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Looking for the best sauna heater? Having considered dozens of heating models, we think Finlandia FLB-60 Sauna Heater is the winner. It’s durable, compact, easy to operate, comes with in-built controls, and a sleek design. Read more about the winning model below.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick comparison –
Best Sauna Heater Comparison Table
Our Top Pick
Finlandia FLB-60 Sauna Heater
🔹 Corrosion-resistant, durable
🔹 In-built controls
🔹 Programmable timer
🔹 Compact and sleek design
Editor’s Choice
Harvia M3 Sauna Heater
🔹 Easy to install
🔹 Ideal for small spaces
🔹 Great heat distribution
🔹 Free sauna stones included
Best Value
240-Vico Ultra Sauna Heater
🔹 Sturdy, reliable build
🔹 Overheating protection
🔹 Huge stone capacity
🔹 Free high-density sauna stones
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Best Sauna Rocks
Some of the sauna heaters listed in this article come with a box of stones but if you don’t know the quality of the stones or you simply want to try out a different type of stone, check out our list of the best sauna stones.
How to Choose A Sauna Heater? (Buying Guide)
Choosing a sauna heater is not easy. Below, we have compiled a list of things you need to consider before purchasing one.
1. Quality
The first factor to consider is the quality of the sauna heater’s build. What are the materials used in its construction? The heater will be exposed to high temperatures, therefore you want something durable. You’ll also want to make sure that you can pour water on it without exposing it to rust or corrosion. From years of experience, we can tell that the best material for a heater is stainless steel because it is resilient and long-lasting.
2. Heater Type
a. Heater & Room Size
Sauna heaters come in various sizes. A small heater will serve a small sauna room that accommodates only a handful of people. And of course, a large heater is built for a large sauna room. But they are difficult to handle and move about.
b. Heat Source
There are four different heat sources to choose from. Those are wood, electricity, gas, and infrared.
Wood sauna heaters offer a traditional experience whereas electric sauna heaters are modern and easier to control. Gas sauna heaters are your best option if you want a short heat-up time. And the infrared heating panels are the most eco-friendly and low maintenance.
c. Heat-Up Time
Some sauna heaters take longer to heat up than others. Some retain heat longer than others. Ideally, you should choose one that heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time. Wood sauna heaters take over an hour to heat up and they don’t retain heat for a long time. Electric sauna heaters and infrared panels also take a significant time to heat up but when compared to wood heaters, they are quicker and can retain heat for a long time. Gas heaters are the quickest heaters in the market which is why they are popular in commercial spaces.
d. Stone Capacity
The power of a sauna heater is often measured by the weight of sauna rocks it can accommodate. A small-capacity heater won’t do well for a large sauna room, and a large capacity could provide a lot more heat than you need. So, it’s important to consider the rock capacity, the size of the room, and the amount of steam you want. Additionally, the weight of the rocks will make the sauna heavier to handle, so you’ll also want to consider a stone capacity that is light enough for you to carry without difficulties.
Electric Heater Voltages
If you are planning on buying an electric sauna heater, their voltage capacities are worth noting. Electric heaters come with one of two voltage capacities – 110v or 220v.
110v Sauna Heaters
A 110v sauna heater is perfect for a small sauna room. It’s easy to set up. You can plug it into a power outlet and switch it on. That’s it.
220v Sauna Heaters
A 220v sauna heater packs twice as much power so it’s best suited for larger sauna rooms. It takes a while to heat up but you’ll need a qualified electrician to set it up properly.
3. Cost
The primary factors that determine the cost of a sauna heater are the source of heat and the heating capacity. If your budget is high, go for a gas-powered sauna heater. Otherwise, get an electric sauna heater which is much more affordable. Traditional wood heaters, unlike popular belief, are not economical. There is a low initial cost, but they are expensive to operate and maintain.
4. Look
Select a sauna heater that matches the style of your sauna. An elegant unit can make the room more interesting and add a welcoming feel to your sauna. A pain one can help your sauna look fuller without drawing attention to the unit.
5. Assembly
You’ll need some level of expertise to assemble a sauna heater correctly. For instance, setting up an electric heater requires help from an electric expert. Alternatively, you can opt for a pre-assembled heater. Such heaters are costlier, it’s not a hassle to set them up.
6. Extra Features
Look out for additional features like remote control settings on electric heaters and hot water tanks on wood sauna heaters, among other things.
Wet vs. Dry Sauna Heaters
A wet sauna heater is one where you splash water over the sauna rocks and it produces steam to fill the room. If you restrain from using water, the heater becomes a dry sauna heater. Wood or electric sauna heaters can function both as wet and dry sauna heaters.
