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Finnish Sauna Overview

4 min read

1 What is a Finnish Sauna

The Finnish Sauna is a heated environment through an electric resistance heater with lava stones, which allows temperatures between 60°C and 110°C with low humidity (10-20%). The Finnish Sauna experience is based on dry heat alternated with steam jets obtained by pouring water on the heated lava stones.

1.1 Finnish Sauna Benefits

  • Deep muscle relaxation
  • Skin purification through sweating
  • Improved blood circulation
  • Stress reduction
  • Strengthened immune system

2 How the Resistance Heater Works

The heart of the Finnish Sauna is the electric resistance heater. The electric resistances heat the lava stones placed above them, which accumulate and radiate heat uniformly inside the cabin.

2.1 Operating Principle

  1. The electric resistances heat up reaching high temperatures
  2. The lava stones absorb the heat and accumulate it
  3. The heat is radiated uniformly in the environment
  4. The user can pour water on the stones to create steam
  5. The thermostat regulates the temperature keeping it constant

WARNING: Never touch the stones with bare hands when the heater is running - risk of severe burns.

3 Main Components

3.1 Electric Resistance Heater

Main heating element, available in different powers (3 kW, 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 9 kW) based on cabin dimensions. Can be powered in single-phase (220-240V) or three-phase (380V) depending on the model.

ModelPowerSauna VolumeStone Quantity
BL-ASHEAT33 kW2-4 m³12 kg
BL-ASHEAT454.5 kW3-6 m³18 kg
BL-ASHEAT66 kW5-9 m³18 kg
BL-ASHEAT99 kW9-13 m³20 kg

3.2 Lava Stones

Lava stones are fundamental elements for heat accumulation and radiation. They must have dimensions between 3 and 8 cm and are positioned on the heater following a specific technique to ensure efficiency and durability.

3.3 Control Knobs

The control knobs allow temperature and time regulation through:

  • Left knob (Timer): Sets the operating time (max 90 minutes). Turning it on activates the heater, shutdown is automatic.
  • Right knob (Temperature): Regulates the resistance intensity and consequently the temperature of the entire sauna.

3.4 Structure and Materials

The cabin is made of natural wood (typically Nordic Pine or Canadian Hemlock) with snap-lock hinge assembly system. Includes:

  • Solid wood side panels
  • Door with tempered glass
  • Roof with ventilation opening
  • Wooden benches (single or multiple levels)
  • Backrests (if provided)

3.5 Sensors and Safety

Every sauna is equipped with:

  • Safety thermostat for overtemperature
  • Automatic shutdown timer
  • Natural ventilation system

4 Standard Operating Parameters

4.1 Temperatures

ZoneTemperatureUsage
Minimum temperature60-70°CBeginners, prolonged use
Medium temperature80-90°CStandard use, optimal
Maximum temperature95-110°CExperts, short sessions

NOTE: For beginners it is recommended to start with temperatures of 70-80°C and 10-minute sessions, gradually increasing.

4.2 Relative Humidity

The relative humidity in a Finnish Sauna stays low (10-20%) most of the time. It temporarily increases when water is poured on the stones, creating a steam jet that intensifies the heat perception.

4.3 Heating Curves

Each sauna requires its own time to reach operating temperature, depending on:

  • Cabin volume
  • Heater power
  • Temperature of the room where it is installed
  • Structure insulation
Sauna VolumeHeater PowerHeating Time
2-4 m³3 kW30-35 minutes
3-6 m³4.5 kW30-40 minutes
5-9 m³6 kW35-45 minutes
9-13 m³9 kW40-50 minutes

4.4 Ventilation

Natural ventilation is ensured by:

  • Lower air intake (if provided): Hole behind the heater for fresh air inflow
  • Upper air outlet: Grill at the top, for hot air outflow

This system ensures constant air exchange while maintaining the desired temperature.

5 Standard Accessories

Every Beauty Luxury Finnish Sauna is equipped with:

  • Wooden bucket: To hold the water to pour on the stones
  • Wooden ladle: To dose the water on the stones (small quantities at a time)
  • Thermometer: To monitor ambient temperature
  • Hourglass: To control session duration
  • Emergency light: Internal lighting
  • Headrest (accessory on order): For greater comfort during the session

6 Differences with Other Types of Sauna

FeatureFinnish SaunaInfrared SaunaTurkish Bath
Temperature70-110°C45-65°C40-50°C
Humidity10-20%5-10%95-100%
HeatingResistance heater + stonesInfrared panelsSteam generator
Heating time30-45 minutes10-15 minutes10-20 minutes
Session duration10-20 minutes20-30 minutes15-20 minutes

NOTE: Each type of sauna offers specific benefits. The Finnish Sauna is particularly suitable for deep muscle relaxation and purification through abundant sweating.

The information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the original technical manuals. Procedures must be performed exclusively by qualified personnel. Beauty Luxury S.r.l. is not responsible for damages resulting from improper use or misinterpretation of the information provided. Read the full technical disclaimer