There are two main sauna types: infrared and traditional saunas. However, there's no such thing as the "best" sauna. It all boils down to what is the best sauna for you. The sauna you'll use the most is the best sauna, after all. In this guide, we'll explore indoor infrared vs traditional saunas, including their various health benefits, their differences, and how they work.

Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: How they work 

For centuries, saunas have been used as steam baths for health, purification, relaxation, and to help treat or prevent various health issues. According to research, sauna treatments can improve mood and pain, reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and heart disease, and even increase longevity. Recently, the infrared sauna, an alternative to the conventional Finnish-style sauna, has revolutionized how people use saunas. 

Due to their rising popularity, many homeowners always ask, "Is an infrared sauna better than a traditional sauna?" As previously mentioned, neither is better than the other – they’re just different! Let's look at the differences below.

What is a Traditional Sauna?

A traditional sauna is a wooden structure with either an electric or wood-burning stove that heat a set of sauna rocks. By applying water to the heated rocks, a hot and humid space is created in which users can sweat out impurities, toxins, etc. A traditional sauna can provide numerous health benefits and can be large enough to accommodate several people, but can also be smaller in size for just one or two individuals. Traditional saunas work by heating the air to heat the body. The air is heated first, then the skin, and eventually, the core body temperature rises.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

While traditional saunas utilize dry heat or steam to warm a room, an infrared sauna uses advanced infrared heaters to heat the body directly. The infrared heat raises thermal energy, which then induces a deep and relaxing sweat in the body. This infrared heat penetrates the tissue and skin deeper than the traditional one. Infrared saunas have proven benefits of improving sleep, relieving joint stiffness and pain, reducing stress, improving hair and skin condition, improving circulation, and detoxifying the body.

Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: The Primary Differences

On the surface, the traditional steam sauna and infrared sauna look similar. Both types are made of wood, whether using infrared panels or traditional wood burning, or electric stoves to heat them. The wood is used for several reasons:

• Wood was conventionally used in Finish saunas

• Wood is a natural insulator and helps maintain the heat in the sauna

• Wood is resistant to heat, and the right wood won't break or crack in the intense heat

• Wood never gets too hot to touch, making it cozy to sit in

  
  

Although they have similar functions, there are several key differences that you need to know before purchasing one for your home. Understanding these differences will help you weigh the benefits and downsides and make the correct decision based on the right type. Let's look at the seven important differences.

Heating Method

The main difference between infrared and traditional saunas is the heat-generating method. Traditional saunas consist of a single heater that heats the air, which warms the user. It is made of a wood-lined room heated through an electric heater filled with rocks. You pour water on the heated rocks to create relaxing and healing sauna steam. 

As your body warms up, a deep relaxing feeling sweeps over your muscles, joints, and ligaments, increasing blood flow. It's this aspect that gives a sauna its healing capabilities. The heat generated makes you sweat, which helps get rid of the body's toxins. Moreover, studies show that your hair and skin will improve significantly. 

On the other hand, infrared saunas generate quality heat to heat your body directly. The sauna energy waves from the heater enter your body, warming you up. The infrared sauna requires around fifteen minutes of heating up before use. The infrared heat absorbs into the body, raising thermal energy and causing deep sweating. 

The heat penetrates your muscles, ligaments, and nerves, causing blood to flow to these regions and allowing the important red blood cells to gather and repair your body. This process is similar in both sauna types. The only difference is that the traditional one transfers the heat to the body by heating the air, while the infrared type does so directly heating the body. 

Temperature

Saunas using steam or "hot rock" need an ambient air temperature of around 70-80 degrees to stimulate sweat. However, infrared saunas can sustain an air temperature below 60 degrees while generating more purifying perspiration. Infrared saunas have a temperature of between 46-57 degrees, while they can get to 85 degrees a traditional one. 

So, the air temperature in an infrared sauna isn't always the best indicator of how much heat the body takes in. The body is directly absorbing the energy waves and being directly warmed. Some sauna bathers may feel quite uncomfortable in the steamy environment of a traditional sauna. This makes an infrared sauna an ideal option for such people as it's easier to withstand. Some people, however, enjoy the hot steamy environment of a traditional sauna. 

