Sauna Equipment Tips

The Different Kinds of Sauna Heaters

When building or designing a sauna, one of the most important pieces of sauna equipment you'll select is the sauna heater. There are many different kinds of heaters to choose from; knowing how each one works and researching the types will help you pick which one is right for you.

Here is an overview of the various types of sauna heaters:
• Traditional – The traditional sauna heater is comprised of a stove covered with hot rocks. The bather can pour water over the rocks to enjoy a “wet” sauna, or leave the rocks dry and enjoy a “dry” sauna. Wet saunas originated in Finland many years ago
• Steam – Steam heaters are traditional in steam rooms, and are somewhat different than sauna heaters. Whereas a sauna heater generates steam by pouring water over hot rocks, steam generators produce heat only through steam. Some people prefer this kind of sauna because the heat is more “gentle”
• Infrared – Infrared heaters are the most modern sauna development. Infrared heaters heat the sauna room through radiant heat, similar to the sun's, but without the UV rays. The temperature in an infrared sauna is usually lower than with a traditional or steam heater

Sizing Considerations For Steam Generators

When selecting your MrSteam steam generator from saunas.com, size matters; you need a larger generator for larger steam rooms. Another consideration is the materials from which the steam room has been constructed – if you use a construction material that allows for greater heat loss, you will need a larger generator.

Take the following into consideration when selecting a MrSteam steam generator:

• What is your steam room made of? Fiberglass, acrylic, and cultured marble require a smaller generator than porcelain tile on cement board, for example

• Is the steam room next to an exterior wall? If so, a larger generator, may be necessary, like a MS-300 or MS-400

• How large is your steam room? Different generators will cover different amounts of cubic feet. Make sure to measure your steam room accurately to figure out the cubic feet when selecting your generator

Saunas.com also offers a steam generator sizing calculator that will help you determine what size you need for your MrSteam generator.

Installing A Steam Generator

If you are putting in a steam room and have selected a steam generator from MrSteam, one of the points to take into consideration is how to install the steam generator. Here are some tips when putting your MrSteam generator into your steam room:

• Do not mount the generator inside the steam room (as it will get too hot) or outside (as it will get too cold). Common places to mount the generator are in a closet, vanity or cabinet, or insulated attic

• Make sure there is ample area around the generator for servicing and to access it if any parts need replaced; make sure you can get to both ends of the steam generator for service

• Provide protection for the steam line, safety valve, and drain valve, as they become hot during use

• Follow all MrSteam steam generator instructions when installing your generator

Sauna Heaters

When building or designing a sauna, one of the most important pieces of sauna equipment you'll select is the sauna heater. There are many different kinds of heaters to choose from available at saunas.com; knowing how each one works and researching the types will help you pick which one is right for you.

Here is an overview of the various types of sauna heaters:

• Traditional – The traditional sauna heater is comprised of a stove covered with hot rocks. Manufactures such as Polar Sauna, Avalon, and Catalina make various types of traditional sauna heaters that use steam to heat the sauna. Traditional sauna heaters run on electricity, wood, or gas.

• Infrared – Infrared heaters are the most modern sauna development. Infrared heaters heat the sauna room through radiant heat, similar to the sun's, but without the UV rays. If you are interested in an infrared heater, consider an infrared sauna room by SaunaGen, Polar Sauna, or the Caatu Series by Sauna Warehouse, or look at a combination IR/Steam sauna from Polar Sauna or the Caatu Series by Sauna Warehouse.

Steam Generators

If you are installing a steam room, at some point you will have to decide what kind of steam generator you are going to put in your room. Saunas.com offers MrSteam Residential Tempo Steam Room Generators, which is the highest rated steam generator in the industry. There are various models available, so use the following guidelines to determine which steam generator you should select:

• Size matters. MrSteam generators have a maximum cubic foot capacity, so make sure the generator you select is large enough for your steam room

• Consider price. MrSteam offers standard as well as deluxe models of steam generators; talk to the experts at sauna.com to see which is right for you and will fit into your budget

• What about looks? MrSteam generators come in different finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel, and are different sizes. Determine if you want a particular aesthetic for your steam generator

Selecting A Steam Generator

If you are installing a steam room, at some point you will have to decide what kind of steam generator you are going to put in your room. As with sauna heaters, many manufacturers make several different models of steam generators, and it can be hard to figure out which kind is right for you.

