Steam Saunas – What They Are, How They Work & How They Compare

Steam saunas—often referred to as steam rooms—are sometimes grouped together with traditional and infrared saunas. While they all use heat to create a relaxing experience, the way that heat is delivered is very different.

Steam saunas use moist heat rather than dry heat, creating a high-humidity environment that feels completely different from a traditional sauna.

While traditional saunas can create brief bursts of steam by pouring water over hot rocks, steam saunas—more commonly called steam rooms—are designed to generate continuous moist heat using a steam generator.

If you're considering adding a sauna to your home, it's important to understand how steam saunas work—and how they compare to other options.

Steam Sauna vs Traditional Sauna (Quick Answer)

If you're just trying to understand the difference:

• Steam sauna = moist heat, high humidity
• Traditional sauna = dry heat, low humidity
• Infrared sauna = dry heat, lower temperature

For home use, most people choose infrared or traditional saunas due to easier setup and maintenance.

What is a Steam Sauna?

A steam sauna—also known as a steam room—is an enclosed space that uses a steam generator to produce heat in the form of water vapor.

Instead of heating the air like a traditional sauna, steam saunas release moisture into the air, creating a humid environment where humidity levels can approach 100%.

This results in a very different experience compared to traditional saunas. While temperatures are typically lower, the high humidity can make the heat feel more intense and enveloping.

How Steam Saunas Work

Steam saunas rely on a steam generator to heat water and release steam into a sealed room.

Key components include:

• Steam generator
• Sealed enclosure to trap moisture
• Ventilation system
• Waterproof and moisture-resistant materials

Because of the high humidity involved, steam rooms require proper construction to prevent moisture damage and ensure safe operation.

Steam Sauna vs Traditional vs Infrared

To better understand whether a steam sauna is right for you, it helps to compare it directly to other common sauna types.

Feature	Steam Sauna	Traditional Sauna	Infrared Sauna
Heat Type	Moist heat	Dry heat	Dry heat (infrared light)
Humidity	Very high	Low	Low
Temperature	Lower	Higher	Lower to moderate
How It Heats	Steam generator heats water	Heater warms the air	Infrared heaters warm the body more directly
Installation	More complex	Easier	Easiest
Maintenance	Higher	Lower	Lower
Best For	Spa-like humidity	Classic sauna experience	Convenient home use

Steam saunas use moist heat and create a highly humid environment, while traditional and infrared saunas both use dry heat. For most homeowners, traditional and especially infrared saunas are easier to install, easier to maintain, and more practical for home use.

Are Steam Saunas a Good Option for Home Use?

While steam saunas can provide a relaxing experience, they are generally more complex to install and maintain compared to traditional or infrared saunas.

Some key considerations include:

• Requires plumbing and proper sealing
• Higher maintenance due to moisture
• Increased risk of mold or material wear if not managed properly

Because of this, many homeowners choose infrared or traditional saunas instead.

Benefits of Steam Saunas

Steam saunas are commonly used for:

• Relaxation and stress relief
• Muscle relaxation
• Skin hydration due to humidity

The moist heat can feel soothing and may be preferred by those who enjoy a spa-like environment.

How Long Can You Stay In a Steam Sauna?

Most people stay in a steam sauna (steam room) for 10 to 20 minutes per session.

Because steam saunas use high humidity (often near 100%), your body can’t cool itself as efficiently as it can in a traditional dry sauna. This makes the heat feel more intense, even at lower temperatures.

For comparison:

• Traditional saunas: often 15–25 minutes
• Steam saunas: typically 10–20 minutes

The high moisture in the air prevents sweat from evaporating, which is why steam rooms can feel more overwhelming more quickly.

Key tips:

• Start with shorter sessions (10–15 minutes)
• Stay hydrated before and after
• Exit if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable

Steam saunas can be very relaxing, but shorter sessions are usually more comfortable and practical—especially for beginners.

Which Option is Best For You?

If you're deciding between steam and other sauna types:

• Choose steam if you prefer humidity and spa-style environments
• Choose traditional for a classic sauna experience
• Choose infrared for convenience and easier home setup

Most homeowners ultimately choose infrared or traditional saunas.

Explore Better Sauna Options For Your Home

If you're researching steam saunas, it's worth comparing them to more practical home options.

See our top infrared sauna picks →
Compare traditional sauna options →