When deciding to add a sauna to your wellness routine, you’ll quickly encounter two main types: infrared saunas and traditional saunas. Both offer heat therapy but differ in how they generate and deliver heat, the experience they provide, and their benefits. Understanding these differences can help you choose the sauna that best suits your preferences, health goals, and living space.
How Each Sauna Type Heats the Body
Traditional Saunas use an electric or wood-burning heater to warm the air inside the sauna to high temperatures—usually between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C). The hot air raises your skin temperature, causing you to sweat profusely. Steam can be added by pouring water over heated rocks, increasing humidity and heat intensity.
Infrared Saunas, on the other hand, use infrared panels to emit light waves that directly penetrate your skin and warm your body without significantly heating the surrounding air. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, typically between 110°F and 140°F (43°C to 60°C), offering a gentler heat experience.
Installation and Energy Efficiency
Traditional saunas often require more time and space for installation, as they need proper ventilation and sufficient clearance around heaters. They may also require a dedicated electrical circuit, especially for larger models. Their high operating temperatures mean they consume more energy during each session.
Infrared saunas are usually easier and faster to install. Many models come as plug-and-play units requiring only a standard electrical outlet. Because they operate at lower temperatures, infrared saunas generally consume less electricity, making them more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
Health Benefits Unique to Each Type
Traditional saunas are known for improving cardiovascular health, promoting detoxification through intense sweating, and relieving muscle soreness with deep heat. The humid steam option can also benefit respiratory health.
Infrared saunas provide similar benefits but are especially valued for their ability to penetrate deeper into muscle tissue, potentially offering enhanced pain relief and quicker muscle recovery. The lower temperature makes infrared saunas accessible to people who might find traditional sauna heat overwhelming.
Cost and Maintenance Differences
Traditional saunas often have a higher upfront cost due to complex construction and heating systems. Maintenance includes periodic replacement of heater stones and ensuring electrical safety.
Infrared saunas usually have a lower initial price and minimal maintenance. Their heating panels have a long lifespan and require occasional cleaning. However, some users may prefer the traditional sauna experience despite the higher cost.
User Experience and Preferences
Traditional saunas provide a classic, time-honored sauna experience—dry or steam heat envelops the entire body, with the added sensory elements of crackling wood or heated stones.
Infrared saunas offer a more gentle, sometimes more meditative experience, with lower ambient temperatures and faster heat-up times. They’re often preferred by people with heat sensitivity or certain medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
Both traditional and infrared saunas offer tremendous health and relaxation benefits. Your choice depends on your personal preferences for heat intensity, installation requirements, and budget. At Hot-O.org, we offer a variety of both sauna types, crafted from premium materials to deliver a luxurious experience tailored to your needs.
Have questions? Contact us at 📧 sales@hot-o.org for personalized advice to find the perfect sauna for you.
