How to Choose the Perfect Sauna Heater for Your Sauna

The heater is the heart of the sauna. It is responsible for heating the sauna and creating steam (löyly) – the most enjoyable sauna air when you throw water onto the heater.

Your choice of sauna heater can greatly affect the quality of the heat, steam and the overall sauna experience. However, keep in mind that a great heater in an incorrectly designed and constructed sauna will not make the sauna great.

In this article, you will learn the types of sauna heater options available on the market, and which one you should choose based on your specific situation. Let’s jump at it! 

Types of Sauna Heater 

There are three (3) types of sauna heaters you can choose from: 

• Electric heater

• Wood Stove, and 

• Gas Sauna Heater.

Electric sauna heaters are the most popular choice in the United States, followed by wood-burning stoves. On the other hand, gas heaters are extremely rare – accounts for less than 1% of all saunas in the U.S. and virtually nonexistent in different parts of the world. 

Let’s cover each in detail: 

Electric sauna heaters

Electric sauna heaters are generally the most convenient and popular sauna heaters.

With an electric sauna heater, you can heat your sauna by turning a knob, using a control panel on the wall, or remotely with a phone app – depending on the model you got.

Pros

• Ability to turn on (and off) remotely

• Easy to use

• Precise temperature control

• Scheduling the heating

• The overall convenience

Cons

• They require electricity - so you can’t use them in some remote locations that have no grid.

• It’s error sensitive (if the sauna is incorrectly constructed, electricity spikes or something they can break).

• Requires an electrician to install

Top Electric Sauna Heaters 

Here are my two (2) favorite sauna heaters:   

1. Harvia Virta Series

The Harvia heaters are the most reliable heaters I have ever sold. We experienced virtually zero problems with them. I love the black casing, which blends seamlessly with the sauna interiors.  

Plus, the stainless steel casing doesn’t get very hot – which is nice for safety. The heaters can be equipped with WIFI controlled Xenio so that you can turn them on and off from anywhere. 

2. HUUM Hive Series

The HUUM Hive Series are not constrained by the UL limitations so they get (very) hot in the US, up to 230f. The open casing allows for better airflow from the sides, which is nice. The best part is that they also have a remote controllability option with aesthetically pleasing design. 

I like free standing heaters more than wall mounted as it allows some flexibility for the design of the sauna. You can place the HUUM heater in the middle or to the corner or even embed on the benches.

Wood stoves  

Wood fired heaters offer the most authentic and the best sauna experience overall. However, you typically need an outdoor sauna to install a wood stove if your house has already been built. 

Also, you need a constant wood supply to heat your sauna. This is why it takes longer to get your sauna to the bathing temperature, not just a push of a button like the electric saunas.

Pros

• Authentic experience

• Easy to install

• Ventilation works excellent 

Cons

• Require logs to work

• It is complicated to integrate into an indoor sauna

• It takes slightly longer to heat up

• No precise temperature control

Top Wood Stove Sauna Heaters 

Again, here are my top two (2) sauna heaters. Let’s go over them quickly:

1. Harvia Legend Greenflame

The Harvia Legend Greenflame features high rock capacity which translates to great steam and long-lasting equal heat. It comes with a larger window on the fire chamber, so you can see the flames dancing in it – so magical! 

The Havia Legend heater is also eco-friendly. Its Greenflame technology reduces emissions and increases combustion for more heat. 

2. HUUM Hive Flow

The HUUM Hive Flow is almost the same as the Harvia Legend heater. It has a large stone capacity with a lovely Scandinavian design that adds to the aesthetics of the sauna. It also features an open-frame design and large stone capacity for long-lasting, even heat distribution.

Gas Sauna Heaters

Gas sauna heaters heat up faster than other sauna heaters, and are most energy efficient in the long run. However, they’re not so popular. Personally, I think it’s because they can be quite inauthentic in a sauna. Installation can also be complex because a gas sauna heater requires a gas line. 

If you: 

• Have gas lines available 

• Don’t have an electrical network that could support the electricity needs of electric heater

• Think wood isn’t readily available 

… then you can go for gas heaters. 

I have heard of only 2 gas sauna heater manufacturers– Scandia Manufacturing and Torch. Here’s how it looks:

How do you spot a good electric sauna heater?

Great electric saunas always have a high stone mass. Nowadays, many heaters on the market are just cages with heating elements inside, wires at the bottom, and stones.

In addition, good sauna heaters have high thermal mass because they can efficiently store and retain heat. This mass allows the heater to absorb and gradually release a large amount of heat. 

Most of them, like the HUUM heaters, have remote-control capabilities: a control panel on the wall and an app that allows you to turn them on (and off) remotely.

Conclusively, the best sauna depends on how suitable it is for your sauna. So, it’s important that you choose the right size and design. 

Most Reputable Sauna Heaters 

My option on the most reputable sauna heater brands;

1. Harvia

2. HUUM

3. IKI

4. Saunum

5. Scandia gas sauna heaters

Best sauna heater styles

1. Open mesh sauna heater (like HUUM Hive)

2. Sauna heaters with external controls

3. Sauna heaters with integrated controls

4. Wood burning sauna heaters

5. Closed basket sauna heaters

Conclusion 

Whether you opt for a wood stove, electric heater or gas haters, the right choice depends on your sauna size, heating preferences, and energy source.

More importantly, check the availability in your electrical infrastructure before getting one. You need 240V/1PH line in the US and specific amperage. Remember, the bigger the heater the more amps … so check with your electrician before you make a purchase.  

Contact any of our technical experts for a more personalized recommendation on the right heater for your sauna.