A sauna, steam sauna or steam bath? What is the difference?

Although both saunas and steam rooms are hot and cause you to sweat, there are some important differences between the two.

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The temperature

The biggest difference between a sauna and a steam bath is the temperature. The best sauna temperature is around 80/90 degrees while in a steam bath it is between 43 and 49 degrees. Thus, the high temperature in saunas may be too hot for some people, while in a steam bath it is doable. 

The humidity

Humidity is another big difference in the sauna and a steam bath. Whereas a sauna often has dry heat, a steam bath does not. The humidity in a sauna is often between 10 and 20 percent. Whereas in a steam bath this is 100 percent. Of course, this is mainly because steam baths, use steam and thus humidity to create the heat.

On the other hand, you can create higher humidity in our Tønsaunas. This is because all of our stoves are ideally suited for pouring on. When you pour a large amount of water on the stones, the humidity immediately increases. It will never equal a steam bath, but it can certainly come close. 

The heat source

Whereas saunas primarily use a wood stove or electric heater, the heat source in the steam bath comes from a steam generator. This provides heat as well as humidity.

Thus, the conclusion is that the main differences between a sauna and a steam room are the temperature, degree of humidity and the heat source. Both have various health benefits such as promoting relaxation, improving circulation, detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system. 

Choosing between a sauna or steam room?

Are you hesitating between a sauna or a steam room? Then look at what you want to achieve with it and what your wishes are. Do you want to enjoy the heat one time and the steam the next? Then it is best to choose a Tønsauna. This is because here, as mentioned above, you have the choice of creating more steam, whereas with a steam bath you cannot choose no steam.  

View our outdoor saunas here

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So how do you create a steam sauna?

If we take it literally, a steam sauna is actually another word for steam bath. But we like to tell you how to make your own steam sauna. Just in your own backyard in your own Tønsauna. 

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1. Make sure the sauna has a comfortable temperature. You don't have to go for the 80 degrees here, but can also go a little lower. 70 degrees, for example. 
2. Before entering the sauna, fill the bucket with water. At your choice you can add an aroma. This provides just another experience in the sauna. 
3. When the sauna has reached the right temperature, take a seat in the sauna. 
4. The moment you are ready you can start pouring up, because that is how you create a steam sauna. You do this by spooning the water onto the stones of the stove.
5. When you want a lot of steam, don't pour on 1 spoonful, but several. You can continue until you think it is enough. 

And after that, it's enjoyment! 

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