8 Best Sauna Heaters In 2024

Seasons change, but the sauna remains constant. And why shouldn’t it; after all, this ancient Finnish tradition has all the good things you could ask for. 

From supplementing your fitness regimen to helping you fight diseases to keeping you in high spirits, and more, you name it, and saunas have got you covered. 

The best thing: You can affordably install a sauna just about anywhere in your home; all you need is a sauna heater. 

But this is also where it gets tricky. 

You see, the sauna marketplace has literally got thousands of different heater options. As such, the first question that I am asked by sauna buyers is: ‘What’s the best sauna heater?’

Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this question. 

However, I tested and reviewed the most popular heaters, factoring in quality, performance, price, and features. At the end, I came up with 8 best sauna heaters that fit in perfectly for all home sauna requirements. 

All in all, here’s what the list looks like:

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The best sauna heaters in 2024 
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#1. Amerec Designer B 6KW sauna heater (overall best)

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​Picking the best sauna heater isn’t an easy task, even after having shortlisted the 8 best options available. That’s because as good as the top sauna heater should be in terms of performance, wallet-friendliness is also an important criterion it has to qualify. 

Thankfully, not only does the Designer B 6KW sauna heater from Amerec perform superb, but at $1500 it is also affordably priced. In fact, you’ll rarely find heaters from top-rated brands like Amerec at such a price. 

And this is exactly why this sauna heater could make it to the top of my list. 

Now, if you’re wondering what the Designer B heater has got to offer, you’re in for plenty of surprises. 

For starters, the Designer B heater is perfect for large home sauna rooms sized up to 300 cubic feet. So, if you’re looking to build a large sauna bath, heater capacity shouldn’t be a constraint at all. 

Moreover, despite their high heating capacity, the Designer B series sauna heaters are very energy-efficient. Take this 6KW heater, for instance, which adds $1 or less in energy cost for every sauna session. 

But that’s not it. 

You see, Designer B sauna heaters are fitted with vulcanite sauna rocks, a premium in itself, promising an authentic Finnish sauna bath experience. 

Also, the fact that this heater series features built-in control panels means you don’t need to spend those extra bucks. 

Bonus: Covered by a standard 5-year warranty, each of the Designer B sauna heaters are eligible for a limited lifetime warranty scheme. 

To get the best performance and longevity out of your sauna, it's crucial to know how to clean a Sauna. Regular maintenance will ensure that your sauna remains in top condition and provides the best experience.

Advantages of buying the Designer B sauna heater: 

• It is an affordably priced heater from a premier steam sauna brand. 
• The heater offers unparalleled performance. 
• The in-built Amerec sauna control panels are an added advantage. 

Disadvantages of buying the Designer B sauna heater: 

• You need to buy the limited lifetime warranty package separately. 
• In an era of smart touchscreen control panels, the built-in button-based controls look quite rudimentary.​​

​#2. Finlandia FIN-30 3KW sauna heater (best budget-friendly pick)

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​Let’s face this reality: A home sauna project isn’t always the same as one that you see in a spa, hotel, or hotel. That’s because homeowners have a limited budget to work with, unlike commercial spa owners who are willing to spend a huge amount of money. 

So the one question that you might find yourself asking is this: ‘What’s the best electric sauna heater within a thousand dollars or maybe less?’

And there’s only one answer to that question, the Finlandia FIN-30 sauna heater that comes with a price tag of less than $600. 

Now, that’s like music to the ears, isn’t it? 

In fact, despite its low price, the FIN-30 sauna heater is at par with the top rated sauna heaters on the market in terms of performance. 

For instance, this heater allows you to have optimal heating in a medium-sized sauna bath up to 130 cubic feet. And this is apt for nearly all home saunas. 

Further, in terms of build quality, you can expect a high-end stainless steel heater body and components, meaning longevity is a given. 

Lastly, the FIN-30 heater has a huge rock capacity, which for its size means a much elevated heating quality. 

Advantages of buying Finlandia FIN-30 3KW sauna heater: 

• For a little over $500, the heater offers an unmatched bargain. 
• It is perfect for standard, medium-sized home saunas. 
• Features plenty of sauna rocks, something you rarely see on a budget heater. 
• Eligible for a limited lifetime warranty scheme. 

Disadvantages of buying Finlandia FIN-30 3KW sauna heater:  

• Sauna control panel and other required accessories aren’t included with the heater. 
• The heater is only available in a 240-volt single-phase power configuration. 

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​#3. HUMM Drop 4.5KW sauna heater (best for a luxury sauna)

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​When it comes to building a home sauna, luxury is among the top priorities for a lot of homeowners. For these sauna bathers, a sense of indulgence is as important as the health and wellness benefits of the sauna. 

