Sauna heaters provide the heat needed to warm up a sauna room and come in electric, wood-burning, and gas-fired varieties.
Electric sauna heaters tend to heat up more quickly and are easier to install and maintain than wood-burning ones.
Wood-burning sauna heaters require more work but provide an authentic sauna experience with the smell and sound of the burning wood.
The rocks on top of the sauna heater absorb heat and then slowly release it to keep the sauna temperature stable. They should be heat-resistant igneous rocks.
It's crucial to choose a sauna heater with the proper output wattage/BTUs for the size of your sauna room, usually around 10-12 kW for a home sauna.
Sauna heaters should be placed near the ceiling or upper benches for even heat circulation and safety reasons.
Proper ventilation is key - the air should be completely replaced every few minutes.
Electric sauna heaters often have timer and temperature controls for convenience and safety.
Wood-burning sauna stove surfaces get extremely hot and can cause burns if accidentally touched.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the sauna heater will improve its lifespan and heating efficiency.