Which Is Better For You, An Infrared Sauna Or A Steam Room?
The main difference between an infrared sauna and a steam room is how they heat your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly, from the inside out, using light...
Why the Right Sauna Heater Makes All the Difference
The heater determines everything about how your sauna feels. It controls how quickly the room comes up to temperature, how long it holds heat, how humid or dry the air feels, and how the steam behaves when water is poured over the stones. A well-matched sauna heater transforms a timber-lined room into a genuine restorative environment. A poorly matched one leads to uneven heat, excessive energy use, and a sauna that never quite hits the mark.
Getting the right match means taking account of your room volume, your preferred sauna style, and whether you want manual controls or smart home integration. Our range covers all of these variables, with power outputs from 3.6 kW up to 19.8 kW and room capacities from compact 3 m³ spaces right through to installations of 28 m³ and beyond.
Our Sauna Heater Range
We stock heaters from established European brands known for quality and longevity. Whether you are after a statement piece with a distinctive silhouette or a technically advanced unit that combines heating with active climate control, the products below represent some of the best sauna heaters available in the UK today.
Sawo Aries Round Sauna Heater
The Sawo Aries Round stands apart from conventional column-style heaters thanks to its circular silhouette, which allows placement in the centre of a sauna room or embedded directly into benches. That flexibility makes it a strong choice for both designers and self-builders who want more from their layout.
Manufactured to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, the Aries Round carries a 60 kg stone capacity that produces löyly which is soft, even, and long-lasting. The timer and thermostat controls can switch sides to suit your preferred heater position, and adjustable legs keep installation straightforward.
Available in black steel or stainless steel, with manual (NB) or external digital (NS) controls, and power options from 4.5 kW to 9 kW, it suits saunas from 3 m³ to 14 m³. Whether you are fitting out one of our indoor saunas or a standalone sauna room, this is a versatile and reliable choice.
Key specifications: 300 x 300 x 930 mm footprint, 60 kg stone capacity, compatible with UKU, NS, and NB control systems.
Saunum Experience Heater
The Saunum Experience is a combined heater and sauna climate device. Its patented air-mixing system circulates steam evenly throughout the room rather than allowing it to stratify at ceiling level, producing löyly that is longer-lasting and more enveloping than a conventional electric heater typically achieves.
Himalayan salt balls are included as standard, enriching the air with salt ions understood to benefit the respiratory tract and skin. No additional accessories are needed to get that spa-like quality from the first session.
Available with an open or closed stone basket in Nordic black or anthracite grey, and offered in 3.6 kW, 4.5 kW, 6 kW, and 9 kW variants for rooms from 3 m³ to 10 m³. The Leil touch-screen unit controls both the heater and climate system, and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Leil App allows remote preheating from a smartphone.
Stone volume runs to 60 kg or 105 kg of polished stones depending on the variant, making the Saunum Experience one of the most complete sauna heating solutions available.
Choosing the Right Sauna Heater for Your Room
Selecting a sauna heater is not complicated once you understand the key variables. Power output, room volume, stone capacity, and control type are the four factors that most influence the quality and convenience of the finished installation. The sections below walk through each one.
Matching Power to Room Volume
The most important factor in selecting a sauna heater is matching the kilowatt output to the volume of your sauna room. As a general guide, allow roughly 1 kW of heater output per cubic metre of room volume. If your sauna has particularly thick walls, large glass panels, or an unusual shape, it may be worth sizing up slightly to ensure the room reaches temperature efficiently.
Rooms up to 6 m³ are well served by a 4.5 kW unit. Rooms between 5 m³ and 9 m³ suit a 6 kW heater. Larger rooms of 8 m³ to 14 m³ benefit from a 9 kW output, and more generously sized spaces may require specialist advice.
Electric Sauna Heaters: What You Need to Know
Beyond power and room sizing, there are a few practical electrical requirements to be aware of before ordering. All of the sauna heaters in our range are electric, which means they require a dedicated electrical supply, typically a single-phase 230V circuit, installed by a qualified electrician. The required cable sizing depends on the heater's power rating. A 6 kW heater draws approximately 26 amps, requiring 4.0 mm² cabling. A 9 kW unit draws around 40 amps and typically requires 6.0 mm² cabling or above. We strongly recommend engaging a fully qualified electrician for all sauna heater installations, with all work compliant with BS 7671 wiring standards.
