Questions?
512-777-0154
Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: Which Is Better for Your Home?
The main difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is how they heat you. A traditional sauna heats the air, typically to about 150 to 185°F, using an electric or wood stove topped with stones. An infrared sauna uses infrared panels to warm your body directly, so the air stays cooler, usually around 120 to 150°F. Infrared saunas heat up faster and are often smaller. Traditional saunas get hotter and let you add steam by pouring water on the stones.
Here's how the two compare on heat, setup, cost, and experience, so you can choose the right sauna for your home.
Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna at a Glance
| Infrared sauna | Traditional sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Infrared panels warm your body directly | Stove heats stones and the air |
| Typical temperature | About 120 to 150°F | About 150 to 185°F |
| Heat-up time | About 10 to 30 minutes | About 45 to 60 minutes |
| Steam option | No stones, so no steam | Yes, ladle water on the stones |
| Typical size | 1 to 4 people | 2 to 6+ people |
| Electrical | Often simpler hookups (check each model) | Usually a dedicated circuit, or wood-fired |
| Feel | Gentle, deep warmth | Intense, classic sauna heat |
Temperature and heat-up ranges are typical figures from sauna maker Almost Heaven. Always check the specs for the model you're considering.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Infrared saunas use carbon or ceramic panels that emit infrared light, which warms your skin and body rather than the surrounding air. Because the air doesn't need to get as hot, many people find infrared sessions easier to tolerate and stay in longer. You'll see a few types:
- Far infrared: the most common type in home saunas. The Dynamic San Marino Elite 2 Person Ultra Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna is one example.
- Full spectrum: combines near, mid, and far infrared heaters, like the Dynamic Santiago 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna.
- Low EMF: many brands now design heaters to reduce electromagnetic field levels, listed in the product specs.
How Traditional Saunas Work
A traditional sauna heats a stove filled with rocks. The hot stones heat the air in the room, and pouring water over them creates a burst of steam called löyly that raises the humidity and makes the heat feel stronger. It's the classic Finnish sauna experience, and it's built for groups.
Traditional saunas come as indoor cabins like the Golden Designs Forssa 3-4 Person Traditional Sauna or outdoor barrel saunas like the Golden Designs Arosa 4 Person Barrel Traditional Sauna.
Key Differences That Matter at Home
Heat and Experience
If you love intense heat and steam, choose traditional. If you prefer a gentler session you can stay in longer, infrared is a good fit.
Warm-Up Time
Infrared saunas are ready sooner, which makes quick daily sessions easier. Traditional saunas take longer to come up to temperature.
Space and Capacity
Infrared saunas are often compact one- and two-person units that fit in a bedroom, basement, or home gym. Traditional saunas range from small cabins to large outdoor barrels for a group.
Installation and Power
Many infrared units are designed for simpler electrical hookups, while traditional electric heaters usually need a dedicated, higher-capacity circuit. Requirements vary by model, so check the spec sheet and have an electrician review your panel.
Indoor or Outdoor
Most infrared saunas are built for indoor use. Traditional saunas include many outdoor-rated models, from barrel saunas to cabins like the Golden Designs Drammen Outdoor-Indoor Traditional Sauna. Browse outdoor saunas if you want one in the backyard.
Which Sauna Is Right for You?
Choose an infrared sauna if you want faster warm-up, lower air temperatures, a compact indoor unit, and easy daily sessions.
Choose a traditional sauna if you want high heat and steam, room for family and friends, or an outdoor sauna as a backyard centerpiece.
Still weighing a sauna against a steam room? Read sauna vs. steam room, then compare models in our saunas collection.
Sauna Safety Tips
- Start with shorter sessions and increase gradually.
- Hydrate before and after.
- Avoid alcohol before or during a session.
- Talk to your doctor first if you're pregnant or have a heart condition or other health concern.
Infrared vs Traditional Sauna FAQs
Is an infrared sauna as good as a traditional sauna?
They're different experiences rather than better or worse. Infrared runs cooler and heats faster; traditional gets hotter and lets you add steam.
How hot does an infrared sauna get?
Typically about 120 to 150°F, compared with about 150 to 185°F for a traditional sauna.
Can you pour water in an infrared sauna?
No. Infrared saunas don't have hot stones, so there's no way to create steam, and water can damage the heaters.
Which sauna heats up faster?
Infrared saunas usually warm up in about 10 to 30 minutes. Traditional saunas often take 45 to 60 minutes.
Can an infrared sauna go outside?
Most are designed for indoor use. If you want an outdoor sauna, look for an outdoor-rated traditional or barrel sauna.