Types of Sauna Heaters
There are four types of sauna heaters: wood, electric, gas, and infrared. In the following section, you will find an overview of each type of heater. Let’s dive in:
1. Traditional Sauna Heaters (Wood)
Wood-burning sauna heaters are affordable and offer a traditional sauna experience. The units are quite powerful and can be used in large sauna rooms. You can use a traditional wood sauna heater for both wet and dry sauna experiences.
2. Electric Sauna Heaters
An electric sauna heater comes equipped with simple controls and it’s pretty straightforward to use. For indoor saunas, electric heaters are an ideal choice. That said, electric saunas are expensive. The initial cost is often high and its frequent use will lead to spikes in your electric bill. Luckily, this type of sauna heater has a wide temperature range, allowing you to customize your heating experience and reduce your bill.
3. Gas Sauna Heaters
Gas sauna heaters are ideal for commercial sauna spaces. These types of heaters can heat up quickly, and they are quite durable. Unfortunately, the heaters are not very eco-friendly because they use petroleum-based gas. Plus, operating the heaters requires technical expertise.
4. Infrared Sauna Heaters
Infrared sauna heaters are both eco-friendly and easy to operate. They are low maintenance and therefore very cost-efficient. The biggest downside of an infrared sauna is that you can’t produce steam. It’s strictly a dry sauna.
Electric vs. Far Infrared Sauna Heaters
Electric and infrared sauna heaters are the most common type of sauna heaters. As the name suggests, electric heaters use electricity to produce heat and infrared heaters use infrared radiation. Unlike an electric heater, an infrared heater heats the person and not the atmosphere.
Beyond this, there are differences in temperature, heat-up time, and even the social experience. The temperature will range between 150 and 185º F in an electric sauna and in a far infrared sauna it will range between 120 and 140º F. A traditional electric sauna can take up to 40 mins to heat up whereas an infrared sauna starts heating the body almost instantly. Electric saunas lend themselves for an intimate social gathering but infrared saunas are meant to be a private escape. Learn more.
10 Best Sauna Heaters
1. Finlandia FLB-60 Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Dry
Power: 6 kW
Unit Size: 16 x 11 x 24 inches
Room Size: Up to 300 cubic feet
Construct: Stainless steel
The Finlandia FLB-60 Sauna Heater is an excellent choice for those looking for a wall-mounting premium-grade heater.
It features integrated controls that allow you to preset the heater for up to 8 hours. The unit also has a 60-minute timer that enables you to control your heating experience conveniently.
FLB-60 Sauna Heater comes with stainless steel casing made from compressed metal to enhance its strength and longevity. The stainless-steel grill is also built to last and withstand the heat that rocks like Vulcanite can produce.
The controls are built into the base of the heater which makes it slightly challenging to operate.
PROS
- Corrosion-resistant, durable
- In-built controls
- Programmable timer
- Compact and sleek design
CONS
- No warranty
2. Harvia M3 Sauna Heater
Type: Wood
Dry or Wet: Wet and dry
Power: 16.5 kW
Unit Size: 15 x 17 x 28 inches
Room Size: Up to 459 cubic feet
Construct: Stainless steel
The Harvia M3 Sauna Heater is the most good-looking heater on the list. This wood-burning sauna stove can distribute heat evenly throughout the room for maximum relaxation.
The graphite black color of the Harvia M3 Sauna Heater is designed to complement your sauna room. And the glass door allows you to see the brightness of the fire.
The heater can work with a pipe model and comes equipped with an adapter so that you can use a pipe of any size.
It’s ideal for a 459 cubic feet room, and the manufacturers offer 100lbs of sauna stones at no additional cost.
PROS
- Ideal for small spaces
- Great heat distribution
- Easy to install
- Free 100lbs sauna stone included
CONS
- Not easy to operate for beginners
- Heavy unit
3. 240-Vico Ultra Sauna Heater
Type: Gas
Dry or Wet: Dry
BTU: 40,000
Unit Size: 23 x 16 x 11 inches
Construct: Stainless steel
The 240-Vico Ultra Sauna Heater is a versatile unit that can run on either natural gas or liquid propane. It has a high-quality stainless-steel construct which makes it durable and worth investing in.
The rock tray is extra-large which helps produce a large amount of steam.
With this unit, you get a pack of sauna stones which is great because you can start using the sauna right away.
With the 240-Vico Ultra Sauna Heater, you won’t have to worry about overheating. It’ll automatically shut down when the temperature exceeds the set limit.
