The sauna stove is the core of the sauna. You don’t want to make any compromises when choosing your heater. There are various types of heaters, from charcoal heaters to electric stove heaters to infrared heaters. Most common nowadays in custom saunas is an electrical heater that heats sauna rocks. Water is poured on the sauna rocks to produce steam.
After a thorough review of several sauna heaters available on the market, we’ve found that the Finlandia/Harvia 8kw Sauna Heater is the best sauna heater available.
Best Sauna Heater
The Finlandia/Harvia FLB-80 Sauna Heater, 8kw is the best sauna heater in the market. Although it is the most expensive of the heaters discussed here, the FLB-80 has the most to offer. From the included sauna stones to an over-heating control, this heater is your best bet when it comes to wet and dry usage. Powered by 220v, it can heat a 425 CF sauna up to 190′ F. Toasty!
Just keep in mind that this heater is that it isn’t designed for commercial use.
See the Product Reviews section for more information on the FLB-80.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Sauna Stove
The runner up sauna heater in the market is Turku’s 9kw Wet and Dry Sauna Heater. This unit strikes a nice balance between price and power. It’s not too expensive and offers a range of features, such as a firm body structure and a heater that can handle up to 450CF of space. It is also dual-purpose as it can be used for both wet and dry saunas. This 220v sauna heater can get to 190’F and includes a high-temperature cut-off safety.
Like the Finlandia above, this stove cannot be used for commercial saunas.
To learn more about the Turku Sauna Heater, see the Product Reviews section below.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Choice: Sauna Heater
For those on a budget, be sure to check out VEVOR’s 6kw Dry Steam Sauna Heater. This unit is positioned at a great price, and provides solid features. It is safe and offers the user with adjustability in terms of time and temperature (up to 200’F). This 220v stove is recommended to those with a sauna less than 317CF.
You don’t get sauna rocks with this unit, and it is mainly designed for dry use. You can sprinkle water over the rocks to get the best steam effect, but completely wet usage is not recommended.
Head to the Product Reviews section below for more details on the VEVOR heater.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sauna Heater Buyer’s Guide
Among the many benefits of sauna are: stress relief, increased blood circulation, muscle and joint relaxation, soothing of pain in joints and muscles, burning of calories, boosting the immune system, better and deeper sleep, and improved sweat. And, of course, the recreational and social benefits!
If you’re not sure exactly what to do in a sauna, click here for information on sauna etiquette. And see here for details on how to use a sauna.
You should look for a sauna heater that is robust and capable of heating your sauna room to the temperature you need.
When you are looking to buy a sauna heater, a few considerations are important. From durability to price, the different factors are considered below.
Who needs a sauna heater?
Well, the obvious answer would be anyone with a sauna. But of course, there are some people who will benefit more from a sauna heater than others. So someone suffering from joint and muscle pain, stress, and anxiety, can really benefit from a good hot sauna session. It is thus recommended for some even as therapy for their nerves. Why not reap the benefits?
What to look for when purchasing a sauna heater?
As is the case with everything, saunas have evolved over time. The sauna heaters used to heat the modern-day sauna have evolved as well. There are mainly three distinct kinds of sauna heaters available in today’s saunas. These are wood sauna heaters, electric sauna heaters, and infrared saunas.
The sort you choose relies mainly on your background, your budget, your private preferences, and the location of your sauna.
Electric sauna heaters make up the bulk of sauna heaters bought today. A major selling point is the ease of turning a button and waiting for just twenty or thirty minutes to enjoy your sauna session. No need to fiddle with charcoal, lug materials around, etc. Easy.
Several sauna heaters are also linked to programmable controls that enable the user to predetermine the time they want the sauna heater to run, even eliminating the bit of wait for the sauna to heat up.
Also, in this day and age of home-automation, all you need to do is turn your unit on from your smartphone when leaving for work to arrive home to a ready and hot sauna session. Electric sauna heaters are dependable, convenient, and consistent. Given the practicality and popularity of electric sauna heaters, they will be the focus of this article.
