Saunas have long functioned as a sanctuary for relaxation, health, and socializing. Originating from the cold climates of Finland, the tradition of heating a small room or space to high temperatures has evolved into a global wellness phenomenon. 

Today, saunas are more than just a means to warm up—they are celebrated for their numerous health benefits. Regular sauna use is linked to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced detoxification, stress relief, and better skin.

The intense heat prompts the body to sweat, eliminating toxins, while the soothing environment provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The world of saunas is as diverse as its benefits, from traditional Finnish saunas, which rely on high heat and low humidity, to modern innovations like infrared saunas, which use light to generate warmth. 

Portable saunas are ideal for those with limited space, and uniquely designed barrel saunas add a touch of rustic charm to any outdoor setting. 

The different types of saunas provide a distinct experience, offering a variety of temperatures, humidity levels, and health advantages. 

In this guide, we’ll explore these different types of saunas, helping you to find the perfect one for your wellness journey.

Our Expertly Chosen Sauna Favorites

Discover our favorite types of saunas, each carefully selected for its remarkable qualities and advantages. These types of saunas ensure a luxurious experience tailored to your preferences, blending innovative design with maximum comfort.

Canadian Timber Luna 2-4 Person Sauna	SaunaLife Model G4 Outdoor Home Sauna Kit	Almost Heaven Grandview Canopy Barrel Sauna
- Constructed from Eastern White Cedar - Features sturdy cedar floor joists, along with solid cedar flooring and walls - Equipped with 5mm tempered bronze glass windows - An 8 kW heater or a wood-burning option is recommended	- Wall beams made from premium Nordic Spruce, 1.75 inches thick - Grade-A Aspen benches for bathers, 1.1 inches thick and knot-free - Front panel with 5/16 inch thick clear tempered glass - Locking door handle crafted from aluminum	- 1-3/8″ thick ball-and-socket lumber - Built-in LED lighting - Durable polymer cradles for weather resistance - Includes sauna stones
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE

Now that you've seen our top sauna picks, let's delve deeper into the different types of saunas available and explore their unique features and benefits.

Traditional Finnish Saunas

The Finnish Sauna (Savu Sauna), often considered the standard bearer of sauna traditions, is renowned for its high temperatures and dry heat. 

Typically, these saunas are wood-lined and use electric heaters or wood-burning stoves to heat stones, which radiate warmth throughout the room. The temperature in a traditional Finnish sauna generally ranges from 160°F to 195°F, providing a robust, invigorating experience.

One of the defining features of this traditional sauna is the practice of “löyly,” where users pour water over the hot stones to create steam. This temporarily increases the humidity and intensifies the feeling of heat.

These wood-burning saunas are perfect for those who enjoy the ritual of high heat combined with the occasional burst of steam.

Smoke Saunas 

A smoke sauna is characterized by its lack of a chimney. Instead, a large stove is used to heat the stones directly, filling the sauna room with smoke. This type of sauna offers a unique and rustic sauna experience, distinct from the Finnish Sauna. 

Smoke saunas are revered forms of traditional saunas that date back to the Finno-Ugric peoples in Finland and Estonia. 

During the heating process, the door of the smoke sauna is kept closed, allowing the interior to fill with thick, aromatic smoke. 

Once the stones reach the desired temperature, which can vary depending on preference and often falls between 140°F and 176°F, the fire is extinguished, and the smoke is cleared out by ventilating the room. 

This process leaves a layer of soot on the walls and a distinct smoky scent that's a hallmark of the experience.

Infrared Saunas

Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to emit radiant heat that directly warms your body.

Infrared Saunas represent a modern advancement in sauna technology, offering a unique and comfortable way to experience heat therapy. Sauna purists may not consider the infrared sauna a true sauna experience compared to the wood-burning sauna, but true sauna enthusiasts don’t let this stop them from embracing the many ways a sauna can be enjoyed.

An infrared sauna operates at lower temperatures, typically ranging from 110°F to 135°F, making the heat more tolerable for longer periods. The infrared light penetrates deeply into the skin and muscles, promoting a feeling of warmth and relaxation without the intensity of high air temperatures.

According to a study, infrared saunas offer significant advantages due to their ability to provide deep-tissue heating. Deep penetration can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support detoxification. 

Many users find infrared saunas more comfortable and less stifling than traditional high-heat environments because the heat is more gentle and direct.

The dry heat environment of an infrared sauna is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle with the higher temperatures and humidity of traditional saunas.

Portable Saunas

Portable saunas are designed to provide the benefits of traditional sauna therapy in a compact and convenient package. They can be set up and used easily, making them ideal for smaller spaces, offering flexibility at home, on vacation, or while traveling.

According to a study published on PubMed, a portable steam sauna pod can achieve a maximum temperature of approximately 44°C (111.2°F) with 99% relative humidity at its highest setting. 

