contrast, outdoor saunas have a bit more flexibility. They can be powered by electricity, gas, wood, or in some cases, infrared heat.
Those looking to set up a sauna in a remote or off-grid location will likely have to choose wood-burning stoves just based on necessity.
Sauna Size
Similar to the location your sauna is going to be installed in, the amount of space you have inside will dictate which of the different sauna heater types makes the most sense. Here are some quick recommendations:
- Small Saunas: Infrared or compact electric heaters with lower kilowatt ratings are ideal as they provide efficient heat without taking up limited space.
- Medium to Large Saunas: More space to heat calls for more powerful heating solutions. Gas heaters or larger electric models provide even heat distribution.
- Commercial Saunas: Spas or other commercial spaces typically use gas or heavy-duty electric heaters with higher kW ratings to handle frequent use and larger capacities.
We know a lot of our customers stress about sizing their heater in accordance with the size of their sauna, so we’ve put together an intuitive sauna heater size calculator - check it out!
Budget Restraints
We know sauna prices can be a bit overwhelming as is, and adding in the cost of your heater only makes things more stressful. The good news is you can rest assured you’re getting the best value at Nordica Sauna thanks to price matching, free shipping, and more.
In general, though, infrared saunas tend to be the most affordable option upfront, while electric heaters can be fairly budget-friendly as well. Some wood-burning stoves also provide excellent value without breaking the bank.
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and cutting corners in choosing a heater will come back to bite you in the long run. You’ll wish you’d invested in better quality from the start.
On that note, think not just about the initial cost but ongoing costs of operation. While gas and wood-burning stoves may be more expensive at first, they’re more efficient.
Convenience Considerations
You simply cannot beat the convenience of infrared or electric sauna heaters. All you do is set your preferred temperature and let the heater do the rest. Even maintenance is minimal.
The rustic charm of a wood-burning stove comes at the cost of convenience. You have to start the fire and keep it stoked, and constantly chopping up or sourcing firewood can be a hassle - as is cleaning up all sorts of ash.
For the ultimtae in convenience invest in an electric, infrared, or gas heater with digital controls and Wi-Fi compatibility so you can preheat your sauna remotely.
Don’t Play the Guessing Game!
There’s a lot that goes into choosing among the different sauna heater types, and we know how stressful it can be. You don’t have to play the guessing game, though.
Our knowledgeable customer service team is here to guide you every step of the way, answering your questions and helping you find the perfect match for your sauna setup.
So, why not get in touch today to take the next step towards bringing the benefits of sauna therapy into your home?
Shop All the Different Types of Sauna Heaters From Trusted Brands at Nordica Sauna!
Your sauna experience begins and ends with the right heater, and at Nordica Sauna, we make finding your ideal match effortless. Our curated collection features industry-leading brands with models for every sauna style, size, budget, and preference.
Browse sleek electric heaters with cutting-edge technology to rustic wood-burning stoves for a traditional touch. Or, narrow your search based on the size of your sauna:
- 1 person sauna for sale
- 2 person sauna for sale
- 3 person sauna for sale
- 4 person sauna for sale
- 5 person sauna for sale
- 6 person sauna for sale
- 8 person sauna for sale
From Harvia sauna heaters to HUUM sauna heater, we’ve got all the top brands at the lowest prices online, guaranteed. You can stretch your budget even further thanks to our free shipping. We also offer financing and the ability to use HSA/FSA funds.
Plus, our sauna heater size quiz and expert support team are here to guide you every step of the way, simplifying your search and ensuring you choose a heater that’s just right.
Don’t settle for less when it comes to your sauna experience. Explore our collection today and discover why Nordica Sauna is the trusted name in premium sauna heaters!
Bringing Our Guide on the Sauna Heater Types to a Close
That does it for our guide on all the different types of sauna heaters. From electric and infrared heaters to traditional wood-burning and gas options, each type offers unique benefits based on your space, budget, and preferences.
Learn more about how long to stay in a sauna, sauna before or after massage, sauna while fasting, barrel sauna vs square sauna, when is the best time to sauna, red light therapy vs infrared sauna, Harvia vs HUUM, and more in our blog.
But whether you’re looking for the best infrared sauna for home, a hybrid sauna, or anything in between, remember that Nordica Sauna is a brand you can trust to help make your vision a reality.
Read our sauna buying guide to jumpstart this journey, or simply connect with our customer service team today. Personalized help is just a click or call away.