In the modern hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding moments of genuine connection and community can sometimes feel like a rare luxury. However, in cultures across the globe, there exists a timeless tradition that not only promotes health and relaxation but also fosters deep communal bonds: the sauna. While saunas are often associated with health benefits such as detoxification and stress relief, their potential for building stronger communities should not be underestimated. This year, some of our team took a trip from Minnesota to join in on “Sauna days” with Glenn Auerbach from Saunatimes at the beautiful Larsmont Cottages. The experience of seeing over 200 people come together for 3 days of Sauna was inspiring and a reminder that Sauna should be much more than just a health fad.

A Historical Tradition of Togetherness

Saunas have been a cornerstone of community life in many cultures for centuries. Originating in Finland, where there are more saunas than cars, these heated rooms have served as social hubs where people come together to relax, converse, and bond. In Finnish culture, the sauna is not just a place to sweat; it’s a sacred space for communal gatherings, discussions, and even important decision-making. Many other cultures around the globe have incorporated sauna bathing as a very integral part of bringing people together.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the unique aspects of the sauna experience is its ability to break down barriers between people. Saunas possess a unique ability to dissolve barriers and foster a sense of openness among individuals. Stepping into a sauna, enveloped by soothing heat, cultivates an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and introspection. As sweat beads form and tensions melt away, the shared experience of physical warmth often transcends cultural or social divides. Conversations flow more freely, facilitated by the absence of distractions and the mutual understanding of a common purpose: to unwind and rejuvenate. In this tranquil environment, stripped of pretense and formality, people find themselves more willing to connect on a human level, exchanging stories and perspectives that bridge gaps of familiarity or difference. Ultimately, the sauna becomes a sanctuary where barriers of apprehension or reservation dissolve, leaving behind a space where genuine connections can flourish.

Encouraging Authentic Communication

In today’s digital age, face-to-face interaction is becoming increasingly rare, and meaningful conversations can be hard to come by. However, the sauna provides a space free from distractions where people can engage in authentic, unfiltered communication. Stripped of the usual social cues and status symbols, sauna-goers are more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings honestly, leading to deeper connections and a greater sense of belonging.

Promoting Health but also…

Of course, the health benefits of sauna bathing should not be overlooked. Regular sauna sessions have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. By prioritizing their own well-being, individuals are better able to contribute to their communities, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone but we firmly believe that the health benefits are secondary to the main goal of sauna which is far more then just investing in ones physical health.

Cultural shifts have left us more isolated

Western society and culture have stripped away many of the communal bonds and times of connection that were once enjoyed in the past. As we live more isolated lives, we have lost what it is to “rub shoulders” with others, share common experiences together, and be open. More and more people have lost areas of community as we live in a culture of screens and alone time. At Homecraft, we believe that sauna needs to be more than just a private or quiet routine (although there are times for that) to invest in your “health” but should become a time that you can enjoy with others.

Conclusion

In an increasingly fragmented and disconnected world, the sauna offers a powerful antidote—a place where people can come together, relax, and connect on a deeper level. By embracing the communal aspects of sauna culture, we can not only improve our own health and well-being but also strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together. What excites us here at Homecraft is seeing a bigger

So let’s turn up the heat, sweat it out, and build a better community—one sauna session at a time.

A sauna heater is the heart of any sauna, responsible for creating the soothing heat that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and various health benefits. At Homecraft we understand that the most important decision you make in regards to your sauna is the heater and so it is important to be as best informed as possible. Choosing the right sauna heater is crucial for achieving an enjoyable and effective sauna experience. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential factors that contribute to a good sauna heater, helping you make an informed decision when selecting one for your sauna.

Heating Capacity and Efficiency:

One of the primary considerations when choosing a sauna heater is its heating capacity and efficiency. The heater should be able to generate sufficient heat to warm up the sauna space effectively. North American rated heaters should reach a max temperature of 90C or 194F. The size of the sauna and insulation levels will impact the heater’s capacity requirements. Nowadays many people opt for a heater with larger rock capacities as they are able to reach higher temperatures because of the added thermo heat that radiates from the rocks and ability to bring humidity levels higher with more water use on the rocks. Take your time to research the difference between dry and wet sauna heaters to better understand which option is best for you.

