Different Types of Saunas and Their Unique Health Benefits

Your personal wellness journey should feel as natural and fulfilling as stepping into your own private retreat. With years of experience crafting premium saunas and wood-fired hot tubs across the UK, we at Eden Hut have seen firsthand how the right sauna can completely transform not just a space - but an entire lifestyle.

Choosing a sauna isn’t just about how it looks - it’s about finding the one that fits your needs and supports your health. Today, we’re taking you through the different types of saunas with the same care and experience we offer every day - so you can choose the one that feels like it was made just for you.

Traditional Finnish Sauna (Wood-Burning)

When it comes to deciding what type of sauna is best, the options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve organized this article into a simple, easy-to-follow format. For each sauna type, we’ll cover six key subjects of discussion - heat source, temperature range, humidity level, main benefits, important considerations, and who it’s best suited for. By keeping the information structured and straightforward, you’ll be able to compare different sauna types side-by-side and quickly find what fits your needs, lifestyle, and personal reasons for using a sauna.

Heat Source: Wood-fired stove heating stones

At Eden Hut, we proudly offer the option of a traditional wood-burning sauna for those who want a true, authentic experience. Our saunas are customizable, and choosing a wood-fired stove lets you enjoy the ritual of building and tending to the fire yourself. Here’s how it works: you build a fire inside the stove, which heats a pile of sauna stones placed above it. If you want the best performance, we suggest using dry, seasoned hardwoods like birch, maple, or oak. They burn hotter, produce a cleaner flame, and leave less smoke and residue compared to softwoods. Starting with a strong, well-aerated fire helps you heat up the sauna faster and makes the whole experience smoother.

Temperature: Typically 70–100°C (160–212°F)

Reaching the perfect sauna temperature with a wood-burning stove usually takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Of course, that can vary a little depending on the outside temperature and the size of the sauna. Based on our experience, you'll need about one armload of firewood (10–15 pieces) to bring the room up to full heat. After that, adding a few logs every 30–45 minutes helps maintain the perfect temperature without needing to start over. It's a relaxed process that becomes part of the sauna ritual itself.

Humidity: Low, with steam created by pouring water over hot stones

Traditional wood-burning saunas naturally have low humidity, but you can adjust it easily by throwing small amounts of water onto the hot stones. For the best effect, we recommend using clean, cold water, pouring about half a cup at a time every 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps the steam (löyly) fresh and lively without cooling down the stones too much. Many of our clients find that steady, moderate steam gives a richer, deeper sauna feel compared to dumping large amounts of water at once.

Benefits: Deep muscle relaxation, improved circulation, authentic experience

A wood-fired sauna delivers a unique, deep-heat feeling that other sauna types just can't fully replicate. The dry, penetrating heat relaxes muscles, boosts circulation, and promotes heavy sweating - perfect for stress relief and post-workout recovery. Plus, there's something deeply rewarding about the whole process: building your fire, feeling the room slowly warm up, and stepping into a space you've created.

Considerations: Requires more maintenance and outdoor setup

A wood-burning sauna does ask a little more from you compared to an electric model - but that's part of its charm. You’ll need to store dry firewood, clean out the ashes regularly, and occasionally sweep the chimney if you’re using it heavily. Time-wise, you can expect about an hour of preparation (including fire building) before each use. Budget-wise, depending on the size and design, setting up a wood-burning sauna can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a simple model to over $10,000 for a fully customized setup.

Ideal For: Purists seeking an authentic sauna experience

If your main goal is to experience the traditional heart and soul of sauna culture, a wood-fired sauna is hands down the best choice. It's perfect for those who enjoy the process as much as the result - the scent of the wood smoke, the crackling fire, and the natural variations in heat and steam. While there are definite health benefits like muscle relaxation, better circulation, and skin detoxification, a wood-burning sauna is ideal for people who value the overall experience above chasing a specific therapy or clinical outcome.

Browse our collection of saunas

Electric Sauna

Heat Source: Electric heater with stones

Part of our custom options includes electric sauna setups for those who want a traditional heat experience without the extra steps of building and tending a fire. An electric sauna uses a specially designed heater to warm a stack of sauna stones, just like a wood-burning model, but at the push of a button. It’s a simple, reliable system - great for anyone who loves the sauna experience but prefers a faster and easier start. If you want to make the most of it, we recommend setting your timer early so the stones are thoroughly heated before your session begins, giving you that rich, full-body heat.

Temperature: Typically 70–100°C (160–212°F)

Electric saunas can reach the same high temperatures as traditional wood-burning saunas, but they typically heat up faster — usually in about 30 to 45 minutes. From what we’ve seen, this makes a big difference for people who want regular sauna sessions but don’t always have an extra hour or two to prepare. Once you dial in your preferred heat setting, the electric heater does the work for you.

Humidity: Low, with steam created by pouring water over hot stones

Even though the heater is electric, you can still create that wonderful sauna steam (löyly). If you want to boost the humidity during your session, simply ladle a small amount of clean, cold water over the stones every 5 to 10 minutes. We usually suggest using smaller pours — about half a cup at a time — to keep the heat consistent and avoid sudden temperature drops. The stones will sizzle and release a satisfying wave of moist, hot air, making the session feel much more alive and traditional.

