You are essentially sitting in a wooden box that you’re about to bake. The timber choice determines if your sauna smells like a spa or a hardware store.
: Gentle heat (45–60°C), dry air, and deep tissue penetration.
: Intense heat (70–100°C), high humidity, and a heavy "wow" factor. sauna buying guide
The most critical choice is how you want to sweat. It isn't just about temperature; it’s about the soul of the experience.
: You lose the steam and the "crackling fire" atmosphere, but they are "plug-and-play" and cost about half as much to run—roughly $1 per hour in Australia. 🪵 Material Matters: Why Cedar is King You are essentially sitting in a wooden box
: They take 30–45 minutes to heat up and usually require professional plumbing and ventilation.
: These are the "purist" choice. They use electric or wood-burning heaters to warm a pile of rocks, which you then douse with water to create löyly (steam). : Intense heat (70–100°C), high humidity, and a
: These use light panels to heat your body directly rather than the air around you.