This is higher than the typical operating range of infrared saunas, which ranges between 120°F and 140°F (48.9°C to 60°C). Portable steam sauna pods utilize steam to create a hot and humid environment, offering a different experience than infrared saunas, which rely on radiant heat.

These saunas are often constructed from canvas, nylon, or wood frames with canvas enclosures. While they may offer less interior space and slightly lower heat intensity than wood-burning saunas, their portability and affordability make them a great option for many users.

Plus, their affordable price point makes them accessible to many who might not want to invest in a full-sized sauna.

Barrel Saunas

A barrel sauna is typically constructed from high-quality wood, such as cedar or spruce. They are usually equipped with wood-burning or electric heaters, similar to traditional Finnish saunas, allowing for a range of temperatures from 150°F to 190°F.

One of the key advantages of barrel saunas is their efficient design. The curved shape reduces the volume of air that needs to be heated, allowing the sauna to reach the desired temperature more quickly than rectangular saunas. 

Barrel saunas are primarily for outdoor use, making them a great addition to gardens, patios, or backyards. They often have attractive features like panoramic windows or wood benches, enhancing their aesthetic and functional aspects.

The natural look of the wooden exterior blends seamlessly into outdoor environments, adding a rustic charm to your space.

Steam Saunas (Steam Rooms)

Steam saunas are characterized by high humidity and moderate heat. Unlike a traditional dry sauna, steam saunas use steam generators to fill the room with warm, moist air, creating a lush and soothing environment.

Steam saunas typically operate at around 113°F (45°C), offering a gentle and enveloping heat.

The high humidity, often close to 100%, ensures you are surrounded by a dense mist, making the heat feel more intense and enveloping despite the lower air temperature.

Due to its moist heat, the steam sauna provides several benefits. This heat is especially helpful for respiratory health by opening up nasal passages, improving breathing, and relieving congestion.

Additionally, the high humidity is excellent for skin hydration, making your skin feel soft and refreshed after use.

Steam saunas are ideal for individuals who prefer milder heat combined with the therapeutic benefits of high humidity.

Choosing the Right Sauna for You

Selecting the perfect sauna, whether a wood-burning sauna or a steam sauna, depends on several factors that align with your personal preferences, health considerations, and practical needs.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:

Discover Your Ideal Sauna Style

To assist you in choosing the right sauna, here’s a comparison table focusing on key characteristics and the ideal user for each type of sauna:

Sauna Health Tips for a Better Experience

While all saunas and steam rooms offer heat therapy, relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation through sweating, certain types of saunas excel in certain areas. 

• Infrared saunas, with their deep heat penetration, may provide the most significant muscle relaxation. 
• Steam saunas, due to high humidity, are unrivaled in promoting respiratory health and skin hydration.
• Traditional saunas improve circulation and promote sweating, although the extent of detoxification compared to other types needs further research.

If you have any pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, or skin sensitivities, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before regular sauna use. 

They can advise you on the best types of saunas—wood-burning saunas and infrared saunas—and the appropriate usage duration for your condition.

Practical Factors

• Cost: Traditional and barrel saunas often come with higher upfront and professional installation costs. Infrared and portable saunas are generally more affordable and easier to set up.
• Space Availability:
• Portable saunas require minimal space and are ideal for apartments or small homes.
• Traditional and barrel saunas need more room and are typically better suited for larger areas or outdoor settings.
• Maintenance and Operation: Electric and infrared saunas are generally easier to operate and maintain than wood-burning saunas, which require a supply of wood and more effort to manage heat levels.

Usage Frequency and Lifestyle

Consider how often you plan to use the sauna and how it fits into your lifestyle. Opt for infrared or portable saunas for daily or frequent use—they heat up quickly and are easy to operate, making them perfect for quick, efficient sessions. 

If you prefer occasional, indulgent sauna bathing experiences, traditional Finnish or barrel saunas offer a more intense and immersive experience, ideal for relaxing weekends or special occasions.

Portable saunas can be installed indoors and cater to those with limited space or a need for mobility, while barrel saunas enhance outdoor spaces and suit nature enthusiasts. 

Choose a sauna that complements your lifestyle and seamlessly integrates health benefits into your daily routine.

Embark on Your Sauna Journey

Exploring the various types of saunas reveals a rich diversity, each offering unique experiences and health benefits. By understanding the differences in heat levels, humidity, and setup requirements, you can make an informed decision to suit your well-being and lifestyle.

Now that you have a clearer picture of the types of saunas available, you can consider your needs, space, and how often you plan to use your sauna.

Ready to find your ideal sauna? Explore our range of saunas and start enjoying the numerous health benefits they offer today. Visit our Sauna Selection Guide to discover your perfect match and transform your wellness routine.