How to Choose the Best Sauna Stove for Bathroom?

If you’re reading this article, chances are you already know what Sauna is and how it works. So, basically, a Sauna is a heated room where you let yourself detoxify your body through excess water loss via sweating.

But how does it happen? It is not possible without a Sauna stove, which is the main ingredient in this whole process.

The sauna stove builds up the temperature in the room to let you have a fantastic experience of releasing body and mind tension, leaving you calm and peaceful after every sauna session.

 

Why Is Choosing the Best Sauna Stove Essential?

You need to pick a suitable Sauna stove by keeping the following points in mind if you want to amplify your sauna experience.

Your Budget

That’s the main thing you always want to focus on and keep track of. Let your pocket decide what kind of Sauna stove you want to get your hands on.

Woodstove

And if your budget allows you, then getting a wood stove is what we’d recommend as it not only caters to your aesthetic sense but is also affordable and less hectic to use.

Moreover, it’s easy to set up, and you can do it even without having to call an electrician. Additionally, you can always enjoy its warmth even when the power is off.

Type

You also need to make sure what kind of Sauna stove you’re in for, either electric or gas. Whichever one you like, each has the same features with different benefits; all aimed to make your Sauna experience the best.

Quality

That’s the next thing you need to keep in mind. Always choose quality over quantity. If a Sauna stove is expensive but worth the price, then go for it, as you’re going to use it for a lifetime.

 

 

What Are the Types of Sauna Stove on the Market?

Sauna stove typically comprises of three main types:

• Electric sauna stove
• Wood burning heater
• Infrared sauna heater

Electric Sauna Stove

Electric sauna stoves are known for their easy-to-use feature. All you need is to install it and get it started whenever you want. The maximum temperature of an electric sauna stove can be set at around 194° F.

It all depends on the model you use. The more advanced it is, the more likely you are going to get benefitted from it. Since electric heaters are quick and easy to use, you can soon get into the habit of using the Sauna regularly.

Not only are electric sauna stoves convenient and quick to use, but they also entail safety features that make them all the more favourable.

However, the drawback of an electric sauna is that while it runs on electricity, you may find an increase in the utility bill at the end of every month. Moreover, you won’t be able to use it when the power is off.

Wood Burning Heater

Wood burning heaters are reckoned to be more authentic because people have been using them since the start of time. Unlike electric sauna stoves, wood-burning heaters don’t cost you a lot, and you don’t need an electrician to fit them.

All you need to do is install a chimney or some vent in your house. Besides, the scent of the wood fire adds to the peace of your mind, which is the primary purpose of a Sauna Bath.

Moreover, the crackling sound of the wood in the calm of a winter night puts in more aesthetic feels to your Sauna experience.

However, there are also some shortcomings of a wood-burning heater that you might want to know. Wood burning heaters tend to take a lot more time to heat your room, and controlling the room’s temperature is also another challenge.

Besides, if you live in a big city and don’t have access to woods, they might cost you a lot, making it as expensive as an electric sauna stove.

Infrared Sauna Heater

Infrared sauna heaters are different from the types we discussed above as it does not heat the air around you but works directly on your body (instead of the air) by heating it through the means of electromagnetic radiation.

In this way, the heat permeates more deeply in your body than the heated air, making your body sweat comparatively more and helping you get rid of multiple problems.

However, if you are too young or too old, pregnant, or have a chronic illness, then using Infrared sauna heaters would not be advised at all as it may cause you more health complications.

 

How to Choose the Right Sauna Stove Heater?

Let’s dive deeper into this article to determine what things you need to consider before buying a Sauna stove heater.

What size is perfect for you?

It all depends on the number of people that you’re going to accommodate in the sauna room. If you want to build it for your personal use, don’t make it too small.

A 3’ x 3’  is deemed to be the ideal size requiring a 1 kW heater.

However, the size for a two or three-person sauna ranges from 4’ x 6’ to 5’ x 7’, which should require a 5 kW heater.

Moreover, if you intend to build a public sauna, the size can go to at least 100 square feet.

How about the stone capacity?

The quality of stones is a fundamental aspect you need to consider when you’re going to judge the capacity of stone.

High-quality stones tend to remain hot for a more extended period than cheap rocks. On the flip side, affordable rocks can get cracked during the process and might result in hurting you.

This being said, the ideal capacity of stone is set to be with a density of approximately 3.5 kg/dm3. This is not only durable but also entails high heat capacity.

How long is the heat-up time?

It depends on the type of stove you’re using. If you’re using an electric sauna stove, you can have your Sauna room heated up to 194° F, and that too within 10 minutes, helping you dive right into the sauna session.

However, if you’re using a wood burner heater, it might take quite some time to get your Sauna room heated as they aren’t as efficient as electric sauna stoves.