Stone Quality and Löyly
Once the electrical side is in order, the quality of the stones becomes the next consideration. The stones that sit in the basket of a sauna heater are not incidental. A large stone volume takes longer to heat but retains thermal energy more effectively, producing steam that is soft and drawn out rather than a sharp initial blast. Look for heaters with substantial stone capacities, and choose polished, purpose-made sauna stones rather than substitutes. Many of the heaters in our range include stones as standard.
Controls and Smart Integration
Finally, consider how much control you want over your sessions. For straightforward home installations, a manual timer and thermostat is perfectly adequate. If you prefer the convenience of pre-programming sessions or controlling your sauna remotely, options with external digital controls or Wi-Fi connectivity are available within our range. The Saunum Leil App integration, for example, allows full remote control from a smartphone, so your sauna is ready when you are.
Sauna Heaters for Every Application
Our sauna heaters are suited to a wide range of applications. Compact models serve single-person or two-person home saunas equally well whether the room is built from one of our sauna kits or constructed to bespoke dimensions. Mid-range and high-output models serve multi-person family saunas, garden sauna buildings, and smaller commercial installations including spa facilities, gyms, and wellness centres.
For commercial applications, please contact our team directly to discuss power requirements, three-phase supply options, and installation logistics. We offer commercial finance options to assist with larger projects.
To complete your installation, explore our full range of sauna accessories, including ladles, buckets, thermometers, sand timers, and heater guards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sauna heater do I need?
As a starting point, allow approximately 1 kW of heater power per cubic metre of sauna room volume. For rooms with large glass areas, external walls, or high ceilings, size up by at least 20%.
Do sauna heaters need a special electrical connection?
Yes. Most domestic sauna heaters require a dedicated single-phase 230V supply, installed by a qualified electrician. The required amperage and cable specification depend on the heater's power rating. All installations should comply with BS 7671.
Can I control a sauna heater remotely?
Some models in our range, including the Saunum Experience, offer Wi-Fi connectivity and app-based control, allowing you to preheat your sauna from your phone before you arrive.
What are sauna stones for, and are they included?
Sauna stones sit in the heater basket and retain heat. When water is poured over them, they produce steam (löyly). A larger stone volume produces more consistent, longer-lasting steam. Many heaters in our range include stones as standard.
How long does a sauna heater take to heat up?
Most electric sauna heaters reach operating temperature in 30 to 60 minutes depending on power output, room volume, and insulation quality. Models with higher stone capacity may take slightly longer to heat initially but maintain a more stable temperature throughout the session.
Let customers speak for us
Neil Martin
Superb in every way!
They say ‘happy wife, happy life’. Well I can vouch for that, we are both extremely happy with our latest addition to home set-up.
From the beginning the sauna was easy to purchase and get delivered (with in a couple of weeks due to stock levels). I had to hand ball off the lorry as the pallet it comes in was too big for the tail lift but that’s about the most difficult part of the whole process.
Instructions were fairly straightforward though I am a builder so have experience in this sort of thing. But most handy DIYers will find this easy enough to build.
If you plan in the time to paint various woods at different stages of the build it will help. i.e paint interior wall and benches prior to fitting the benches makes its easier to reach those otherwise hard to reach places.
The guys sent a really great link with electrical details needed for your electrician so you can prep ahead of time and get materials in place for their arrival. Think it took my guy about three hours to hook it up.
Quality of the thermo wood is excellent keeps the heat in really well. The Heater is easy to operate and within 20mins it’s ready to jump in. Max heat will in time reach 90+degrees which is too hot for me.
Already have friends and family asking about it.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
Dean Wilde
Amazing product, exceptional service
The quality of the black cube sauna really is top notch, from the roof shingles to the heater every component is quality.
Delivery was perfect, on time and professional. The driver contacted me on route with an ETA and went out of his way to help me get the large pallet into my garage.
I chose to build the sauna myself which was relatively straightforward and quite enjoyable. The construction guide was comprehensive and easy to follow.
