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There are tons of options when it comes to finding an infrared sauna, and trying to select the best type of wood or heater can be an overwhelming exercise.
To help, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about infrared saunas, including infrared heater types, sizes & shapes available, sauna materials, and additional add-ons. By the time you’re done with this article, you should know everything you need to know about Infrared Saunas.
There are three main types of infrared sauna heaters you can choose from.
Carbon heaters produce long wave infrared heat and they’re known for their safety, efficiency, and emit a gentle yet powerful heat. The heat is evenly distributed throughout the sauna and tends to provide the body with even heat exposure.
Carbon fiber heaters (like the one used in this Maxxus 2-person sauna) offer 40% more efficiency than ceramic heaters. In general, they are more durable with a significantly lower risk of damage or breaking because carbon panels are not as fragile as ceramic. This also allows carbon heaters to endure the high-temperature environment and offer a longer lifespan.
While infrared saunas that use carbon heaters are energy-efficient and offer a longer lifespan, they are not as affordable as their ceramic counterpart.
Ceramic heaters heat ceramic rods until they get red hot. Ceramic heaters are known for the immediate efficiency in heating your sauna as they can produce a high quantity of heat in such a short time span.
However, because of ceramic heaters efficiency, they can also reach high temperatures very quickly. Ceramic heaters tend to offer shorter lifespan than other options (though still decades-long), due to the possibility of shattering or cracking of the ceramic material.
These heaters are efficient at conserving energy and offer lower purchasing costs in comparison to carbon heaters. This TheraSauna 2-person sauna is a great example of a ceramic heater infrared sauna.
The carbon/ceramic combo heaters can offer the best of both worlds. They provide the safety and durability of carbon and the quick-heating capability and affordability of the carbon-ceramic infrared combo.
You can get infrared saunas in all shapes, sizes, and materials to fit the aesthetics of your home. Infrared saunas are available in super-compact, one-person sizes all the way up to 6-person sizes. Here is a brief description of sizes and materials:
Some of the popular Infrared sauna shapes and sizes are:
The compact 1 to 2 person size, like the Dynamic Cindy Edition:
Corner shape design, like this one from Dynamic Saunas:
Classic cabin-shaped infrared saunas, like this TheraSauna Infrared Sauna for 4 people:
Infrared saunas come in three major varieties of material.
Hemlock wood is the most popular choice of material for infrared saunas due to its light color and affordability. Hemlock wood is shrink resistant giving it a longer life span compared to its counterparts. It also resists splitting and cracking.
When it comes to the health aspect, hemlock is non-toxic, non-allergenic with little to no aroma, which creates an enjoyable and beneficial atmosphere for your body during sauna sessions.
Red cedar is a popular infrared sauna material choice. Although it is more expensive, it offers extreme strength and lighter weight in comparison to hemlock. Most sauna users find red cedar’s intense aroma adds a pleasurable addition to their infrared sauna experience.
Aspen is a clear wood that comes from the trees grown at high elevations. It is non-toxic and is completely free from any aroma, natural oils, and resins that may cause discomfort for some sauna users. Because of that, it is the material of choice for Finnish hospital saunas.
For avid infrared sauna users, you should consider adding customizations and accessories to complete the ease and benefits of your experience.
An ionizer fan, also known as air ionizer or oxygen ionizer removes odors, microbes, and particulates from the air in your infrared sauna. An Air ionizer can help make the air within the sauna healthier for use, especially if you have allergies or suffer from asthma or other respiratory-related health issues. Available on these TheraSauna models.
The accessory kit for an infrared sauna includes a magazine rack, towel hanger, and cup holder. Enjoy added convenience with a designated place for your towel or robe, your reading materials, and of course, your all-important water source.
Whether you are looking for a specific type, style, or material for your infrared sauna, or just trying to figure out the options available, we hope this guide will help you get started. If you have any questions about finding the perfect infrared sauna for your needs, please
reach out to us or use the chat option on this page.