Types of saunas – comparison, characteristics, differences
A sauna is a great way to relax, improve your health and regenerate your body. However, there are many different types of saunas that differ in terms of how they work, their temperature, humidity levels and health benefits. In this article, we will look at the most popular types of saunas, their uses and give you some tips on which model would be best for your needs.
The 4 main types of sauna
Saunas differ in their mode of operation, temperature and humidity levels, as well as health effects. Below are the four most popular types of sauna, which are most frequently chosen by users around the world.
Traditional Finnish sauna
The Finnish sauna is the most classic form of sauna, in which the heat source is a stove – either electric or wood-fired. It works well both in the home and in the garden. It reaches a temperature of 70°C to 100°C, and the humidity is around 10-20%. The high temperature combined with dry air allows the body to warm up effectively and get rid of toxins. It is characterised by dry and intense heat, which can be regulated by pouring water on the stones.
Who is it for?
Excellent for people who appreciate traditional sauna bathing, relaxation at high temperatures and intense warming of the body.
Advantages of the Finnish sauna:
- very high temperatures that stimulate circulation,
- natural heat from a wood-fired stove,
- humidity can be regulated.
Disadvantages:
- it takes longer to heat up,
- the temperature may be too high for some people.
Steam sauna
A steam sauna, also known as a Turkish bath, works by generating hot steam. The temperature is usually between 40°C and 50°C, but the humidity can reach up to 100%. Due to the large amount of steam, the air is very dense, which creates specific conditions for deep cleansing of the skin. It soothes the respiratory system and the skin, moisturising it and aiding detoxification. Aromatherapy is often used in steam baths by adding essential oils.
Who is it for?
Ideal for people who prefer milder heat and high humidity. Recommended for those with skin and respiratory problems.
Advantages of the steam sauna:
- promotes skin hydration and cleansing of the respiratory tract,
- the lower temperature makes it more comfortable for people who are sensitive to heat,
- ideal for aroma therapy.
Disadvantages:
- it may be less comfortable for people with cardiovascular problems,
- it requires regular cleaning due to high humidity.
Infrared sauna
Infrared saunas use IR rays to heat the body without raising the air temperature. The temperature ranges from 40°C to 60°C, and the air humidity remains low. The infrared waves penetrate the skin, warming the body from the inside. It provides numerous health benefits, including reduction of muscle pain and improvement of metabolism. Check out our in-depth article entitled “What are the benefits of using a sauna?“.
Who is it for?
Great for people sensitive to high temperatures, athletes and those who want to achieve the effect of deep muscle warming.
Advantages of an infrared sauna:
- Gentler than a Finnish sauna,
- Ideal for people with circulatory problems,
- Low energy consumption.
Disadvantages:
- No steam or classic sauna effect,
- Less intense thermal experience.
Bio Sauna
This is a combination of a traditional Finnish sauna and a steam sauna, offering milder conditions than a classic dry sauna. The temperature is around 50-60°C and the humidity 40-60%, which makes the stay more comfortable and less stressful for the body.
Who is it for?
It is a good solution for people who cannot tolerate the extreme temperatures in a Finnish sauna but want to benefit from the relaxing and health-promoting effects of sauna. It is recommended for people with circulatory problems, sauna beginners and anyone looking for a gentler, more balanced form of sauna.
Advantages of the bio sauna:
- more comfortable than a Finnish sauna,
- ideal for people with hypertension and cardiovascular problems as well as for seniors,
- improves skin condition.
Disadvantages:
- due to the lower temperature, the body is not stimulated as much as in a Finnish sauna,
- does not provide the full detoxification benefits.
Comparison of sauna types – which is the best?
The choice of sauna type depends on individual preferences, health status and expected benefits. The table below shows the key differences between the popular sauna types, including temperature, humidity, heating time, advantages, disadvantages and approximate installation costs.
| Type of sauna | Temperature | Moisture | Timeheating time | Advantages | Disadvantages | Orientacyjna cena |
| Finnish sauna | 70-100°C | 10-20% | long (30-60 min) | intense heat, traditional atmosphere | high temperature, can be uncomfortable for some people | £3000-£8000 |
| Steam sauna | 40-50°C | 90-100% | medium (20-40 min) | moisturising the skin, improving respiration | may be too wet for some users | £4000-£9000 |
| Infrared sauna | 40-60°C | low | short (10-20 min) | effective muscle warming, fast action | does not provide a traditional sauna experience | £2000-£6000 |
| Bio Sauna | 50-60°C | 40-60% | medium (20-30min) | gentler conditions, positive effect on the skin, less strain on the body | less intense effect, limited detoxification benefits | £3500-£8500 |
Garden saunas
At BHB, we specialise in the production of high-quality garden saunas and indoor saunas, tailored to the different preferences of our customers. Our saunas combine traditional solutions with modern technologies, offering exceptional comfort and excellent health benefits. Our range includes both wood-fired and electric saunas, so that every customer can find a solution that perfectly suits their needs.
