Choosing the Right Sauna Stove
The sauna stove is the
central characteristic in saunas, and is directly responsible for the type of
ambience present in a particular sauna. Though it is possible to heat a sauna
with almost any type of power, including gas or electricity, more traditional
setups utilize wood burning stoves that were used to heat the original
Finnish saunas. There is nothing like going
back to basics for creating an authentic experience.
The scents and sounds of wood
burning saunas recreate a traditional atmosphere that makes your
sweating session truly memorable. A wood burning stove imbues a sauna with an
intimate feel, with sights, sounds, and a lingering aroma that brings relaxation
to a whole new level.
Despite the sense of intimacy that you get when you burn wood in the stove,
these burners are in fact more suited to larger, outdoor saunas. They are ideal
for use in saunas that are difficult to heat by other means, such as when there
is no suitable supply of electricity. Wood-burning stoves produce a heat that is
dispersed evenly throughout a sauna, and allows for the efficient circulation of
air, creating an atmosphere that is extremely pleasant.
Unfortunately, this type of stove is not suitable for use in all locations. They
are not the best choice for smaller saunas, or those located indoors, and safety
precautions must be taken before a wood burning stove can be installed in a
sauna built completely out of wooden panels, to prevent setting fire to walls or
floor. The additional heat protection that is required in this setup can
increase the price of adding a wood-burning stove prohibitively, so be sure to
factor in these possible extra costs before you decide that these types of
stoves are for you.
While there is little doubt that a wonderful atmosphere is created when you burn
birch or spruce, don’t despair if a wood burner is unsuitable for your
situation. Speak with a manufacturer about sauna steam room heaters, and they will help you select a
stove that will create the right atmosphere.
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