Heat-Up Time

It takes 30-45 minutes to heat up for a traditional sauna. The rocks are usually heated to the ideal temperature for soft and heated steam during this period. On the other hand, it takes between 10 to 15 minutes to heat an infrared sauna. Infrared saunas normally heat the body directly, meaning you can enter as soon as the heaters have attained the desired temperature. 

Running Costs

The running costs of a sauna depend on the local costs per kilowatt-hour. You can find this on your power bill, the sauna's kilowatt rating, and how frequently you use the sauna. An infrared sauna is an energy-efficient option to traditional saunas because you don't have to wait as long before using it. 

When using it three times a week, you can spend approximately $25 monthly on electricity for an infrared type. In contrast, a conventional sauna with a 6kW element might cost around $35 monthly when used thrice a week. Note that an idle sauna won't cost you anything. Prices will vary depending on where you live, so to get the most accurate running cost, you should count the costs per kilowatt-hour using the heater's rating. 

Maintenance

A sauna is an investment to enjoy. Generally, saunas are low-maintenance, but like all things in life, will require regular cleaning and a bit of maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. If low maintenance is a top priority, an infrared sauna is your best bet. Because infrared saunas only produce dry heat, the lack of steam and humidity helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold. 

Conversely, traditional saunas are hot and humid spaces that can lead to mildew if not properly aired out. Therefore, you should clean your sauna regularly to keep it as hygienic as possible. Regardless of the sauna type, only use non-toxic and environmentally-friendly cleaning products. Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach. Additionally, sit on towels to avoid the build-up of sweat stains or germs on the benches and walls. 

The Ultimate Sauna Experience

Another difference between the two types is how they feel. Traditional saunas are steamy and hot spaces ideal for short sauna sessions. Usually, bathers can only bear the heat up to 80 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. During the session, some individuals prefer taking cold showers, which is known as “the Nordic Cycle.” 

In contrast, an infrared sauna produces lower heat that most people can enjoy in relative comfort. The heat remains at 50 to 60 degrees, devoid of humidity. Therefore, the ideal sauna experience depends on the heat type and the effect you want that heat to have on your body. 

Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: Pros and Cons

Traditional Sauna Pros:

A real sauna experience: Conventional Finnish saunas are hot and steamy. This is an advantage for any individual who enjoys high temperatures and steam. You can also enjoy a dry heat experience by not pouring water over the rocks. 

Humidity control: With a traditional sauna, you can control the humidity by removing or adding water. This allows you to set the humidity level as per your comfort level. 

Outdoor use:  Traditional saunas have the flexibility to be used indoors or outdoors. 

Aromatherapy: You can also choose the luxury of aromatherapy which implies generating your own steam. You can do this by adding different essential oils to the water that you pour over the sauna rocks. Saunas provide an amazing setting to experience the glow of healing heat. They're also an ideal place of solace and community where you can relax with friends and family. 

Traditional Sauna Cons: 

Takes longer to heat: A traditional sauna takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. In contrast, an infrared can take around ten to fifteen minutes to heat up. 

Shorter sessions: Generally, traditional sauna sessions lasts around 10 to 15 minutes due to the heat. However, you can extend the experience by limiting the amount of steam by not pouring water on the rocks. 

Infrared Sauna Pros:

No venting: An infrared sauna doesn't require a vent because of the lack of steam and dry heat.

Lower running costs: Infrared running costs are half as lower as traditional electric saunas.

Fast heat-up time: Unlike their traditional counterparts, infrared saunas only take 15-20 minutes to heat up.

Infrared Sauna Cons:

Limited outdoor use: Infrared saunas are not ideal for outdoor use.You can install them outdoors, but they should always be in a covered location, protected from the elements. 

Lacks humidity: The lack of humidity could be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a steamy environment, then an infrared sauna is not for you. However, this will be a welcome change if you love your sessions dry.