Types of saunas available from Bertsch Holzbau
Wood-fired garden saunas
Ideal for those who appreciate traditional saunas and natural heat. Outdoor wood-burning saunas can reach high temperatures and create a characteristic microclimate that is appreciated by lovers of classic Finnish saunas.
Electric saunas
Modern and convenient for those who want to enjoy a sauna without having to light a stove. Electric models are quick to use and allow for precise temperature control, which ensures comfort and saves time.
Indoor saunas
The perfect solution for those who want to have a sauna at home. The possibility of installing it in the basement, bathroom or a special room makes relaxing in the sauna available all year round, regardless of the weather conditions.
We create customised sauna designs
For the most demanding customers, we offer the option of designing a customised sauna, tailored to individual preferences and spatial conditions. You can choose not only the type of sauna, but also the type of wood, the shape and height of the structure, and even additional features such as panoramic windows or a vestibule.
Check out the full range of our saunas and find the perfect model for you – BHB garden saunas.
Less popular types of saunas – alternative ways to relax
In addition to the classic types of saunas, there are also less popular but equally interesting ones. Alternative saunas offer a unique experience and may have additional health benefits.
Salt sauna
Combines the properties of a classic sauna with the beneficial effects of Himalayan or sea salt. The walls are made of salt blocks, which emit salt microparticles into the air when heated, creating a microclimate similar to that found in salt caves. This type of sauna is recommended for people with respiratory problems, allergies and for those who want to cleanse their bodies of toxins naturally.
Herbal sauna
This is an excellent alternative for people who cannot tolerate high temperatures and high humidity. The temperature is moderate (40–60°C) and the humidity is medium. In addition to the sauna session, special herbal mixtures such as chamomile, lavender or eucalyptus are used, which promote relaxation, improve circulation and soothe the respiratory tract.
Smoke sauna
This is one of the oldest forms of sauna, originating from Finland. Its characteristic feature is the lack of a chimney – smoke from the hearth fills the room and is only released through the ventilation holes after a long time. The interior of such a sauna is covered with a soot deposit, which has an antibacterial effect. Saunas offer a unique atmosphere and deep relaxation, but require experience and preparation.
Japanese sauna (Ofuro)
This is not so much a sauna as a traditional Japanese hot water bath, often in a wooden bathtub made of cedar or Japanese cypress. The water is heated to 40–45°C, which promotes deep relaxation and improves blood circulation. Ofuro is an excellent alternative for people who don’t like the dry air of a classic sauna but still want to reap the benefits of heat therapy.
How do I choose the right type of sauna?
When choosing a sauna, it is worth considering several key factors:
1. Health conditions
Not every sauna is suitable for everyone. If you have cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure or other medical conditions, you should avoid extremely high temperatures (Finnish sauna).
Who is the right sauna for?
- People with a sensitive cardiovascular system – bio sauna or herbal sauna.
- Lovers of traditional sauna rituals – Finnish or smoke sauna.
- People with respiratory problems – steam or salt sauna.
2. Space – should the sauna be indoors or in the garden?
When deciding on a sauna, you should consider whether it should be installed in the house or in the garden.
- indoor sauna – ideal for people who want to use the sauna all year round. It is easier to heat and provides complete privacy.
- Garden sauna – a great choice for people who value contact with nature and want to create a personal relaxation zone in their garden.
3. Type of heating – wood, electric or infrared?
Saunas also differ in their heating system, which affects the way they are used and the atmosphere.
- Wood-burning stoves – the classic solution, offering an authentic atmosphere and characteristic smell, but requiring regular refuelling.
- Electric stoves – convenient and quick to use, allowing for precise temperature regulation, and requiring no flues.
- Infrared heating – uses infrared waves to heat the body directly, uses less energy and is ready to use in a few minutes.
4. Heating time
Some saunas require a longer heating time, which can affect the comfort of use.
- Finnish and steam sauna – usually 30 to 60 minutes.
- Smoke sauna – first you have to light the wood and wait for the smoke to dissipate.
5. Atmosphere and humidity level
Not every sauna offers the same humidity level and temperature.
- Dry and hot air (humidity 10-20%) – Finnish sauna.
- very high humidity (90-100%) – steam sauna.
- medium humidity (40-60%) – bio sauna, herbal sauna.
Summary
The choice of the right type of sauna depends on our preferences, available space and expected health benefits. Regardless of the choice, each sauna is a perfect way to regenerate and relax.