Heating Technology:

Sauna heaters are available in different types, each utilizing a specific heating technology. Electric heaters are the most common and convenient, offering precise temperature control, fast heating times, and ease of use. Wood-burning heaters deliver a traditional and authentic sauna experience, but they require regular maintenance and attention.

Consider your preferences, the desired sauna experience, and the specific benefits associated with each heating technology when making a choice.

Quality and Durability:

Investing in a high-quality sauna heater is essential for its longevity and reliable performance. Look for heaters made from durable materials, such as stainless steel or high-grade aluminum, which can withstand the high temperatures and humid conditions inside the sauna. Homecraft is proud to stand behind the products we make because we know what quality is.

Safety:

It might be surprising to find out that many of the sauna heaters being sold in North America have not been properly certified to be sold in Canada or the United States. While we recognize reasons why people may choose a heater that has been imported from Europe or Asia it is important to be informed on the risks or potential risks one is assuming in deciding for a heater that is not Certified through UL or CSA. Potential safety hazards, the potential loss of Home insurance, and potential failure of home inspections are all reasons to ensure your heater is fully certified.

Control Options:

A good sauna heater should provide easy and convenient control options. This includes temperature controls, timers, and the ability to adjust heat settings according to personal preferences. Digital control panels make it simple to set and monitor the desired temperature, while built-in timers ensure that the sauna heater turns off automatically after a set duration.

Warranty and Customer Support:

Lastly, choose a sauna heater that comes with a warranty to protect against potential defects or malfunctions. A reliable manufacturer will stand behind their product and offer prompt customer support in case any issues arise. Check customer reviews and the reputation of the manufacturer to ensure their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Our Conclusion:

Selecting a good sauna heater involves considering all of these factors which narrows down the options substantially. At Homecraft we believe in the products we make and our proud of our outstanding record of offering high-quality sauna heaters that stand up to the test of time. At Homecraft “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Reach out to us with confidence and we will help answer any questions you have.

Revive by Homecraft: Body, Soul & Spirit

Grow in Excellence: 

Homecraft has been very dedicated to making high quality sauna products for many years. We take pride in the quality of our saunas products that we make in-house and we are careful to source high quality materials to ensure our products function excellently and will stand up to the rigors of daily sauna use. One area of needed growth though was to increase our sauna line to offer more options to our dealers and customers. In 2022 we began to work towards a new sauna heater that would perform amazingly well and can give the sauna bather a wonderful sauna experience creating lots of “Loyly” over long periods of time. As a Canadian company it is the first step to hopefully changing the landscape here in North America to offer more and more options for Sauna heaters made locally. This is important because when it comes to customer service, warranty issues, replacement parts or quick shipping our locality is a huge advantage but the range of sauna heaters offered sometimes didn’t match those positives and so the Revive Sauna line is one of many more to come as we reshape the perception and reputation of what being a North American sauna manufacturer means. 

Grow in Reach: 

For all of you in the sauna industry here in North America you well understand that there are far more limitations placed on us then what our European counterparts have to endure. We can probably agree that some of the certification restrictions are more burdensome them blessings and yet I fully believe that we have a responsibility as an industry for the things we sell, especially when it puts the sauna user in danger of huge liability risks. A heater might look great, be popular or be easy to sell but ultimately we have a responsibility to our customers to offer products that protect them (not just physically but financially as well) and not products that can cause them more harm. As more uncertified sauna heaters from Europe or Asia are being sold I believe it is imperative to give our customers the confidence of fully certified and safe products which we at Homecraft are proud to offer. 

