The 6 Best Sauna Heaters of 2024
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Saunas or steam rooms can offer exceptional benefits to help enhance one's physical and mental well-being. However, saunas are only as good as the heaters that create their therapeutic heat and/or steam. Considering this, it's always essential to research the quality of a sauna's heater in advance to ensure you don't invest in a sauna that doesn't take forever to heat up or never delivers that intense sweat session you're looking for.
So, if you want to turn up the heat on your wellness regimen, this article is meant to help you jump-start your research on the best sauna heaters available today. I’ll explain the ins and outs of some of the top sauna heater picks. And with this, I hope to help you avoid the headache of making the wrong choice and help you pick the best sauna heater to meet your expectations and properly fulfill your heat bathing needs.
Our Picks for the Best Sauna Heaters:
- Best Electric Sauna Heater: HUUM DROP Wi-Fi Sauna Heater
- Best 110V Sauna Heater: VEVOR Sauna Heater
- Best Sauna Heater for Steam Saunas: Aleko Coasts Sauna Steam Generator
- Best Dry Sauna Heater: Aleko Toule Sauna Heater
- Best Floor Standing Sauna Heater: Harvia Cilindro Wi-Fi Sauna Heater
- Best Wall-Mounted Sauna Heater: Harvia KIP Wall-Mounted Sauna Heater
Best Electric Sauna Heater: HUUM DROP Wi-Fi Sauna Heater
SI Showcase + HUUM
Key Features:
- Temperature range: Up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power: Two options, 6 kilowatt or 9 kilowatt
- Stone capacity: 121 pounds
- Heat capacity: Can heat 282 to 530 cubic square feet
- Price at time of publication: $2,699 for 6 kilowatt, $3,599 for 9 kilowatt
- Financing: Affirm
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Shipping: Cost depends primarily on your location. Shipped in cardboard or wooden crate
Whether you built a DIY sauna room in your home or are disappointed with your current sauna room's heater, the HUUM DROP Wi-Fi Sauna Heater combines ancient natural heat bathing traditions with modern practicality and elegance. The HUUM DROP mounts on your sauna room's wall and efficiently generates an intense healing heat for rooms between 290 to 530 cubic feet. The HUUM has a minimalist stainless steel frame designed to resemble a drop of water that can hold up to 121 pounds of its heat-radiating sauna rocks. This strategic design minimizes metal-based heat while maximizing the more natural heat of its traditional sauna-style Olivine stones (included with your purchase). The HUUM DROP can be controlled via Wi-Fi, allowing you to preset it from wherever you are and return home with a sauna ready to go.
The HUUM DROP is covered by a 1-year limited warranty. However, it should be noted that the warranty is voided if you do not use HUUM's sauna stones. In addition to its stones, the heater's wall mount, heat reflector and Wi-Fi kit are all included with your purchase. The HUUM DROP's stone-focused radiating heat design helps to focus heat generation from the ancient technology of sauna stones rather than electricity alone, giving you the ability to utilize water in increasing heat and generating steam and making it our top pick for the best electric sauna heater out there today.
Pros:
- Chic design
- Wi-Fi-compatible temperature control and setup
- Designed to maximize natural stone-based heat
Cons:
- Expensive ($2,699 or $3,599, depending on model)
- Warranty only valid if using HUUM’s sauna stones
Best 110V Sauna Heater: VEVOR Sauna Heater
SI Showcase + VEVOR
Key Features:
- Temperature range: Up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power: 6 kilowatts
- Stone capacity: 26.5 pounds
- Heat capacity: Can heat 70 to 106 cubic feet
- Price at time of publication: $159.81 for 9 kilowatt model
- Financing: N/A
- Warranty: 12-month warranty
- Shipping: Free with Amazon Prime
A quick and efficient sauna heater that’s highly affordable while using less electricity should grab the attention of someone looking for a sauna heater for their home. The VEVOR sauna heater is and does all these things. The VEVOR requires an electrical source of only 110-120 volts to generate a room (70 to 106 cubic feet capacity) temperature of up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater can be purchased for $159.81 on Amazon (not including sauna stones).
In addition to the heater, an installation kit and user manual are included in your purchase, allowing for easy home installation. The VEVOR uses manual temperature control knobs, and its sauna rocks can be stimulated with water, making it an old-school sauna heater that gets right to the point. The VEVOR can replicate a spa-like or commercial sauna experience from home, using less electricity and demanding less from your wallet.
