The main difference between a sauna and a steam room is that a sauna produces a dry heat, and a steam room, as the name suggests, produces a wet heat. This affects the maximum temperature and the seating material of a sauna vs a steam room. To go into more detail:
Sauna
The sauna originated in Finland hundreds of years ago, and it has also played a part in Scandinavian and German cultures. A modern sauna is a heated room with wooden seats. Wood is used because it does not conduct heat well, and so provides a comfortable seat in very hot conditions.
The heat is produced by a heat source, which heats up rocks. In truly old-fashioned saunas, the heat source could be a fire, but in modern-day environments it is likely to be a small electric stove. The heat from the rocks then heats up the room.
In order to increase the temperature, you pour water onto the rock, which produces some steam (but much less than is found in a steam room). The average maximum sauna temperature according to the Finnish Sauna Society chief executive Kristian Miettinen is 80 degrees Celsius, though he admits to being a fan of 100 degree heat in his sauna.
Steam Room
Steam rooms existed in Ancient Rome, where they were supplied by natural hot springs. A form of steam room called the hamam also existed throughout the Ottoman Empire, and is referred to as a Turkish bath. A modern-day steam room is heated by piping in steam from a generator filled with boiling water.
As a result of the heat coming from wet steam, a steam room is kept at much cooler temperatures than a sauna; generally about 45 degrees Celsius. Steam which is much hotter than this would lead to terrible scalds (burns through contact with steam). A steam room still feels very hot, due to your body’s inability to sweat in the 100% humidity. So, if you are choosing between a sauna or steam room, consider the heat experience you are looking for.
The moisture from the steam means that wooden seats, such as you would find in a sauna, are inappropriate as they would quickly rot. Instead, steam rooms suit non-porous material such as Acrylic, Corian, Tile or Natural Stone.
Both saunas and steam rooms have similar etiquette: shower before entering and be mindful of what you are wearing given the heat and amount you will sweat. Birthday suits are not compulsory, but they are traditional! Hydrate yourself after leaving, and first-time or inexperienced users should try not to stay in longer than 15 minutes.
Whichever your choice may be, here at Aegean Spa our 30 years of experience in the industry means that we can offer you high-quality products. You can choose from our ranges, or order your ideal environment made to your exacting specifications. Please get in touch to discuss your options.