Sauna Room Size
Pay attention to the amount of cubic footage that each heater can handle. Compare this to the size of your sauna, and you’ll have a good sense of whether or not the heater you’re looking at will be able to handle the size of the room.
To find the volume of your sauna room, the formula is Length x Width x Height. Find the square footage of the floor area, and then multiply that by the height of the sauna. You’ll have the total cubic area of your sauna.
You may want to purchase a heater that can handle a room larger than what you’re planning, so that you can ensure that it’s capable of getting hot enough without running the heater on full blast all the time.
Electric Heater Voltages
You need to pay attention to whether the heater you’re shopping for is 220v or 110v.
110v Sauna Heaters
If it’s a 110v unit, it’s going to be less powerful, but it will plug into a standard electric outlet. You won’t need to hire an electrician, run any additional wiring, and all that. Simple. But less powerful.
220v Sauna Heaters
If you choose a 220v sauna heater, you will be getting a more powerful heater, capable of heating larger spaces and coming up to temperature more quickly. But you’ll almost certainly need some professional help wiring the 220v outlet. This can easily add $1000+ to the cost of the heater, unless you happen to be an electrician.
Wet vs. Dry Sauna Heaters
Some sauna heaters are designed to be used in both wet and dry conditions, while others are designed only to be used in dry conditions. This essentially has to do with the heaters ability to withstand damp conditions. If you like to pour water on top of your sauna rocks to produce lots of steam, you’ll want a wet/dry heater. If you only use a little water for small amounts of steam, you can stick with a dry sauna heater.
Sauna Heater Reviews
In this section, we’ll look in-depth at five of the best sauna heaters. We’ll start with a comparison table to get oriented, and then move into the individual sauna heater reviews. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
VEVOR Sauna Heater 6kw
Key Points at a Glance
- Sauna Type: Dry
- Controller Type: Built-in
- Wall-mount design which has good heat dissipation.
- This sauna heater can connect 3X10(N*mm2) wires and supports 220-240V voltage.
- The temperature and time can be easily adjusted, allowing you to have a comfortable and cozy sauna experience. This sauna heater should be at an 18cm height from the ground.
- Highly effective: heating coil made of stainless steel, quick to heat and conserves energy. Effective and simple to assemble.
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 15.7″ X 9″ X 22″
- Item Weight: 24.4 pounds
- Working Voltage: 220V-240V
- Temperature Range: Max. 90℃ (194’F)
- Suitable Sauna Room: 176.5 – 317.8 Cubic Feet
The Details
The Vevor 6kw Sauna Heater is powerful, attractive, and fairly simple to operate. It comes with stainless steel casing so it heats up fast and saves power. It is suitable for business or domestic use. Together with the control panel, the stylish main body layout generates a large amount of heat, making the sauna bathing experience more enjoyable.
The mechanical knob regulates temperature up to a max of 194′ F. The safety system prevents overheating. It intelligently detects the present temperature, and the heater is automatically stopped by the safety sensor when necessary. Be careful when using the knobs in order to avoid accidents.
It is powered by a 220v circuit, so you’ll need to have an electrician come out and wire it. Figure around $1000 for this cost, at least.
Apart from the wall-mount design, the inner structure utilizes magnesium oxide powder with high temperature, which has strong electrical resistance and insulation, as well as excellent thermal conductivity.
This sauna stove can handle rooms up to 317CF in size.
Don’t forget that this product is a dry sauna stove. While you can pour water on the rocks, use it sparingly to get the best effect. You can get some water on the stones to produce steam, but you don’t want to flood it and get water into the coils. This can ruin the heater.