PROS
- Gas sauna heater
- Sturdy, reliable build
- Overheating protection
- Huge stone capacity
- Free high-density sauna stones
CONS
- Faulty piezo lighter found in some units
4. TURKU TU90WD-OD Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Wet and dry
Power: 9 kW
Unit Size: 15.7 x 11 x 22.4 inches
Room Size: Up to 450 cubic feet
Construct: Aluminium alloy
TURKU TU90WD-OD is designed to deliver excellent performance and longevity. The unit has a firm body structure which ensures that the heater will serve you for years to come. Moreover, it’s coated with a high-grade Teflon heating element to protect the unit from overheating.
You can use it for both wet and dry sauna. We love that it comes with a digital readout making it easier to control.
PROS
- Firm build
- Affordable
- Easy to maintain
- Wide temperature range
CONS
- Clunky, ugly design
5. TYLO Sense Sport 8 Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Wet and dry
Power: 8.3 kW
Unit Size: 19 x 13.5 x 7 inches
Room Size: Up to 420 cubic feet
Construct: Thermosafe casing
The Tylo Sense Sport 8 Sauna Heater is a sleek-looking model designed for smooth operation and safe use. It comes with a thermosafe casing, which reduces the chances of accidental burns.
The control panel is easily accessible and the unit is easy to clean.
You can choose between the wall-mounted and floor-mounted versions.
There is a detachable compartment for holding essential oils.
You’ll get complimentary Vulcanite sauna rocks with this unit so that you can start using it immediately.
PROS
- Elegant design
- Durable thermosafe casing
- Easy to use
- Heating rocks included
CONS
- No digital control
6. VEVOR Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Dry
Power: 9 kW
Unit Size: 15.7 x 11 x 22.4 inches
Room Size: Up to 913 cubic feet
Construct: Aluminium alloy
The VEVOR Sauna Heater is also one of the best sauna heaters on the market. It’s made with an aluminum alloy which ensures that it’s an extremely durable unit.
The heating coils are made of stainless steel which means they offer better heat conduction and takes a shorter time to reach the set temperature.
Thanks to the mounting holes, installing this unit is a piece of cake.
The controls are set on the front making it easily accessible.
PROS
- Simple, elegant, and sturdy design
- Easy to install and operate
- Energy-efficient
CONS
- No stones included
7. Aleko Coasts Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Dry
Power: 6 kW
Unit Size: 25 x 17 x 12 inches
Room Size: Up to 354 cubic feet
Construct: Galvanized sheet
Aleko Coasts is a powerful heater that can heat your sauna to up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit can heat your sauna for 4 consecutive hours and can be preset to 8 hours ahead of the sauna session.
Its CON 4 outer digital controller allows you to adjust the time and heat according to your preferences.
The inner and outer tanks are made from galvanized sheets which prevents rust and corrosion.
And the CE certification indicates that this unit is among the most efficient energy consumers.
PROS
- In-built safety functions
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
- Easy to install and maintain
CONS
- Installation instructions are difficult to follow
8. Amerec Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Dry
Power: 8 kW
Unit Size: 23 x 16 x 11 inches
Room Size: Up to 425 cubic feet
Construct: Galvanized steel
The Amerec Sauna Heater is a wall-mounting unit featuring a light switch and indicator lights that makes the unit easy to operate.
It comes with a 60-minute timer, an electronic thermostat, and 50lbs Olivine sauna stones.
The heating elements are made from stainless steel which ensures fast heat up and durability.
PROS
- Affordable
- Digital remote control
- Free 50lbs sauna rocks
CONS
- Installation requires professional help
9. Coasts AM90MID3 Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Wet and dry
Power: 9 kW
Unit Size: 28 x 17 x 12 inches
Construct: Galvanized sheet shell
Coasts AM90MID3 Sauna Heater comes with a CON3 digital controller that allows you to view the temperature and timer, adjust the fan and light switch.
It’s not only CE certified but also approved by ETL which makes the unit both safe and energy-efficient.
The heating elements are made of stainless steel therefore they are durable.
You can heat the heater up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit and the unit can resist deformation from constant exposure to high temperatures thanks to its fluorocarbon coating.
PROS
- Ideal for home
- ETL certified
- Energy-efficient
- Durable
CONS
- Requires professional assistance to install
10. Finlandia Harvia FLB-80 Sauna Heater
Type: Electric
Dry or Wet: Wet and dry
Power: 8 kW
Unit Size: 21 x 20.75 x 20.75 inches
Room Size: Up to 425 cubic feet
Construct: Stainless steel
The Finlandia Harvia FLB-80 is a top-tier sauna heater made in Finland.
It eliminates the cost of buying sauna rocks separately because they are included in the purchase.
This heating unit is made of stainless steel which makes it super durable. It even has a countdown timer that allows you to preset the heater.
PROS
- Durable stainless steel construct
- Sauna rocks included
CONS
- No remote control
Final Thoughts
That’s it for this one, folks. We hope you were able to find a sauna heater that meets your needs. If you have any questions, leave a comment below.
