Dry Sauna vs Wet Sauna: What Is the Difference?
By Caleb Whitaker Prices checked
A dry sauna and a wet sauna are the same traditional sauna used two ways. Dry means hot air with very low humidity. Wet means you ladle water on the hot stones for bursts of steam. Any traditional heater with stones does both. A steam room and an infrared sauna are different things.
| Dry sauna | Wet sauna | Steam room | Infrared sauna | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Electric or wood heater with stones | Same heater, water added | Steam generator | Infrared panels |
| Air temperature | High | High | Lower | Lower |
| Humidity | Very low | Rises in bursts | Near 100% | Low |
| Room | Wood | Wood | Tile or acrylic, sealed | Wood cabin |
| Works outdoors | Yes | Yes | Rarely | Only outdoor-rated models |
Dry and wet are one purchase
If you buy a barrel or cabin sauna with a stone heater, you already own both. Leave the stones dry for a dry session. Ladle water on them for a wet one. The steam makes the same air temperature feel hotter for a minute or two.
The one thing to check: the heater must be made for water on the stones. Traditional sauna heaters are. Infrared panels are not, and water must never be thrown on them.
What each costs
- Traditional sauna (dry and wet). Outdoor kits listed from $4,485 to $9,860 when we checked. See outdoor sauna cost.
- Infrared. Outdoor-rated models listed from $8,599. See outdoor infrared saunas.
- Steam room. A built-in bathroom project with a generator, waterproofing and tile, priced by a contractor rather than sold as a kit.
Which one do you want?
- Want the classic hot room with the option of steam: a traditional sauna.
- Want heavy, wet heat at a lower temperature: a steam room.
- Want mild air and a fast start: infrared.
Every sauna needs a way to read the heat. See sauna thermometers and where to hang one. Building indoors instead? See sauna kits. Leave a little room in the budget for sauna accessories; a bucket, ladle and thermometer set was under $100.
Common questions
Is a dry sauna hotter than a wet sauna?
The air temperature is the same room and heater. Adding water makes it feel hotter for a short time because humid air transfers heat to skin faster.
Can I pour water on any sauna heater?
Only on a traditional heater with stones that the maker says is made for it. Never on infrared panels.