Sauna Temperatures Used in Different Types of Saunas

We all know there is nothing like a relaxing sauna session after a long day at work to blow off steam and have you feeling fresh like the day is only starting.

The only common downside to saunas is that it’s hard to enjoy them on a daily basis. However, this problem doesn’t exist when you have your own outdoor sauna. 

Outdoor saunas can come in different shapes and sizes based on your needs and preferences, all of which can be found in Garden House24. 

In addition to the different looks saunas can have, there are different heating methods, as well as different temperatures based on the style of sauna you choose to go for.

In this article, you are going to find out more about different types of saunas and the ideal temperature range used in each type.

 

 

Turkish or Hot Air Sauna

 

A Turkish hot air sauna or a Turkish hammam doesn’t have a dry atmosphere like traditional saunas. Instead, a Turkish bath uses high humidity and steam as a form of hydrotherapy instead of the dry heat generated by a stove or hot stones in a traditional sauna. 

The average temperature in a Turkish bath is around 50°C. Turkish baths or steam baths are the perfect alternatives for those who can’t handle the high temperatures of traditional saunas but still want to enjoy a soothing and relaxing barrel sauna session.

Keep in mind, in traditional Turkish hot air saunas, it is customary to stay in a heated room for a few minutes before going into the warm room where it’s 50°C and the humidity is about 100%. Therefore, it is important to know how to use a sauna safely to avoid any dizziness or shortness of breath.  

 

Finnish Sauna

 

Finnish sauna has a rich history and has certainly come a long way from when it was first used by the locals. 

In fact, it was a common occurrence in the past for Finnish people to build their sauna first before their home, which was a separate room or cabin and live in it till the house is completed. Outdoor Saunas were how they were originally enjoyed. 

A Finnish sauna typically has an average temperature of 70-90°C, which is definitely on the hotter side of average sauna temperatures. Even though outdoor saunas can have different shapes and designs, barrel saunas are one of the best designs for Finnish Saunas. 

Outdoor barrel sauna benefits stand out among the rest since their circular design actually helps shorten the time it takes for the saunas to reach the desired temperature as well as retain that heat as it circulates within the structure.

 

 

Traditional Russian Sauna

 

Traditional Russian saunas or Banya have become increasingly popular in recent years. A Russian Banya or sauna typically has more steam than your average Finnish sauna. 

Also, it tends to be hotter than Finnish Saunas with its temperatures ranging from 80°C all the way to almost 100°C! Russians like their saunas hot but at the same time like to keep their heads cool. 

It is common to wear a hat made of cloth or felt while going into a Russian sauna to prevent your head from overheating which can be very problematic at such high temperatures. 

Additionally, at such high temperatures, it is good practice to make sure your sauna room is made up of the right materials that can withstand such a hot and humid environment in the long run. 

Outdoor barrel saunas are a good match for traditional Russian saunas as they are built to last with the consideration for drastic changes in humidity and temperatures.

 

Steam Sauna

 

Steam saunas use steam generators, so they don’t have to heat up as much as some of the previous sauna types mentioned in this post. The temperature for outdoor steam saunas is typically between 30°C and no more than 50°C. 

As you can guess from the name, an outdoor steam sauna can get pretty humid causing the atmosphere to feel warmer than it actually is. 

Additionally, since steam saunas typically use a steam generator and don’t require to reach such high temperatures, the time it takes to preheat the room is less than other traditional saunas.

Outdoor steam saunas typically take no more than 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

A steam sauna offers more than just a pleasant experience, it can be extremely beneficial for your health as well.

We all know that saunas can help you get rid of toxins in your body by sweating them out, but with higher humidity saunas, it is also very beneficial for your lungs and heart by melting and washing away the toxins in your lungs' airways.

 

 

Smoke Sauna

 

A smoke sauna, which is also known as the Savusauna, uses wood as a source of heat. The most prominent feature of a smoke sauna is that it doesn’t have a chimney to let the smoke escape, instead, the smoke is used to help heat up the room. 

Hence, most smoke saunas have a signature black interior. Additionally, since smoke saunas don’t have a chimney, they are usually separate from the household in an outdoor environment.

A smoke sauna’s temperature can range from 60°C to 80°C based on how long you leave the wood burning and once the desired temperature is reached the fire is put out. 

An outdoor smoke sauna session is less of a bathing experience and more of a meditative one, with smoke saunas it's all about relaxation and the smell of smoke left in the room to soothe your nerves. 

Remember, it is better to not interrupt your smoke sauna session by opening and closing the door multiple times, as it results in a temperature drop in the room, since there is no running source of heat.

 

Infrared Sauna

 

The last type of sauna on our list is an infrared sauna which also has the lowest temperature. Infrared saunas don’t use steam or smoke as heating elements, instead, they use infrared waves to heat your body from the inside out.

The temperature of a standard infrared sauna ranges from 30°C to 55°C approximately. 

Infrared saunas have grown in popularity due to their convenience. The infrared elements used in infrared saunas are easier to obtain and install, as well as being typically cheaper.

However, with an infrared sauna, you don’t get some of the health benefits associated with a humid environment like traditional saunas. 

On the other hand, they can be a comfortable alternative for individuals who like to enjoy some of the benefits of a sauna but are not able to withstand hot and humid environments.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Now that you know about different sauna types, their benefits and also risks - you can decide which works best for your needs and expectations. Investing in an outdoor sauna is a great idea.

It gives you an opportunity to enjoy an at-home spa experience daily (if you want to). No extra travel, no traffic and no other people. Absolute relaxation in your own backyard!