Learn about an infrared vs a traditional sauna. This guide will help you compare and determine which of these two saunas is right for you.
Saunas are one of the most popular home upgrades in Canada. If you’re shopping for a sauna and wondering whether infrared or traditional is right for you, this information can help you decide.
Why Does the Type of Sauna You Choose Matter?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that infrared and traditional saunas are not the same. Each has benefits and drawbacks, but the right choice for you depends on your goals.
So what’s the difference?
Infrared saunas heat the body directly, while traditional saunas heat the air around you. While this might seem like it’s just different ways of delivering the same thing (heat), there are actually differences when it comes to comfort, health, operating costs, installation, and long-term value.
How Do Saunas Work?
Understanding how saunas work will make it easier to choose between infrared and traditional saunas.
Infrared saunas:
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Use infrared panels to emit radiant heat up to 60 degrees C
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Offer direct skin-penetrating heat
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Do not use steam; only dry heat
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Offer gradual, targeted heat
Traditional saunas:
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Use an electric or wood heater that warms stones (The Huum Drop Electric Sauna Heater [HuumDrop4.5] is a good example.)
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Stones heat the air to temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius
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Require water poured over the stones to create steam
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Create a whole-room intense heat
Our favourite traditional sauna model is the Pure Cube Hudson Sauna - Clear Red Cedar (HUDSON). It offers a charming and sophisticated design that’s fully customizable.
These differences affect comfort level, how much you sweat, and how long it’s safe and/or necessary to remain in the sauna to achieve optimal benefits.
Your Sauna Experience
Once you understand how each of the different types of saunas works, you’re likely wondering how each will feel when you use them.
Infrared saunas offer a gentler, more gradual warming experience. This means sweat develops more slowly, making it easier for many people to breathe, especially those sensitive to heat. Most people report that they can stay in an infrared sauna longer and feel more relaxed after a session.
In a traditional sauna, you’ll experience immediate, intense heat. Most people sweat shortly after entering this type of sauna, but you can adjust the humidity level if it’s too much. Rarely can people stay in traditional saunas for as long as they can in an infrared sauna.
How do you know which is right for you? It depends on your goals and personal preferences, but in general, if you prefer intense heat in a traditional spa ritual, you’ll likely prefer the traditional sauna. If you plan to use the sauna frequently as part of your wellness routine, an infrared sauna is likely a better option.
Practical Considerations
In addition to your personal preference and your intended use of the sauna, your choice should also be based on practical considerations, including cost, space, and installation.
Traditional saunas require more insulation than infrared models. They have a higher electrical demand and usually have a larger footprint, so they require more space. They also take longer to heat up, placing further demands on your electrical supply.
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, can often be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Many models feature compact designs that fit into smaller spaces. They’re well-suited to indoor use and are faster to set up and heat up than their traditional counterparts.
Many of these factors affect the cost of the sauna. In most cases, traditional saunas are going to cost more to set up and operate, even if the base cost of the sauna is less than that of an infrared model. However, how often you use your sauna will determine the real cost difference over time.
Choosing the Best Sauna for Your Home
Saunas, regardless of the type you choose, offer a range of benefits. A sauna experience provides relaxation, muscle recovery support, stress reduction, and circulatory stimulation. Many people believe that sweating helps eliminate toxins from the body, while others believe that infrared light provides health benefits.
There is no such thing as a bad sauna experience for your home. You just need to take practical considerations and your health and wellness goals into account when making your choice. You’ll also want to consider your budget, how often you’ll use the sauna, and your heat tolerance.
If you’d like to know more about how installing a sauna can enhance your at-home health regimen and add value to your home, we can help. If you’re new to sauna ownership and you’d like guidance in choosing the right model, visit us at Pool Products Canada.