Saunas offer a blend of relaxation, detoxification, and health benefits that have made them popular across cultures for centuries. When selecting the right heater for your sauna, the choice largely depends on your specific needs—whether you're outfitting a cozy indoor sanctuary, an outdoor retreat, or a therapeutic space focused on wellness.
From compact home setups to spacious commercial saunas, selecting the right heater requires understanding the types available and matching them to the size and style of your sauna. Here's a breakdown of the main types of sauna heaters and tips on how to choose the ideal one based on your sauna’s specifications.
Electric Sauna Heaters
Electric sauna heaters are the most commonly used heating option in modern home saunas, both residential and commercial. They are especially ideal for small to medium-sized indoor saunas, typically accommodating between one to eight users.
What makes electric heaters so popular is their simplicity and efficiency. With features like built-in thermostats and timers, users can precisely control the temperature and duration of their sauna sessions.
Installation is relatively straightforward, and once installed, these heaters require very little maintenance. They heat up quickly, allowing you to enjoy a sauna session almost immediately. Safety is also a top priority with most electric heaters, as they often include automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating or other hazards.
However, there are a few factors to consider. Electric sauna heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit, which means you might need professional installation depending on your home's existing electrical setup.
Also, while they deliver on performance and efficiency, they don’t always offer the same ambiance or traditional feel as a wood-burning heater. If you prioritize convenience, ease of use, and precise control over your sauna experience, an electric heater is an excellent choice.
Infrared Sauna Heaters: Wellness-Focused and Modern
Infrared sauna heaters represent a newer and increasingly popular technology, especially for indoor personal saunas designed for therapeutic purposes. These are best for small setups accommodating one to four users.
Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air around you, infrared heaters use light waves to heat the body directly, allowing for effective sweat production at lower temperatures.
There are primarily two types of infrared heaters: carbon and ceramic. Carbon heaters are known for their energy efficiency and even heat distribution, while ceramic heaters heat up faster and emit more intense warmth. Both types support health-focused goals such as detoxification, muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and improved skin tone.
Infrared saunas are quick to heat, consume less power, and require almost no maintenance since they don’t produce steam or require water. However, they don’t provide the classic sauna ambiance—there’s no steam, no wood scent, and no high-temperature environment. Additionally, they are typically designed for solo or duo use, making them less ideal for social sauna settings.
These heaters are best suited for individuals seeking therapeutic benefits with a hassle-free, energy-efficient setup.
Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters: A Rustic and Authentic Experience
For those looking to recreate the traditional Finnish sauna experience, a wood-burning heater is a perfect match. These heaters are best suited for outdoor saunas, rustic cabins, or remote locations where access to electricity may be limited or nonexistent. Wood-burning sauna heaters excel in medium to large saunas, capable of comfortably serving four to ten or more users.
One of the key advantages of wood-burning heaters is their ability to deliver a deeply radiant and penetrating heat. The soft crackle of firewood and the aroma of burning wood enhance the overall sensory experience, making each session feel authentic and grounding. These heaters don’t rely on any electricity, which is ideal for off-grid applications or remote getaways.
On the flip side, they take longer to heat up and require more involvement in terms of firewood preparation, chimney installation, and routine maintenance. Temperature control is less precise compared to electric models, and managing airflow and burn rate takes a bit of practice.
Still, for those who value tradition and don’t mind the hands-on aspect, a wood-burning heater provides a sauna experience that’s hard to beat.
Choosing the Right Heater Based on Your Sauna Type and Size
Selecting the right heater depends greatly on the type and size of your sauna. For indoor traditional saunas, an electric heater is the most suitable choice, particularly for spaces designed to accommodate between one and six people. These heaters are easy to use and ideal for home installations.
If you have an outdoor traditional sauna, especially one in a rustic or remote setting, a wood-burning heater works best. It is ideal for larger groups of four to ten or more people and provides an authentic sauna experience.
For therapeutic indoor saunas that focus on health benefits like detoxification or muscle relief, infrared heaters—either carbon or ceramic—are the optimal option. These are best suited for one to four users and operate efficiently at lower temperatures.
Matching your sauna heater to your space ensures optimal performance and comfort.
Get Your Indoor Sauna Heaters at Best Buy Pool Supply
The type of sauna heater you choose can completely transform your sauna experience. From the rustic, smoky charm of a wood-burning heater to the sleek, low-heat efficiency of infrared panels, each type serves a unique purpose.
You need to consider your sauna’s size, location, and your personal wellness goals, so you can find a heater that delivers the perfect balance of function, efficiency, and relaxation. And Best Buy Pool Supply stands out as a top choice for indoor sauna heaters, offering a diverse selection of high-quality infrared saunas tailored to various home layouts and budgets.
Our collection features low-EMF infrared saunas, including space-efficient corner models, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every floor plan. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, we have been serving customers since 1999, offering a range of indoor sauna heaters that deliver both performance and peace of mind.
So whether you’re building a cozy two-person infrared nook or a lakeside wood-fired retreat, make sure your heater comes from Best Buy Pool Supply—it’s the heartbeat of your sauna, after all.