Sauna 101.com -- Info Guide to Saunas and Steam Rooms for the Home

Sauna Heaters

There are three main types of sauna heaters to choose from. All are designed to hold sauna rocks on top of the heater, although some electric heaters are designed to heat without the use of rocks.

Electric sauna heaters are the most common type of sauna heater - they are simple to install and operate. Most require 240V electrical service although a few smaller units use 120V, the latter being for portable and modular saunas. Some electrical heaters can be fitted with a steam vaporizer to deliver a controlled amount of humidity, eliminating the need to ladle water over the rocks.

Gas sauna heaters use natural gas or propane as the fuel source for heat. Gas heaters have the advantage of being able to heat up faster and can be cheaper to operate than electric sauna heaters. This must be weighed against the larger intial cost of installing gas piping to the sauna.

Wood-burning sauna heaters are most suited for outdoor saunas and are ideal for saunas in remote locations where you cannot bring electricity or gas to the unit. Sauna heaters that burn wood appeal to purists, and aromatic wood is often used to enchance the sauna experience.