A thermometer in a sauna can be useful for monitoring the temperature and making sure it’s safe and comfortable for use, but it’s not a must-have purchase. In my opinion, it can be helpful in determining when the sauna has been preheated sufficiently.
In this article, I will explain where to place the thermometer in the sauna and I will give some recommendations for the best sauna thermometers.
Best sauna thermometers:
Thermometer Hygrometer
High Temperature Analog Thermo-Hygrometer
Thermometer Hygrometer
Dyna-Living Sauna Thermometer 2 in 1
My Favorite
Bjerg Instruments Sauna Thermometer
Shop for more sauna thermometers on Amazon.
Why Have a Thermometer in the Sauna or Should You Even Have One?
Typical sauna temperatures are between 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit, and a thermometer can help ensure that the sauna is not overheating and becoming dangerous. Additionally, it can help users to gauge their own comfort level and adjust their time in the sauna accordingly.
However, a thermometer is not strictly necessary, and many saunas don’t have one.
Ultimately, whether or not to have a thermometer in a sauna is a matter of personal preference.
A sauna Thermometer Can Be Inaccurate
In my personal experience, sauna thermometers can be inaccurate.
The following things can cause inaccuracies:
- The location where the sauna thermometer is installed in
- The temperature gradient in the sauna changes a lot based on air vents, windows, and where the sauna heater is located
- The thermometer is of low quality
- The temperature changes rapidly when water is thrown on the sauna rocks. Analog sauna thermometers may not react fast enough to changes in temperature.
A Finnish construction and renovation magazine “Rakennusmaailma 4/2005”, tested seven sauna thermometers. In almost every case, the temperature was incorrect. In the worst case, when the actual temperature was 80 °C (176 °F), the thermometer’s reading was 30 °C lower than the real temperature.
Where to Hang Sauna Thermometer
Where should you mount a sauna thermometer?
The temperature in a sauna is typically measured at head height or about one meter (3.5ft) above the upper bench.
However, when placing the thermometer, it is important to keep two things in mind:
- The thermometer should be placed as far away from the sauna heater as possible. If the thermometer is located close to the stove, it will also measure the heat radiation from the heater, similar to a thermometer placed in the sun. The hottest point in the sauna is directly above the heater. The further and lower the thermometer is placed from the stove, the lower the measured temperature will be.
- The recommended standard measurement point is one meter above the upper bench. If there is a recommended place to measure, it would be this.
As long as the first guideline is followed, the placement of the thermometer does not have a huge significance, unless you are trying to get a generally comparable temperature for your sauna.
If you need a reference, the recommended “standard measurement point” is one meter above the upper bench.
This same advice applies also to sauna hygrometers.
Note
In new electric saunas, where the desired temperature can be selected, the sensor is placed on the ceiling and the thermometer will typically show a significantly lower temperature because the temperature near the ceiling is higher.
Top 5 Best Sauna Thermometers
Here are some of the best sauna thermometers in different styles.
Sauna Thermometer Buyer’s Guide
- Accurate temperature readings: A sauna thermometer should be able to provide accurate temperature readings and some thermometers are notoriously inaccurate.
- Easy to read: A sauna thermometer should be clear and easy-to-read
- Suitable for hot and humid environments: Don’t get a plastic thermometer that requires a battery. Get an analog thermometer instead.
- Different types: Some thermometers can be mounted on the wall, others can be stuck on the glass, and others can be hanging from the ceiling. Decide which type you prefer before buying.
- Thermometer hygrometer combo: Some sauna thermometers come with additional features, such as a hygrometer to measure humidity levels or a sauna timer function.
- Price: Sauna thermometers come in a range of prices, so it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend before making a purchase.
- Design: Pick a thermometer that suits your sauna. Different styles range from funny to modern, and wood is the most popular material.
Do you think a sauna thermometer is a needed accessory in your sauna? If you found this article helpful or you have any questions, leave a comment below! Thanks for reading.
