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Amerec Sauna Heater Review: Specs, Benefits, Performances

Amerec Sauna Heater Review: Specs, Benefits, Performances

Joan Maxwell Joan Maxwell Sauna heater buying guide October 24th, 2024 10 minutes read
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Looking for a sauna heater? Seattle-based brand Amerec has numerous product lines and decades of expertise, offering customized solutions for all sauna enthusiasts.

From electric, steam, infrared, and wood-burning heaters, they have it all!

In this post, we'll share Amerec's top models, specifications, performance, and pros and cons of each. We'll also compare it with another popular brand to give you a better idea of how Amerec fares.

Key Takeaways

  • Amerec is a Seattle-based brand with decades of experience in steam and sauna products.
  • Amerec has an extensive product line. Some of its most popular products are the Amerec Pro Series for commercial saunas, the Amerec Designer B Series for personal saunas, and the Amerec AK Series for steam rooms.
  • The benefits of choosing Amerec are its reliability, efficiency, durability, innovative controls, and massive network.
  • One downside is that Amerec has a higher price point compared to other brands.
  • Amerec is best for sauna enthusiasts who value safety, reliability, durability, and excellent customer support.
  • You can shop our collection of high quality amerec sauna heaters for the best and most durable electric heaters for your sauna.

Introduction to Amerec Sauna Heaters

Based in Seattle, Washington, Amerec has been creating steam and sauna products since 1963. Today, the brand has become one of the leading companies in its industry with top-quality, functional, and customizable products. It's now a part of the Sauna360 brand that has over 170 years of combined expertise in the sauna, steam, and infrared wellness industry.

Amerec provides a wide range of products, both for commercial and personal uses, from free-standing sauna rooms to commercial sauna rooms, accessories, and a wide variety of heaters.

Amerec offers infrared, woodburning, and electric heaters, and their knowledge gives them a holistic view, resulting in products that are perfectly suited for each customer.

The brand became a go-to provider for commercial saunas, being involved in projects with luxurious hotels and spas all over the United States. On the other hand, residential customers can also pick from numerous different options and customize their choices.

Amerec Sauna Heater Specifications

Amerec has many variants, but the most popular sauna heaters are the Pro Series, Designer B Series, AK Series, and Himalaya Pure Series. Here's a guideline and comparison between them.

Pro Series Designer B Series AK Series
Type Electric Electric Steam Generator
Best for Bigger and commercial saunas Small residential saunas Steam room, personal showers

Amerec Pro Series

Variants 10.5 kW, 12 kW
Price US$2,910 - US$2,990
Best For Bigger space, commercial saunas
Room Capacity 390 to 600 cu ft (10.5 kW), 510 to 740 cu ft (12 kW)
Stone Capacity 132 lbs
Pros Floor standing, available in 240V or 208V (single or three-phase), solid construction, large stone capacity, consistent heat and steam for bigger saunas, heat retention and humidity control
Cons High energy cost

The Amerec Pro Series is designed for larger personal and commercial saunas that can cover up to 740 cu ft of space with consistent heat and steam, thanks to its large stone capacity. The Pro Series has optimal heat retention and humidity control, which is crucial for bigger saunas.

It's available in 240V or 208V single-phase and three-phase configurations, so you can customize it according to your needs. The heater pairs with the Digi VII digital or SC controller which has an audible and visual alarm if the temperature is exceeded, giving you an extra layer of safety.

The downside to this series is the high energy cost, which is a common issue when you're heating bigger sauna rooms.

Amerec Designer B Series

Variants 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 8 kW
Price US$2,162.50 - US$2,556.25
Best For Small, residential saunas
Room Capacity 100 to 210 cu ft (4.5 kW), 175 to 300 cu ft (6 kW), 250 to 425 cu ft (8 kW)
Stone Capacity 50 lbs
Pros Affordable for starter saunas, space saving, adequate stone capacity for a small heater, time delay option, doesn't need additional controller installation, solid construction
Cons Limited features compared to other series

The Amerec Designer B Series is the perfect starter heater for new sauna enthusiasts. It comes with a built-in controller, where you can set time and temperature to monitor your bathing environment. There's also an option to delay heating up to 9 hours, so you can get the room ready before your session.

It's constructed out of solid stainless steel, making it durable and rust-free. The 50 lb capacity is also an adequate amount to create a soft, rich heat with a gentle steam.

One downside to the Designer B Series is its limited features when compared with other series on this list. It will make an excellent choice for those who want a simple starter sauna heater.

Amerec AK Steam Generator

Variants 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 7.5 kW, 9 kW, 11 kW, 14 kW
Price US$2,525 - US$3,610
Best For Steam rooms, personal showers
Room Capacity From 60 to 550 cu ft
Pros Compact option for personal shower, consistent steam and heat, touchscreen smart control features, WiFi module
Cons No dry heat option, very high electricity usage

If you're after a personal spa experience in your shower, check out the Amerec AK steam generator. One of Amerec's signature products, the AK Series is available in 4.5 kW to 14 kW of power capacity, depending on your steam room size. It requires a separate WiFi-enabled controller, which means you can remotely monitor your steam room.

The Amerec AK Steam Generator has a Sequential Temperature Control that gives you a consistent flow of soft steam and steady temperature. The stainless steel tank also means a long lifetime and worry-free use.