Also, keep in mind that this sauna stove doesn’t include sauna stones. You’ll need to purchase those separately.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bottom Line
We recommend this product to users who have a bigger space, as its dimensions and heating capabilities require it. It’s an efficient and useful stove, as it heats up quickly and provides you with a great experience. It can be installed anywhere with a wall mount system (but you’ll need an electrician). It’s a great mid-priced sauna heater.
- 【PREMIUM MACHINE】 - Power: 6KW; Sauna Type:...
- 【FAST HEATING SPEED】- The heating coil is made...
- 【TEMP & TIME ADJUST】- This is an...
- 【EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION】- Fast to install,...
- 【ENJOY A HAPPY SAUNA】- Suitable for...
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
VEVOR 2kw Dry Steam Bath Sauna Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- Sauna Heater Type: Dry
- Power: 2KW; Current: 16.7A; 74.8″/190cm Height
- Working Voltage: 110V-120V
- This sauna heater suits a sauna room of a maximum of 105.9 cubic feet (2m³) and supports 110-120V voltage.
- Wall-mount design, easy to install.
- Adjustable time and temperature, letting you enjoy a lovely sauna experience.
- Highly efficient: Crafted high-quality stainless steel heating coil which heats up fast and saves power.
- Anti-rust and durable.
Dimensions and Specs
- Temperature Range: Max. 90℃
- Product Size: 11.8″ x 7″ x18.5″
- Item Weight: 15.3 pounds
- Suitable Sauna Room: Max. 105.9 Cubic Feet (2m³)
The Details
The Vevor 2kw sauna unit is the only 110v sauna heater on our list. It plugs into a standard electric outlet. That makes it likely the cheapest overall sauna heater, as you likely won’t need to hire an electrician to wire it.
Apart from its weaker output and smaller capabilities, it’s not so different than the 6kw Vevor unit discussed above. The design is extremely efficient, and can heat up to 105 CF of space. The heating pipe is made of 304 stainless steel pipe. And the exterior is treated with a plated surface to isolate the contact between the stainless steel and the air. This achieves the anti-oxidation, rust-protection effect.
Like the 6kw Vevor unit, this one has a lightweight design and comes with a wall-mount system. This does not necessarily require installation by a skilled electrician.
It comes with an integrated controller like the other heaters we’ve been looking at. The built-in timer is also extremely convenient. It is simple to use and has a simple structure that many want.
Like the 6kw Vevor, this unit does not come with sauna stones. You’ll have to pick them up extra. It is also a dry sauna heater, and can handle small amounts of steam. But you can’t get it so wet that the coils get wet.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bottom Line
This is a very efficient sauna heater for a small area. It is lightweight and efficient. Overall, this is an easy to use sauna heater. It helps relax muscles, improve sleep quality, reduces fatigue, helps you perspire and hence get rid of toxins from the body. VEVOR focuses on quality so you should have no problems when it comes to functionality and durability.
- 【SAUNA HEATER】: Power: 2KW, Working Voltage:...
- 【430 STAINLESS STEEL SHELL】: Excellent 430...
- 【WALL-MOUNT DESIGN】: Wall-mount design, good...
- 【SUITABLE ROOM SIZE】: 2KW sauna heater...
- 【TEMPERATURE ADJUST】: The sauna heater adopt...
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finlandia FLB-60 Sauna Heater, 6kw
Key Points at a Glance
- Sauna Heater Type: Wet/Dry
- Power Requirements: 240v/1ph, 10 Gauge Wire, 25 Amps
- Standard Wall-mount
- Long-lasting stainless Interior & elements
- 1-hour Timer with a feature of 1-8 countdown
- Large rock space for heat storage
- Free airflow for quicker heating
- Maximum durability and strength from pressed metal design
- 3-wall construction for greater safety and cooler surface temperature
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 16″ x 11″ x 24″
- Item Weight: 150 pounds
- Maximum Temperature: 200 Degrees F.
- Maximum Area: 300 cubic feet
The Details
The FLB-60 by Finlandia/Harvia is a high-quality and lightweight product made by one of the top Sauna Stove manufacturers, Harvia/Finlandia. It is powered by a 220v electric circuit that must be installed by a professional and can heat a large, 300CF room up to 200′ F.
