Just after the heater itself, sauna rocks are the second most important factor to a successful sauna. This is because the best sauna rocks create the optimal steam, efficiency, and how safe your sauna is. They also determine the heat inside the sauna and the overall atmosphere.
Since this is so, picking the proper sauna rocks is essential as it can make or break your sauna experience. Luckily for you we are here to guide you through your whole buying decision.
The Best Sauna Rocks
If the above processes sound too much for you then we recommend buying sauna rocks online. This is much easier and you’ll also have the safe state of mind that these are the proper sauna rocks. All of these stones are universal and will work in whatever traditional sauna heater that you own.
Harvia Sauna Stones
Product Description:
Hanko Sauna Rocks / Stones. 44#/20K Box of Igneous Rocks For Inside of Sauna Heater. Use with Avalon SWA, Catalina SWS, Avalon & Catalina SC, Finlandia FIN & Club, Harvia KIP-W & Club Heaters. Order Two Boxes with SC & Club Heaters. Call 1-800-906-2242 with Questions.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: Unknown
Weight: 44 pounds
Rock Type: Igneous
Baltic Leisure Sauna Stones
Product Description:
Rocks Features: -Made in USA. Country of Manufacture: -United States. Product Type: -Heaters. Dimensions: Overall Product Weight: -31 lbs. Overall Height – Top to Bottom: -8″. Overall Width – Side to Side: -10″. Overall Depth – Front to Back: -10″.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 8 inches
Weight: 31 pounds
Rock Type: Igneous
Made and Shipped in the U.S.A.
Heaters4Saunas Replacement Rocks
Product Description:
Sauna Stove Rocks Replacement Sauna Rocks! Special Sauna Lava Stone quickly heats up and retains heat much longer than regular stones. These stones will not explode unlike other rocks. The jagged porous stones have a much larger surface area and are ideal for creating steam.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: Unknown
Weight: 20 pounds
Rock Type: Igneous
How To Prepare Your Sauna Rocks
Before you actually use your new sauna rocks you must prepare them. This will make the stones much safer and efficient.
The first thing you must do is open the bag and wash the rocks with water. This will help eliminate all unwanted dust and small debris of rocks. Continue until the rocks are fully clean.
The second step is to place the rocks in the heater. You must make sure that the rocks are placed loosely with enough space in between them to allow air to circulate correctly. If not you risk the heater to overheat and possibly cause damage to the sauna. (You want to make sure the rocks aren’t too loose. If this happens then the water can pool in the heater and possibly cause damage.)
If you find that either of these situations occur then simply let the heater cool and rearrange the rocks. Continue the process until you find the proper medium.
Once you’re finished you can relax and enjoy your new sauna rocks.
How To Choose Sauna Rocks
The best sauna stones for your sauna are igneous rocks. Meaning they formed through the cooling and solidification of magma. The reason why they are the best rocks for a sauna is because they are dense, rough, and able to hold heat efficiently. They’re also able to produce steady steam when water is poured on them.
If you happen to choose other types of rocks then you have the possibility of them being inefficient and unsafe as they might explode. So take our advice and choose igneous rocks.
If you go the route of trying to find these stones in nature then we recommend looking for dense, heavy, rough, and uneven rocks. You can determine if a given rock is right for you by hitting them with a hammer or by dropping them on a hard surface. If you do this and they don’t chip or break, then it’s a good indicator that they are the right rocks for you.
Another test you can perform on these rocks is to place them in a hot fire. The temperature you should reach within the fire should at least be 215 F. Once you reach this temperature you should place these rocks into a bucket of cold water. Wait for the stones too cool then inspect them once they’re done. If they have cracks or breaks then these are not the right rocks for you. (Also be sure to be careful when doing this, take the proper safety precautions and make sure you don’t harm yourself.)
When you find the right rocks you will see that they heat up gradually and release heat slowly. They will respond to extreme changes in temperature correctly and won’t emit unpleasant smells. They will also be around the size of your fist (give or take). Make sure that these rocks fit together properly and don’t let water pool in the tray.
