Types of Saunas: Which One Is Right for You?
Looking to add a sauna to your home but unsure which type to choose? Whether you're after a traditional experience or modern wellness benefits, this guide breaks down the types of saunas to help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Sauna Comparison Chart
| Sauna Type | Heating Method | Ideal For | Heating Time | Maintenance | Temp. Range | Power Needs | Where It Goes |
| Traditional (Wood-burning) | Wood and stones | Authentic, traditional sauna experience | Long (45-60 mins) | High (cleaning ash) | 170-195°F | None (needs a chimney) | Outdoors |
| Electric | Electricity and stones | Easy, indoor or outdoor, precise control | About 30-45 mins | Low (minimal) | 150-195°F | 240V dedicated circuit | Indoors or outdoors |
| Infrared | Infrared light | Comfort and wellness, lower heat levels | About 20-30 mins | Low (minimal) | 120-140°F | Most use a standard 120V outlet | Indoors or outdoors |
| Hybrid | Infrared + Electric | Customizable experience for various needs | 20-30 mins infrared, 30-45 mins heater | Medium (dual systems) | 120-195°F | Most need 240V | Indoors or outdoors |
| Barrel | Electric or wood heater and stones | Backyard sauna, cold-plunge routines | About 30-60 mins, longer in winter | Low (electric) or High (wood) | 150-195°F | 240V circuit, or none with wood | Outdoors |
1. Traditional Wood-Burning Sauna
Best For: Sauna Purists Seeking an Authentic Experience
A traditional wood-burning sauna gives you the classic, rustic sauna experience with the warmth of fire and the scent of burning wood. These saunas can heat up to 195°F, providing an intense, dry heat. They're perfect for those who love the ambiance of crackling wood and the therapeutic benefits that come with it. Wood-burning heaters need a chimney but no electrical hookup, so you'll find them on outdoor barrel and cabin saunas.
Pros
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🌱 Eco-friendly (if sustainably sourced wood is used)
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💸 Economical to run once you have the wood
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🌿 Authentic, rustic experience
Cons
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❌ No precise temperature control
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⏳ Longer heating time (45-60 minutes)
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🔥 Requires regular maintenance (wood, ash cleanup)
2. Electric Sauna
Best For: Practical Users Seeking Efficiency and Flexibility
Electric saunas are a convenient modern alternative. Powered by electricity, they heat up faster than wood and let you set an exact temperature, usually between 150 and 195°F. Pour water on the rocks for a burst of steam. You can install them both indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for any space.
Pros
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⚡ Faster heating than wood (about 30 to 45 minutes)
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🛠️ Easy to maintain (no wood or ash)
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🧘♂️ Precise temperature control
Cons
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💡Uses more energy than infrared (most heaters are 4.5 to 9 kW)
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🔌 Needs a 240V dedicated circuit, installed by an electrician
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✨ Less rustic ambiance
3. Infrared Sauna
Best For: Modern Users Seeking Comfort and Wellness
Infrared saunas use light rays to directly heat your body, making them perfect for those looking to experience sauna therapy without intense heat. Sessions usually run between 120°F and 140°F, so these saunas are more comfortable and still offer great health benefits.
Pros
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💪 Direct body heating (warms up in about 20 to 30 minutes)
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🌡️ Lower temperatures for comfort
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🧘♀️ Easy to use and maintain
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🔌 Most run on a standard 120V outlet
Cons
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🏠 Smaller than traditional saunas
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🎭 Lacks authentic sauna ambiance
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💧 No steam: dry heat only, no water on the rocks
4. Hybrid Sauna (Infrared + Electric)
Best For: Users Seeking the Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid saunas combine both infrared and electric heating methods. This lets you choose a gentler infrared session or the high heat and steam of a traditional heater, all in one cabin. These saunas are flexible, offering a customizable experience based on your needs. Most hybrids need a 240V circuit.
Pros
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🌟 Dual benefits of infrared therapy and electric heating
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⚡Two modes: infrared for quick, gentler sessions, or the heater for full heat and steam
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🛠️ Customizable sauna experience for different needs (e.g., a gentle warm-up vs. a full hot session)
Cons
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💸 Higher initial cost due to dual heating elements
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🌍 Requires a suitable space for installation (larger footprint)
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🔧 More complex setup and maintenance
5. Barrel Sauna (Outdoor)
Best For: Backyard Sauna Lovers and Cold-Plunge Routines
A barrel sauna is a traditional sauna built in a round shape for the backyard. The curve leaves less empty air for the heater to warm, and the shape sheds rain and snow. It heats like any traditional sauna, with hot rocks, steam and 150 to 195°F, using an electric or wood-burning heater.
Pros
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🏡 Made for outdoors: sits on a level base like pavers, a concrete pad or a deck
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🔥 Choice of electric or wood-burning heater (wood needs no wiring)
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🧊 Easy to pair with a cold plunge
Cons
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❄️ Takes longer to heat in winter, since it starts from the outdoor temperature
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🔌 Electric models need a 240V circuit run outside by an electrician
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🪵 Exterior wood needs periodic sealing or staining
Which Type of Sauna Is Best for You?
