The 5 Best Sauna Heaters Of 2023 + How To Get The Most From Your Sauna Session

You can't reap the benefits of saunas without an excellent sauna heater. The best sauna heater provides a sauna with one of its most essential components: warmth.

Since a sauna heater can make or break your sauna experience, finding the best option feels all the more daunting. With so many sizes, styles, and designs, where do you even begin?

That's where our expert-led guidance comes in. Read on and a more enjoyable sauna experience may be in your near future.

"A sauna heater serves as the heating component within your sauna," explains Meg Mill, a functional medicine practitioner in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Per Mill, a sauna heater is responsible for generating the warmth essential in saunas. "By employing electric elements or wood-burning mechanisms, the sauna heater effectively raises the temperature within the sauna cabin, offering a space for relaxation and potential health benefits," she says.

If you're looking to boost your well-being, Mill points out that a sauna, equipped with a sauna heater, of course, is an accessible and enjoyable way to do so.

"If you're interested in relaxation, stress reduction, improved circulation, and harnessing the potential benefits of detoxification, a sauna heater can be a great fit for you," she says. "Regular sauna sessions provide a relaxing environment that can contribute to a sense of overall health and vitality."

Shilpa P. Saxena, M.D., IFMCP, chief medical officer and physician at Forum Health in Tampa, Florida, echoes that saunas can help improve various ailments.

"Saunas can be beneficial for individuals who want to improve their circulation, alleviate chronic pain, reduce joint stiffness, and even strengthen their immune system," she says.

Saxena says saunas and sauna heaters can aid health conditions and rheumatologic skin diseases such as psoriasis.

However, some people should be cautious when it comes to saunas. "While sauna therapy generally boasts a favorable safety profile, specific individuals should exercise prudence or avoid sauna heater utilization," explains Mill.

She goes on to say that pregnant women and people with cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, or skin sensitivities should check in with their doctor before participating in sauna sessions.

"It's advisable to seek medical guidance if any doubts arise regarding the compatibility of sauna heat with individual health circumstances," Mill adds.

After your sauna heater is installed and ready to go, Mill suggests the following protocol to get the most out of your sauna session:

Preheat: "Start your sauna routine by preheating the sauna to the preferred temperature, allowing adequate time for the heat to distribute evenly," she says.

Hydrate: Don't step into a sauna before properly hydrating. "Adequate hydration is key," Mill says. "Ensure you consume ample water before and after the session."

Listen to your body: It's important to keep in tune with how your body feels while in a sauna and to make sure you don't overdo it.

"Enter the sauna for a duration comfortable to you, typically commencing with 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a cooling-off period," says Mill. She stresses that you should always stay attuned to your body's signals and leave the sauna if you have any discomfort or concerns.

When it comes to choosing the best sauna heater, it boils down to personal preference and what best fits your needs.

"Finding your ideal sauna heater is like choosing the perfect playlist for a relaxing day," says Mill.

Beyond price and design, take the below factors into consideration:

"While electric heaters are all about convenience, wood-burning options might be your preference," notes Mill.

Sauna sessions come with various physical and mental benefits that keep well-being enthusiasts coming back for more.

"Engaging in sauna sessions can have a multitude of advantages, benefiting both the physical and mental aspects of well-being," Mill says. She explains that the warmth of a sauna can induce relaxation, resulting in stress reduction and potentially improving sleep quality and digestion.

"Enhanced circulation contributes to cardiovascular health, while the act of sweating supports potential detoxification by purging impurities from the body," Mill says, adding that it can also ease muscle tension and promote mental rejuvenation.

Additional sauna benefits include improved skin health1 and faster muscle recovery after exercise2.

The best sauna heater can easily elevate your sauna experience. Sauna heaters provide high, consistent heat, resulting in a range of benefits, including improved skin health1, cardiovascular health, and immune function3. If you’re interested in learning more about saunas, take a look at our guide to infrared and traditional saunas and the best at-home infrared saunas.