Is it true that steam from an electric sauna heater is always harsh?

A good steam experience in a sauna is refreshing for both body and soul. However, in some saunas, the steam can be so intense that you feel the need to shield your face with your hands. Electric heaters are often associated with sharp and stinging steam. But is the common belief that you can’t get good steam from an electric heater actually true?

Wood-burning or electric – the heat source doesn’t determine steam quality

Although what makes good steam is a matter of personal taste, most people prefer long and gentle steam rather than sharp and intense. According to sauna researchers, our bodies also tolerate milder steam more easily. Harsh steam is more commonly encountered in electric saunas, which often leads to premature conclusions. In fact, the heat source of the heater doesn’t determine the steam quality.

The number of stones affects steam quality the most

Simply put – the more stones in the heater, the better the steam. Electric heaters were invented shortly before the mid-20th century and quickly gained popularity. They made it easier to build saunas even in small apartments. Unfortunately, those early heaters didn’t hold many stones.

An electric heater with a small number of stones produces a harsh and sudden steam, because the stones are very close to the heating elements and heat up faster than the rest of the sauna room.

According to sauna experts, the ideal temperature of the heater stones is between 200‒300°C. If there are only a few stones, they overheat quickly. By the time the sauna room has reached a comfortable temperature, the stones may already be overheated – sometimes even reaching 400°C. When water is thrown on such hot stones, it evaporates instantly, almost like hitting a stovetop, and the steam rushes up sharply, hitting your face.

More stones = softer steam

The more stones your heater holds, the gentler the steam. Stones heat more slowly and retain more heat. When both the sauna room and the stones reach the right temperature together, the result is a soft steam that doesn’t scorch your skin. A heater with a large amount of stones stays warm longer and delivers long-lasting, smooth steam – just like in a traditional smoke sauna.

What’s more, if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy very hot saunas, a heater with a large stone capacity is your best friend. It can still heat the sauna well for those who prefer higher temperatures, but it already gives excellent steam even at just 65°C.

In summary

The invention of the electric heater was a major achievement. It made it possible to build saunas easily in places like apartment buildings where it was not previously feasible. However, a common drawback is that many manufacturers design electric heaters with very few stones – unintentionally creating the myth that electric sauna steam is always harsh.

In reality, steam quality depends on the quantity of stones, not the heating method – be it wood or electricity. And there are other contributing factors too, which we’ll cover in future articles. Even though good steam is subjective, most people tend to prefer soft and long-lasting steam. And that’s exactly what you get with a heater that has a large number of stones.

All HUUM electric heaters are intentionally designed with a large stone capacity. Because for us, steam quality is a top priority when creating our heaters.

Check out HUUM’s largest electric heater, the HIVE, which holds up to 250 kg of stones.

Our customers also love these HUUM sauna heaters:

HUUM DROP 4.5 kW electric heater

HUUM HIVE HEAT 12 kW LS wood-burning heater

HUUM CLIFF 10.5 kW Electric Heater

We are committed to offering you personalized service today and always. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us at order@factory.sale .

Source: HUUM

Share