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Which Sauna Is Right for Me? A Comparison of Types, Sizes, and Budgets
In short:
Which sauna is right for you depends on three factors: your preferred heat experience (Finnish up to 130 °C, mild bio sauna 50–60 °C, or infrared 30–60 °C), available space (indoor or Outdoor Sauna), and your budget, including electricity costs. If you love intense sweating, choose the Finnish sauna; if you prefer a gentler, more economical option, choose the Infrared Cabin.
Almost everyone who is considering purchasing their own sauna for the first time asks themselves, “Which sauna is right for me?”—and it’s a valid question, because there are so many options to choose from. Finnish saunas, gentle bio saunas, infrared cabins, plus indoor or outdoor saunas in dozens of sizes: Without clear criteria, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This Ultimate Guide will help you systematically arrive at the right decision.
In Germany, taking a sauna is not a niche hobby: About 32 million people consider themselves sauna-goers, and there are approximately 10,000 public and 1.7 million private saunas available (Apotheken Umschau). Based on these absolute numbers, Germans are considered the “runners-up in the world of saunas.”
Instead of just presenting you with a product catalog, we’ll walk you through the decision-making process step by step: first, the type of sauna; then, the size; next, the technology; and finally, the budget, including ongoing electricity costs. At the end, you’ll find a comparison chart and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Which sauna is right for me? An overview of the three types of saunas
Before you start thinking about size and price, you should know what kind of heat experience you’re actually looking for. A sauna in the traditional sense is a room heated to 80 to 105 degrees Celsius using a sauna heater (Unfallkasse NRW). But that’s just one of several options.
Finnish Sauna – The Classic Heat Experience
The Finnish sauna is the hottest type of sauna, reaching temperatures of up to 130 °C with very low humidity of only 10–20% (FITBOOK). A characteristic feature is the “Aufguss”: pouring water onto the hot stones creates an intense burst of heat.
This option is right for you if you love a classic, intense sweat session and enjoy alternating between heat and cooling down. However, you’ll need a powerful heater and, in most cases, a high-voltage electrical connection.
Biosauna (Sanarium) – the gentle compromise
The bio-sauna, often called a sanarium, operates at a significantly milder temperature of approximately 50–60 °C and a higher humidity level of 30–50% (FITBOOK). The combination of moderate heat and humidity makes it gentler on the circulatory system.
This is the right choice for you if the classic Finnish heat is too intense, but you don’t want to completely give up the sauna experience with steam and aromas. Many modern heaters can be switched between Finnish and bio modes—this is often the most flexible solution.
Infrared Cabin – Gentle and Energy-Efficient
Infrared saunas operate at comparatively low cabin temperatures of 30–60 °C with 40–50% humidity and without the traditional water-on-hot-stones ritual (FITBOOK). Instead of heating the air in the room to high temperatures, the radiant heat acts directly on the body.
An Infrared Cabin is right for you if you like it warm but not hot, want it to be ready for use quickly, and are mindful of energy consumption. For purists who enjoy the traditional sauna ritual and intense heat, however, it is not a full replacement for a Finnish sauna.
Indoor Sauna or Outdoor Sauna—where should it go?
The second major decision is the location. A home sauna can be installed either indoors or in the backyard—both options have their pros and cons.
The Indoor Sauna
Indoor Saunas are usually located in the basement, bathroom, or hobby room. Advantages: short distances, use regardless of weather conditions, and no foundation work required. You’ll need a dry, well-ventilated room with sufficient ceiling height and a suitable electrical outlet.
The Outdoor Sauna
A Outdoor Sauna or Outdoor Sauna—whether a classic sauna cabin for the garden or Barrel Sauna trendy Barrel Sauna—offers more space and the special experience of stepping right out into the fresh air after sweating. This requires more planning on your part.
It is important to have a stable, level surface (foundation or slab base), to maintain the required distance from the neighboring property, and, depending on the state or canton, to obtain a building permit if necessary. Check your local regulations before purchasing a Outdoor Sauna. You’ll find a robust selection of models in our Saunas & Accessories category.
Calculate Sauna Size: How Much Space Do You Need?
The right size depends on how many Persons will be using the sauna at the same time. As a general guideline:
- Sauna for 1–2 Persons: approx. 4–6 m³ cabin volume, ideal for couples or limited space.
- Sauna for 3–4 Persons: approx. 7–10 m³, the classic choice for families.
- Saunas for 5 or more Persons: starting at approximately 10 m³; often only practical as Outdoor Sauna.
When calculating the size of a sauna, you should consider not only the floor area but also the volume (length × width × height), as this determines the required heater output. Additionally, plan for space to move around in front of the sauna and—for Indoor Sauna Indoor Sauna—allow for clearance from walls to ensure proper ventilation.
Calculate Sauna Heater Power: kW, Technical Specifications, and Electrical Connection
The technology determines whether your sauna actually reaches the right temperature. An average Sauna Heater for home use has a power output of 6 to 8 kW (web.de Energy Guide). Smaller cabins require less power, while larger ones need more.
The Rule of Thumb for Heater Capacity
As a rule of thumb for the required sauna heater output: approximately 1 kW per cubic meter of cabin volume (Karibu). An 8-m³ cabin therefore requires about 8 kW. A small 3.6-kW Sauna Heater is only suitable for smaller home saunas and typically reaches a maximum temperature of 80 °C (Karibu).
