Life is loud. Even the good kind of loud—group chats, busy calendars, the never-ending scroll. You move through it all, holding things together, taking care, showing up. And somewhere in the middle of that, your nervous system quietly asks for a softer place to land.
That’s where sauna heat earns its keep. Not as a trend, but as a ritual. You step into warm timber light. The air feels still. Your shoulders drop a fraction. You breathe in—slow—and the day begins to loosen its grip.
But choosing the right sauna heat for home can feel surprisingly technical. Infrared? Electric? Wood-fired? What actually suits your space—and the way you want to feel when you step out?
Let’s make it simple. We believe the best sauna is the one you’ll use often—the one that fits your life, not the other way around.
Key takeaways
- Choose heat based on how you want to feel, not just the specs: gentle and steady, or deep and enveloping.
- Electric heaters are the most practical “everyday ritual” option—reliable, consistent, easy to run.
- Infrared is lower-temperature and dry, ideal if you prefer a softer heat or shorter sessions.
- Wood-fired is the most atmospheric, but it asks more of you (set-up, ventilation, time).
- Your sauna’s size, insulation, ventilation, and power supply matter as much as the heater type.
Why heat style matters more than you think
Sauna heat isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shapes the whole experience—your breathing, your comfort, how long you stay, and how you feel afterwards. The right choice turns “We should use it more” into “We use it all the time.” And when the sauna itself feels like an effortless part of your home—think the Shym Saunas Serenity Round Cube Single—your heater decision becomes simpler, because you’re choosing warmth for a space that already invites you in.
Ask yourself: do you want heat that builds slowly and wraps around you? Or do you want something gentler—quiet, dry, and less intense?
When your heater matches your rhythm, sauna becomes less of an event… and more of a return.
The three main sauna heat options
1) Electric sauna heaters: steady, classic, easy to own
If you’re building a home ritual—something you can slip into on a Tuesday night—electric is the dependable favourite. It’s the closest to the traditional Finnish-style sauna most people picture: hotter air, and the option for löyly (that soft burst of steam when you ladle water over stones).
You’ll love it if you want:
- A true sauna feel with higher heat
- Consistent sessions with minimal fuss
- The option to add steam for a softer, more enveloping warmth
Things to know:
- Most electric sauna heaters need a dedicated circuit and are hardwired by a licensed electrician—the exact voltage/amperage depends on your heater model and local requirements.
- Heater size must match your sauna’s cubic volume and insulation
- Ventilation matters for comfort—good airflow keeps heat pleasant, not heavy
This is the “reset” heat. Heat, then calm. Quiet, then connection.
2) Infrared: gentler warmth, lower temperature, a softer entry point
Infrared is a different experience—more like warmth that meets you where you are. These saunas are typically run at lower air temperatures than traditional Finnish-style saunas, and the experience is generally drier because you’re not creating steam by pouring water over hot stones.
You’ll love it if you want:
- A milder experience (especially if you’re heat-sensitive)
- Shorter sessions that still feel restoring
- Warmth without the intensity of higher air temperatures
Things to know:
- It won’t feel like a classic steamy sauna—no stones, no löyly
- Panel quality and placement matter more than people expect
- You’ll still want good ventilation and a calm, comfortable interior
Infrared can be a beautiful “everyday” ritual—especially when your goal is to unwind without pushing your limits.
3) Wood-fired: atmosphere, tradition, and a slower kind of luxury
Wood-fired heat is unmatched for mood. The crackle, the scent, the slow build—it turns the session into a small ceremony. If you have the space and the set-up, it’s deeply rewarding.
You’ll love it if you want:
- A more traditional, sensory experience
- A ritual that begins before you step inside
- The romance of real flame and timeless warmth
Things to know:
- Needs a proper flue/chimney, required safety clearances, and installation that complies with local regulations (and often insurer requirements).
- Takes longer to heat up—and requires more hands-on attention
- Storage for wood and ash management are part of ownership
Wood-fired is for people who enjoy the process as much as the outcome.
Benefits first: what you’re really choosing
Before you choose a heater, choose the feeling.
- For deep decompression: hotter traditional heat (often electric + stones) helps you fully step out of the day.
- For gentle restoration: infrared can feel more approachable and consistent, especially for shorter sessions.
- For connection and ritual: wood-fired invites you to slow down—your time becomes the point.
At Shym Saunas, we’re drawn to the kind of warmth that supports real life—easy to return to, easy to share. Crafted for smiles, connection & wellness.
What to look for (without getting lost in specs)
Size and heat output: match the heater to your sauna volume
Heaters are designed for a certain cubic volume (length × width × height). If your sauna has lots of glass or thinner insulation, it may need a bit more capacity to hold steady heat.
A quick rule of thumb: your sauna’s build quality affects “felt warmth” as much as the heater does. Insulation, door seals, and airflow all count.
Stones and steam: do you want löyly?
If that soft, steamy moment matters to you, you’ll want a heater with stones designed for water use. It changes the experience—less harsh, more breathable, more enveloping.
Ventilation: comfort lives here
Good ventilation keeps the air fresh and easy to breathe—so the warmth feels comforting, not heavy. You should feel warm, not suffocated. If you’re building or placing a sauna at home, plan airflow early.
Controls: simple is premium
Look for controls that suit your ritual—timers, temperature settings, and an easy start. The more seamless it is to turn on, the more often you’ll use it.
Installation and support: the quiet part of “easy to own”
A heater is only as good as its installation and long-term reliability. Choose a brand that offers clear guidance, warranty support, and a calm, helpful customer experience—especially if this is your first sauna.
Buyer’s checklist: choose your right heat in 7 steps
1) Pick your “feel” first
Do you want hot + traditional, or gentle + low-temp? Steam or dry?
2) Measure your sauna volume
Calculate cubic metres, then note how much glass you have.
3) Decide how often you’ll use it
If you want 3–5 sessions a week, prioritise convenience and quick start.
4) Check your power reality
What electrical supply do you have available? Can you run a dedicated line if needed?
5) Consider your climate and placement
Outdoor placement, wind exposure, and ambient temperature change performance.
6) Choose your control style
Built-in or external controls, timers, and whether you want set-and-forget simplicity.
7) Plan ventilation and safety from day one
Airflow, clearance distances, and professional installation aren’t extras—they’re comfort.
A gentle safety note
Sauna can be a beautiful part of wellbeing, but it’s not a competition. Hydrate, start with shorter sessions (especially if you’re new to heat), and listen to your body. If you’re pregnant, have cardiovascular concerns, or any health condition that could be affected by heat exposure, it’s worth checking in with a qualified health professional.
A quiet premium ritual—built for real life
The “right” sauna heater is the one that makes you want to step inside. The one that fits your evenings, your weekends, your family rhythms. The one that turns your home into a small sanctuary.
And if you’re choosing a sauna with your space in mind—patios, terraces, back gardens—there’s something reassuring about designs that feel considered: weather protection, simple assembly, thoughtful craftsmanship, and support that stays with you after delivery. Built for real life: easy to set up, easy to love.
Shym Saunas was shaped by Artem & Elena’s belief that warmth is meant to be shared—an old tradition made simple for modern homes. A simple ritual that brings everyone back to themselves—and each other.
Live in the moments that matter.
Ready to create your own sanctuary?