Use the following guidelines to determine which steam generator you should select:

• Size matters. Most steam generators will have a maximum cubic foot capacity, so make sure the generator you select is large enough for your steam room
• Consider price. Most manufacturers offer “standard” steam generators and “deluxe” steam generators, with the primary difference being cost. Decide how much you want to spend and use that as a preliminary guideline
• Look at the amenities. What kinds of “extras” do you want your generator to have? Does it need to have a timer? Do you care what it looks like? Does the physical size of the generator matter? Select a generator that has all the amenities you want

The Advantages And Disadvantages of a Wood-Burning Sauna Stove

A wood burning sauna stove is considered by most to be the “traditional” kind of sauna stove. To get the traditional sauna experience, you may want to consider a wood burning stove; however, there are advantages and disadvantages to wood stoves.

Here is an overview of the pros and cons of wood burning sauna stoves:

Pros:
Nice aroma of the burning wood
No spike in electric bills
Improve efficiency – they heat up quickly
The ambiance of burning wood is relaxing
Good for outdoor saunas or areas with no electricity
Cons:
Must supply wood to run the stove
Stoves must be cleaned and rid of ash
Wood-burning stoves are often larger than electric
You must tend the fire while in the sauna

Weigh the pros and cons carefully when selecting a wood-burning stove.

Selecting a Steam Sauna Heater

There are many different kinds of steam sauna stoves available for your home sauna; one manufacturer can offer several different models. Choosing the right steam stove can seem a little daunting.

Ask yourself these questions to determine which steam stove is right for you.
• Where do you want your heater to mount? Most steam heaters either mount on the floor (floor mount) or on the wall (flatwall or corner mount). If you have a preference as to where your heater mounts, make sure the heater you select is compatible with the location
• Do you want a sauna humidifier? Some steam sauna heaters come installed with a sauna humidifier, which is a column you can pour water in to generate heat for 20-30 minutes at a time. If this is important to you, select a heater with a humidifier installed
• How much do you want to spend on electric bills? Some steam sauna heaters are considered extremely energy-efficient, and some are less so. You may pay more upfront for a heater that claims to be energy-efficient, but in the long run may pay less on electric bills
• Do you care what it looks like? Some sauna heaters have a “sleeker” design than others, but will probably cost more
• What kind of warranty does it have? Some sauna heaters have limited warranties with the option to purchase an extended warranty; is this important to you?

How Much You Can Expect To Spend On A Steam Sauna Heater

The sauna heater, or sauna stove, is the most important part of your sauna – without it, you would just have a wooden box. But how much can you expect to spend on a sauna heater?

The answer is that it depends on what kind of model you select. If you want a standard, or basic, model, you will probably spend anywhere from $400 - $500.

If, on the other hand, you want an easy-to-use, deluxe sauna heater, you can expect to send more like $500-$700.

Remember, if you buy the sauna heater online or via a catalog, you will also have to pay shipping, which increases your cost. If you need someone else to install it for you, that will increase your cost as well.

Selecting An Infrared Sauna Heater

If you have decided an infrared sauna is for you, you need to consider what kind of infrared heater to purchase. While infrared heaters all work the same way, there are different models of infrared heaters; use the following guidelines to decide which heater is right for you.

• What is the EMF? Since infrared saunas give off electromagnetic rays, a manufacturer should be able to tell you what the EMF reading is for their heater. A lower EMF is better
• What is the size? Unlike with steam generators, the size of an infrared heater does not matter. The manufacturer should not try to sell you a larger heater, as the power is not related to the size
• How much do you want to spend? Like with everything else, decide on a budget for your heater and then do some price-comparison shopping for infrared heaters

Selecting a Regular vs. Deluxe Electric Sauna Heater

Most manufacturers offer a wide range of electric sauna heaters – but how do you know which one to select? And what is the difference between a “standard” sauna heater and a “deluxe” heater?

