You are almost done building your own sauna and now all you need is the right sauna heater before you can start enjoying all the sauna benefits.

You cannot just buy any sauna heater; there are some important factors to consider such as the size of your sauna, the power requirements, and the type of sauna heater. 

Let’s take a look at each of these factors in detail.

Differences in electric and wood-fired sauna heaters

There are two main types of sauna heaters: electric and wood-fired. Gas-powered heaters are less common.

In the past, wood-fired stoves were often used in rural areas, while electric heaters became popular in urban settings. However, advancements in technology have made both types of heaters viable options regardless of location.

Wood-burning stoves provide an authentic, traditional sauna experience. The pleasant smoky aroma and radiant heat are appreciated by sauna purists. However, wood-fired stoves require more time, effort, and maintenance to heat up and maintain even temperatures throughout a sauna session.

Electric heaters offer convenient and consistent heat with easy temperature control via a built-in thermostat. However, some feel the heat can be less penetrating than wood-fired stoves. Modern electric heaters often have integrated evaporators to inject steam, transforming a dry sauna into a steam sauna at the push of a button.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and priorities regarding authenticity versus simplicity. Both types can suit rural or urban settings thanks to technological advancements, making wood-fired and electric heaters widely accessible.

What size sauna heater do you need?

The larger the sauna room, the more powerful the heater must be; there is a simple formula for calculating the heater size.

As a general rule of thumb, you need 1 kilowatt of power for every 35.3 cubic feet of interior sauna space.

To calculate the size of your room, simply multiply the length by the width by the height. This will give you the cubic footage of your sauna space.

Once you have this number, divide it by 35.3 to find out how many kilowatts you need.

For example, if your room is 10 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 7 feet tall, it would be 490 cubic feet. This would require a 14-kilowatt heater.

Keep in mind that, for example, log walls, glass, stone, and uninsulated walls reduce the effectiveness of the heater, so you may need to add extra power.

For example, a sauna room with a large single-layer window is likely to require a much more powerful heater than the formula suggests.

In order to have a small reserve, and compensate for major heat loss, most people choose a heater that is 10-20% more powerful than the minimum requirement or just add 1 kW to the calculated heater size.

Use calculators available on the manufacturer’s websites to help you determine the kilowatts needed for your sauna.

A quick tips about the maintenance of your sauna heater

Choose the right stones: Only use dark-colored stones in your heater, as they can withstand high temperatures. Do not use river stones, for example, as they can explode when heated. Stones should be re-stacked and, if possible, replaced once a year.

Read more about sauna stones here.

The heater should be cleaned with warm and mild, soapy water as required.

A good stove is also judged by its stone capacity – the larger the number of stones, the longer and more pleasant steam it can produce.

We hope this guide has been helpful, and if you need any help building your dream outdoor sauna, don’t hesitate to contact us.