We use our new sausa almost every day and couldn't be happier.
Would certainly recommend Heracles and the black cube to anyone considering an outdoor sauna.
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
Jemma
Fabulous Sauna
We are delighted with our sauna. Ordering was easy and we opted for the install option too. Make sure you use electricians willing to ask for advice from the Heracles team if needed as that supports a smooth installation. Really happy that we chose Heracles. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality product that does the job beautifully.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
CSB
Superb!
We have now had our Leil 5 Person Sauna with Changing Room running for a few weeks - and absolutely love it. If you want very good quality and excellent service, then absolutely use Heracles. Friendly, efficient & helpful advice all the way through the process. And they ARE right about using one of their recommended electricians unless yours has done saunas before!! We used the install service - which was also perfect - and all the recommended oils (which by the way is not a quick job!). Even had some left over wood which we have used to make the outdoor shower. HUUM heater; good tip from installers - wash stones before put in basket as they have black 'dust'. And HUUM have just released a new app thank goodness as old one rubbish. Thank you Keith and team; very happy customers.
Leil® Patio M 5 Person Outdoor Sauna with Changing Room
Robin
Our sauna cabin sanctuary: quality & contentment!
For years I have enjoyed the health benefits of a regular sauna - choosing to install a glazed steam shower in our urban apartment more than a decade ago.
Frequent and extensive travels into Finland, exploring the Arctic north, confirmed our dedication to therapeutic steam (and ice plunges)!
Having relocated to a rural setting, it was time - at last - for a sauna cabin in the garden.
Thorough research confirmed the quality of the Leil range and the perfect option, for us, of the "round cube double" - an elegant, robust, thermowood construction with ample space as you enter through the separate changing room onwards into the beautifully benched and glazed interior.
The Leil "round cube double" is offered with a range of upgrades, sauna heaters and lights. We chose to keep it simple: just the glazed cabin, to suit our rural setting. However, we did opt for the larger 2.6m size, so that the benches are sufficient for those over 6' to enjoy a full horizontal stretch!
From start to finish, the Heracles Wellness team offered reliable expert advice and communication, as well as very helpful liaison during the delivery and construction phase. I wanted a quality product, but I also needed quality customer care for a complex delivery and technical installation.
The installation - organised by Heracles Wellness - was completed to schedule with real attention to detail: the team of carpenters had extensive experience with sauna construction, including the Leil range.
It was very clear what was included 'in the price' and what we needed to complete ourselves after installation: the electrical connection, interior wall and bench treatments must be completed before first use.
As we await those final stages - and the first sauna in the new cabin - the Leil "round cube double" has already become an exceptional sauna cabin sanctuary: quality and contentment!
Leil® Round Cube Double Outdoor Sauna with Changing Room 5-6 Person
Vin
Amazing service from a wonderful team, awesome product
Couldn't be happier with our experience with the entire Heracles Wellness team, specially Abdullah and Keith. They were available to answer any queries and give advice all along the way, and their installers did a fabulous job too. The product itself is amazing, and we have been really enjoying it. Highly recommended!
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
George Gray
Exceptional service and awesome sauna
From initial inquiry to delivery everything was taken care of, late evening what’s app to solve a problem our end with electrics. I can highly recommend
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
Julie K.
We are thrilled with our sauna
We couldn’t be more pleased with our Camilla Traditional sauna kit. From start to finish Keith & Abdullah have been so helpful. The sauna has exceeded our expectations. The wood is beautiful quality. The Harvia heater heats the sauna really quickly. The installation was hassle free - we paid the additional fee for installation & Heracles arranged this for us. Communication has been excellent throughout. We shopped around before choosing Heracles. Heracles were cheaper than any of the other companies that we looked at & we consider the Camilla kit to be great value for such a high quality product. We are completely satisfied.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
Aditi
Amazing sauna accompanied by a brilliant service
I had done a lot of research before purchasing that sauna, looking for one that offer the right health benefits by having the right wood a sauna should have to conserve heat along with the best heater (Harvia) whilst still being value for money. The reviews gave me confidence after knowing the specifications aligned with what I wanted and I couldn’t be happier with having made the purchase. The service was brilliant, all my questions answered imminently , Abdullah was very patient and accommodating especially when getting the sauna installed and the electrics arranged by our own electrician. We paid extra for the sauna to be built and treated and the team were so professional and hard working doing an excellent job. Worth the money spent once again and would definitely recommend !