Pros:
- Very affordable price for such an efficient heater
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Not Wi-Fi compatible
- Sauna rocks are not included in the purchase
Best Sauna Heater for Steam Saunas: Aleko Coasts Sauna Steam Generator
SI Showcase + Aleko
Key Features:
- Temperature range: 95 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power: Two options, 6 kilowatt or 12 kilowatt
- Stone capacity: N/A
- Heat capacity: Can heat 120 to 280 cubic feet
- Price at time of publication: $369 for 6 kilowatt, $449 for 12 kilowatt
- Financing: N/A
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Shipping: Free with Amazon Prime
Steam-based heat bathing can deliver all the benefits of dry heat, yet may even offer more enhanced benefits as steam may more efficiently penetrate your skin. The Aleko Coasts steam-based sauna heater has a durable and high-quality efficient construction allowing it to fill a room (120 to 280 cubic feet) with a healing steam temperature of 95 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The Aleko Coasts heater is available on Amazon for under $300, making it an excellent choice for steam-based heat bathing fans looking for an affordable heater. A weight of only 21 pounds makes installation at home easy (installation and user manual included with purchase) and potentially a one-person job.
Notably, the Aleko Coasts steam generator is built with an automatic drain that helps to reduce sediment and corrosion build-up over time and preserve healthy breathable steam for years to come. This affordable, compact and highly efficient sauna heater is perfect for anyone looking to add some steam to their wellness routine.
Pros:
- Lightweight construction makes for easier installation
- Includes a KS-150 remote control for temperature and steam regulation
Cons:
- Fans of dry heat saunas may not enjoy this steam-based heating technology
Best Dry Sauna Heater: Aleko Toule Sauna Heater
SI Showcase + Aleko
Key Features:
- Temperature range: N/A
- Power: 3 kilowatts
- Stone capacity: N/A
- Heat capacity: Recommended for small-to-medium sauna rooms with a two- to three-person capacity
- Price at time of publication: $290
- Financing: N/A
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Shipping: Free with Amazon Prime
The Aleko Toule sauna heater offers quality dry heat while safely being water-compatible. The Toule is built with a stainless steel construction to provide a modern look while maintaining a durable construction. The Toule is also designed to be easy to use, possessing a digital control panel on the facade of the heater that allows for easy temperature regulation.
The Toule sauna stove is designed to generate intense high-temperature heat for 60-minute sauna sessions. Still, if you desire a more extended sweat session, you can easily reset the timer. The Toule is also affordable, currently available on Amazon for $290. While installation on your own is possible, an electrician is suggested for hardwiring this dry sauna heater. This stove heater works quickly and efficiently, making any home sauna a spa-grade experience.
Pros:
- Hugely powerful electric stove-based heat generation
- Easy-to-use digital controller
- Heats a room quickly
Cons:
- Installation may require additional electrician fees
Best Floor-Standing Sauna Heater: Harvia Cilindro Wi-Fi Sauna Heater
SI Showcase + Harvia
Key Features:
- Temperature range: Up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power: 9 kilowatts
- Stone capacity: 160 pounds
- Heat capacity: Can heat 141 to 420 cubic feet
- Price at time of publication: $2,999
- Financing: Affirm
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Shipping: Cost depends primarily on your location. Shipped in cardboard or wooden crate
Harvia sauna heaters are famed for luxurious build and stand-out quality. The Harvia Cilindro stand-up sauna heater continues Harvia's notorious reputation for producing some of the best heat-bathing products available today. The Harvia Cilindro is made in Finland (the alleged birthplace of Saunas) and delivers a traditional sauna experience with modern convenience. The Cilindro is built with sleek stainless steel that gives it a durable construction and an impressive 160-pound sauna rock capacity (it's all about the rocks!). Harvia's Finnish-sourced therapeutic sauna stones are also included in your purchase on Amazon or when ordering directly on the website.
The Cilindro is safe to use with water, and its colossal rock capacity makes this heater a great source of dry heat and naturally created sauna-rock steam (generated by putting water on the rocks as you sweat). The Cilindro can be preset and controlled via Wi-Fi on your phone (via the MyHarvia app) or a digital control panel/thermostat you can mount on the wall (included with your purchase). The Cilindro is not an outdoor sauna but can be used as one by purchasing additional waterproof protectors for the device and its components. While Harvia suggests hiring an electrician for installation, the 240-volt Cilindro is built to be electricity-efficient and easier on your electric bill.
Pros:
- Able to hold up to 160 pounds of sauna rocks
- Sleek and modern aesthetic
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Expensive ($2,999)
Best Wall-Mounted Sauna Heater: Harvia KIP Wall-Mounted Sauna Heater
SI Showcase + Harvia
Key Features:
- Temperature range: Up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power: Two options, 6 kilowatt or 8 kilowatt
- Stone capacity: 40 pounds
- Heat capacity: Can heat 247 to 424 cubic feet
- Price at time of publication: $899 for 6 kilowatt, $1,199 for 8 kilowatt
- Financing: Affirm
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Shipping: Cost depends primarily on your location. Shipped in cardboard or wooden crate
The Harvia KIP wall-mounted sauna heater offers sauna lovers a more affordable Harvia heater while still getting the reliable and distinguished sweat experience associated with the Harvia brand. The KIP has built-in controls that allow you to preset the heater eight hours in advance for one-hour sweat sessions. Your purchase also includes 40 pounds of sauna-grade rocks.