All sauna heaters will get the job done, but deluxe heaters usually do it with more style and panache than standard heaters. For example, a standard, “economical” model from a leading sauna stove manufacturer will serve the same purpose as the “super” model, but the controls are located at the bottom of the standard model whereas they are more conveniently located at the top of the super model.

Another difference between “standard” and “deluxe” heater models is the ratio of the output of the heater to the size of the sauna. When the ratio is higher, the sauna will heat up quicker and will also be more energy efficient.

When deciding whether to go with a standard heater or a deluxe heater, figure out how much you want to spend on “extra” amenities like appearance and ease of use. If these things are not as important to you as saving money, then stick with a standard model.

Installing A Steam Generator

If you are putting in a steam room, one of the points to take into consideration is how to install the steam generator. Here are some tips when putting your steam generator into your steam room:

• Do not mount the generator inside the steam room (as it will get too hot) or outside (as it will get too cold)
• Make sure there is ample area around the generator for servicing and to access it if any parts need replaced
• Use plumbing unions, in case the generator ever needs to be removed for service or replacement
• The copper line used to connect the generator to the steam room should not be more than 20 feet. It should also slope downward towards the generator, and should not form any traps or gullies where condensation can accumulate
• Follow all manufacturer instructions when installing your generator

Selecting A Sauna Stove

When selecting a sauna stove, you need to decide first off if you want a steam-capable sauna, or if a dry sauna is better for you. If you want a steam sauna, then you will need to select a steam sauna stove; the major difference between the types of stoves is how they are powered. If you want a dry sauna experience, you can pick an infrared sauna heater rather than a traditional sauna stove.

The different kinds of steam sauna stoves are wood, gas, and electric. You need to decide how you want to power your steam sauna stove, if a steam sauna is right for you. Here are the pros and cons of each type of power:

• Wood – has a wonderful aroma, but you must have available cut wood for the stove. Better for people who live in rural areas or have larger plots of land from which they can gather wood
• Electric – very common, as most people have electric hookups available in their homes. Clean and easy to use, but can make your electric bill go up with extensive sauna use
• Gas – most people also have gas lines, making gas another popular power choice. Installation can be trickier for gas, and precautions must be made against leaka

Sizing Considerations For Steam Generators

When selecting a steam generator, size matters; you need a larger generator for larger steam rooms. Another consideration is the materials from which the steam room has been constructed – if you use a construction material that allows for greater heat loss, you will need a larger generator.

Take the following into consideration when selecting the size of your steam generator:
• What is your steam room made of? Fiberglass, acrylic, and cultured marble require a smaller generator than porcelain tile on cement board, for example
• Is the steam room next to an exterior wall? If so, a larger generator may be necessary
• How large is your steam room? Different generators will cover different amounts of cubic feet. Make sure to measure your steam room accurately to figure out the cubic feet when selecting your generator

The Cost of Steam Sauna Heaters

The sauna heater, or sauna stove, is the most important part of your sauna – without it, you would just have a wooden box. But how much can you expect to spend on a sauna heater at saunas.com?

The answer is that it depends on what kind of model you select. If you want a standard, or basic, model, you will probably spend anywhere from $400 - $500. Models from Avalon, Polar Sauna, and Tylo are available starting at around $470.

If, on the other hand, you want an easy-to-use, deluxe sauna heater, you can expect to send more like $500-$700. MrSauna and Tylo have models in the $600 to over $1000 range.

Remember, saunas.com prices include shipping!

Selecting a Steam Sauna Heater

There are many different kinds of steam sauna stoves available for your home sauna; one manufacturer can offer several different models. For example, Catalina Luxury Saunas offers six different models to choose from

Ask yourself these questions to determine which steam stove is right for you.

• Where do you want your heater to mount? Most steam heaters either mount on the floor (floor mount) or on the wall. Most of the steam heaters available at saunas.com are floor mount heaters

• How much do you want to spend on electric bills? There are different kinds of heaters that run on electric, gas, and wood; if you don't want high electric bills, select a wood-burning heater from Catalina or Polar Sauna. Also make sure the heater is appropriate for the size of your sauna

• Do you care what it looks like? Different heaters have different looks; for example, Polar Sauna offers heaters in red, chrome, and other colors

The Difference Between a Sauna Heater and a Sauna Stove

Sauna heaters and sauna stoves are the most important part of a sauna; choosing one is an important step in your sauna design process. But what is the different between a sauna heater and a sauna stove? And how do you know which one is right for you?

