You’ve decided to purchase a home sauna, but you’re not sure whether you want a traditional or an infrared model. This hesitation is common. Your decision can mean the difference between a great investment and a passing fad that you’ll regret for years to come.
In this guide, we look deeper into each option, examining the differences, health benefits and costs, helping you to make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Quick Overview
Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas in that they directly heat the body using infrared light, while traditional saunas heat the surrounding air with a stove and sauna stones. Infrared saunas offer several health benefits and are often more cost-effective to operate. However, many sauna enthusiasts still favor traditional saunas for their health benefits and ritualistic experience.
Table of Contents
- Infrared vs traditional sauna: Compare at a glance
- What is an infrared sauna?
- How does an infrared sauna affect temperature, feel and atmosphere?
- Infrared light: Health benefits
- Cost and maintenance of an infrared sauna
- What is a traditional sauna?
- Traditional sauna: Health benefits
- Cost and maintenance of a traditional sauna
- Which sauna is right for you?
- FAQs
Infrared vs traditional sauna: Compare at a glance
Infrared and traditional saunas differ considerably in heating method, effects on the body, and long-term health benefits. Purchasing a sauna for home use requires a good understanding of these differences.
| Benefit | Infrared sauna | Traditional sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Primary heat mechanism | Radiation | Convection |
| Operating temperature | 48°C to 60°C | 80°C to 100°C |
| Cardiovascular effect | Moderate (mimics light to moderate walking) | High (mimics moderate to high intensity walking) |
| Tissue penetration | Deep | Superficial |
| Effect on health and longevity | Emerging (increased scientific interest in its benefits) | Extensive (backed by decades of studies) |
| Average session duration | 30-45 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
What is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna uses electric panels to emit electromagnetic wavelengths. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air, these panels heat your skin directly. If you’ve stood near a fireplace, you will understand what infrared heat feels like. The fire directly heats the side of your body facing it. The surrounding air does not affect heat transfer or the fire's temperature.
Infrared sauna cabins are characterised by the light waves they emit. There are three wavelength profiles that each create different effects.
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Far-infrared light: The most common type of infrared heat therapy. It deeply penetrates the skin and muscles without causing any damage, triggering an intense sweat response.
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Mid-infrared light: Penetrates deep enough to increase blood flow, muscle soreness and deep relaxation.
- Near-infrared light: Operates at lower wavelengths and primarily targets the skin. It helps improve skin tone and collagen production and soothes joints.
How does an infrared sauna affect temperature, feel and atmosphere?
Infrared heaters operate at much lower temperatures than a traditional steam sauna (43°C to 57°C) and gently warm the body. The most common types emit far-infrared light, which deeply penetrates the body and raises core body temperature.
One myth about infrared saunas is that they don’t cause you to sweat. This isn’t the case. Infrared saunas can cause intense sweating and cardiovascular effects comparable to those of a moderate workout.
Infrared radiation creates a soothing, highly breathable atmosphere, similar to sitting outside in the sun. The visible red light promotes a boost in mood because it lowers cortisol levels and stimulates the body’s ‘feel-good’ hormones. The soft, amber-red glow of a far-infrared sauna mimics the calming tones of a sunset or a warm fire, creating a therapeutic experience.
Infrared light: Health benefits
The use of light waves in medicine and beauty therapies is well known, but infrared saunas have only recently become popular for home use. The benefit of treating certain ailments and conditions at home cannot be overstated. One study looked into the effects of infrared light on several conditions, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, skin aging and cardiovascular conditions. The researchers concluded that it shows potential for managing these conditions when used regularly.
Infrared sauna is especially beneficial for painful joint conditions, muscle soreness and back pain, as it can warm those areas directly and increase blood circulation. This improved circulation also eases the inflammation associated with these conditions.
Other health benefits include skin rejuvenation through increased collagen production, stress reduction, muscle recovery and better heart health.
Cost and maintenance of an infrared sauna
Infrared saunas are among the most economical to own. They are reported to consume 70%-80% less electricity because they don’t require pre-heating and operate at lower temperatures. On average, the monthly cost is between £6.11 and £13.32.
Maintenance on infrared models is simple and low-cost. There are no stoves to clean or stones to replace. Occasional cleaning of the cabin and heater panels is sufficient to keep the sauna in good condition. This makes them a practical option for regular home use.
Further insight: Discover how much a sauna costs to run in the UK.
What is a traditional sauna?
Traditional saunas operate by adjusting the cabin's air temperature using a wood, gas or electric stove filled with rocks. As the rocks heat up, they create hot air within the cabin. This is different from infrared, which directly heats the body without changing the air temperature. Sauna users can also create steam by pouring water directly onto the heated rocks.
