Steam Room vs. Sauna: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

If you’ve ever been in a spa and wondered whether you’re sitting in a sauna or a steam room, trust me, you’re not alone. The two types of heat therapy are quite similar: both feel warm, relaxing, and extremely calming, so unless you know how they work, it’s hard to tell them apart.

If you look closely, you’ll see that they both do the same thing but in different ways. The steam room vs. sauna comparison teaches us all about why they are different, how they are different, and which one is more aligned with our wellness goals. Whether you’re considering installing the right heat therapy unit in your house or just want to know the benefits, this guide will teach you all you need to know about steam room vs. sauna.

Let’s start with the basics!

Steam Room vs. Sauna: Key Definitions and Differences

So, in order to start our steam room vs. sauna comparison, we’ll need to dive deep into how they work and what each one is best for. Here is a simple breakdown of what sets them apart:

Type of Heat Therapy

The easiest way to differentiate between saunas and steam rooms is by paying attention to the heat. Saunas warm the air using a heating system, whether stones, wood, infrared, or electricity. On the other hand, steam rooms use a steam generator to fill the space with warm, saturated air, as if you’re sitting inside a warm cloud.

To put it simply, a sauna makes dry heat, and a steam room makes wet heat.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity are the most unnoticeable factors of the steam room vs. sauna comparison; if you use them back to back, you might realise that saunas are hotter, while steam rooms are denser. 

The way the heating system works in saunas and steam rooms is the reason why they are different in terms of temperature and humidity. Saunas are usually the hotter environment, around 70–100°C with 10–20% humidity, while steam rooms are not as hot, around 40–50°C, but humidity hits 100%.

Materials

Not just the heating system, but the materials used to build saunas and steam rooms are different too. This is because, again, they work differently. 

Saunas are built using timber like hemlock or cedar. This is because wood handles dry heat perfectly. On the other hand, steam rooms cannot be built using timber and wood due to humidity and moisture. They are built with tiles, glass, stone, or acrylic.

Benefits

When comparing steam room vs. sauna, the benefits make all the difference. We’ll cover the benefits of each more specifically later on; Here is a brief list of how they are different in the benefits they offer:

Sauna benefits:

• Deep muscle relaxation
• Boosted circulation
• Stress relief
• Intense sweat detox
• Faster recovery after exercise

Steam room benefits:

• Skin hydration
• Easier breathing when congested
• Gentle, tolerable heat for beginners
• Calm, spa-style experience

The Experience

Apart from the benefits, your personal preference matters most when choosing between saunas and steam rooms. 

Saunas penetrate heat that warms your muscles from the inside out. They are sharp, hot, and dry. Steam rooms are more gentle; they envelop warmth that feels softer and more soothing. Both are relaxing and warm, it just depends on what kind of warmth you prefer.

Maintenance

Saunas and steam rooms are also maintained differently due to the way they are built. Saunas are generally easier to maintain because wood dries quickly and the airflow is simpler. They would need the occasional cleaning, only with a damp cloth every once in a while.

With steam rooms, you have to be a bit more careful. Due to the existence of moisture in steam rooms, they need more cleaning to prevent mould and bacteria.

Steam Room Benefits

If you prefer a warm, cloud-like heating experience, a steam room gives you that and way more. Here are the key steam room benefits people tend to notice the most:

• Respiratory relief: the humidity loosens up mucus, eases congestion, and provides temporary relief from sinus pressure or asthma-related symptoms.
• Skin hydration: Steam opens pores, removes toxins and build-ups, removes dead skin cells, and leaves you with a softer, fresher complexion.
• Joint and muscle comfort: Moisture from the steam penetrates deep in your body, easing stiff joints and soothing tired muscles.
• Stress and mental calmness: The soft warmth wraps around you like a blanket, helping you unwind, lower stress hormones, and offering a sense of relaxation.

Steam room benefits are primarily for people who need respiratory relief, but anyone wanting a gentle, spa-like experience can also benefit from steam rooms. They are perfect if you prefer softer heat or want soothing moisture for skin and breathing.