And if you’re one such sauna enthusiast, the award-winning HUMM Drop 4.5 KW sauna heater is indeed the best option for you. 

To begin with, the design of this sauna heater features a water drop-like look and is among its top highlights. So, if you’ve been wondering why this heater model is named Drop, now you know it. 

In fact, it is this rather elegant and out-of-the-box design that won this heater the renowned Red Dot Award. 

But is it all about the design and luxury appeal?

Certainly not. 

You see, this 4.5KW sauna heater is perfectly capable of heating large enclosures up to 247 cubic feet. Moreover, with a rock capacity of 122 pounds, you’re in for a soft and consistent heat flow. 

Also, what adds to the sense of luxury and convenience is an in-built wifi control which lets you pre-start your sauna from just about anywhere. 

In short, this sauna heater has all that you need for a premium home sauna bath. 

Advantages of buying HUMM Drop 4.5KW sauna heater: 

• With an elegant design and smart features, the heater is perfect for a high-end sauna room. 
• It is priced just a little over $1000, making it a grab deal.  
• The 122-pound rock capacity lets you personalize your sauna experience by letting you pour as much water as you want to on your sauna rocks. 

Disadvantages of buying HUMM Drop 4.5KW sauna heater: 

• You need to buy the control panel, wires, etc., separately, which can cost at least another $1000. 
• It is covered by a 5-year standard warranty and isn’t eligible for a limited lifetime warranty scheme. 

#4. VEVOR 2KW sauna heater with internal controller (best for prefabricated saunas)

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​Prefabricated or ready-to-use saunas are fast gaining popularity, especially among urban homeowners looking for a sauna. And rightly so, as these saunas are super compact, affordable, and easy to assemble. 

However, a compatible sauna heater for these prefab enclosures has always been a challenge. 

But not anymore, as the VEVOR 2KW sauna heater is specifically designed for these small spaces. 

With an energy rating of 2KW, this sauna heater can heat spaces up to 106 cubic feet, which is the ideal size for prefab saunas. Also, it can support sauna sessions for a good one hour, meaning session duration is no constraint. 

Best of all, the heater is priced at just about $160, making it the perfect companion for a low-cost prefab sauna. 

Advantages of buying VEVOR 2KW sauna heater: 

• It is wall-mounted and takes up very little space. 
• It is affordably priced, which makes it apt for low-cost prefabricated sauna baths.
• It can support prolonged sauna sessions of up to an hour. 

Disadvantages of buying VEVOR 2KW sauna heater: 

• You need to buy sauna rocks separately. These rocks are essential for the heater’s functionality and are mostly included with the heater. 
• The warranty coverage is just for 12 months, much below the standard 2 or 5-year warranties. ​

#5. Harvia Vega Compact 1700 sauna heater (counterpart to VEVOR)

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​While the VEVOR 2KW sauna heater is designed specifically for small saunas like prefab units, it has its limitations. For instance, not only does VEVOR’s heater lack a longer warranty, but it is also called out for its weak steel shell body. 

Now, these limitations have been overcome by the Harvia Vega Compact series 1.7KW sauna heater, making it a top contender for prefab saunas. 

To start with, this heater has a 1.7KW energy rating, making it one of the most energy-efficient sauna heaters in its class. 

Also, like VEVOR, the Vega Compact 1700 heater covers areas up to 106 cubic feet, making it apt for even the largest prefab sauna models. 

Furthermore, this Harvia heater features a strong stainless steel outer body, which provides unparalleled sturdiness and longevity, especially when compared to VEVOR. 

Not to mention, a 2-year consumer warranty offers a serious edge over its prefab counterpart. 

Advantages of buying Harvia Vega Compact sauna heater: 

• It is among the best sauna heaters in terms of energy efficiency. So much so that your energy bills won’t exceed $0.50 per sauna session. 
• It has got a durable stainless steel outer body. 
• It is covered by a 2-year warranty. 

Disadvantages of buying Harvia Vega Compact sauna heater: 

• Priced over $800, this heater is at least over 5x more expensive than that of VEVOR. 
• Sauna rocks are not included with the heater. 
• There are other heater brands offering 5-year warranties and even limited lifetime warranty schemes. ​

#6. Steamist SMS-R heater (best sauna heater package)

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​Nothing comes close to the convenience and affordability of all-inclusive sauna heater packages. And it is not an overstatement; let me explain how. 

You see, while standalone sauna heaters might seem pocket-friendly at first, they do get more expensive eventually with add-on purchases like sauna controls. 

This is exactly what Steamist has sought to tackle with its SMS-R sauna heater and S170 control unit package. 

