What temperature should a home sauna reach?
- 149 saunas, 11 brandsEvery spec linked to its source
- True cost, upfrontInstall and running costs
- Fit and wiring checkedCheck your space
The top temperature a sauna can reach depends on how it heats. Of the 140 saunas we list, 96 publish a top temperature. Infrared models top out lower than traditional ones, because infrared panels warm you directly rather than heating all the air.
| Heating | Publish a top temp | Lowest | Median | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared | 56 of 56 | 140 °F | 140 °F | 170 °F |
| Hybrid | 4 of 5 | 170 °F | 180 °F | 190 °F |
| Traditional | 36 of 79 | 170 °F | 175 °F | 239 °F |
Top temperature isn't a target
The figure is the most the heater is rated to reach, not a recommended setting. Follow the maker's manual for use, and if you have a medical condition, ask your doctor before using a sauna. We don't make health claims.
What affects how hot it gets
- Heater power for the room. Bigger rooms need more watts to reach the same temperature.
- Outdoor weather. Cold, wind and poor sealing slow warm-up outdoors.
- Supply. Many 120V saunas are limited by the power an outlet can deliver.
44 saunas don't publish a top temperature. We show that as not published rather than guess. Compare heat types in Infrared vs traditional.
Compare heating side by side
Matchup shows top temperature and heater power for up to four saunas.
Before you buy
Check what your panel needs, installation cost and running cost. Still deciding on a type? Read infrared vs traditional and indoor vs outdoor, or see how the brands compare. A licensed electrician should confirm any wiring before you order.
Questions buyers ask
How hot does an infrared sauna get?
The infrared saunas we list that publish a figure top out between 140 and 170 °F.
How hot does a traditional sauna get?
The traditional saunas we list that publish a figure top out between 170 and 239 °F.
Related guides
Independent by design. We order saunas with our published method. Cedar Scout may earn a commission when you buy through affiliate links on this page. Commissions never change which saunas appear, their scores or their order. How we earn money.