Benefits: Authentic heat with maximum convenience

An electric sauna gives you strong, steady heat that helps you relax, loosen your muscles, improve circulation, and sweat out stress. It’s easy to use and fits into busy routines without much effort. With quick heating and simple controls, it’s a great choice if you want the health benefits of sauna sessions without a lot of prep work.

Considerations: Easier setup, less maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of an electric sauna is how easy it is to set up and maintain. Installation is simpler — all you need is a proper electrical connection (which we help arrange), and you're ready to go. Some people simply don’t have the time or desire to manage the full ritual of a wood-fired sauna, and that's completely okay. 

Ideal For: Sauna lovers who want simplicity and consistency

If you want to enjoy saunas regularly without a lot of planning or prep, an electric sauna is a great choice. It’s perfect for anyone who wants real heat and steam but with a setup that’s quick and easy to use. Electric saunas make it simple to enjoy all the benefits of sauna life whenever it fits your schedule.

Browse our collection of saunas

Infrared Sauna

Heat Source: Infrared panels emitting radiant heat

One more type of sauna we want to present to you — even though we unfortunately don't have it listed on our website at the moment — is the infrared sauna. It’s a highly sought-after option for many sauna lovers, and it offers a completely different type of heat experience. Instead of warming the air, infrared saunas use special panels that gently heat your body directly through infrared light. It feels more like being wrapped in warmth rather than sitting in hot air, and it’s especially good for those who prefer a softer, more gradual heat.

Temperature: Typically 45–60°C (113–140°F)

Infrared saunas operate at lower air temperatures than traditional or electric models, but the heat penetrates deeper into your body. From our experience and customer feedback, you can start feeling the effects within about 10 to 20 minutes. The lower heat level also makes infrared sessions easier to fit into your routine — there’s less waiting for the sauna to heat up and you don’t need to worry about extreme temperatures feeling overwhelming.

Humidity: Dry heat with no steam

Infrared saunas create a very dry environment because they don't rely on heated stones or water to generate steam. The air stays clear and dry throughout your session. If you prefer an experience without humidity — or if you find traditional saunas a little heavy to breathe in — infrared saunas offer a comfortable alternative that still brings noticeable wellness benefits.

Benefits: Deep tissue relaxation, detoxification, easier breathing

Infrared heat works by penetrating beneath the skin, reaching muscles and joints more deeply than traditional saunas. Many people use infrared sessions to support muscle recovery, help with detox, improve skin clarity, and promote better sleep. It’s also much easier on breathing compared to very hot, humid rooms, making it a great option for longer or more frequent sessions without feeling worn out afterward.

Considerations: Easiest setup and low energy use

Infrared saunas are among the simplest types to install and maintain. They use less energy than traditional heaters, don’t require ventilation, and can often plug into a standard outlet depending on the size. If you’re looking for a sauna experience that’s focused completely on health benefits with minimal setup, infrared is definitely worth considering.

Ideal For: Those wanting a gentle, health-focused sauna experience

If your main goal is daily or weekly health maintenance - like improving recovery, skin health, or simply relaxing deeply - infrared saunas are a best type of sauna. They're perfect for people who want the benefits of sauna therapy but without the intense heat or ritual of a traditional setup. 

Browse our collection of saunas

Health Benefits Across Sauna Types

Now that we've introduced you to the different types of saunas and explored the most popular types, we can shift our focus to the second goal of this article - highlighting the many benefits sauna sessions can bring to your health and everyday life. Each type of sauna offers unique advantages, but many of the core benefits overlap, making it easier for you to find the right fit for your needs. 

• Cardiovascular Health: All sauna types- wood-burning, electric, and infrared - can help improve heart function and lower blood pressure. Traditional saunas (wood-burning and electric) heat up faster and stronger, while infrared offers a gentler, steady effect with regular use.

• Muscle Recovery: Heat from all three types helps relax muscles and speed up recovery after exercise. Wood-burning and electric saunas offer deep, full-body heat, while infrared heat goes deeper into the muscles and joints, which many people like athletes and people with chronic soreness really appreciate.

• Detoxification: Sweating in any sauna helps the body get rid of toxins and cleanse the skin. Wood-burning and electric saunas make you sweat heavily because of the higher temperatures, while infrared saunas trigger deep sweating at lower, more comfortable heat.

• Stress Reduction: No matter which type you choose, saunas are great for relaxing and clearing your mind. Whether it’s the ritual of a wood-burning fire, the steady heat of an electric heater, or the soft warmth of an infrared sauna, all three help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

• Respiratory Relief: If you’re looking for help with breathing or congestion, wood-burning and electric saunas are the better choice since you can pour water over the stones and create steam. Infrared saunas don’t create steam, so they’re less effective for respiratory relief.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped you - if not to make a final decision what type of saunas is best, then at least to see why regular sauna use is such a great addition to everyday life. 

If this inspired you to take the next big step and invest in a best type of sauna for your home, feel free to visit our website. At Eden Hut, we offer a wide range of sauna styles and designs, and we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship behind every piece. Your perfect sauna might be closer than you think!

‍