Types of saunas
There are many heat source options available for saunas, from hot rock to infrared, to steam.
Wood-burning saunas
As mentioned, saunas began as a fire pit, but this is not common anymore as a wood-burning stove, fired by wood, has now replaced the traditional fire pit. Wood-burning saunas are great options for any outdoor saunas and cottage living. There are options to have the wood stove stoked from interior or exterior.
Interior stoke will allow the user to bring wood inside the sauna and feed it. Exterior stoke will allow the convenience of filling the wood chimney from outside the sauna, creating less mess within the sauna, but keeping in mind that the user will have to step outside to refill each time. The choice become the client’s preference as both options offer separate benefits.
Some wood stoves also have optional add-ons of a water tank or a rock cage for a more industrial feel, which is a popular style for camps. Wood stove fired saunas are popular in areas where electric is remote or expensive.
Traditional electric saunas
Electric sauna stoves, often referred to as a “traditional sauna with rocks,” are quite popular and perhaps the most popular for many commercial spaces. Gyms and hotels have had traditional saunas for many years, as this added service to any gym or spa allows users to reap the many benefits of a sauna in a large communal setting.
Sauna electric heaters are both convenient and offer a wide range of kilowatt sizes, voltage options, and control upgrades, making these heaters of the most popular saunas styles of the past and of today. These traditional electric saunas have minimal maintenance, as there is no need to cut and fill wood and there will be no soot to cleanup. These saunas include a safety feature as the controls for the electric stove/heater include an automatic shutoff. The automatic shut off feature is an added benefit, since with a wood-burning sauna, it is important to ensure fire is put out first.
This convenience has now opened many doors for sauna enthusiasts, as the sauna is no longer only an exterior structure, leading to the demand of indoor saunas. Now, these traditional saunas (available indoor or outdoor) also allow users to pour water onto the rocks for added humidity. With colder months, adding sauna essences to the water-filled bucket will add benefits to aid with colds and flu-like symptoms. It was a win-win for anyone wanting to better their wellness; a sauna that can be used year-round, be it indoor or outdoor.
