There are a number of different heaters used in Sauna construction. Probably the most important part of any Sauna; the type heater will determine the longevity of the product, the operating costs, as well as the bathing experience. 

The following table shows the key differences between the types of heater used in our Saunas. 

  

TRADITIONAL Advantages: Offers a traditional sauna experience Can be used with rocks/water Disadvantages: Short element lifespan, Expensive to run, Indirect heating, Uneven heat distribution, Slow to heat-up
CERAMIC ROD Advantages: Cheaper to run Disadvantages: Uneven heat distribution Slower to heat-up
CERAMIC ROD Advantages: Cheaper to run Disadvantages: Uneven heat distribution Slower to heat-up
INCOLOY REFLECTOR Advantages: Cheaper to run Quick to heat-up Even heat distribution Disadvantages: Average element lifespan
INTENSE REFLECTOR Advantages: Cheaper to run Instant heat-up Even heat distribution Disadvantages: Average element lifespan
CARBON PANEL Advantages: Cheaper to run Quicker to heat-up Perfect heat distribution Large surface area Very latest technology Disadvantages: Average element lifespan

Other differences between the different heater types should also be noted - for example because a traditional Finnish-style sauna heats the air inside the room to a very high temperature, water must be splashed over hot rocks and turned into steam, to ensure that there is sufficient moisture in the air. Otherwise bathers can be subjected to difficulty in breathing and experience an uncomfortable dry feeling to their mouth, airway and lungs.

In comparison, FAR infra-red heaters direct infra-red waves at your skin which heats your body, but not the air around it so much. The result is that less humidity is required to achieve a comfortable bathing environment because the elements are heating the exterior of the body, rather than the air passed in and out of it while breathing. 

Also, this means that the elements consume far less power, because they not only heat the body directly, but also do not require to be turned on a long time before bathing commences. 

Most average-sized Finnish-style saunas also require some form of dedicated power supply run to the heater - 16-30amp supplies are common. On the contrary, most infra-red saunas can be plugged directly into a standard 13amp wall socket, keeping installation costs low to non-existent.

Finally, Finnish saunas tend to be in kit forms which require considerable time to construct while infra-red saunas are generally modular which means that six panels will clip or otherwise fasten together so that construction is often completed in less than an hour. This also means that the unit is easily relocated should you move or wish to reposition your sauna at a later date.