How do I know which heater is best for my sauna? The choice of sauna heater is influenced by factors such as the size of the sauna, the bench layout, and the desired heating and control method. It’s also a good idea to ask yourself a few questions, such as what kind of steam you want from your heater, to make sure the choice is right. The best heater is one that takes into account both the characteristics of the sauna and the preferences of its users.
Mondex’s range consists of electric and wood-burning heaters, which can be further divided into several categories: electric heaters, wall-mounted heaters, floor heaters, wood-burning stoves, and soapstone heaters. The heaters are available in several power classes and are suitable for saunas of many different sizes. After reading this guide, choosing a sauna heater will be much easier for you.
The size of the sauna determines the power of an electric heater
Choosing an electric heater with the right power output is an essential part of a successful sauna experience, so proper sizing of the heater is important. When the heater is neither over- nor underpowered, the sauna heats up to the ideal temperature and the heat is evenly distributed from floor to ceiling. If your sauna falls between two power classes by volume, it’s recommended to choose the higher power option. Here you’ll find our guide to sauna sizing and planning the size of a sauna.
When choosing an electric heater, the first step is to narrow down the selection to heaters with a power rating suitable for your sauna. You can use our sauna heater selector tool to help with this. Simply enter your sauna’s dimensions, and the selector will show which heaters in our range could be suitable in terms of power.
Safety distances and placement of the heater in the sauna
If you are renovating or building a new sauna, heater safety distances must be followed carefully to ensure safe use. Safety distances vary depending on the type of sauna heater and installation location. It is extremely important to check the instructions supplied with the sauna heater and the manufacturer’s recommendations, as these can vary between models and manufacturers. Local building regulations and safety standards must also be taken into account when installing a heater. Remember that an electric heater may only be installed by a qualified electrician.
In addition to safety distances, it’s essential to consider where the new heater fits best in the sauna – should it be installed as a freestanding unit or integrated into the bench structure? Today, many people want plenty of bench space in their sauna, making bench integration a good solution. Mondex heaters are well suited to many types of saunas: they are available in multiple power ratings, and most models can be installed either freestanding or integrated into the bench.
If you choose a corner model, for example, the Aura corner sauna heater is an excellent option when you want to use every square meter of the sauna efficiently. Aura is designed specifically for installation in a sauna corner, making use of space that would otherwise go unused. Aura is available with E2 or E2 WiFi control. Mondex Aura and many of our other heater models can be integrated into the bench. For integration, you’ll need a separately purchased integration collar, with the exception of the Kaira E2/E2 WiFi. Kaira’s unique structure allows bench integration without a collar, with a safety distance of only 4 mm at the cut-out.
Heater control method: manual, separate control, or WiFi?
An important part of choosing a sauna heater is selecting the right control method. Our electric heater range includes manually controlled heaters, separately controlled heaters, and WiFi sauna heaters. A manually controlled sauna heater has rotary knobs for setting the timer/on-time and temperature. Manual sauna heaters are generally slightly more affordable than comparable separately controlled models. Both manually controlled and separately controlled heaters can be integrated into the bench, but with manual heaters special attention must be paid to the placement and accessibility of the control knobs.
Separately controlled E2 and E2 WiFi heaters can be operated via a separate control panel, or in the case of the WiFi version, also via a computer, phone, or other smart device. E2 and E2 WiFi heaters come standard with a separate control unit and a 10 m control cable. The control unit can be installed, for example, on the wall of the washroom or changing room, from where the heater can be switched on. The E2 WiFi interface also enables fully remote control of the heater. In addition, the WiFi interface provides interesting statistics, such as usage frequency and heating element power consumption, and keeps track of when the sauna stones should be replaced. Read also: The renewed Mondex WiFi is more than just a sauna heater.
How to choose the right wood-burning stove for your sauna
When planning a wood-heated sauna, choosing the right stove is just as important. The best wood-burning stove for your sauna is one that takes into account the requirements and limitations set by the sauna itself.
Our range includes the Klapi and Motti wood-burning stoves. Klapi is a beautifully shaped, round wood-burning stove that fits even in smaller saunas. Motti, on the other hand, is a square-shaped wood-burning stove available with or without a water tank. This makes Motti a great choice for saunas without running water, as wash water can be conveniently heated in the side-mounted tank. Both stoves feature a glass door, allowing you to enjoy the glow of the fire and the sound of burning wood, adding atmosphere to the sauna.
The type of steam you want also affects heater choice
Perfect steam is at the core of our sauna heater design, so choosing a Mondex heater is a reliable way to get great results. Perfect steam can mean different things to different people, which is why our sauna heaters offer adjustable steam characteristics. Many of our models feature a perforated outer shell that allows you to throw water on different parts of the heater, making the steam customizable. Pouring water on top of the sauna heater produces strong, sharp steam, while throwing water on the sides and lower sections creates softer, more humid steam.
The heater’s appearance is part of the sauna interior
In addition to practicality and safety, we’ve invested heavily in the design and appearance of our sauna heaters to make choosing the right one as easy as possible. Ideally, the best heater is a perfect match for your sauna in terms of features, steam quality, and appearance. Most of our heaters are available in two colors, stainless steel or black, so you can choose the option that best suits your sauna. Our range also includes the Rakka design sauna heater. The unique, rough stone-like structure of the patented Rakka sauna heater makes it look as if it’s made entirely of stones, creating a distinctive atmosphere in the sauna. The large stone mass guarantees excellent steam, similar to that of a wood-burning stove.
In summary, the best sauna heater is one that has been chosen thoughtfully, taking into account both the characteristics of the sauna and the preferences of its users.