Perfect.
The digital temperature sensor looks terrific and works better than the traditional ones. And the control panel gives a sleek and slim look which looks great in a sauna room. This heater comes in red or stainless steel.
A great thing about the FLB line heaters is that they are intended to manage the traditional sauna method of creating steam by putting water on the rocks. These heaters are wet/dry sauna heaters, and can handle water being poured on the rocks. That said, you don’t want to flood the unit.
The FLB-60 can handle about 45 pounds of rock. And fortunately, it comes with 40 pounds of sauna stones! You won’t need to spend extra on stone.
This heater is perfect for a larger room and is very safe to use, though it’s not appropriate for a small sauna room.
It is made in compliance with US and Canada safety codes so your safety is not at risk. The product comes with a one-year warranty which the buyer can avail by sending in a registration card 15 days after the purchase. This warranty covers all the parts. Along with this, there is a no-hassle 30-day refund period.
Users of this Finlandia/Harvia heaters often find that their working life is around 25-30 years. It may outlast your sauna itself!
The Bottom Line
Overall, this sauna heater is great for a medium to large-sized sauna room. It is stylish and offers the users safety, efficiency, and a top brand name. This heater comes with a quality and performance guarantee, along with serviceable heating elements. It’s an excellent choice for many sauna spaces.
However, remember that due to the delay timer option, this heater is not suitable for commercial use.
- 6.0 kW Sauna Heater with Built in Controls...
- 50 Pounds of Igneous sauna stones
- Installation and operation manual
- Manufacturer's warranty
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finlandia FLB-80 Sauna Heater, 8kw
Key Points at a Glance
- Sauna Type: Wet/Dry
- Power Requirements: 240v/1ph, 33.3 Amps, 8 Gauge Wire
- Stainless interior & elements
- Standard wall-mount
- 1 Hour Timer with 1-8 Countdown Feature
- Welded uni-body powder-coated exterior of enamel with compressed metal structure for maximum strength
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 16″ x 11″ x 24″
- Maximum Area: 425 cubic feet
- Maximum Temp: 194′ F
The Details
The FLB-80 is an outstanding Sauna Stove, made by Finlandia/Harvia, perhaps the best brand of sauna heaters available. This sauna heater is great for dry or wet usage, and can handle a decent amount of water being poured on the sauna stones.
There are built-in controls at the base of the heater and feature a preset of 1-8 hours, enabling you to preset your sauna session’s potential start time. Unless otherwise indicated, they are installed on the front. Keep in mind that this unit is 220v, and needs to be installed by a professional electrician.
The heater comes with an installation manual which has safety precautions as well.
In terms of heating capabilities, this baby can get up to 200’F, and can heat a large room up to 425 CF. Each heater is equipped with a high limit control which ensures safety. If there is any abnormal heating, the heater automatically switches off.
Due to the delay timer feature, this sauna heater is not for commercial use.
Another great thing about this sauna heater is that it comes with 45lbs of Vulcanite sauna rock included. You don’t have to purchase those separately. With this sauna heater, you can enjoy a traditional Finnish steamy sauna experience.
Finlandia offers a yearlong guarantee from the date of purchase which covers all heater parts. You have to fill out a form within 15 days of the purchase to avail the guarantee. The guarantee becomes void if there is improper use of the heater or if installation is not done by a skilled electrician.
The Bottom Line
This sauna heater is expensive in comparison to the rest on our list. But it’s sold by the top name in sauna heaters, and can heat fairly large sauna rooms with ease. The FLB-80 offers good quality and covers a larger area. If you’re looking for a big heater, this one is your best bet.
It is durable, powerful, and can be used in wet or dry conditions.
