Bank on One of These Best Traditional Steam Sauna in the Market Today

The best traditional steam sauna can be easily found in Finland where the first ever recorded evidence on saunas dates back to 1112. Saunas play a significant part of the country’s culture until today. In fact, it is a common form of courtesy, so it is not surprising that saunas are not just an intimate place for personal relaxation but can also be a setting for business meetings.

Finland has an estimated number of 2 million saunas for a population of 5.3 million. However, you no longer have to travel to Finland to get the best and most authentic experience as you can already have this extremely relaxing and health-boosting installation in the comforts of your own home.

How Does it Work?

There are currently different types of saunas available in the market: portable steam sauna, steam shower, and outdoor sauna. All of them works similarly; they heat up a room to a certain temperature, usually around 110℉ to 190℉. Some of the traditional saunas are heated by wood being burned in a stove. The burnt wood is then placed inside a room, allowing the ember to heat the room.

You can make a simple Outdoor Sauna

Benefits of Using a Sauna

Saunas are known for its many health benefits, and below are just some of them:

It can help with mental fatigue or stress.

Sauna rooms, or also known as dry rooms, can help lower stress. Being in an environment which temperature is higher than usual creates heat stress to the body; thus, it releases dynorphin. To counter that, the brain activates the production of endorphins, a type of chemical that creates a positive feeling to the body.

It increases blood flow and relaxes the muscle.

As the body releases endorphins, this gives the body a tranquilizing effect. The heat from the sauna increases the body’s core temperature. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, which increases the blood flow. This also speeds up the natural healing effect of our body.

It gives you a healthier complexion.

When you produce sweat because of the steam, it opens up your pores. Sweating removes the bacteria from the upper layer of the skin and the sweat ducts, which makes the skin soft and glowing.

It induces better and deeper sleep.

Because of the high temperature in the sauna, the sudden drop in temperature in the environment, especially at night, reduces the endorphins being released, creating a calming effect to the body. Because of this, you will have a better sleeping experience.

It releases toxins.

The major organ for detoxification is the skin. Numerous studies have been published that clearly showed the relationship between frequent sweating and detoxification. Another study showed significant reduction of symptoms of chronic illnesses caused by methamphetamine exposure of police officers after regular sauna sessions.

Addressing the Controversies

Sauna aiding weight loss has been a subject of debates and discussions among skeptics and sauna users, for a good reason. Yes, it does help with weight loss, but only to a certain extent. Overheating causes the body to work harder as it tries to regulate the body’s temperature, thus the sweat. A well-hydrated body effectively eliminates excess water; however, the increased salt percentage in the body causes water retention in the cells, resulting in water weight gain.  Sweating helps shed this excess salt.

Other health benefits claimed for using sauna are boosting the body’s metabolism and assisting in muscle growth, but there few to no evidence to support these claims.

Lastly, there is the concern on athlete’s foot. Some claim that using a sauna can cause athlete’s foot; however, this is more on if the room is cleaned properly on a regular basis and not by the use of the room itself.

Do’s and Don’ts in Using a Sauna

Here are some sauna etiquettes and safety tips:

DO’S

DONT’S

What to look for in a sauna?

Here are some tips to look for when purchasing a sauna for your home:

Indoor or Outdoor

Indoor saunas are typically located near the bathroom of the home. It doesn’t require proper insulation but requires proper ventilation. Outdoor saunas are typically located near the pool or garden. It requires proper insulation and foundation, on top of power connection and water supply fixings.

Heat Source

Currently, there are two major types of saunas: the traditional saunas and infrared saunas. The heat in a traditional dry-wet sauna comes from either an electric or a wood heat source. Infrared saunas are relatively new with two types, namely carbon far infrared and ceramic far infrared. Carbon panels can bring the temperature up to 140℉ in 10 minutes, but the ceramic panels can deliver a long-lasting heat as compared to carbon panels. These features make these type of saunas more affordable to operate than traditional saunas.

Electrical requirements

Modern saunas have moved way past from its wooden origin.  A modern-day traditional sauna steam room uses electricity by heating a basket of rocks. Moisture and temperature can be raised by sprinkling water over the rocks; however, it takes 20 to 35 minutes to heat. Its counterpart uses a heating element that radiates heat and takes lesser time to heat up the place.

Wood

Sauna interiors are made of softwoods that absorb steam and remain cool, making the room cozy and comfortable. Hemlock, a light-colored hardwood and is naturally stain-resistant, is a good choice for people with allergies since it’s less aromatic. Cedar, long-lasting and aromatic, is naturally resistant to insects, which makes this material a good option for an outdoor home steam sauna. Aspen is usually used for indoor saunas because of its affordability.

The Top 11 Best Traditional Steam Saunas

1.  Almost Heaven Logan Cedar 1-person Electric Sauna

The Logan Cedar 1-Person sauna is the best home sauna for indoor use. This sauna comes with a double-window and is built with classy rustic cedar lumber. Also included is an accessory kit of red cedar which includes a robe hook, leg lift, back rest, magazine, and drink shelf. In addition, it has a wide horizontal slat bench which is ideal for one person to relax.

While the sauna has no flooring, it can use your existing floor. The type of floor can be laminate, vinyl, tile, concrete or any other solid material. However, use of a carpet is highly discouraged.

It has a dual-controlled 4.5kW Finnish-style water over-the-rock steam heater. This means that you may get either dry heat or pour some water using the spoon provided over the heated stones according to your preferred humidity.