The downside to AK steam generators is that they need high electricity usage even for small spaces. For example, a 4.5 kW AK steam generator is suitable for 60 to 90 cu ft, while a 4.5 kW electric heater can heat up 100 to 210 cu ft. Steam generators also mean you won't have the option for dry sessions.

Performance of Amerec Sauna Heaters

Amerec sauna heaters have one of the best heating capabilities, thanks to their efficiency-driven designs. Their industrial-grade heating elements, sturdy construction, and large stone capacity ensure even heat distribution, soft steam, and lower energy bills. Most Amerec sauna heaters can reach up to 194°F, which is more than enough to get the benefits of a sauna session.

Amerec offers customizability and comfort with its extensive product lines. Whether you want a personal steam shower, a small sauna room, or a commercial-sized sauna, they'll have a product line that suits your needs. You can also customize the level of steam and temperature and add their essential oils to the water tank for a more relaxing experience.

Benefits of Amerec Sauna Heaters

Trying to decide whether or not Amerec heaters are for you? Here are some more benefits!

  • Efficient energy use and consistent heat. Electric models, such as the Designer B and Pro Series can retain heat to ensure lower electricity consumption.
  • Durable and built to last. All Amerec heaters are built with high-quality materials that can withstand corrosion and high temperatures. With proper maintenance, most heaters can last over 10 years.
  • Customizability. From numerous room sizes and heater types, Amerec offers great customization options with their models.
  • Massive reach and service support. The brand has over 2500 locations for dealers, installers, and service centers.

Pros and Cons of Amerec Sauna Heaters

To recap our review, here are some pros and cons of Amerec sauna heaters.

Pros Cons
Reliable and high-quality heating performance, wide range of products for every need, advanced control systems for temperature and humidity, massive reach and service support Higher cost to some competitors, electric models may increase energy bills

Amerec Sauna Heater Maintenance and Lifespan

Amerec sauna heaters can last for decades, but that's only if you maintain them properly. Here are some tips on regular heater maintenance.

  • Check heating elements annually or if it's not functioning properly. If you encounter issues and need to replace parts, replace them with the original Amerec Sauna parts.
  • Check, clean, and restack your sauna stones annually or after 300 hours of heating.
  • Replace broken or chipped rocks.
  • If you still experience issues, contact Amerec's excellent support team.

Comparison With Another Sauna Heater Brand

How does Amerec compare with other leading brands? Below, we share a comparison between the Amerec Designer B Series and the Harvia KIP Series. Both are compatible with smaller, personal saunas.

Amerec Designer B Series Harvia KIP Series
Variants 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 8 kW 3 kW, 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 8 kW
Price US$2,162.50 - US$2,556.25 US$1,235 - US$1,285
Best For Small, residential saunas Small, residential saunas
Room Capacity 100 to 210 cu ft (4.5 kW), 175 to 300 cu ft (6 kW), 250 to 425 cu ft (8 kW) 84 to 130 cu ft (3 kW), 100 to 210 cu ft (4.5 kW), 170 to 300 cu ft (6 kW), 250 to 425 cu ft (8kW)
Stone Capacity 50 lbs 50 lbs
Pros Space saving, adequate stone capacity for a small heater, 9 hours time delay option, doesn't need additional controller installation, solid construction, massive reach and great service Affordable, space saving, adequate stone capacity for a small heater, 8 hours time delay option, doesn't need additional controller installation, solid construction
Cons Limited features compared to other series Limited features compared to other series

As you can see, both heaters almost have the same features and capacities with Harvia having an additional 3 kW variant. Both heaters also have similar benefits, but Amerec offers more service support and a longer time delay option.

Harvia KIP has a lower price, making it suitable for people who want affordable heaters. On the other hand, Amerec may be beneficial for new bathers who might require more support and information in installation and repair.

FAQs About Amerec Sauna Heaters

What Type of Heater Is Best for a Sauna?

There are several types of heaters you can use for a sauna, which are electric, wood-burning, gas, infrared, and steam. The best heater type for an at-home sauna is electric heaters because they're compact, low-maintenance, and easy to install.

Do Sauna Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

The electricity used by sauna heaters depends on their power capacity, but Amerec has energy-efficient heaters that can minimize energy consumption. Pick energy-saving lines, such as Amerec Designer B, or try to minimize heat loss by using the right material in your sauna room.

What Sauna Temperature Is Best?

The recommended sauna temperature is 80° to 100°C or 176° to 212°F. Amerec electric heaters can accommodate up to 194°F which is ideal for sauna users.

Find the Best Amerec Sauna Heaters at Sauna Heater Supply

Trying to get the best prices for Amerec sauna heaters? Check out our sauna heater supply website for the best savings and free shipping on Amerec sauna heaters.

Our team of experts is also available for you to consult about which sauna heater is the best for your needs. Whether you're looking to equip a commercial spa or create your personal sanctuary, we're here to help!

Shop Sauna Heater Supply

Final Take

Amerec sauna heaters offer customizability for different room sizes and heater types, so you can find exactly what you need.

You can pair Amerec heaters with innovative controllers for more convenience and an added safety layer. It has a higher price point compared to other brands, but its durability, performance, and customer support will satisfy both new and experienced bathers.

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