- 8 kW Sauna Heater with Built in Controls 240V/1PH
- 50 Pounds of Igneous sauna stones
- Installation and operation manual
- Manufacturer's warranty
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TURKU TU90WD-OD – Residential 9kw Wet & Dry 240V Sauna Heater Stove
Key Points at a Glance
- Sauna Heater Type: Wet/Dry
- Voltage: 240v / Current: 37.5 amp / Wire: 8 awg / Phase: single / Circuit breaker: 45 amp
- Controller type: external digital / Operating time: 60 min. /
- High grade Teflon-coated heating elements
- CE and ISO 9001:2008 certificated product.
- Firmer body structure; aluminum thermostat sensor casing
- Features Digital display; electronic timer has no ticking sound.
- Has high-temperature cut-off and overheating protection
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 22.5 x 10.5 x 16 inches
- Controller dimensions: 10″ x 9″ x 3″
- Item Weight: 33 pounds
- Recommended sauna room volume: 250-450 cubic ft.
- Temperature Range: 104-194′ F
The Details
The Turku TU-90WD sauna stove is a powerful stove positioned at a pretty good price point. It strikes a nice balance between power and cost. This 220v heater needs to be installed by a professional electrician. But once it’s installed, it can heat a sauna up to 450CF to a temperature of 194’F.
It doesn’t have the brand name recognition of Harvia/Finlandia, but it is still a high-quality unit at a great price point.
The temperature is controlled by the build-in thermostat sensor. However, if the air temperature inside the heater increases to an abnormally elevated rate for any reason, the overheating protection will automatically shut down the power supply. By clicking the reset button, the power can be turned on again when the heater has cooled down.
The potential cause of overheating should be checked before clicking the reset button. This sauna heater is thus extremely safe.
The heater comes with long life heavy-duty electric elements. Its vented body design provides fast warm-up. This heater is easy to install and use and offers direct rock contact with heating elements. The outer digital controller needs to be located in a wall outside the sauna at a suitable face level.
A great thing about this heater is that it is for both wet and dry use so a lot of water can be sprinkled on the rocks. You don’t want to pour so much water on them that it floods the unit, though.
Like many of the other saunas on the cheaper end, this unit does not come with sauna stones. You’ll have to pick those up separately.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Keep in mind that this sauna heater is only for residential use. The warranty that comes with the product becomes void if it is used for commercial purposes.
The Bottom Line
The Turku hits a nice balance between price and quality. It doesn’t have the name recognition of Harvia/Finlandia, but it heats up very well. It can handle a pretty large sauna room, is convenient, and easy to operate.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pick up your sauna stones separately.
- //- -ATTENTION TO ALL BUYERS-- //- IF THE STOVE IS EQUIPPED WITH...
- FOR RESIDENTIAL, PERSONAL USE, TRADITIONAL SAUNAS ONLY!
- RECOMMENDED SAUNA ROOM VOLUME – 250-450 Cu.Ft. / SAUNA TYPE – WET...
- CONTROLLER TYPE - EXTERNAL DIGITAL / OPERATING TIME- 60 MIN. / RANGE...
- POWER - 9KW / VOLTAGE - 240V / CURRENT – 37.5 Amp / PHASE – SINGLE...
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Your sauna will provide you with a place to escape from stress and anxiety and bathe in the calm heat. Let the sauna be a sanctuary where you can reflect on your day and meditate. Some feel that the sauna will “detoxify” the body, but it definitely detoxifies the mind.
Of the sauna heaters we’ve reviewed today, the best of the bunch is the Finlandia/Harvia FLB-80. If you have a large sauna room, you can’t beat this one.
If you don’t care so much about brand, and just want performance, be sure to check out the Turku TU-90WD. It can handle similar room-size to the FLB-80, but is much cheaper.
If you don’t need a large sauna heater, consider the Vevor 6kw sauna heater.
And lastly, if you don’t want to deal with electricians and custom installation, look at the Vevor 2kw, 110v heater.
Happy heating!
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
