Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: Which One is Better?

Long ago in Finland, people discovered the benefits of sweating to promote good health and longevity. And they did it without wearing themselves out by running tens of miles or lifting weights.

It was through a brilliant discovery— using steam to raise the body’s temperature and encourage sweating.

Sauna sessions involved sitting in an enclosed room and pouring cold water over hot rocks. Apart from feeling relaxed, the therapeutic heat from the steam in traditional saunas provided several health benefits that modern science still supports.

Regular steam therapy leads to better physical health and mental well-being. Detoxing through sweating, a boost in heart health, and improved emotional regulation are but a few of the wellness aspects that you can experience from sauna sessions.

In recent years, a new form of body heating therapy has emerged that uses infrared energy instead of steam to warm up the body. Even though this is a relatively new technology, infrared saunas are shown to have the same sauana benefits as regular steam saunas.

You might have questions about how these two types compare and how they affect overall wellness. Today, we’ll explore the amazing world of saunas, and as we do so you’ll discover:

• Specific detox benefits of both infrared and traditional saunas
• Different models of infrared and traditional saunas for home use
• What to consider when selecting sauna equipment for your home

Let’s look deeper at these two categories and how they can help you experience a greater level of well-being.

Type 1: Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas have grown in popularity in recent years and continue to receive numerous positive reviews. But do they have significant advantages over the traditional saunas?

Infrared saunas use heat waves produced by carbon heaters to warm the steam room instead of the air. These waves are completely safe for the human body and cause no negative health effects.

Unlike traditional saunas that typically get up to 190° F, infrared saunas heat up to only 145° F. This lower temperature emitted makes the infrared variety comfortable for people with low heat tolerance.

If the thought of being a crab panting in a steaming pot has put you off from using traditional saunas, this new technology is here to save the day.

By using infrared light directly onto the muscles, the heat from infrared saunas penetrates the body deeply. This heat produces the same benefits as steam saunas, such as pain relief, but at lower temperatures. Win-win.

Also, since the air in the sauna room isn’t heated, this type of sauna provides more comfort for those who find it difficult to breathe in humid conditions.

Type 2: Traditional Saunas

Being surrounded by soothing steam in an enclosed room is what comes to mind when most people think about saunas.

This is what typical traditional saunas like the Golden Designs traditional cedar saunas offer, where the steam comes from water poured on hot rocks.

As the steam fills the room, it heats the air which then causes your body temperature to rise. Within a few minutes, you begin to sweat and in the process, toxins are released.

These saunas get much hotter than the infrared type and produce the same effect on your body as a workout session.

Traditional saunas are perfect for people with a high heat tolerance, or those who are trying to develop it.

If you already have a space you’re thinking of turning into a home sauna, here are some heaters to consider for your soon-to-be relaxation area.

Before we explore the 2 types of saunas you can purchase today, take a look at this video that shows how a traditional sauna in Finland works.

Traditional vs Infrared Sauna Cost Comparison

In general, infrared saunas tend to be less expensive than traditional saunas both in initial and ongoing costs. For the same capacity and features, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $4,000 for an infrared sauna. In contrast, a traditional sauna typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the size and materials.

1. Initial Purchase and Installation: Infrared saunas usually have lower installation costs due to their simpler setup and modular designs.

2. Operational Costs: Traditional saunas use more energy as they heat the air rather than directly heating the body, leading to higher operational costs compared to infrared saunas.

3. Maintenance Costs: Maintenance is typically higher for traditional saunas, which may require more upkeep to manage humidity and prevent mold.

4. Durability and Lifespan: While both sauna types are durable, the lower complexity of infrared saunas can lead to fewer repairs and lower long-term costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sauna is more energy efficient, infrared or traditional?

In general, infrared saunas are considered more energy-efficient compared to traditional saunas. This is because they work at lower temperatures and heat the body directly instead of heating the air as traditional saunas do.

They also take less time to reach operating temperature (10 to 15 minutes) unlike their traditional counterparts that need 30 to 45 minutes to warm up.

Which type of sauna is better for detoxification and pain relief?

You’ll experience detoxification and relief from muscle pains when you use either an infrared or traditional sauna. However, infrared saunas are generally favored since the heat they release deeply penetrates the muscles and promotes the elimination of toxins at a cellular level.

How long should sessions be in infrared and traditional saunas?

Infrared sauna sessions can last for 30-45 minutes. On the other hand, traditional saunas often involve multiple rounds of heat, so you can easily accumulate 45 minutes or more with breaks to cool down in between.

Pro Tip: Remember not to go more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time no matter what sauna you use to protect yourself from the risk of overheating your body.

Experience Unmatched Wellness at Home With Sun Valley Saunas

We’ve looked at both infrared and traditional saunas, and gone through their space requirements, materials, energy efficiency, and price points to see how they compare in terms of the value they provide.

While the decision to use either type of sauna is up to your personal preference, the Golden Designs Reserve 1-2 person unit gets top points for its space economy and flexibility of accommodating one person for alone time or two for an intimate session.

On the traditional sauna side, the Harvia Kip electric heater comes up top for its ability to sufficiently heat up large sauna rooms without leaving any cold air pockets.

Whichever type you prefer, you’ll find high-quality saunas and related accessories at Sun Valley Saunas. We have everything you need to experience all the relaxing, steamy awesomeness of saunas right in your home.

Ready to upgrade your wellness regimen? Browse our products today to find those that work best for your lifestyle.

Highly recommend buying from Sun Valley Saunas. High-quality products, great customer service, and easy to install. Two thumbs up. — Keline Kline, Verified Buyer

Wes McMahon, is the founder of Sun Valley Saunas and a seasoned ski town sauna enthusiast. In early 2021, Wes transitioned from being an attorney and sauna aficionado in Sun Valley, Idaho, to founding Sun Valley Saunas. His deep appreciation for the Finnish sauna tradition has helped him understand and select high-quality, hand-built saunas for customers throughout North America. Combined with his understanding of the therapeutic and communal benefits of sauna culture, he advocates for the wellness practices that saunas can bring to your overall health. Got questions? Get in touch by calling 1-855-963-5665 or info@sunvalleysaunas.com

Important: The information provided in our articles about saunas and related topics is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using saunas, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant. Individual health needs vary, and what benefits one person may not be suitable for another.