Sauna Overview

Saunas, also referred to as sweathouses or sudatories, are small rooms or homes which generate humid environments. Going to a sauna is considered a social affair where people would disrobe and sit in temperatures that reach about 80 degrees Celsius or 176 degrees Fahrenheit. This activity promotes sweating and is relaxing.

According to some scholars, the first sauna was created in Finland around 2000 years ago. These early Finnish saunas were usually holes in hills and embankments. As tools and techniques developed, logs were used for building saunas. These early saunas used stone fireplaces to heat rocks and generate smoke. As soon as the sauna reached the desired temperature, all the smoke as vented out and all the participants were allowed to enter. Some establishments still use this method today. It is called savusauna which means “smoke” in Finnish. 

Why are sauna controllers needed?

Saunas usually reach temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius. This temperature would be unbearable, so as a solution, most establishments use sauna controllers. These regulate the humidity of the sauna. These sauna controllers heat up saunas quickly, allowing occupants to enjoy the heat faster.

Sauna thermometers and thermostats

A sauna thermostat is a type of sauna controller that is located at the lower end of the heater. Sauna thermostats allow a person to adjust the heat in a sauna. This sauna controller is vital since it maintains a comfortable temperature for occupants. Most saunas usually have two separate thermostats. One sauna thermostat regulates the over-all temperature of the room while the other controls the temperature of the stones which heat the room. Sauna thermostats cost around $300 and are made by manufacturers such as Mr. Steam. 

If sauna thermostats regulate the heat in a sauna, then a sauna thermometer measures the heat these controllers generate. A sauna thermometer helps users monitor the temperature of a sauna, keeping it comfortable.

Sauna thermometers are considered a sauna's most important accessory, so it is imperative that owners install heavy-duty sauna thermometers. A good sauna thermometer must withstand the intense heat of the room, and should not warp because of moisture in the room. Manufacturers such as Northern Lights and Finlandia make sauna thermometers, which usually cost between $20 and $50.

Sauna timers - anhermostats

Sauna timer anhermostats are timers which tell sauna users how long they have been inside a sauna. These are either digital or analog dial-timers, and usually they come with an alarm buzzer which rings when a person's time in the sauna is finished. Sauna timer anhermostats are important sauna accessories because they prevent a person from overstaying inside a sauna. Because saunas make users sweat, overstaying can lead to dehydration and overheating. Sauna timer anhermostats are usually manufactured by companies such as Finlandia and cost about $30.