Choosing the right sauna comes down to your space, budget, and health goals. Here's a quick guide:
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Wood-Burning Sauna: Ideal for those seeking an immersive, authentic experience with high heat and a rustic vibe.
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Electric Sauna: Perfect for anyone looking for efficiency, ease of use, and precise temperature control.
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Infrared Sauna: Best for users who want a lower heat option and a simple plug-in setup.
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Hybrid Sauna: Ideal for those who want the flexibility to enjoy both gentle infrared sessions and full traditional heat in one sauna.
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Barrel Sauna: Ideal for anyone who wants traditional high heat in the backyard, with an electric or wood-burning heater.
FAQs About Different Types of Saunas
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Each type of sauna offers a different experience. Traditional saunas give higher heat and steam, while infrared saunas give gentler heat at lower temperatures. The best choice is the one you'll enjoy and use regularly
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Electric and infrared saunas are great for indoor use. Most infrared saunas plug into a standard outlet, while electric saunas need a 240V dedicated circuit installed by an electrician. Both require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for home wellness.
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Dry saunas, like traditional and infrared saunas, run hot with low humidity, which many users prefer. Wet saunas, also known as steam rooms or steam showers, run cooler with high humidity and feel very different from the dry heat of a sauna. (Keep the steam showers link.)
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Yes, there are compact saunas available, such as 1- or 2-person electric or infrared saunas, which are perfect for small spaces. These saunas can fit in bedrooms, bathrooms, or small corners of a home, making them an ideal option for those with limited room.
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The cost to run a sauna depends on the type. Infrared saunas usually use the least power, and most run on a standard 120V outlet. Electric heaters draw more (most are 4.5 to 9 kW) and take longer to heat up. Wood-burning saunas use no electricity but need a steady supply of dry firewood.
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A well-maintained sauna can last for many years. How long depends on the wood, whether it's indoors or outdoors, and how well it's cared for, so check each listing's warranty for what's covered. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your sauna operates efficiently for years to come.
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Most barrel saunas are made for the outdoors. A few models are rated indoor-outdoor, so check the listing.
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No. Infrared saunas have no rocks and are dry heat only. If steam matters to you, choose a traditional, barrel or hybrid sauna.
Installation Considerations for Your Sauna
When it comes to adding a sauna to your home, it’s important to consider where you’ll install it. Here are a few key points to think about:
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Indoor vs. Outdoor:
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Indoor: Electric and infrared saunas are great for indoor use, especially if you have limited outdoor space.
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Outdoor: Traditional wood-burning saunas often require an outdoor setting due to the smoke emission. Barrel saunas are built for the backyard, and electric saunas and infrared saunas can also be used outdoors if you have the right space.
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Space Requirements:
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Make sure to measure the area where you plan to install the sauna. Traditional saunas (electric or wood) typically require more space, while 1- to 2-person infrared saunas are compact and can fit into smaller areas.
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Electrical Setup:
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Electric saunas will require a dedicated 240V electrical circuit, installed by a licensed electrician. The majority of infrared saunas are plug-and-play, but a few will also need special power outlets, so be sure to check the manufacturer's installation guidelines.
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Plumbing and Ventilation:
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Most saunas don’t require plumbing, but if you plan on using your sauna outdoors, ensure there’s proper drainage and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
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Maximizing Your Sauna Experience
Here are some tips to make the most of your sauna sessions:
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Hydrate: Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to avoid dehydration.
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Timing: For beginners, start with shorter sessions (around 10-15 minutes) and gradually increase as your body gets accustomed to the heat.
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Use Aromatherapy: Enhance the experience with essential oils. Lavender or eucalyptus oils can add to the relaxation.
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Stretching and Meditation: Incorporating light stretching or meditation during your session can maximize the health benefits, particularly for muscle recovery and mental clarity.
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Cool Down: After your sauna session, take a few minutes to cool down and let your body return to normal before jumping back into your routine.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
When deciding between the various types of saunas, consider your space, goals, and budget. Whether you’re after the classic wood-burning charm or the modern efficiency of an infrared sauna, there’s a sauna type suited to your needs.
Ready to bring sauna therapy to your home? Explore My Sauna World’s collection of high-quality saunas or contact us to find the perfect fit for your wellness routine.
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About the Author
Adam Fromson
Adam Fromson, co-founder of My Sauna World, loves saunas and their transformative health benefits. With years of experience exploring sauna culture and its impact on health and wellness, Adam is passionate about helping others discover the life-changing benefits of saunas for themselves.
Let customers speak for us
from 392 reviews
I haven't even built this sauna yet (Rainelle), but I have to give an ENORMOUS shoutout to Adora and especially KELLY for their help on this one. This was a big purchase for us, and these ladies went way out of their way to make it work out for us. The first sauna that showed up was badly damaged in shipping, and from what it sounds like - that is not typical. At all. So Kelly helped us to get it squared away, and it took what could have been a horrible customer experience into a fantastic one. Give this woman a raise!
We really like our sauna! Quality of the sauna seems decent. The quality of the accessories was not! The back recliner was all busted up out of the box.
