Traditional Saunas

Shop traditional saunas with a heater and stones: indoor cabins, outdoor rooms and barrel saunas, plus hybrid models that add infrared panels. Brands include Golden Designs, Mande, Thermasol, Mr. Steam and Blisspod.

What makes a sauna traditional

A traditional sauna heats the air with a stove and a load of stones. You throw water on the hot stones to make löyly, the burst of steam that defines a Finnish sauna. The same room can be dry or humid depending on how much water you use. Infrared saunas work differently: panels warm your body at lower air temperatures. For the full comparison, read infrared vs traditional saunas and dry sauna vs wet sauna.

Heat and temperature

Listings here give real numbers. The Golden Designs Kuusamo's 8.0 kW Harvia stove runs at 175–190°F, with a maximum of 195°F. The Golden Designs Gargellen's Harvia stove gives 170–185°F, against 118–132°F in its infrared mode. See how hot is a sauna for more.

ModelStyleHeaterPrice
Traditional 5Indoor, 1 person4,500 W$4,999
Golden Designs ForssaIndoor, 4 peopleElectric heater and stones$6,999
Golden Designs KlostersOutdoor barrel, 6 peopleTraditional heater$6,999
Mande MW12Outdoor ThermoWood cabinHarvia KIP 6.0 or 8.0 kW optionfrom $6,599
Golden Designs DrammenOutdoor, 3 people8.0 kW, 240V / 40 A$13,999
Thermasol VeraOutdoor glass cabin, 2–3 people8 kW Virta with WiFi$49,101

Electric heater sizing

Heater size follows room volume. Most electric heaters for home cabins run on a dedicated 240V circuit, and the listings here call for an electrician. Use our sauna heater size calculator and what size sauna heater guide. Replacement and upgrade heaters are in electric sauna heaters.

Indoor, outdoor or barrel

Indoor cabins fit a basement, garage or spare room. Outdoor cabins need a level base and weatherproof roof. Barrel saunas, such as the Blisspod Prague and Mr. Steam Barrel Haus, keep the interior volume compact so the heater has less air to warm. See our barrel sauna buying guide.

Hybrid saunas

Several Golden Designs models, including the Gargellen, Kaskinen, Carinthia and Karlstad, pair a traditional stove with infrared panels. On the Gargellen, the two modes do not run at the same time; you choose one per session.

Wood or electric

Prefer fire to a plug? See wood-fired saunas and our Finnish sauna guide. Add sauna stones and a bucket and ladle from sauna accessories. Large saunas ship freight. Most orders ship within 1–4 business days.

Traditional Saunas FAQ

What is a traditional sauna?
A sauna heated by a stove and stones, electric or wood-burning. You throw water on the stones for steam. Air temperatures are higher than in an infrared sauna.
How hot does a traditional sauna get?
It depends on the heater and room. The Golden Designs Kuusamo lists 175–190°F with a maximum of 195°F, and the Gargellen lists 170–185°F in stove mode.
Does a traditional sauna need 240V?
Most electric traditional saunas here do. The Golden Designs Drammen and Savonlinna, for example, specify a 240V, 40-amp dedicated circuit for the 8 kW stove. Have an electrician check your panel first.
What is a hybrid sauna?
A cabin with both a traditional stove and infrared panels. On the Golden Designs Gargellen you choose one mode per session.
Can I use a traditional sauna dry?
Yes. Without water on the stones the air stays dry. Add water for more humidity and steam.