Let’s start with the SMS-R heater first, which is without doubt among the top rated sauna heaters on the market. 

Available in energy ratings between 4.5KW and 8KW, these sauna heaters are perfect for any sauna bath sized between 170 and 425 cubic feet. In fact, you can also find these sauna heaters in commercial saunas, thanks to their high endurance. 

The best thing about this sauna heater is its top-notch heat consistency and quality, something that stands true to Steamist’s brand value. 

Coming to the second component of this package, the S170 digital sauna control is offered free of charge. And this control lets you optimize everything from heat to lighting to ventilation and more. 

All in all, this is the perfect sauna heater package, with prices starting at just about $1575. 

Advantages of buying Steamist SMS-R sauna heater package: 

• The package has got a high-end heater and control, all at the price of a standalone sauna heater. 
• No matter what the size of your sauna room is, this heater has got you covered. 
• You can also use this heater package in a commercial setting like a day spa. 

Disadvantages of buying Steamist SMS-R sauna heater package: 

• With a high price tag, this package is clearly not meant for budget saunas. 
• Steamist offers 1-year warranty on commercial and 2-year warranty on residential sauna heaters, which is too little too less. ​

#7. Amerec Fonda 45B sauna heater (best innovative option)

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​You’ll agree when I say that most of the best sauna heaters on the market feature the same old design and technology. They feature a static rectangular design and some sauna rocks on the top, something that has not changed for years. 
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Nevertheless, the Amerec Fonda 45B sauna heater is clearly a welcome break with a clever cylindrical design and one of the most innovative heating technologies.  

At first sight, it might seem like your typical sauna heater. And with a 4.5KW energy rating 210 cubic feet coverage, it is by all accounts a standard sauna heater. 

But, what you might not notice at first is a water tank utilizing BioWater Technique to create a humid heat experience, just like a steam bath generator. 

This means you can use the Fonda 45B sauna heater to avail the benefits of traditional dry sauna as well as humid steam bath sessions. 

Take it from me: this is indeed the most ingenious sauna heater you’ll find anywhere. 

Advantages of buying the Fonda 45B sauna heater: 

• You get to experience both dry and humid sauna baths with just one heater. 
• You can install one in just about any residential sauna, 
• This is among the few Amerec sauna heaters featuring an inclusive limited lifetime warranty. 

Disadvantages of buying the Fonda 45B sauna heater: 

• Steam rooms and saunas both have different configurations. So, notwithstanding the heater’s capability, it’s hard to create a dual experience in the same enclosure. 
• For floor-standing units, you need to buy a stand separately. ​

#8. Harvia Cilindro PC110E sauna heater (budget-friendly option for large saunas)

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If there’s one common feedback that I’ve received from homeowners, it is about the lack of affordable heaters for large sauna enclosures. 

But what if I told you that a budget option for such saunas does exist? 

The Harvia Cilindro PC110E sauna heater costs about $1100 and is designed to heat sauna baths sized up to 636 cubic feet. 

In fact, despite the large area that it heats up, this sauna heater has an energy rating of just 10.5KW. This makes it one of the most energy-efficient heaters in its class. 

On top of that, the PC110E heater can have a minimum of 264 lbs of sauna rocks at a time. 
Meaning you can rest assured of a high-quality sauna session. 

Advantages of buying Harvia Cilindro PC110E sauna heater

• Apt for heating large saunas on a budget. 
• Offers low-cost and energy-efficient operations.
• Supports an exceptionally large number of sauna rocks. 

Disadvantages of buying Harvia Cilindro PC110E sauna heater

• Sauna rocks are not included with the heater. 
• There are no built-in controls, and you need to buy a separate compatible control panel. 
• The heater is covered by a standard two year warranty and isn’t eligible for a longer warranty scheme. ​

You might also want to read - 9 Best Steam Shower Generator Units In 2024. 

To sum up 
Curating a list of the best sauna heaters is by no means an easy task. For instance, it took me weeks to create this list after reviewing the functioning of each of the heaters.

Moreover, I skimmed through almost all top rated sauna heaters that are listed for sale online. 

I hope you’ll find this list of heaters helpful while buying a sauna heater for your home. In fact, this is exactly why I’ve listed heaters for literally all sauna types and sizes. 

Want to know the cost of installing a home sauna from the bottom up? 
You can read my blog on how much it costs to install a sauna. 

Need further help with selecting your sauna heater or with building a sauna in your home? 

You can get in touch with us!

At Steam and Sauna Experts, we’ve top-of-the-line sauna heaters from industry leading manufacturers. Also, our team carries hands-on experience installing some of the most luxurious saunas in South Florida. 

Simply put, we’ve got all your home sauna requirements covered in one place.