Is it safe and easy to use?

Sauna stoves, either electric or wood-burning, are safe and easy to use if installed correctly, with proper care and by following the required steps.

In the case of electric stoves, you need to confirm that an experienced electrician performs the installation task. However, in the case of a wood-burning heater, make sure to keep a check on the room’s temperature as it’s hard to maintain.

Extra Features

Apart from the features mentioned above, it would be best if you considered the following things as well to maximise the fun you are going to derive from your Sauna session

The ideal size of your Sauna rocks can be the size of your hand palm

You can also use decorative stones in your sauna stove as long as they serve the required purpose

Always choose sturdy stones for your Sauna to make sure they don’t pose a threat to your life.

 

Best Sauna Stoves

1. Finlandia Sauna Heater (ideal for Sauna enthusiasts)

A Sauna heater that heats your room quickly no matter how big it is, within a matter of a few minutes, is all that you need to get your hands on. Moreover, it comes with stones to spare you the hassle of getting them separately.

• What you benefit from it

You’re going to love this Finlandia/Harvia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater for the following reasons

1. Heats your room quickly

Not only is this user-friendly, but it is also simple to use. It provides total value out of your money as it tends to boost the temperature of your room relatively much faster than other models.

2. It’s durable and long-lasting

The very fact that it is made up of top-grade stainless steel makes it work longer. You can also sprinkle water on Sauna stones to control the steam level and humidity of your room.

3. It spares you of the hustle of watching the time

 

This Finlandia/Harvia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater entails a one hour time along with a handy countdown feature that spares you of the need of checking up on time.

• What Other Users Say

“I bought this for my mother last year, and it’s working so well. It heats our large room in a small amount of time. Our last Sauna heater wasn’t capable of this. I’m highly grateful for my purchase. ”

“Loved this Finlandia sauna heater for so many reasons. It is durable and sturdy and comes with free stones, which I like the most about it. Would recommend it to all the sauna zealots out there”

“Got it for my parents and. They are loving it and have had no problems with it. Now I’m planning to buy one for my room as well. Hoping to get it run for the years to come.”

 

 2. Harvia M3 Wood Burning Sauna Heater (it is ideal for smaller Saunas)

The Harvia M3 Wood Burning Sauna Heater is deemed best for its excellent features, including its glass door and stainless steel air-flow spoilers, making it stand out among other Sauna heaters.

• What you benefit from it

You’ll love it for the following reasons

1. It gives you a real-life feeling of burning woods

The glass door enables you to look at the crackling of woods, thus giving you a classic feeling of a real fireplace.

2. It heats the room fast

The heater runs on wood which makes the room hot in a brief period. However, you need to throw water at the rocks to evade burns

3. It caters to your aesthetic sense

Apart from the glass door that allows you to look at the burning woods, the elegant graphite black finishing of this heater makes it unique and classic.

• What Other Users Say

“I have a huge room and was looking for some sauna heaters that could easily make it warm. I bought this and was amazed at how wonderfully it does the job.”

“I cannot stress enough how much I love this model. Forget about other features, the classic feel of wood burning is all that made me fall for it. Moreover, because of the wood burning thing there’s a nostalgic ambiance associated with this heater. ”

“After using it for a month, I’m delighted with it and am going to buy one soon for my brother as well.”

 

  3. VEVOR Sauna Heater 9KW (ideal for home and office use)

If you want to have a sauna heater with fast heating speed, easy installation, and temperature and time adjusting traits, all of that within your limited budget, then this VEVOR Sauna Heater 9KW is the one to go for.

• What you benefit from it

People love this VEVOR Sauna Heater 9KW for the following three reasons.

1. It is effortless to install

You don’t have to worry about calling an electrician to fix it by following the manual. The mounting holes at the back make it easy for you to set it up.

2. You can use it at home and offices as well

The diversity in the style of its uses makes it one of the best heaters. This heater can be both used in home and office, whichever one suits your needs best.

3. It is sturdy and well built

The fact that it’s made of stainless steel casing and is, hence, rust-resistant makes it a delight for sauna lovers. You can adjust the time and temperature with knobs that are on the front of the heater.

• What Other Users Say

“I didn’t have to call an electrician and installed it personally following the easy instructions. It’s ideal for building a dry Sauna.”

“I’m thrilled with my purchase as this heater provides value out of your money. I had to purchase the rocks myself.”

“I never thought that I’d get such an amazing heater at such a low price. This heater works amazingly in our Sauna rooms, and we’re delighted with our purchase.”

 

4. TURKU TU90WD-OD – Residential 9KW (best for both wet and dry saunas)

If you’re tired of standing up time and again to set the time and temperature of your heater, this TURKU TU90WD-OD – Residential 9KW is here to save you of this annoyance as it comes equipped with an external remote to make your sauna experience more fun.