The main difference between traditional sauna cabins is the type of stove used. Finnish saunas use wood-burning stoves, and contemporary saunas can use either wood, gas or electric stoves. Each type of stove creates a different experience for the sauna user.
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Wood-burning stove: Dry logs are used as fuel, and the temperature is manually controlled.
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Gas stove: Powered by natural gas, it provides reliable, continuous heat via thermostat control.
- Electric stove: Uses heating elements or coils to heat sauna stones. Temperature controlled by digital thermostats.
How does a traditional sauna affect temperature, feel and atmosphere?
Traditional saunas operate at a high heat of between 70°C and 93 °C. This creates a hot and humid environment that triggers intense sweating and other physiological changes (increased heart rate, blood flow and muscle relaxation). Throwing water on the sauna stones immediately spikes the humidity and intensifies the feeling of heat on your skin.
Originating in the Baltics, the original sauna experience is deeply cultural, social and holistic. The sound of crackling wood or sizzling stones, the scent of burning logs, and the ritual of manually controlling the temperature give the entire experience a rustic feel.
Traditional saunas offer an immersive experience, but high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and thermal stress. As a result, sessions in traditional saunas should be shorter than those in infrared saunas, lasting between 20 and 30 minutes.
Traditional sauna: Health benefits
There is considerable evidence that traditional sauna bathing produces physiological effects. It affects the parasympathetic nervous system (promoting relaxation and well-being associated with sauna) and the sympathetic nervous system (giving sauna its cardiovascular benefits). [1]
Regular sauna users also report experiencing better mental health, reduced stress, better pain management and the improvement of inflammatory conditions. Research has also found a positive impact on blood pressure levels, hormone production and glucose levels. Despite these results, researchers are still trying to identify the exact mechanisms for these positive changes. [1]
Cost and maintenance of a traditional sauna
Traditional saunas cost more than infrared saunas to operate because they require longer heating time and run at higher temperatures. Wood-burning models also require the purchase of dry logs every month. Domestic gas and electric sauna stoves in the UK range from 4.5 kW to 9 kW, with 6 kW being the most popular option. This translates to an average monthly cost between £30.55 and £59.92.
Wood-burning saunas need regular maintenance, including the removal of fuel and ash, as well as chimney upkeep. Electric saunas require periodic inspection and replacement of sauna stones. While the maintenance for these types is more involved than for infrared saunas, many owners believe the authentic experience is worth the extra effort.
Which sauna is right for you?
The sauna that’s right for you depends on your personal health goals and sauna preferences. If you want gentler, lower temperatures and your focus is relaxation, muscle recovery and joint comfort, choose an infrared sauna.
If you're looking to elevate your wellness routine, a traditional sauna is the perfect choice. Known for its intense heat and optional steam, a classic sauna offers not only a truly authentic experience but also decades of scientific research supporting its numerous health benefits.
Invest in your health and well-being with a premium sauna cabin from Palmako. Their high-quality timber saunas offer homeowners a perfect balance between a traditional experience and a long-lasting investment.
FAQs: Infrared vs Traditional Sauna
1. Is an infrared or traditional sauna better?
Which sauna is better depends on your health and wellness goals. Infrared saunas operate by emitting radiant heat, which directly warms the skin. They are better for gently heating the skin and unwinding tense muscles. Traditional sauna sessions generate hot, moist air by combining water and heat. This can create an intense heat that has physiological effects (such as sweating and muscle relaxation. Both have health benefits, but an infrared sauna is a gentler experience.
2. What is an infrared sauna good for?
Infrared heat warms the body directly rather than the air. This makes regular infrared sauna sessions excellent for joint pain relief, stress reduction, relaxation and sleep. The raised body temperature and sweating also have a cardiovascular demand similar to walking at a moderate pace. This is good for people who cannot exercise due to physical impairment.
3. What is a traditional Finnish sauna good for?
Finnish sauna (traditional steam sauna) is good for relieving symptoms associated with cardiovascular conditions, respiratory conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions. They are also known to help relieve colds and support mental well-being. The benefits of passive heat have also been linked to anti-inflammatory effects and improved immune function. Finnish saunas have the most robust evidence regarding their health benefits because they have been the subject of several scientific studies. [1]
4. Is an infrared or electric sauna more cost-effective for home use?
The infrared sauna is more cost-effective than an electric sauna, costing between £6.11 and £13.32 per month to run. Compared with an electric heater, costing between £30.55 and £59.92 per month. This assumes 3-4 sauna sessions a week. However, cost should not be the only factor considered when choosing a sauna. Your personal health goals and sauna preferences will also play a role. Some people prefer the feel and atmosphere of an electric sauna to infrared heat.
Reviewed by the Palmako UK content team with insights from our garden building experts.
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