Õhukuivati

õhukuivati is a type of sauna originating from Estonia. The name translates to "air dryer" in English, which refers to its principle of operation. Unlike traditional saunas that use hot stones or steam to heat the air, õhukuivati uses a system of heated air that is circulated and dried through a process of evaporation, to heat the body.

This type of sauna was popular in Estonia during the Soviet era when traditional saunas were seen as a luxury. õhukuivati saunas were built in public bathhouses and were known for their low cost and energy efficiency. The main components of an õhukuivati sauna include an exterior brick or stone structure containing a metal or ceramic heater, a fan, and a ventilation system.

To operate the sauna, water is poured over a heated element, causing the water to evaporate and creating a warm and dry heat. The air is then circulated through the sauna by a fan, distributing the heat evenly throughout the space. This type of heat allows for a relatively low temperature of around 40-50 degrees Celsius to be maintained, which is lower than traditional saunas.

õhukuivati saunas also have a unique feature where the users can adjust the humidity level by adding or removing water from the heater. This allows users to control the level of evaporation and the dryness of the air. Today, õhukuivati saunas can still be found in some parts of Estonia, however their popularity has declining in recent years.