Traditional Sauna vs Infrared Sauna: Which Is Best for You?

The comparison of traditional saunas vs infrared saunas is an important one when it comes to choosing the right sauna for you. People have been using traditional saunas (also called Finnish saunas or steam saunas) since around 7000 BC. But in 1965, a Japanese doctor, Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, used an infrared thermal system to create the first infrared sauna used for therapeutic purposes.

The traditional sauna vs infrared sauna debate continues today. Continue reading to learn about each type, its pros and cons, and how to decide which is best for you.

What Is a Traditional Sauna?

Simply put, a traditional sauna is a room with a heat source that creates a hot environment, often ranging from 150 to 195°F. The first known saunas were pits dug into the ground and used large rocks that were heated in a fire before being brought into the sauna. 

Today, steam saunas tend to be heated with an electric radiator that heats up rocks to radiate heat. But some still use a wood- or gas-burning stove to heat up the room.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Traditional Sauna?

In order to compare a traditional sauna vs infrared sauna, we first need to look at the pros and cons of a traditional sauna.

Pros of a Traditional Sauna

Traditional saunas have been used for thousands of years for their numerous health benefits. Some of these benefits are improved cardiovascular function, enhanced immune system, muscle relaxation, improved mood, more mental clarity, a reduction in stress, clearer skin, and reduced inflammation, just to name a few.

Traditional saunas tend to be bigger than infrared saunas, allowing for a more social experience. This is a big part of Finnish sauna culture, as saunas are seen as a place to gather and socialize. 

Cons of a Traditional Sauna

Traditional saunas heat up to a higher temperature than infrared saunas—often ranging from 150 to 195°F. And because they tend to be bigger, it takes more time and more energy to heat up. 

This can make it more difficult to have an impromptu session, as it requires a bit more planning on the user’s part. Because it takes longer to heat up, it requires more energy to heat up, which means a higher electricity bill. 

Even though regular sauna use has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system, the high temperatures mean that certain people with medical or health conditions should avoid them. 

Some of these include those with cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, low blood pressure, and hypertension. Anyone with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should also avoid the high heat of traditional saunas. And if you’re particularly heat-sensitive or prone to dehydration, a traditional sauna might not be for you.

Always check with a medical professional to see if sauna use is right for you!

As traditional saunas tend to be bigger than infrared saunas, this means you’ll need more room in your home to install one. Although, for many, this can be seen as a benefit!

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Infrared Sauna?

In order to compare a traditional sauna vs infrared sauna, we first need to look at the pros and cons of an infrared sauna.

Pros of an Infrared Sauna

Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly. IR saunas use specialized heaters to emit infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. When this light hits our body, we experience it not as light energy, but as heat energy. This means the ambient temperature—usually between 120 and 140°F—is lower than that of a traditional sauna.

For those who don’t want to sit in the very high temperatures of a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna offers a more gentle heat experience. This is because infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly, rather than heating up the entire room. Some users report that they find it easier to breathe in an infrared sauna for this reason.

Another benefit is that the infrared rays in these saunas penetrate the skin more deeply. This can potentially lead to more effective detoxification at the cellular level. This deep tissue heating can stimulate the body’s natural sweating process, which may help to eliminate toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities.

Because infrared saunas tend to be smaller than traditional saunas and operate at a lower temperature, they require less time and energy to heat up. This means it’s easier to have an impromptu session and lower electricity bills in the long term. The smaller size of an infrared sauna means if you want to install your own personal sauna but don’t have a lot of space in your home, an IR sauna may be right for you.

Many people find infrared saunas easier to clean and maintain. Because infrared saunas don’t produce steam, there’s less of a chance that mold or mildew will grow in it. Simply wiping down your IR sauna after each use is enough to keep your infrared sauna clean. It’s recommended to deep clean your infrared sauna every two weeks with a 10% vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution.

Cons of an Infrared Sauna

One of the more common disadvantages of an infrared sauna is the lack of a “traditional” feel to it. Some sauna users prefer the hot feeling they get in a traditional sauna. And because infrared saunas don’t get as hot as traditional saunas, some people feel they might be missing out. However, even though it doesn’t provide that same hot feeling, the health benefits are still there.

In some lower-quality models of infrared saunas, you may experience uneven heating of the body. In traditional saunas, the entire room is heated, meaning every inch of your skin is exposed to this heat. 

Infrared saunas emit infrared light to heat the body. If the IR heaters are improperly positioned, it may result in uneven heating of the body, thus resulting in fewer health benefits of the IR sauna. (This is similar to how a cold plunge exposes the entire body to the cold, while a cold shower may only reach certain parts of your body.)

Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality infrared saunas on the market with strong, properly placed heaters that heat the entire cabin evenly.

The final disadvantage to infrared heaters is that they tend to have a higher up-front cost. However, due to the size and temperature differences between a traditional and IR sauna, you will have a lower electricity bill in the long term. Over time, it’s likely that you will recoup this initial cost through a lower electricity bill. 

Traditional vs Infrared Saunas: Which Is Best For You?

Choosing between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna can be a tough choice. But figuring out what you want from your sauna is the best place to start. There are a few things to consider when choosing between them.

First decide if you want to incorporate a sauna routine at your local sauna or if you want to install one in your home.

Choosing a Local Sauna

A traditional sauna at a local wellness center or gym is ideal if you value the social aspect of sauna use. Traditional saunas are often larger and can accommodate more people, which can create a communal atmosphere reminiscent of Finnish culture. This can be a great choice if you enjoy interacting with others and making sauna use part of a social or fitness routine.

Additionally, local sauna facilities are often well-maintained and equipped with high-quality systems. This ensures a consistent and authentic sauna experience without the hassle of home maintenance. This is a suitable option for anyone who doesn’t have space at home or is hesitant to make a significant financial investment of installing a sauna.

Visiting a local facility that offers infrared saunas can be a great way to experience the benefits of this technology without the significant up-front cost of buying one. Infrared saunas tend to be smaller and provide a more private experience. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a quieter, more meditative environment.

The lower ambient temperatures (120 to 140°F) make infrared saunas accessible to a broader range of people, including those who may be sensitive to high heat. This option allows you to test out the benefits of infrared technology before deciding if it’s something you’d like to have in your home.

Installing a Sauna at Home

Installing a traditional sauna at home is a perfect choice for those who want to bring the authentic sauna experience into their daily lives. If you have enough space and enjoy the high temperatures and social aspects of traditional saunas, this can be a rewarding investment. 

Home traditional saunas can be a wonderful addition to your wellness routine, providing all the benefits of improved cardiovascular function, muscle relaxation, and stress relief. However, be mindful of the space requirements and the higher energy consumption, which may result in increased utility bills.

An infrared sauna is an excellent home installation option for those with limited space or a preference for lower temperatures. These saunas are generally smaller and consume less energy, making them more cost-effective in the long run. They heat up quickly, allowing for spontaneous use, and the lower temperatures can be more comfortable for extended sessions. 

Infrared saunas are also easier to maintain, requiring only regular wipe-downs and periodic deep cleaning. This makes them a good choice for those who want the convenience of at-home sauna therapy without extensive upkeep. The deeper penetration of infrared rays can enhance detoxification and muscle recovery, appealing to those interested in specific health benefits.

If you’re unsure which is best for you, it’s best to experience each of these types of saunas for yourself before buying. Check out our listings page to find a sauna near you. You’ll be able to experience the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna and decide which is right for you.