230V or 400V?
This rule of thumb has direct implications for the electrical connection: Low-power heaters (up to about 3.6 kW) often run on a standard 230-volt outlet. More powerful models starting at about 4.5 kW generally require a 400-volt high-voltage connection, which must be installed by a licensed electrician. If you want that classic Finnish heat, you usually can’t do without 400 volts.
How Much Does a Sauna Cost—Purchase Price and Electricity Consumption
The cost of a home sauna consists of two parts: the purchase price and the ongoing operating costs. The purchase price varies greatly depending on the type, size, and features—ranging from compact infrared cabins to medium-sized Indoor Saunas to large solid-wood Outdoor Saunas.
Ongoing electricity costs
When it comes to sauna electricity consumption, the following applies: With a weekly usage time of about 2 hours, the annual electricity costs for a home sauna amount to about 250 euros (web.de Energy Guide). Depending on electricity prices in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, this figure may vary—check your current rate plan.
Infrared cabins tend to fall on the lower end of the spectrum due to their low temperatures and short heat-up times, while large Finnish Outdoor Saunas fall on the higher end. Be sure to factor these ongoing costs into your budget—not just the purchase price.
Comparison of Sauna Types
The following table summarizes the key differences and helps you decide which sauna is right for you:
| Criteria | Finnish Sauna | Biosauna (Sanarium) | Infrared Cabin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | up to 130 °C | 50–60 °C | 30–60 °C |
| Humidity | 10–20 % | 30–50 % | 40–50 % |
| Aufguss available | and | limited | no |
| Heaters/Technology | 6–8 kW, often 400 V | 6–8 kW, 400 V | Infrared Heaters, 230 V |
| Power Consumption | high | medium | low |
| Suitable for | intense sweating | gentle on the circulatory system | A warm, gentle experience |
Sources for temperature and humidity values: FITBOOK; for heater output: web.de and Karibu.
Health: Is Using a Sauna Really Worth It?
In addition to space and budget, the health benefits play a role for many people. The research on this topic is encouragingly concrete. In one study, regular sauna sessions lasting 11 to 19 minutes per session reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death by 7 percent; with even longer sessions, the risk dropped by as much as 52 percent (Deutsches Ärzteblatt).
Blood pressure also benefits: In participants who regularly used saunas and were physically active, systolic blood pressure dropped by about 8 mmHg within eight weeks (esanum).
The reliability of these figures is also due to the infrastructure behind them: The Deutscher Sauna-Bund e.V. is the world’s largest association in the sauna industry (German Sauna Association). However, it’s important to note that if you have cardiovascular conditions, are pregnant, or have young children, you should consult a doctor beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of saunas are there, and how do they differ?
The three main types are the Finnish sauna, the bio sauna (sanarium), and the Infrared Cabin. They differ primarily in temperature and humidity: the Finnish sauna is the hottest, the bio sauna provides a mild and humid experience, and the Infrared Cabin uses radiation to warm the body directly at a lower temperature.
What is the difference between a Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna?
The Finnish sauna heats the room to up to 130 °C using a Sauna Heater with humidity levels of only 10–20%, and allows for the pouring of water onto the stones. The infrared sauna operates at 30–60 °C with 40–50% humidity and without a water infusion, with radiant heat acting directly on the body. Infrared is gentler and more energy-efficient, while the Finnish sauna is more intense.
What is a bio sauna (Sanarium), and who is it suitable for?
A bio sauna, also known as a sanarium, operates at a milder temperature than a Finnish sauna, at about 50–60 °C and 30–50% humidity. It is suitable for anyone who finds the classic Finnish heat too intense but still wants to enjoy a warm, humid sauna experience with steam and, often, aromatic scents.
How big should a home sauna be?
For 1–2 Persons, a cabin volume of about 4–6 m³ is sufficient; for 3–4 Persons, around 7–10 m³ is standard; and for 5 or more Persons, you should plan for more than 10 m³. The volume—calculated as length times width times height—is crucial because it determines the required heater output.
What kW output does my Sauna Heater need?
As a rule of thumb, you need about 1 kW of heater power per cubic meter of cabin volume. An 8-m³ sauna therefore requires about 8 kW. An average home heater ranges from 6 to 8 kW. A small 3.6-kW heater is only sufficient for small cabins and usually reaches a maximum of 80 °C.
How much electricity does a sauna use per year?
Based on weekly use of about 2 hours, the annual electricity cost for a home sauna is approximately 250 euros. Infrared cabins tend to cost less due to their lower temperatures, while large Finnish Outdoor Saunas tend to cost more. The exact amount depends on the current electricity rate in your country.
What type of electrical connection is required for each Sauna Heater?
Small heaters up to about 3.6 kW often run on a standard 230-volt outlet. More powerful heaters starting at around 4.5 kW typically require a 400-volt high-voltage connection, which must be installed by a licensed electrician. A 400-volt connection is usually necessary for classic Finnish heat.
Sources
- Apotheken Umschau – Sauna: How the Body Benefits
- Deutsches Ärzteblatt – Sauna-goers live longer
- German Sauna Association (Deutscher Sauna-Bund e.V.)
- Unfallkasse NRW – Sauna
- FITBOOK – How do the different types of saunas differ?
- esanum – Is going to the sauna really good for your health?
- web.de Guide – Sauna Electricity Consumption
- huum.de
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