
Types of Sauna Heaters Explained: Electric, Wood-Burning, Infrared & More
Share
When you step into a sauna, it should feel like entering your own private sanctuary. The experience should be personal and tailored to your preferences.
Regular visits to a sauna offer a host of health benefits. The way that heat wraps around you, whether it’s intense and steamy or gentle and radiant, depends on the heater.
With so many types of sauna heaters available, the choice has long surpassed temperature. It’s now about the atmosphere, convenience, and the experience you want every time you step inside.
1. The Classic Heat of Wood-Burning Sauna Heaters
If you’re drawn to tradition, wood-burning heaters deliver a timeless sauna experience. The crackle of firewood and the smell of burning logs set a mood that no other heater can match.
You’ll get powerful, even heat, and a connection to the old-world sauna ritual. But they do come with fuel storage, chimney installation, and regular fire-tending.
So, they’re perfect in a cabin or countryside setting, but maybe not as practical for an apartment balcony.
2. Modern Convenience with Electric Sauna Heaters
Electric heaters are the go-to for most modern users. They’re compact, reliable, and simple to operate. Flip a switch, set your temperature, and you’re ready to sweat.
The main advantage here is control: you can dial in your preferred heat level without fussing with firewood or ventilation.
On the other hand, they rely on proper wiring and can increase your power bill, but the convenience often outweighs the cost.
3. Infrared Sauna Heaters for a Different Experience
Infrared heaters break away from the traditional concept of heating air. Instead, they warm your body directly using infrared light waves. That’s their main draw and what sets them apart from traditional saunas.

This creates a gentler environment with lower temperatures, which many people find more comfortable and easier to handle for longer sessions.
Infrared saunas also carry wellness benefits like improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and detoxification, so if that’s what you’re looking for, they’re the choice for you.
4. Gas Sauna Heaters as a Powerful Alternative
Less common but highly effective, gas heaters work best in large or commercial setups.
They heat up quickly, can handle frequent use, and often run at a lower long-term cost compared to electric units.
The trade-off is a more complex installation, since ventilation and proper gas connections are non-negotiable.
Essentially, these particular types of sauna heaters are ideal for gyms, spas, or anyone who wants fast, consistent heat without sky-high energy bills.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Sauna
Choosing between the different types of sauna heaters depends on your lifestyle, location, and what kind of sauna moment you crave.
Love the ritual of stoking flames? Wood-burning has your name on it. Need hassle-free convenience in the city? Electric is hard to beat.
Want a wellness-focused, gentle heat? Go infrared. Looking to power a commercial space? Gas is your friend.
The beauty is that every option offers a unique flavor of sauna life. Each warms you, just in a different way.
Wrapping It Up: Heat Your Way
At the end of the day, understanding the different types of sauna heaters helps you create the sauna experience that feels right for you.
Your choice defines the temperature, but more importantly, the mood and ritual that comes with it.
Heat may be simple, but how you enjoy it can be a little piece of art.
Ready to Build Your Sauna Experience?
So, there you have it. There are several different types of sauna heaters to choose from. Each offers its own way to deliver heat, helping you relax and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
You can find the perfect heater and everything else you need for your setup at American Sauna Store.
Whether you’re chasing tradition, modern convenience, or wellness-driven innovation, we’ve got the tools to make your sauna vision a reality.
Contact us today and get your perfect sauna!