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
Tom Firmin
Amazing bit of kit alongside great customer service
Really pleased with the build quality of my Camilla sauna unit, it looks great particularly after applying necessary external and internal oil. Keith and team customer service and communication could not have been better, and Keith helped explain I could put heater on the left hand side of the sauna (as I enter) to help the electrician wire up to adjacent shed unit. Highly recommend.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna 3-4 Person
Fred Blunden
So happy with my sauna!
After researching several different companies selling saunas, I was very happy to come across Heracles Wellness. I phoned them to ask some questions and they were very helpful in answering all my queries. I then decided to purchase the Insignia Hybrid Sauna.
A delivery date was set and the sauna was delivered as arranged with no problems.
With the help of a friend, we built the sauna and our electrician connected all the electrics up.
I have used the sauna a few times since it’s been up and running and I am very pleased with it as I have Parkinson’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis so hoping it helps alleviate pain and aching.
I would thoroughly recommend the company if you are looking for an excellent quality product and very good customer service.
Insignia Hybrid Infrared and Traditional 2 Person Outdoor Sauna
Charlie Mitchell
Fantastic sauna backed up by second to none customer service
We couldn't be more happy with this purchase! Recommended by another happy customer we know, customer service has been great from start to finish. Easy to contact someone and arrange delivery as well as a couple of questions during installation and optimising how we use it. The quality of the product is also great and gives a great sauna experience.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
John Ellmore
Fantastic service and experience
We are very happy with the product and the experience with Heracles. Good communication throughout the process, was delivered quickly and installed within one day without issue. We had a slight snag with our lighting set up, Keith was on hand to support our electrician over the phone and we got sorted. Thanks!!
Leil® Round Cube Single Outdoor Sauna 6-8 Person
Louise
My Luxurious Garden Escape!
I couldn’t be happier with my barrel outdoor sauna—it has completely transformed both my garden and my evening routine.
The craftsmanship is outstanding, with beautifully finished wood, a solid structure and an aesthetically pleasing design that makes the sauna look visually striking whilst having a practical layout too.
The curved barrel shape adds real character to my garden. It’s not just a sauna; it’s a true focal point that has elevated my entire outdoor space. It heats up quickly (in around 45 minutes) distributing warmth evenly inside.
In practical terms, my barrel sauna has proven to be a fantastic investment. Running costs have been very reasonable, working out at approximately £3 per session. Beyond that, the benefits to relaxation, wellbeing, and overall lifestyle have been outstanding. For example an unsightly cold sore completely disappeared after just two sauna sessions which otherwise would have taken a few weeks to heal.
A special thanks goes to Abdullan Yaqoob for his exceptional support from start to finish—nothing was ever too much trouble. He patiently answered all my many questions and even arranged for me to visit a previously installed sauna, which was incredibly helpful in making my decision.
Finally, I’d like to thank the installation team, who worked tirelessly—even in the snow—to have the sauna fully assembled in just seven hours. Their dedication and professionalism were truly impressive.
This sauna has genuinely elevated my home and wellbeing, and I'm delighted to recommend Hercales.
Heracles Wellness
John
My Beautiful Sauna
10/10 on the value for your money
10 /10 for Style & looks
10 /10 for the layout design and available space inside
10 /10 for the quality of the selected timber inside and out
10/10 for the sleek glass heating controller
10/10 on the modern drop heater and the heating up time (very fast)
10/10 for the installation team (ultimate pros) you wont believe how dedicated they are
10/10 for treating my property with respect
10/10 for Keith's and the teams customer service
Would I use this company again you guessed it 10/10
Adding up to a100% satisfying experience
Well done Keith and the team credit were credit is due
Leil® Black Cube Comfort 6-8 Person Outdoor Sauna
What customers think about the store
Specializes in premium wellness products including saunas and hot tubs. Customers consistently praise exceptional service from Keith, Abdullah, and team throughout purchasing, delivery, and installation. Professional installation teams deliver efficient, high-...
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