• What you benefit from it

You’ll love this TURKU TU90WD-OD – Residential 9KW for the following reasons

1. It won’t overheat your sauna

The built-in thermal sensor makes sure not to get your sauna room overly heated by keeping a check on the temperature. Moreover, its electronic timer doesn’t have a ticking sound.

2. It’s different from other heaters

This TURKU TU90WD-OD – Residential 9KW stands out from other heaters because it comes with an external remote, which is why it’s a bit pricier than other models.

3. It makes your Sauna experience more relaxing

The outer digital controller helps in keeping the temperature of the room accurate, and this is no small feat. Moreover, the thermostat sensor also aids in maintaining a balance of the room temperature.

• What Other Users Say

“My life has been made easier with this heater. This heater is well made, and the price is also very reasonable. It keeps the temperature of my room moderate, and the external controller does its job well. I would totally recommend it.”

“I placed the order last week and got it yesterday. I installed it quickly with the help of an electrician, and it is working up so well. Moreover, the size is perfect for my 6 x 7 home sauna.”

“I am going to give it five stars and would recommend this heater. It’s sturdy, well made, has an external remote and protects from heat. No doubt why it’s the leading choice of so many people.”

 

 5. Amerec Sauna Heater (best choice for Sauna enthusiasts)

If you’re on the lookout for a well built and nicely designed sauna heater that not only performs its functions well but also adds more charm to your room interior, then this Amerec Sauna Heater is your go-to. Moreover, these specifications are tailored to meet your budget as well.

• What you benefit from it

This Amerec Sauna Heater is a perfect choice for the following reasons

1. It is compact and durable

Since this Amerec Sauna Heater is made of top-notch quality stainless steel, rest assured that it will serve you for the years to come, and that’s its huge selling point.

2. It provides you with maximum heat

The Amerec Sauna Heater heats your room pretty well, thanks to its functional heating elements. Now you can enjoy the warmth of the Sauna and enhance your experience with this great heater.

3. It is well designed

You can easily set it up as it comes with an installation menu. You can either set it up personally or have an electrician do it for you. Besides, you can directly put the rocks on the heating elements to generate heat in the room.

• What Other Users Say

“I wanted to buy a Sauna heater for my room for a long time. Saw this and placed my order for it at once without having a second thought. Happy to say that it works exceptionally well. I’m satisfied with my purchase.”

“I’ve been using this heater for two months now, and I’m impressed with how wonderfully it functions. Going to get one for my mother as well.”

“It is sturdy and well made and provides value for money. I Couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Definitely recommended.”

 

How to Use a Sauna Stove Safely?

You must need to keep the following points in mind if you want to ensure safe usage of a Sauna stove

• Ensure there is enough distance between your Sauna stove and the walls, floor and ceiling of the room.
• Do not burn wet wood in your wood-burning heater, as that’s not an ideal thing to do.
• Think hard about the place where you want to install your Sauna stove to avoid any potential harm
• Try not to burn papers or trash on your wood stove as it may eventually erupt a massive fire in your room
• Inch open the door of the window for possible ventilation
• Try placing your Sauna stove on some fire resistant surfaces so to avoid any fire hazard
• Make sure the electrician installs your electric stove correctly
• Avoid throwing chlorinated water onto the sauna heater rocks as it can weaken or damage your stove
• Make sure there are two vents while your electric sauna stove is on the run to help the air circulate in the room

 

What Kind of Sauna Stones Can You Use on a Sauna Stove?

By now, you must be wondering what kind of stones you can use on a Sauna stove. Dig in to find the answers.

• If you want the stones to retain the heat longer, try using heavier rocks to serve the purpose.
• Avoid using stones that have been placed in water for long periods as they might shatter if exposed to the high heat of a sauna stove.
• Your sauna rocks don’t need to be huge. Sauna rocks the size of a softball are considered to be the best.
• Igneous rocks are perfect for Sauna stove usage as they are thick and much more effective than other rocks.
• The temperature of the stove can cause the sauna rocks to shatter and crumble over time. So make sure you keep a check on them to know when they need to be replaced to avert any mishap.

 

FAQs

Is a Sauna heater safe?

The sauna heater does not pose any threat and can not harm you as long as it is installed correctly.

Can I pour water over my Sauna stove?

Yes, you can pour water on your Sauna stove, but you need to be very careful. Try not to pour too much water at once. Make sure you always use a sauna ladle as the sauna steam can burn your bare skin if you get too close to it.

 

Conclusion

To recapitulate it all, sauna stoves are the primary ingredients in the sauna session that one can’t ignore. However, there are fundamental dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind and bring into action to get the maximum benefits.