Understanding Different Types of Sauna Heaters:
Here is an educational graphic showcasing different types of sauna heaters to help you choose the perfect fit for your sauna experience!

Choosing the right sauna heater is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when designing or upgrading your sauna space. The heater you select will affect not only the ambiance and functionality of your sauna but also its operating costs and maintenance requirements. Here at Sauna Depot, we offer a diverse range of saunas that cater to every preference, whether you’re looking for a high-tech, modern feel or a classic, rustic vibe.

Table of Contents 

1. Electric Sauna Heaters: Convenience Meets Efficiency

Electric sauna heaters are widely favored for their convenience and efficiency. They are easy to install, heat up quickly, and are simple to operate, making them a fantastic choice for both home and commercial use. Modern electric heaters are equipped with digital controls that allow you to set the temperature and timer, ensuring a precise and customizable sauna experience every time. Additionally, electric heaters can be installed either on the wall or the floor, giving you flexibility in designing your sauna layout.
  • How it works: Electric sauna heaters are powered by electricity. They use heating elements to warm sauna stones that radiate heat throughout the room. They often come with thermostats and timers, allowing you to easily control the temperature and duration of your sauna session.
  • Advantages:
    • Convenience: Simply flip a switch, and the sauna starts heating up, making it the most user-friendly option.
    • Temperature control: Electric heaters usually have precise control panels, so you can easily set and maintain the desired temperature.
    • Fast heating: These heaters can quickly bring the sauna to the desired temperature, usually within 30-60 minutes.
    • Low maintenance: Aside from regular cleaning and occasionally replacing the heating elements, electric heaters require little upkeep.
  • Ideal for: Homeowners looking for a hassle-free and efficient sauna experience. They work well for both small and medium-sized saunas.
For a reliable, user-friendly option, explore our extensive selection of electric saunas at Sauna Depot. You’ll find various models and power ratings that allow you to match the heater to the specific size of your sauna room.

2. Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters: A Traditional Choice with Unmatched Ambiance

If you’re drawn to the crackle of firewood and the cozy aroma of burning wood, then a wood-burning sauna heater might be just what you’re looking for. These heaters offer an authentic sauna experience reminiscent of traditional Finnish saunas, where people have enjoyed the warmth of wood-fired heat for centuries. Although wood-burning heaters require more effort in maintenance and firewood supply, they provide a rewarding, hands-on experience that can make your sauna sessions feel like a ritual.
  • How it works: Wood-burning sauna heaters use logs to produce heat. The fire heats the stones, which then radiate warmth into the room. This is the most traditional form of heating, often found in outdoor saunas or rural settings.
  • Advantages:
    • Natural ambiance: The crackling sound of wood, the smell of burning logs, and the fire's soft glow create a soothing and authentic sauna atmosphere.
    • No electricity required: Perfect for off-grid locations or those who want a natural experience without reliance on power.
    • High heat: Wood-burning saunas typically produce a hotter, more intense experience, which some sauna enthusiasts prefer.
  • Considerations:
    • Requires maintenance: You need to chop or source firewood, start and tend to the fire, and regularly clean out the ash.
    • Slow to heat: Compared to electric heaters, saunas may take longer to heat up, often 60-90 minutes, depending on the sauna size and fire intensity.
    • Ventilation: Proper ventilation and a chimney are essential to direct smoke out of the sauna.
Ideal for outdoor saunas or locations where electricity isn’t practical, our wood-burning sauna collection combines craftsmanship and durability with that timeless, rustic charm.

3. Infrared Sauna Heaters: Advanced Technology for Health and Wellness

Infrared sauna heaters are popular among health enthusiasts and wellness seekers for their unique heating methods. Instead of warming the air, infrared heaters use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly. This leads to a gentle, even warmth that feels deeply soothing without the intense heat of traditional saunas. Infrared saunas are particularly popular for their therapeutic benefits, which include improved circulation, detoxification, and muscle relaxation.
  • How it works: Instead of heating the air, infrared sauna heaters use infrared light to directly heat the body. The infrared rays penetrate the skin and warm the body from the inside out, creating a milder, more targeted heat.
  • Advantages:
    • Health benefits: Infrared saunas are popular for their potential health benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, pain relief, and relaxation. The deep sweating they promote can also help with weight loss.
    • Lower temperature: Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (120°F to 150°F) than traditional saunas, making them more comfortable for longer sessions.
    • Energy-efficient: Since infrared heaters don’t need to heat the air, they use less energy and cost less.
  • Considerations:
    • Not a traditional experience: The sensation of warmth in an infrared sauna differs from a conventional sauna's enveloping heat. Some traditional sauna lovers may need more ambiance.
    • Limited social experience: Infrared saunas are typically smaller, making them better suited for solo or small groups.
  • Ideal for: People focused on health and wellness benefits, those who prefer lower temperatures, or those with limited space who want an energy-efficient sauna.

If you’re interested in a modern approach to sauna therapy, look at our infrared sauna selection. Our models are designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, offering a unique way to relax and rejuvenate in the comfort of your own home.

4. Gas Sauna Heaters: Power and Efficiency for Larger Saunas

Gas-powered sauna heaters offer a high-powered, efficient heating solution ideal for large saunas and commercial spaces. Operating on natural gas or propane, these heaters heat up quickly and reach higher temperatures than other heater types. Although they require professional installation and routine maintenance, gas heaters are cost-effective for those who use their sauna frequently, particularly in larger, communal settings.
  • How it works: Gas sauna heaters use natural gas or propane to generate heat. They function similarly to electric heaters but are designed for larger spaces that require more power to reach and maintain higher temperatures.
  • Advantages:
    • Cost-effective for larger saunas: Gas heaters can heat large saunas more efficiently and at a lower long-term cost than electric heaters.
    • Powerful heating: Gas heaters can quickly reach and maintain high temperatures, making them ideal for commercial saunas or large home saunas.
    • Versatile placement: Thanks to their powerful output, gas heaters can be installed in larger spaces, including commercial saunas or expansive home setups.
  • Considerations:
    • Installation: Gas heaters require professional installation, including proper ventilation and access to a gas line. This can increase the upfront cost.
    • Maintenance: They need regular inspections to ensure safe gas connections and proper ventilation.
    • Not as common for home use: While common in larger commercial saunas, they’re less common in homes unless you have a large sauna room.
  • Ideal for: Larger saunas in homes, gyms, or commercial settings where a high capacity and efficiency are needed.
Our range of sauna heaters includes several powerful gas options designed for commercial-grade performance and longevity. They’re a great choice for gyms, wellness centers, or anyone with a sizable sauna who wants an effective and economical heating solution.

Choosing the Best Heater for Your Sauna

Selecting the right sauna heater ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and sauna location. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of electric heating, the traditional appeal of wood-burning, the therapeutic benefits of infrared, or the high-efficiency power of gas, Sauna Depot has you covered with a range of options tailored to different lifestyles and environments.

The type of sauna heater you choose depends on your preferences, the size of your sauna, and your lifestyle. If you want a convenient, low-maintenance option, electric sauna heaters are ideal. For a rustic, traditional experience, a wood-burning sauna heater offers warmth and ambiance. If health and wellness are your focus, the infrared sauna heater may be the perfect fit. For larger or commercial setups, gas sauna heaters offer the power and efficiency needed.

At Sauna Depot, we’re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect heater for their dream sauna. For more information, visit our sauna page and explore our full lineup of high-quality sauna heaters.