Saunas have been used for centuries as a way to relax, detoxify, and promote overall health and wellbeing. There are several different types of saunas, each with their own unique heat source. Determining which type of sauna heat is the “best” depends on factors like temperature range, humidity level, how it’s generated, and personal preference.
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Different Types of Sauna Heating Methods
The main sauna heating methods include:
- Wood-burning stove saunas
- Electric saunas
- Infrared saunas
- Gas-powered saunas
Each method has its own advantages and characteristics.
Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters
As the traditional method, wood-burning stoves use fire to heat special sauna rocks that then radiate warmth into the sauna room. The temperature can reach up to 190°F, with average humidity around 10-20%.
Benefits of wood-burning sauna heat:
- Authentic sauna experience
- Delivers “soft heat” for comfort
- Infuses aroma from wood
- Can reach very high temperatures
Downsides of wood-burning sauna heat:
- More work to maintain the fire
- Possible smoke smell
- Less control over temperature/humidity
- Need ventilation for smoke
- Extended heat-up time
Electric Sauna Heaters
Electric sauna heaters use electric heating elements to warm up sauna rocks or ceramic plates. The temperature is adjustable with most models reaching max heat of 195°F. Humidity is around 10-15%.
Benefits of electric sauna heat:
- Convenient and easy to use
- Precise temperature control
- Lower operating costs
- Fast heat up time
- Safer – no open flames
Downsides of electric sauna heat:
- Less traditional sauna experience
- Can dry out air more
- Higher initial installation cost
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared lamps or panels to emit infrared rays that are absorbed by the body. Temperatures typically range from 120-150°F with very low humidity. The heat is more concentrated directly on the body compared to conventional saunas.
Benefits of infrared sauna heat:
- Lower operating temperatures
- Direct heat penetrates the body deeper
- More portable and quicker to install
- Lower electricity costs
Downsides of infrared sauna heat:
- Less of a traditional sauna feel
- Effects can be temporary
- Potential for overheating at higher temps
- Not heating the air can feel stuffy
Gas Saunas
Gas sauna heaters utilize natural gas or propane to heat up the sauna rocks. The temperature reaches up to 190°F with dry air around 5-10% humidity. They heat up faster than wood-burning saunas.
Benefits of gas sauna heat:
- Very fast heat up time
- Controllable temperature settings
- Cleaner burning than wood-burning
- No need to refuel during use
Downsides of gas sauna heat:
- Installation may be more complex
- Requires ventilation for exhaust
- Doesn’t have the wood burning aroma
- Can dry out air more than other types
Key Factors in Determining Best Sauna Heat
With the main sauna heating methods compared, here are some key factors to help determine what the “best” sauna heat may be:
Temperature Range
The target sauna temperature can impact what heating method works best. Traditional saunas are meant to reach 160-190°F. Infrared saunas work at a lower 120-150°F range. Consider your desired heat tolerance.
Humidity Level
Wood-burning stoves and electric saunas maintain some level of humidity around 10-20%. Gas and infrared saunas have very low humidity around 5-10%. If dry air bothers you, opt for wood or electric.
Heating Method
The heating mechanism itself – whether wood-burning, electric, infrared, or gas – results in different sauna experiences. Select the heating method most aligned with your priorities like heat intensity, safety, aroma, etc.
Convenience and Maintenance
Factor in the convenience of the heating operation and any maintenance needed. Wood-burning requires the most effort while electric and gas offer simple on/off control. Infrared and electric require little maintenance.
Costs
The operating and installation costs can differ substantially. Wood-burning has fuel costs, gas/electric have utility costs. Initial costs can be higher for electric and gas units. Operating costs tend to be lowest for infrared.
Environmental Considerations
Sustainability may be a priority, in which case wood-burning stoves or electric would have the lowest environmental impact. Gas and wood-burning do produce emissions during operation.
Sauna Size
The heating unit size and power output must match the size of the sauna room. Small 1-2 person infrared saunas need much less heating power than a larger 6-person traditional sauna room for example.
Personal Preferences
Ultimately your individual preferences for the type of sauna experience will help determine the best sauna heat. Focus on the features most important to you.
Safety Precautions
When using any type of sauna, keep these general safety tips in mind:
- Hydrate before, during and after
- Start with shorter sessions if new to sauna use
- Avoid alcohol before or during sauna use
- Listen to your body and exit if feeling unwell
- Allow body to cool down between sessions
- Sit on a towel to absorb sweat
- Keep head and heart above the level of the rest of your body
- Avoid pouring water on heating elements directly
- Supervise children at all times
It’s also important to follow the safety guidelines for your particular sauna heating system.
Best Sauna Heat Types by Category
Based on their unique properties and characteristics, here are the sauna heating methods that could be considered the “best” in these categories:
| Category | Best Sauna Heat Type |
|---|---|
| Most authentic traditional feel | Wood-burning stove |
| Advanced temperature control | Electric sauna heater |
| Deepest direct body heating | Infrared sauna |
| Fastest heat-up time | Gas sauna heater |
| Best for small spaces | Infrared sauna |
| Environmentally friendly option | Wood-burning or electric sauna |
This comparison shows that different types of sauna heat may be better suited for certain criteria, depending on your specific needs and preferences. There is no definitive “best” – it comes down to individual priorities.
Conclusion
Determining the best type of sauna ultimately depends on careful consideration of the temperature range, humidity level, heating method, convenience, costs, environmental impact, sauna size, and personal preferences. While wood-burning stoves provide an authentic traditional sauna, other types like electric, gas, and infrared offer their own unique benefits. Following basic safety precautions is critical regardless of which sauna heat type you choose. Weigh your priorities thoughtfully to decide which sauna heating method is right for you.