There’s nothing like stepping into the sauna after a long day to ease muscle tension and mental fatigue. Owning a luxury sauna is like having a spa right in the comfort and convenience of your home. But, your sauna experience is only as good as the heating solution you use.
There are quite a few different types of sauna heaters you can choose from, each with its own set of benefits and considerations.
For example, wood-burning stoves offer a rustic charm similar to what you’d enjoy in the traditional Finnish experience. Electric sauna heaters tend to be more practical though, while infrared heaters work in a unique way to warm your body directly rather than the air around you.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the sauna heater types at your fingertips. But it doesn’t have to be stressful when you shop at Elite Vitality, where personalized customer support is a click or call away.
Get in touch today for one-on-one assistance picking the perfect sauna heater! Or, learn more about all the options you have to choose from below.
| Sauna Heater Type | Advantages | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | - Easy to use - Precise control - Quick heating |
- Home use - Low-maintenance setups |
- Requires electricity - Higher operational costs in some areas |
| Wood-Burning | - Traditional ambiance - High heat - No electricity needed |
- Outdoor saunas - Rustic settings |
- Requires wood - Needs a chimney |
| Gas | - Quick, strong heating - Cost-efficient for large saunas |
- Commercial setups - Large spaces |
- Requires gas line - Complex installation |
| Infrared | - Energy-efficient - Therapeutic heat - Lower temperatures |
- Wellness enthusiasts - Compact saunas |
- Limited heat levels - Not ideal for large saunas |
How the Heater Influences Your Sauna Experience
You can think of the heater as the heartbeat of your sauna. Without it, you’ve got nothing more than a stunning wooden structure. The heating technology is what dictates not only the temperature but also the atmosphere, efficiency, and overall enjoyment of each session.
As you can imagine, not all heaters are created equal. You need one that provides consistent heat distribution for a soothing environment that helps your body relax, detoxify, and recover effectively.
Comfort is just one piece of the puzzle, though. There are practical considerations at hand as well. Certain heaters are more energy efficient than others, bringing down your ongoing costs of operation. Similarly, some are known for lasting longer - delivering a more impressive ROI.
You should also think about the maintenance side of things, are some heating technologies can be a bit more of a headache than others. Of course, more advanced heating models will come equipped with unique features like smart controls for a truly immersive experience.
The point is, you shouldn’t look at choosing a sauna heater as an afterthought. It’s actually more important than the sauna itself. So, let’s get into the different types of sauna heaters below to help you choose the optimal style.
All the Different Types of Sauna Heaters
Before we go any further we just want to reiterate that Elite Vitality has expert customer service reps on standby ready to talk over your budget and preferences so we can give you a personalized recommendation. There’s no need to play the guessing game!
In the meantime, here are the four different sauna heater types you have at your disposal.
Electric Sauna Heaters
Most traditional saunas use an electric heater. As the name suggests, these use electric elements to heat stones, which then radiate warmth into the room.
They’re efficient, easy to use, and can be very precise in terms of temperature control. This style is also clean and quiet, especially compared to wood-burning stoves. Maintenance needs are low.
More advanced models come with features like digital displays, timers, and even smart controls so you can customize your sauna experience to perfection.
Electric heaters work quickly to get to whatever temperature you set them to, and they work well in both home and commercial settings. They’re an excellent choice for anyone who values convenience and reliability. HUUM sauna heaters are known as being the best in this class.
Wood-Burning Stoves
The origins of saunas can be traced back to Finland hundreds of years ago. Wood-burning stoves were used as a means of necessity at the time, but there’s a reason you’ll still find this style in operation today. It offers a rustic charm unlike any other.
These heaters use firewood as fuel to create a rich, natural ambiance accompanied by the crackle of burning wood. It’s incredibly comforting, and especially popular in the barrel sauna style.
Wood-burning sauna stoves put out an intense heat, so they’re perfect for larger spaces that might be difficult to heat affordably through electricity. Just be aware that this is a double-edged sword. It can also be a bit overwhelming in smaller sauna settings.
Plus, wood-burning stoves can be a bit of a hassle to set up and operate compared to other types of sauna heaters. You need to use a chimney for ventilation, and you also need to keep a steady supply of firewood on hand. The heat can be a bit more challenging to control, too.
