Investing in a home sauna is a fantastic way to bring the relaxation and health benefits of spa experiences into your daily life. Saunas offer a range of wellness perks, from stress relief and improved circulation to detoxification and muscle recovery.
But before you make your purchase, you’ll need to decide between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna—two options that provide distinct experiences and benefits.
Both types of saunas offer soothing heat and relaxation, but they differ in how they generate warmth, their energy efficiency, and how they impact your body.
To help you choose the right sauna for your home, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and factors to consider before making your decision.
Understanding the Key Differences Between Traditional and Infrared Saunas
Before diving into the benefits and drawbacks of each, it’s essential to understand how traditional and infrared saunas work. The primary distinction lies in the way they produce heat and how they warm your body.
Traditional Sauna: Steam and High Heat
- Uses a heater (electric, wood-burning, or gas) to warm the air inside an enclosed space.
- Can reach high temperatures between 150°F and 195°F.
- Water can be poured over heated rocks to generate steam and increase humidity.
- The high heat warms your body from the outside in by heating the air around you.
Infrared Sauna: Direct Body Penetration
- Uses infrared light to emit heat that directly penetrates your skin.
- Operates at lower temperatures, typically between 120°F and 150°F.
- Produces dry heat with little to no humidity.
- The infrared rays heat your body from the inside out, raising your core temperature without significantly heating the air around you.
Both types of saunas offer relaxation and health benefits, but their heating methods create different user experiences. Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of each option.
Benefits of a Traditional Sauna
Traditional saunas have been used for centuries in Finnish and Nordic cultures, offering a classic sauna experience with intense heat and humidity control.
Pros of a Traditional Sauna
- Authentic Experience – If you love the ritual of a steamy sauna session, this is the best choice. The ability to pour water over rocks creates a soothing and immersive environment.
- Sweat-Inducing Detoxification – The high heat encourages deep sweating, which helps flush out toxins and supports skin health.
- Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief – The intense heat can help loosen tight muscles, ease joint pain, and promote faster post-workout recovery.
- Humidity Control – By adjusting the amount of water poured onto the heater rocks, you can control the humidity level to suit your comfort.
Cons of a Traditional Sauna
- Longer Heat-Up Time – Traditional saunas can take 30-45 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
- Higher Energy Use – Because they heat the air first, traditional saunas consume more energy than infrared models.
- More Space Required – These saunas are typically larger, making them more challenging to install in smaller homes.
- Higher Operating Costs – Electric or wood-burning heaters may lead to increased energy or fuel expenses over time.
If you love the intense heat and classic sauna experience, a traditional sauna may be the right fit. However, if energy efficiency and convenience are priorities, an infrared sauna could be a better option.
Benefits of an Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas have gained popularity in recent years due to their modern technology, lower operating temperatures, and efficiency.
Pros of an Infrared Sauna
- Lower Heat Levels for Comfort – If you find traditional saunas too hot, infrared saunas provide a milder experience with similar benefits.
- Energy Efficient – Infrared saunas use less energy than traditional saunas, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
- Faster Warm-Up Time – These saunas can heat up in 10-15 minutes, allowing for quicker sessions.
- Deep Tissue Heating – The infrared rays penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially enhancing circulation and muscle recovery without overwhelming heat.
- Compact and Easy to Install – Infrared saunas are available in smaller sizes, making them ideal for apartments, basements, or even portable use.
Cons of an Infrared Sauna
- No Steam or Humidity – If you enjoy steam or controlling humidity levels, an infrared sauna won’t provide that experience.
- Less Intense Sweating – While infrared saunas induce sweating, the lower heat levels may not promote the same detox effect as a traditional sauna.
- Different Sensation – Some people miss the feeling of being surrounded by high heat, which a traditional sauna provides.
- Limited Multi-Person Use – Since many infrared saunas are compact, they may not accommodate as many people as larger traditional models.
Infrared saunas are great for those who prefer a gentler heat with energy efficiency and quick access. However, if you crave the classic sauna experience, you may prefer a traditional setup.
Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Home
To decide between a traditional or infrared sauna, consider the following factors:
Available Space
- Traditional saunas require more space, often needing a dedicated sauna room.
- Infrared saunas are compact and can fit into smaller areas or be portable.
Budget and Energy Costs
- Traditional saunas have higher upfront and operating costs due to their heating mechanisms.
- Infrared saunas are more affordable and consume less energy meaning lower price tag and lower overall cost of ownership. Dynamic Saunas, Maxxus and SunRay are well known and affordable options.
Heat Tolerance and Health Needs
- If you enjoy intense heat and sweating, a traditional sauna is the best choice.
- If you have heat sensitivity or want a milder experience, go with infrared.
Frequency of Use
- Traditional saunas require longer heating times, making them better for extended sessions.
- Infrared saunas heat up quickly, making them more convenient for daily use.
Desired Experience
- If you want a classic spa experience with steam and humidity, a traditional sauna is ideal.
- If you prefer a modern, energy-efficient approach, an infrared sauna is a great fit.
Which Sauna Is Right for You?
Both traditional and infrared saunas offer relaxation, wellness benefits, and a luxurious escape within your home. The best choice depends on your preferences, space, budget, and how you plan to use your sauna.
- Choose a traditional sauna if you love high heat, steam, and a traditional spa experience.
- Choose an infrared sauna if you want energy efficiency, quick heating, and a more comfortable heat level.
No matter which type you choose, adding a sauna to your home is a fantastic way to invest in your health, reduce stress, and create a personal retreat for years to come. Now, all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the heat!