There really isn't much difference between a sauna “heater” and a sauna “stove;” in most cases, the terms are interchangeable. A steam sauna heater can be run by electric, gas, or wood. When referring to electric or gas-power, the term “heater” and “stove” are interchangeable. When referring to wood-power, the term “stove” is usually used, because wood heaters resemble a stove more than electric or gas.

When talking about infrared saunas, the word “heater” is used, because there isn't usually a central heating unit that is visible, like with steam heaters – there really is no “stove.”

To decide which type of heater (or stove) is right for you, decide what kind of heat you want (steam or dry) and then decide how you want to power it. Whatever you call it, your sauna will still be a relaxing experience.

Selecting An Infrared Sauna Heater

If you have decided an infrared sauna is for you, you need to consider what kind of infrared heater to purchase from saunas.com. Most infrared sauna rooms come with their own heater; for example, SaunaGen Infrared Sauna rooms come with a heater that runs on 110 volts.

If you are interested in the details of infrared heaters, here are some questions to ask:

• What is the EMF? Since infrared saunas give off electromagnetic rays, a manufacturer should be able to tell you what the EMF reading is for their heater. A lower EMF is better

• What is the size? Unlike with steam generators, the size of an infrared heater does not matter.

• How hot does the heater get? Most infrared saunas work at a lower temperature than other saunas, so find out what the max temperature is in the infrared sauna

Also consider a combination infrared sauna/steam sauna from a manufacturer like Polar Sauna or the Caatu Series by Sauna Warehouse.

Selecting A Regular Vs. A Deluxe Electric Sauna Heater

The manufacturers at saunas.com offer a wide range of electric sauna heaters; the Caatu Series by Sauna Warehouse offers five different models, for example – but how do you know which one to select?

All sauna heaters will get the job done, but deluxe heaters usually do it with more style and panache than standard heaters. MrSauna sauna heaters are considered very luxurious, with easy controls and a heater timer. Heaters from the Caatu Series by Sauna warehouse are efficient and attractive, but are more affordable.

When deciding whether to go with a standard heater or a deluxe heater, figure out how much you want to spend on “extra” amenities like appearance and ease of use. Talk to an expert at saunas.com to see what kind of sauna heater can fit your lifestyle and your budget

Sauna Heaters vs. Sauna Stoves

What heats your sauna is obviously the important part of the sauna; choosing a heater or stove is an important step in your sauna design process. But what is the different between a sauna heater and a sauna stove? And what is available at saunas.com?

There really isn't much difference between a sauna “heater” and a sauna “stove;” in most cases, the terms are interchangeable. A steam sauna heater can be run by electric, gas, or wood. When referring to electric or gas-power, like a heater from Avalon, Vico, or Tylo, the term “heater” and “stove” are interchangeable. When referring to wood-power, such as a stove available from Polar Sauna or Catalina, the term “stove” is usually used, because wood heaters resemble a stove more than electric or gas.

When talking about infrared saunas, like the SaunaGen or Polar Sauna infrared saunas, the word “heater” is used, because there isn't usually a central heating unit that is visible, like with steam heaters – there really is no “stove.”

No matter whether you call it a sauna heater or sauna stove, saunas.com has a wide range of models and manufacturers available for your heating needs.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Wood-Burning Sauna Stove

A wood burning sauna stove is considered by most to be the “traditional” kind of sauna stove. Saunas.com offers wood burning sauna heaters from Polar Sauna and Catalina Luxury Saunas; here is an overview of the pros and cons of wood burning sauna stoves:

Pros:

Nice aroma of the burning wood

No spike in electric bills

Improve efficiency – they heat up quickly

The ambiance of burning wood is relaxing

Good for outdoor saunas or areas with no electricity

Cons:

Must supply wood to run the stove

Stoves must be cleaned and rid of ash

Wood-burning stoves are often larger than electric

You must tend the fire while in the sauna

Ask an expert at saunas.com if you have questions about a wood burning sauna stove.