Sauna Benefits

Although both produce heat, saunas work differently from steam rooms, and their benefits go deeper too. Saunas are strongly linked to heart health, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Here are some of the most notable sauna benefits:

• Cardiovascular support: the heat dilates your blood vessels and improves circulation throughout your body. Every sauna session is like a light cardio workout, improving the overall health of your heart.
• Deep sweating and detox support: Saunas are known for triggering heavy sweating, which removes toxins and impurities, and supports your body’s natural detox processes.
• Muscle recovery: sauna’s dry heat eases muscle tension, helps reduce soreness after workout sessions, and loosens stiff joints.
• Stress reduction: heat encourages the release of endorphin, our feel-good hormone. This lowers cortisol and creates a calm, relaxed feeling.
• Weight management support: Sauna contributes to weight loss through heavy sweating and removing your body’s excess water. Though it’s not a long-term weight loss practice, it will be beneficial alongside working out and dieting. 

Sauna benefits generally support our body’s overall health. Saunas offer deeper heat, more intense sweating, and stronger cardiovascular effects. Using a sauna is the right answer if you want better recovery, improved circulation, and a healthier wellness routine.

Steam Room vs. Sauna: Which One Is Better for You?

So now that you know the benefits, differences, and functionality in our steam room vs. sauna comparison, deciding on choosing one comes down to your requirements and expectations. These factors can help you choose the right heat therapy:

Still not sure?

Think about how much heat you enjoy. If you love the feeling of warm heat all the way down to your bones, a sauna is the perfect option. If you prefer a softer heat that feels like clouds are hugging you, a steam room is where to go!

Steam Room vs. Sauna for Home Use: Practical Considerations

Choosing the right heat therapy has another factor to consider: if you want a home heat therapy system, which one is easier to maintain? To choose the right one for home use, consider the following factors:

Space and Construction

Sauans are generally easier to install than steam rooms. You’ll need a wooden room structure, insulation, and a heater. If you’re interested in having your own home sauna, we have the right guide on how to build a home sauna.

Steam rooms are a bit more complex to install because they need waterproofing. Tiling and drainage can also be challenging, plus you’ll need a steam generator. If you want a steam room in your home, you’ll probably need professional help to install one.

Running Costs

Saunas are typically easier to maintain financially because they use less power long-term and do not have additional maintenance costs. Steam rooms can be more expensive to maintain because on top of power, you’ll be using additional water. If you get any mould issues, inspection and treatment can also get expensive.

Cleaning

We’ve already mentioned this briefly, but saunas in general are a lot easier to clean than steam rooms. All you need is a quick wipe-down after each session and the occasional clean through once in a while, depending on how often you are using it. Steam rooms need more frequent cleaning to prevent mould.

Why Many UK Homeowners Choose a Sauna

The answer is simple: While they both have unique health benefits, more people are opting for a home sauna because it’s a more practical choice:

• Easier installation, indoors or in your backyard
• Lower maintenance over time
• Greater range of health benefits
• Beautiful design with timber for a natural, calming feel

At Polar Recovery, we specialise in high-quality home saunas that don’t just look beautiful, but heat up quickly and efficiently with the infrared technology. We offer installation services and a 2-year warranty, ensuring you, like all other customers, experience comfort from the moment you order!

FAQ

Is a steam room or sauna better for your skin?

Steam rooms help with hydration, while saunas improve circulation in your skin and help with clarity. Both have their own advantages, so it depends on what you need for your skin.

Which one burns more fat?

Saunas increase your heart rate, so you burn calories like a very light workout session. They also help lower your weight by removing excess water through sweating. Frequent sauna sessions alongside exercise and dieting can be an efficient weight-loss method.

Is it okay to use a steam room for lungs?

Steam rooms are actually beneficial for your respiratory system as steam helps soften mucus and reduce congestion, and offers momentary relief.

Can you install a steam room at home?

Yes, but the installation process is much more complicated and expensive than a home sauna.