Walk into any spa or browse home sauna websites and you’ll encounter confusing terms like “Finnish,” “infrared,” “steam room,” and “dry sauna.” Most people assume all saunas are basically the same hot room, but the differences are actually huge.
Each sauna type creates completely different experiences through unique heating methods, temperature ranges, and humidity levels. What works perfectly for one person might be unbearable for another.
This guide breaks down the 6 main sauna types you’ll encounter, from traditional Finnish wood-burning saunas to cutting-edge infrared therapy rooms. You’ll understand exactly what makes each one unique and which type matches your wellness goals and heat tolerance.
Traditional Finnish sauna
The granddaddy of all saunas originated over 2,000 years ago in Finland. These saunas heat sauna stones using wood, electricity, or gas. Water thrown on the hot stones creates löyly – the Finnish word for the steam that transforms dry heat into humid warmth.
Temperature range: 150-195°F (65-90°C)
Humidity: Variable, 10-60% depending on water use
Experience: Intense heat with controllable humidity
Finnish saunas operate at the highest temperatures but give you complete control over humidity. Pour more water on the stones for steam. Use less water for dry heat. This flexibility makes them incredibly versatile.
The authentic experience involves multiple rounds – heat up in the sauna, cool down with cold water or outside air, repeat. This hot-cold cycling triggers powerful physiological responses that Finns credit with their legendary longevity.
Best for: People who enjoy high heat, want authentic sauna culture, prefer controllable humidity
Avoid if: You’re heat sensitive, have respiratory issues, or want gentle introduction to sauna
Electric sauna (modern Finnish style)
Electric saunas follow Finnish traditions but use electric heaters instead of wood fires. They’re the most common type worldwide because they’re convenient, safe, and don’t require chimneys or wood supplies.
Temperature range: 150-195°F (65-90°C)
Humidity: Variable, 10-60%
Experience: Similar to wood-fired but more convenient
Electric heaters heat sauna stones just like wood stoves. You still throw water on stones for steam. The main difference is convenience – flip a switch instead of building fires.
Modern electric saunas include timers, temperature controls, and safety shutoffs. Some connect to smartphone apps for remote operation. You can preheat your sauna while driving home from work.
The trade-off is atmosphere. Electric saunas lack the crackling sounds, wood aromas, and primal fire connection that wood-burning enthusiasts cherish.
Best for: Home installations, consistent use, convenience seekers
Avoid if: You want maximum authenticity or don’t have proper electrical service
Infrared sauna
Instead of heating air, infrared saunas use light panels to heat your body directly. This creates a completely different experience at much lower temperatures.
Temperature range: 110-140°F (45-60°C)
Humidity: Very low, under 25%
Experience: Gentle, penetrating heat that warms from inside
Infrared light penetrates skin up to 2 inches deep, heating muscles and tissues directly. You sweat profusely despite the moderate air temperature. Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes compared to 15-20 minutes in traditional saunas.
Three types of infrared exist: near, mid, and far. Far-infrared provides the deepest penetration and most health benefits according to research. Full-spectrum saunas combine all three for maximum therapeutic effect.
Infrared saunas heat up in 10-15 minutes versus 30-60 minutes for traditional types. They use about one-third the electricity and require no ventilation since they produce no steam.
Best for: Heat-sensitive individuals, longer sessions, home use, therapeutic benefits
Avoid if: You enjoy high heat, want humidity control, prefer traditional sauna culture
Steam room (Turkish bath)
Steam rooms create 100% humidity at relatively low temperatures. They’re completely different from Finnish saunas despite both being called “saunas” by some facilities.
Temperature range: 110-120°F (43-49°C)
Humidity: 100%
Experience: Wet, enveloping heat like a tropical rainforest
Steam generators boil water to create continuous steam that fills the room. The experience feels like sitting inside a cloud. Steam rooms help open airways, hydrate skin, and promote respiratory health.
Construction requires waterproof materials like tile, stone, or acrylic. Proper drainage and ventilation are critical to prevent mold and maintain air quality.
Many people find steam rooms more tolerable than traditional saunas because the lower temperature feels less intimidating. The high humidity makes you sweat quickly without the searing heat.
Best for: Respiratory benefits, skin hydration, gentle heat introduction
Avoid if: You have breathing difficulties, claustrophobia, or want dry heat experience
Smoke sauna (savusauna)
The original Finnish sauna type burns wood directly inside a room without a chimney. Smoke fills the space during heating, then vents out before bathing begins.
Temperature range: 140-180°F (60-80°C)
Humidity: Variable
Experience: Smooth, gentle heat with unique smoky atmosphere
Smoke saunas take 4-6 hours to heat properly. Wood burns in a large stone-filled firebox, and smoke circulates through the room, heating stones and walls. After the fire dies and smoke clears, bathers enjoy incredibly even, gentle heat.
The smoke leaves everything covered in soot, giving walls a distinctive black appearance. This isn’t just aesthetic – the soot has antimicrobial properties that help keep the space sanitary.
UNESCO recognizes smoke sauna culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These saunas require significant time, knowledge, and dedication to operate properly.
Best for: Cultural experience, gentle heat, traditional enthusiasts
Avoid if: You want convenience, quick sessions, or have limited time
Barrel sauna (outdoor specialty)
Barrel saunas use curved walls that create unique heat circulation and structural strength. They’re popular for outdoor installations and compact spaces.
Temperature range: Depends on heater type (electric or wood)
Humidity: Variable based on heating method
Experience: Efficient heating with distinctive aesthetic
The barrel shape distributes heat more evenly than rectangular rooms. Hot air rises and curves along the ceiling, creating better circulation. This means more comfortable temperatures throughout the space.
Barrel saunas use less energy to heat because the curved walls eliminate corners where cold air typically stagnates. They also resist weather better than rectangular structures due to the inherent strength of curved construction.
Most barrel saunas accommodate 2-6 people depending on size. They work with either electric or wood-burning heaters, offering flexibility in heating methods.
Best for: Outdoor installations, efficient heating, unique aesthetic appeal
Avoid if: You need large capacity or don’t like curved seating