Infrared vs. traditional sauna: which fits your home?
Venrell is reader-supported: if you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
| Infrared | Traditional | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Infrared panels warm the body more directly | Heater warms air and stones |
| Air temperature | Lower | Higher |
| Steam (löyly) | No | Yes, water on the stones |
| Warm-up time | Usually shorter | Usually longer |
| Power | Some small units use standard outlets; larger ones may need a dedicated circuit | Most electric heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit |
| Best for | Indoor spaces, people who dislike very hot air | Classic sauna lovers, outdoor builds |
How to decide
If you want the classic hot, steamy experience, go traditional. If you have limited space, want something closer to plug-and-play and prefer gentler air temperatures, start with infrared.
Next step: see the brands we'd shortlist.