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2.  Baldwin 2-person Traditional Sauna

This Sauna is ideal for restoration and relaxing in the comfort of your home. It has a 2.3kW Harvia heater that can produce temperatures of up to 175°F. Also included is a water cask and spoon that lets you add water to the Finnish sauna heater stones to get your desired temperature.

Impressively, it has a tongue-and-groove construction that is easy to assemble and operate. It is a great addition to any home since the Canadian hemlock wood is smooth, durable, and naturally attractive

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3.  Southport 3-Person Traditional Sauna

This spacious and large conventional sauna is designed to accommodate up to 3 people at a go. It can produce temperatures of up to 180° F, thanks to its 3Kw Harvia heater.

Better yet, it has standard features including an in-built light, relaxed seating, a thermo-hydrometer for displaying humidity level and a cabin constructed with natural Canadian Hemlock wood. The Harvia comes with 40-pound Finnish lava stones.

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4.  Almost-heaven Madison Cedar 3-person Electric sauna

The Madison cedar comes in the form of a kit with pre-assembled walls and roof fittings. The 4.5kW heater is made of stainless steel and has a dial control. It takes about 30 minutes to heat up to about 150° F and will reach 185° F in less than an hour, making it one of the best traditional steam sauna models in the market. You can create a refreshing burst of stem by adding water to the stones.

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5.  Almost Heaven Pinnacle Cedar 4-Person Electric barrel sauna

The pinnacle is built with thick and insulating rustic cedar. This design uses a ball-and-socket profile which is fastened with bands made of stainless steel. The steam barrel sauna is made in the USA and can service up to 4 people. Maximum heat circulation is allowed due to its round shape.

The natural and smooth wood is held using few fasteners. A tempered glass window is fitted on the strong cedar door. It is fixed on two polymer support cradles. In addition, there is a dial-controlled 60kW stainless steel heater and 40 pounds of sauna stones. Water can be sprinkled on the heated sauna stones for a refreshing feeling

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6.  Almost Heaven Princeton 6-person Electric Barrel Sauna 

If you are looking for a traditional sauna to accommodate your entire family, then this 6-person unit from Princeton is the best traditional sauna for you. This traditional sauna features a classic barrel design. Its simple design is energy saving since it minimizes excess space. It is crafted from rustic cedar, which is a soft lumber known for its great insulation abilities. The interior is spacious enough to cozily seat 6 individuals.

It is also encouraging to know that it is designed using a ball-and-socket profile held in place by stainless steel bands. Few fasteners are used to show off the smooth wood. It allows for maximum heat circulation due to the curved walls.

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7.  Almost Heaven Saunas LLC Salem 2-Person Traditional Steam Sauna

Almost Heaven is hailed as one of the most trusted traditional steam sauna brands in the market because of their efficient and effective products. The Salem Traditional Sauna is a coveted 2-person sauna among couples.

This is quite affordable, generate satisfying, powerful heat, and is constructed with high-quality materials to meet the user’s need.

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8.  Baltic Leisure Modular 3-Person Traditional Steam Sauna

If the barrel-like sauna is not your thing and you prefer the box shape, then Baltic Leisure’s 3-Person Traditional Steam Sauna is an excellent pick.

This is a rectangle sauna made from solid wood with a beautiful tan finish. The Clear Western Red Cedar Plywood backing also added to the wood constructions durability. With a maximum temperature of 194 degrees Fahrenheit, you will surely sweat a lot and release stress and toxins out of your body.

It is advisable to use this steam sauna indoors only.

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9.  Almost Heaven Saunas LLC Grayson Fir 4-Person Traditional Steam Sauna

This is a beautifully constructed traditional steam sauna made from Grayson Fir plywood. Just like most traditional steam saunas, it is equipped with sauna stones, standard KIP heater, and bucket and ladle.

For a family of four, this sauna is the ideal size that can fit in the entire family inside. There are also benches inside so that users can sit and get comfy while enjoying the sauna.

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10.  Almost Heaven Saunas LLC Bridgeport Fir 6-Person Traditional Steam Sauna

Another amazing entry from Almost Heaven is this 6-person steam sauna. This is a spacious sauna that is perfect for big families.

If you love all the features of the Salem and Grayson Fir saunas but want a much bigger size, then this is definitely the one for you.

Please note that this is best used indoors only.

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11.  Aleko 4-Person Steam Sauna

This stunning steam sauna has a modern look but still delivers traditional heating environment. Made from Canadian Red Cedar Wood, you can expect this sauna to last longer.

Moreover, it can seat up to 4 people inside. But the best thing about it is that this is a two-way sauna that can be used both for dry and wet sauna experience.

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Conclusion

If the idea of a traditional sauna in your home gets you excited, then these 6 products should top your list. Nonetheless, the best traditional steam sauna overall is the Almost Heaven Princeton 6-person Electric Steam Barrel sauna. Compared to the Logan Cedar and Baldwin 2-person saunas, it is energy saving since many people can use it at a time. On one hand, the Princeton sauna heats faster because the barrel shape allows for maximum heat circulation. On the other hand, the rectangular shaped Logan Cedar and Baldwin 2-person saunas trap some heat at the top hence poor heat circulation.

Moreover, it is a good choice since it is spacious while with the other designs have limited space.  Again, one can sit comfortably as it has a variety of sitting positions while some others only have one sitting position.