Sauna vs Steam Room: What’s the Difference?

You may hear some claim that they prefer a steam room over a sauna. Conversely, you might hear other folks that prefer a sauna. But what exactly is the difference? The fact of the matter is that both viewpoints have merit. So which side do you fall on when it comes to the great sauna vs. steam room debate? Well, first you have to look at the pros and cons of each before you decide which is better for you.

Digging Deeper Into the Facts

When talking about the sauna vs steam room debate you simply must mention that both have advantages and disadvantages. So let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons of steam rooms and saunas.

Let’s first look at the steam room to get started. A steam room utilizes a steam generator to raise the temperature within the room to about 40 degrees Celsius. The steam room will also feature a slanted ceiling to steer dripping water (the condensed steam) away from anyone within. The steam room will also have ceramic tiles to keep the steam from escaping.

One major fact about steam rooms that helps turn the sauna vs. steam room debate in the direction of steam rooms is the fact that they are great for you if you have any sort of respiratory illness, such as sinusitis or bronchitis. Here’s another great factoid about steam rooms that may help them win the sauna vs steam room impasse: it is great for hydrating your skin and making it look and feel constantly rejuvenated!

On the other hand, to be fair saunas have a lot going for them as well, such as lower humidity (making it easier to breathe for some) and the fact that they can reach higher temperatures, allowing you to burn 300 calories in a single 25-minute sauna session. This may be the single factor that keeps the great sauna vs. steam room debate going for years to come.

Some folks love steam saunas so much that they will even go out and buy and install a steam sauna for their house. Of course, this does not sway others involved in the sauna vs. steam room question. Folks on the side of steam rooms feel like the high temperatures found in saunas are too much (if not downright dangerous) and so they choose to use steam rooms, where the heat isn’t so intense. The reality of this sauna vs. steam room debate is that the only way to judge which you prefer is to try both and see what suits your needs.

Just like with everything else in this world, there really is no substitute for personal preference. So get out there and try both of them and see which one suits your personal needs. Both have their pros and cons, but only you can decide which will be better for you.