Grow in Impact: 

It is amazing to see the positive impact in peoples lives as they embrace sauna culture and regular sauna bathing as a part of their lifestyle. As we began conceptualizing and designing a new sauna heater we also found a way to make a positive impact in the lives of some individuals who live far away from us here in Canada. It was an email sent to a Ukrainian engineer named Volodymry living in the Western city of Rivne, Ukraine which opened the door to allow a husband and loving father of 3 work with us in the design and drawings of our sauna heater. I am very proud of this new heater not only for the way it performs but most of all for bringing a man who has been living in the midst of war into our process and providing him meaningful employment. Volodymry has been integral in conceptualizing, designing and engineering our new “REVIVE” sauna heater. It is perhaps a small gesture but for myself one that was very important as it brought to reality the desire to positively impact others even in the small ways we chose to make this heater. 

So with all of that I present to you the REVIVE Sauna line available soon by Homecraft

The Revive Sauna Line:

Size: 14”w x 14”w x 36”H

Available in 6kw, 7.5kw & 9kw models

100% stainless steel components

180-200 pounds of deep rock capacity

Integrated air flow chamber isolating the heating elements  

Fully certified CSA & UL approved 

100% Canadian Made & Manufactured

Do your sauna research:

What’s the best sauna company out there? Is an infrared sauna really a sauna? Can I just plug it into my wall? Should I do a indoor home sauna or an outdoor sauna? Whats the big difference with a “traditional” sauna? Okay we get it and we hear these questions all the time. We understand that there are so many options (and opinions) when it comes to what makes a great sauna and there are also so many “facts” that get thrown around that seem to good to be true. So our recommendation is do your own research to figure out what best fits your needs. Our recommendation is that you understand what a true & traditional sauna is and move towards that. There are so many great sauna blogs available like Sauna times https://www.saunatimes.com/authentic-sauna-blog/ that offer great advice on so many different topics. The more research you do the safer you will be with the end product.  

Understand what you really want:

Since there are so many options it should always come down to what you actually want and that is why spending a small amount of time to do some research is always helpful. Is it a Home Sauna Kit in an already pre-framed space that you have in your home (https://homecraftsaunas.com/product-category/cedar-sauna-kits/) or a prefabricated unit. Do you want a local company or manufacturer to supply you your sauna or a sauna from overseas? It is important to understand the differences between a dry or wet sauna (high humidity to lower humidity) rock density, venting type of build…. Did I just loose you? There are so many options but what fits best for you? It is important to know that you have the freedom of choice because there are so many options available and depending on your circumstances, finances and location can very well change the direction of your final choice. 

Define your Budget:

Saunas used to be looked at as a true luxury item in North America but over the past decade things have changed considerable as more options have become available and more companies are offering a range of services from custom installations to installing pre-fabricated kits and much more. Here is our recommendation when it comes to your budget. Understand that a good sauna will cost you money and typically a DIY sauna kit starts at $4500 – $9500 while an outdoor sauna usually begins at $8500 up to $15,000 but don’t just look at the dollar amount. Quality and money go hand in hand and ensure (especially with online stores and vendors) where they are sourcing there saunas from. Not all saunas are built equally so if you can find a company that fits your budget and builds things locally then your usually in for a win-win situation!

Go to a recommended company for help :

Depending where you live there is most likely many sauna experts and companies that can offer advice or their services to help you. Reaching out a local or company that can actually walk you through the process and offer helpful advice is invaluable and will give you the confidence you are making the right choice. Make sure the company is knowledgable about every aspect of the sauna from the heater to the actual build or sauna room. We at Homecraft have been offering Sauna related services to the greater Vancouver area for the past 3 decades. A good company should be flexible to make sure you get exactly what you want in a sauna and should also be able to offer technical support to make sure your sauna build goes smoothly. If you are looking to do build your own home sauna then you can find different online threads and group chats with all sorts of helpful recommendations for self builds and sauna related advice. We would always recommend asking for some advice to gather the most amount of information possible to give you the confidence that you are making the right choice. 

Don’t hesitate and move forward:

Its always a “great day for a sauna” but if your on the fence or waiting for a better time then you are missing out on many “great days”. For that reason start moving forward with your plans and take the next steps in your sauna build. Here at Homecraft Saunas we would be happy to assist you in making this happen so feel free to reach out to us with any questions and we will be happy to work with you to achieve your sauna goals.