What Is the Most Common Type of Sauna? A Complete Guide

When most people hear the word “sauna,” they imagine a wooden room filled with steam and benches—something out of a spa or gym. But the truth is, saunas come in many types, from the high-heat traditional sauna to the increasingly popular infrared sauna.

So, what is the most common sauna today? The answer depends on where you are in the world and what you’re looking for. Let’s explore sauna types, their popularity, and why one style continues to stand out as the most widely used.

The Sauna Everyone Thinks Of: The Traditional Finnish Sauna

The most common sauna globally is still the traditional Finnish sauna. This is the original sauna model, dating back thousands of years.

What Makes It Traditional?

• Heat Source: Originally wood-burning stoves, now often electric heaters.

• Temperature: 160–190°F (70–90°C).

• Steam Ritual: Water is poured over hot stones to create bursts of steam, called “löyly.”

• Atmosphere: Dry heat with occasional humidity spikes.

For many, this is the “true sauna” experience. The traditional sauna is not only the most common in Finland, where there are over 3 million for just 5.5 million people, but also widely used in gyms, spas, and wellness centers around the world.

Why Traditional Saunas Are the Most Common

1. Deep Cultural Roots

Saunas originated in Finland, and the traditional model has spread worldwide as the iconic version.

2. Availability in Gyms and Spas

Walk into almost any gym, hotel, or spa, and you’re likely to find a traditional sauna. It’s considered a standard amenity.

3. Simplicity of Design

Whether you want to buy an indoor sauna or order a traditional wood sauna for your backyard, the classic design is easy to build and maintain.

4. Universal Appeal

From seasoned sauna enthusiasts to beginners, traditional saunas are easy to use and immediately relaxing.

The Rise of Infrared Saunas

While traditional saunas remain the most common, infrared saunas are quickly gaining popularity, especially in North America and Europe.

What Makes Infrared Different?

• Instead of heating the air, infrared panels heat your body directly.

• Operates at lower temperatures (110–150°F), making it more comfortable for longer sessions.

• Available in models like the one person infrared sauna, 2-person infrared sauna, and even infrared full spectrum sauna kits.

Infrared saunas are often chosen for home use because they’re compact, energy-efficient, and can be installed in smaller spaces. Brands like Elite Sauna Direct, specialize in models like buy near-zero EMF sauna and infrared sauna panel kits, which combine safety with cutting-edge wellness technology.

Full Spectrum and Hybrid Saunas: The Modern Contenders

Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Full spectrum saunas use every infrared wave length, whether it be near, mid, and far infrared. This makes for a more complete experience. It’s popular with wellness enthusiasts who want benefits ranging from skin support to deep tissue relaxation.

Hybrid Saunas

A hybrid sauna combines a traditional heater with infrared panels, offering the best of both worlds: high-heat steam plus deep infrared penetration. While not as common as traditional saunas yet, they’re gaining traction among people who want versatility at home.

Outdoor Saunas: Barrel vs. Cabin

Another growing trend is outdoor saunas. The barrel sauna kit and cabin sauna are two popular builds. While they aren’t as common as indoor models, they’re appealing to homeowners who want a backyard wellness retreat.

• Barrel Sauna: Rustic, efficient, quick to heat.

• Cabin Sauna: Traditional look, spacious, customizable.

At Elite Sauna Direct, you can find both purchase barrel sauna kits and luxury home saunas for sale, making it easy to bring a traditional experience into your outdoor space.

Regional Differences in Common Sauna Types

The most common sauna isn’t the same everywhere:

• Finland and Nordic Countries: Traditional wood-fired saunas.

• North America: A mix of traditional and infrared, with infrared becoming more popular for homes.

• Russia: A popular sauna type in Russia is the “banya”. It is a steam intensive traditional sauna.

• Middle East: Hammams (Turkish baths), which are similar in purpose but built around water and steam.

Why Traditional Saunas Still Reign

Despite innovations, the traditional sauna continues to hold the crown as the most common type because:

1. It’s instantly recognizable and tied to the history of sauna culture.

2. It provides the intense sweating people associate with detox and relaxation.

3. It’s a staple in commercial wellness settings like gyms, spas, and hotels.

Infrared saunas and hybrid saunas are gaining popularity amongst the public, but the traditional sauna remains the global standard.

Choosing the Right Sauna for You

While the traditional sauna is the most common, the best sauna depends on your needs:

• Traditional Sauna: For a classic, high-heat, steam-filled experience.

• Infrared Sauna: For gentler heat, deep tissue benefits, and home convenience.

• Full Spectrum or Hybrid Sauna: For wellness enthusiasts who want both infrared and traditional heating.

• Outdoor Saunas: For homeowners looking to create a rustic or luxury backyard retreat.

Final Takeaway

So, what’s the most common sauna? Without a doubt, it’s the traditional sauna—the original Finnish creation that has spread across the globe and become a wellness staple. But as technology advances, infrared saunas and hybrid modelsare growing in popularity, especially for home use.

Whether you’re looking to order a traditional wood sauna, buy an indoor infrared sauna, or purchase a barrel sauna kit for your backyard, the sauna world today offers more choices than ever. What hasn’t changed is the essence: saunas are still about heat, sweat, relaxation, and renewal.