Still, those who crave an authentic sauna experience and don’t mind tending the fire will find that this is the optimal choice. Our Harvia sauna heater selection features a few wood-burning stoves if you’d like to learn more.
Infrared Heating Technology
There’s a reason you’re seeing more and more infrared saunas for sale. These are a unique take on the traditional sauna as they rely on infrared light to warm the body directly rather than heating the surrounding air.
This is what allows them to operate at lower temperatures without compromising on the benefits of sauna therapy. Some people find traditional sauna heaters a bit overwhelming and prefer this more gentle approach.
Infrared heaters are energy-efficient and often designed for compact, indoor spaces. You gain access to unprecedented control with this style, too. Some models even combine infrared with traditional heating methods for maximum versatility.
Gas Sauna Heaters
While they’re certainly not as common as the other three styles, there are also gas sauna heaters that provide advantages in larger home saunas or commercial saunas.
They rely on either natural gas or propane to deliver powerful and consistent heat, making them great for frequent use or high-traffic environments.
The main appeal, though, is these work at very low operational costs compared to electric models. Of course, the cost of gas in your area will dictate just how economical a gas sauna heater is.
This style also heats up incredibly fast, so you won’t sit around waiting for the sauna to reach the ideal temperature. Similar to wood-burning stoves, though, these can be a hassle to set up. They require a gas line and proper ventilation during installation.
Which of These Sauna Heater Types is Right For You?
You might be leaning towards one style already, but if you’re still skeptical about which of these sauna heater types is right for you, don’t sweat it.
It’s as simple as considering the size and location of your sauna, your desired sauna experience, and how much effort you’re willing to invest in maintenance and operation. Here are some tips to help steer you toward the optimal technology:
- Sauna Size and Layout: Larger saunas need the faster and more intense heat of gas heaters or wood-burning stoves, while smaller, indoor saunas are better suited for electric or infrared options.
- Type of Experience: If you crave the crackling of wood and an outdoor sauna feel, a wood-burning stove may be perfect. But if you’re just here for the benefits and prioritize precision and convenience, an electric heater is your best bet. On the other hand, infrared is ideal for lower temperatures and more targeted therapeutic benefits.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost: Electric and infrared heaters are often more energy-efficient and cost-effective for home use, while gas heaters may save on energy costs for larger or commercial spaces. Unless you have access to free or low-cost firewood, wood-burning stoves are going to be a bit more expensive.
- Ease of Use: Electric and infrared heaters are low-maintenance and user-friendly while wood-burning stoves and gas heaters require more effort for setup and operation.
Still not sure which of these is right for you? Like we said from the start, a personalized recommendation is just a click or call away. Don’t wait any longer - the perfect heater is here at Elite Vitality waiting to be discovered!
Discover All the Different Types of Sauna Heaters at Elite Vitality!
Elite Vitality is proud to present a curated selection of premium sauna stoves and heaters from top brands like Harvia, HUUM, and Enlighten to suit every preference and need.
You’ll find everything from electric heaters for precise temperature control, traditional wood-burning stoves for rustic charm, and infrared models for modern wellness enthusiasts.
Many models are equipped with advanced options like smart controls, energy-saving modes, and ergonomic designs crafted from durable materials such as stainless steel and cedar wood.
The real reason we’ve come to be known as the #1 choice for all the various sauna heater types, though, is our experienced and friendly support staff. We’re always available to help you choose the right technology and size your heater to perfection. Don’t be shy, reach out!
If you really want to create something special, we can also help you bring a custom sauna to life. The possibilities are endless with Elite Vitality. So, what’s holding you back from bringing the benefits of sauna therapy into your home today? Create your own personal oasis with our help!
Final Words on the Various Sauna Heater Types
There you have it, all the different types of sauna heaters you can use to harness the power of this age-old therapy. We hope you have a clear understanding of your next steps.
Whether you prefer the modern precision of electric heaters, the rustic charm of wood-burning stoves, the efficiency of gas heaters, or the therapeutic benefits of infrared technology, each option offers unique advantages.
It’s just a matter of aligning the choice with your budget, space, lifestyle, and wellness goals. Regardless, Elite Vitality has you covered with the full lineup of styles from the most trusted sauna heater manufacturers. Start your sauna upgrade today!