My wife and I would occasionally sit in the sauna at our gym after a workout. It was hot but a little gross. I can't tell you how many times we bailed on the gym sauna session because someone else was playing their phone too loud, someone was breathing like they were gasping for air, someone decided to be shirtless in public, someone is weird or any number of other reasons. Loved the sauna feeling but HATED the gym sauna.
We bought a sauna for our home and installed it in our basement to escape the gym sauna experience. We absolutely love it! We sauna daily. Without the angst and frustration of hoping to avoid an awkward gross experience at the gym sauna.
If you are considering a sauna purchase, spend a little extra and get the WIFI enabled heater. This is the best way to make sure you get the benefit of owning a sauna. The app on our phone is easy to use. Just click the on/off button on the app and set your temperature to your desire. I like 171. My wife likes 153. Once it hits the temperature, the app will let you know. You can even turn on your sauna while you are on the way home from the gym. The WIFI version and the app make all the difference in usability and enjoyment of your investment. If we did not have the app and the WIFI version, we probably would probably skip 2/3 of the sessions we currently take.
The sauna is well made. Wood quality is excellent. Very few knots and blemishes. Hillsboro Almost Heaven saunas are a great choice for quality components, solid electronics, easy to use controls and an enjoyable sauna experience.
This is a standard kit sauna. I made several modifications but I am very satisfied with it so far. I have a few shingles left to install tomorrow and then will move onto to interior. MSW has been easy to work with and I recommend them.
I really love this sauna. I use it about four times a week to help me wind down before bed and calm my ego. Customer service at MySaunaWorld was great.
Assembly took me roughly 8–10 hours total over two days, and I’m not a particularly handy person. The step by step instructions video was straightforward and easy to follow.
I paired the sauna with the HUUM Drop 9 heater (the largest HUUM Drop), and it performs very well. I hired an electrician to install it (about $900 extra). It easily heats the sauna to 190°F plus. I personally like it around 180°F, which it reaches in about an hour. Also, you can pour water over the hot rocks to make the air hotter and steamier. Make sure to mount it low so that it can heat everything above it. (I mounted mine 6” from the ground to the base of the heater.) I love that I can start heating the sauna from my iPhone, even when I’m not on my home Wi-Fi.
I got the double-bench configuration going across the back of the sauna which lets two people lay down. The area around the lower bench is cooler which is nice to have different temperature seating options.
The sauna looks fantastic, smells great, and feels solid. I would recommend this sauna to a friend.
We love our new Almost Heaven Pinnacle barrel sauna!
Delivery was perfect, the assembly was a breeze, and the sauna fits perfectly in our space.
The only regret we have is not to have made this purchase 10 years ago!
I had been thinking about installing a sauna for quite some time. I kept going back and forth between framing one in or a prefab that I assemble. I spent several weeks going over the various websites looking at designs for both and writing out the pros/cons for each. After much deliberation, I reached out to My Sauna World to purchase an Almost Heaven Greyson.
It came way sooner than expected which was a good thing, so I had to arrange for my electrician. I assembled it very easily, with my wife holding just one panel, and then I ran into a problem. The last wall was short. It took a lot of head scratching and measuring and remeasuring as well as back and forth communication with both My Sauna World and Almost Heaven. It turned out that I had been sent 2 glass panels that were the same dimension when the 2 glass panels are actually designed with different dimensions. The new panel was sent out without question, and the rest of the assembly went easy.
I will say that the folks at My Sauna World were extremely responsive and did a great job as liaison back to the manufacturer.
Overall, I had a really positive experience, and we are very happy with the Greyson with the Harvia Spirit 8kW stove.
We also have the duckboard flooring (that is a must) sitting on top of the concrete floor. The back and leg rest are also recommended.
Note: this is advertised as a 3-4 person but in reality it is a good 2 person. And lastly, I grew up with sauna my whole life, starting with my grandpa’s wood burning sauna. This non insulated Greyson type will not get up to the same temperatures, but it does get the job done. Very pleased with the product and do recommend (to frame one in my self and buy a pre-cut kit would have cost a few thousand more overall)
Their customer service is refreshing in a world where most companies fail miserably with service. They should teach customer service to other companies and government agencies. We have only tested the actual product to make sure it works, but along the way, we had multiple questions and the replies were quick and helpful. The sauna was easy to assemble.
Frankly, I was stunned at the quality of this product. Equally stunning is how easily everything fits together. It’s well and I’m looking to an improved lifestyle.
Back rests are a nice size and fit perfectly in my Lugano 3-person sauna. They are very comfortable (especially considering they are wood) and make sitting in the sauna an even more pleasant experience. To think that they were added in free to my purchase of the sauna is hard to believe. Very pleased with customer service from My Sauna World.com !
Well built, good quality, reliable, and matches my barrel sauna very well
I purchased this since it was significantly more affordable than from the brands website. It arrived quickly and is function perfect. It's easy to install and looks great. I had issues with water leaking into the sauna before that used to annoy me. Now it stays completely dry and the wood also is protected from damage and weathering.
The best Sauna ever, and the quickest delivery, 100% recommend !!!!
Works exactly as advertised. Easy install and perfect coverage. Highly recommend.
Very good customer service. My sauna came as expected.