Despite lacking Wi-Fi controllers or extra amenities, the KIP delivers a powerful dry heat sauna experience while still being safe to throw water on. And while some may want a more modern look or extra amenities, the KIP will reliably get you sweating without burning a hole in your wallet.
Pros:
- Sauna rocks are included with your purchase
- Budget-friendly for a Harvia branded sauna heater
Cons:
- Not Wi-Fi compatible
Benefits of Saunas
Dry heat or steam-based saunas offer various physical and mental benefits. Using a sauna, or heat bathing as it's also referred to, can potentially offer relief from chronic pain, enhance athletic performance, aid in losing weight, stimulate the metabolism, relieve muscle tension and even help potentially relieve stress or preserve one’s long-term mental health. Saunas have been used for thousands of years as a tool for humans to preserve their physical and emotional well-being. And while sauna technology has advanced and changed over the years, the basic practice of heat bathing lives on due to the undeniable health benefits of this radically beneficial practice.
What to Look for in a Sauna Heater
A sauna's attributes are essential to consider before choosing the right one for your home heat bathing space. While logos and branding may catch the eye, it's always best to evaluate the bare bones of a sauna heater to ensure you get the sweat sessions your body deserves.
Power
The volts your sauna heater uses are important to consider to ensure your home can safely support your heater without blowing a circuit or driving your electricity bill through the roof. Higher-volt sauna heaters may require complicated or even dangerous electrical work, requiring you to hire an electrician or professional to install it, which can add to its price tag.
Type of sauna
Dry heat or steam-based sauna heaters both deliver similar benefits for your body. However, choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences. Infrared saunas use infrared waves to project heat, which may not replicate the sauna experience most imagine from a more traditional sauna heater. Dry heat rock or wood-based sauna heaters produce intense radiating high-temperature heat that combines with the wood structure of the sauna room to encourage sweat and relief. In comparison, steam-based saunas generate hot steam that fills a room and penetrates your skin.
I personally love all sauna types, but when creating a spa-like home sauna experience on a budget, you must choose which option works best for your mind and body.
Size of sauna
Depending on the power and design of your dry heat or steam-based sauna, there may be a limit on its ability to heat a larger room adequately. The size of your sauna space should be considered when choosing your sauna heater to ensure it can heat the room entirely and at a level that meets your preferred temperature to get a proper sweat. Fortunately, most sauna companies advertise the cubic feet of space their heaters can heat. However, in some cases where they don't, you can usually calculate that every 45 to 50 feet of cubic space will require one kilowatt to heat efficiently.
You can also choose from between indoor and outdoor saunas, depending on your space. There are even portable saunas, if you need to move yours around.
Additional features
Modern saunas offer a variety of amenities beyond the benefits of heat bathing. Some saunas can be controlled or turned on and off from your phone, while others require a simple in-person button push. Other amenities could include wooden ladles and bowls for splashing water, heat reflectors, therapeutic-grade sauna stones, essential aromatherapy oils, sauna-themed robes or similar add-ons. However, it's important to note that some companies may use these additional amenities to exaggerate the cost. Considering this, it's important to determine your priorities when obtaining a sauna heater and compare them to your budget. This approach will ensure you get the best sauna that meets your personal and home needs.
FAQs
Are sauna heaters expensive to run?
While an ancient wood-burning sauna heater is obviously less of a strain on your electric bill, most modern electrical saunas are designed to be eco-friendly and electricity efficient. If you are concerned about high electrical bills or on a budget generally, you should consult your sauna heater's parent company directly for an estimate on the electrical bills that will be required to run it.
Are electric sauna heaters safe?
Yes, electric sauna heaters are safe. However, it's important to consult the heater's manual to ensure you practice safe heat bathing practices when using one. Furthermore, especially with larger sauna heaters that require more electricity, hiring an electrician is likely essential to ensuring the safest and most efficient installation of your electric sauna heater.
How do I know what type of sauna heater I need?
There are a few ways to do this. First, determine your budget in advance, then compare this to what is available. In addition, determine your preferences when heat bathing, whether you prefer dry heat, steam, or both. Finally, consider what is important to you, such as amenities, Wi-Fi compatibility or electrical efficiency. Once you have established your means and needs for a sauna heater, you should be able to come out on top with the best one for your home.
Final Thoughts
Sauna rooms are as powerful as the sauna heaters you use to heat them. So if you love heat bathing and seek a sauna experience from home, your number one consideration should always be the sauna heater and its heating elements. Investing in a solid sauna heater is a simple way to ensure your at-home sauna is providing you with the best experience possible.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
