sähkösauna

Sähkösauna, a Finnish term directly translating to "electric sauna," refers to a sauna that uses an electric heater to generate heat. This type of sauna is a modern adaptation of the traditional Finnish sauna, which traditionally relies on a wood-burning stove (kiuas). Electric saunas are popular for their convenience and ease of use, requiring no wood stocking or fire management.

The primary component of a sähkösauna is the electric sauna heater, which typically consists of heating elements enclosed within a metal casing, often surrounded by stones. These stones absorb and radiate the heat, providing the characteristic löyly, or steam, when water is ladled onto them. The temperature of an electric sauna can be precisely controlled using a thermostat, allowing users to set their preferred level of heat.

Compared to wood-burning saunas, electric saunas heat up much faster, often reaching operating temperatures within 30 to 60 minutes. They also require less maintenance, as there is no ash or soot to clean. However, they consume electricity, which can be a factor in operating costs. Despite these differences, the fundamental experience of relaxation and purification associated with the sauna ritual remains largely the same. Sähkösaunas are widely found in homes, apartments, hotels, and public facilities across Finland and in many other countries where Finnish sauna culture has spread.