Traditional saunas
Traditional Finnish Saunas: Classic Dry Heat
A traditional sauna, or Finnish sauna, operates at temperatures between 80 and 100°C with very low humidity. A sauna heater warms volcanic stones, which are sprinkled with water to create the burst of steam known as löyly: intense sweating, the natural aroma of wood and the wellness ritual your clients know best.
At Sunmarket Wellness, you will find traditional and hybrid sauna cabins—combining a sauna heater with infrared heat—crafted from carefully selected woods for spas, hotels, gyms and home use.
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How a Finnish sauna works
In a traditional sauna, heat is generated by convection: the sauna heater warms the air while the stones store heat. Pouring water over the stones releases a brief burst of steam, rapidly increasing the humidity and intensifying the perceived temperature. The humidity then drops again, restoring the dry environment that makes such high temperatures tolerable.
Benefits of a traditional sauna
It is the wellness experience customers expect. High temperatures, the aroma of wood and the löyly ritual: a service with exceptionally high perceived value in spas and hotels.
- Intense sweating during short sessions of 8 to 12 minutes.
- Hot and cold therapy: ideal for combining with a cold shower or tipping bucket.
- Capacity: two-tier benches accommodate several users at once.
- Durability: solid wood and sauna heaters designed for continuous use.
- Hybrid version: some models include infrared heaters, offering both types of session in a single sauna cabin.
What to consider before buying
- Sauna heater power: as a general guideline, allow approximately 1 kW for each m³ of a well-insulated sauna cabin. A three-phase power supply is usually required from 8 kW upwards.
- Ventilation: an air inlet beneath the sauna heater and an outlet on the opposite side. This is essential for user comfort and wood preservation.
- Wood: Nordic spruce and hemlock are commonly used for walls, while aspen or abachi are used for benches because they remain comfortable to the touch.
- Space: observe the manufacturer’s specified safety clearance around the sauna heater.
- Sauna stones: use purpose-made volcanic sauna stones and replace them when they begin to crack.
Traditional, infrared or outdoor sauna: which is right for you?
If you want the classic high-temperature sauna experience, a Finnish sauna is the ideal choice. If low energy consumption and gentler sessions are your priority, explore our infrared saunas. If you have a garden or terrace, outdoor saunas offer the same technology in weather-resistant sauna cabins. For facilities with sufficient space, combining both technologies is the most effective solution.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature does a Finnish sauna operate at?
Between 80 and 100 °C on the upper bench, with a relative humidity of 10–20%, which rises temporarily when water is poured over the sauna stones.
How long does a Finnish sauna take to heat up?
Between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the power of the sauna heater and the volume of the cabin.
Electric or wood-burning sauna heater?
An electric sauna heater is the practical choice for indoor use: it is programmable, produces no smoke and does not require a chimney. A wood-burning sauna heater creates a more authentic atmosphere and is mainly used in outdoor sauna cabins with a flue.
What is a hybrid sauna?
A sauna cabin that combines a traditional sauna heater with infrared heaters, allowing you to choose between a classic high-temperature session and a gentle infrared sauna session using the same equipment.
How many sauna sessions are recommended?
Two or three rounds of 8–12 minutes are usual, with rest and cooling periods in between, while always remaining properly hydrated.