How to Decide Between a Traditional and Infrared Sauna?
Posted on 12 May 2025
Saunas have become a growing interest amongst health and wellness enthusiasts. With numerous physical and mental health benefits to reap, many homeowners are choosing to install outdoor saunas on the comfort of their own property. This not only offers convenience but can also lead to cost savings down the road. However, many homeowners have trouble deciding whether to invest in a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna. Both options are very popular, although they operate quite differently. If you are looking to invest in a home sauna in Chicago, browse SaunaFin’s website today to view our options!
Here are some tips on how to choose between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna.
Understanding How Each Sauna Works
The main difference between sauna heaters and infrared sauna panels is the way that they operate. Sauna heaters operate very similarly to any traditional, electric heater. They are plugged in and generate hot air that circulates throughout the sauna, raising the temperature inside to be well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared saunas are much different from heaters. These saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, leaving the air in the sauna at a more neutral temperature. These saunas are usually not as hot and are much less humid than traditional saunas equipped with a heater.
Benefits of Both Types of Saunas
Both traditional sauna heaters and infrared options can provide numerous health benefits to users, however, one option may be better than the other depending on your goals.
Benefits of Sauna Heaters
- Since sauna heaters heat the air inside the sauna, they promote intense sweating, which can be beneficial for detoxification
- Sauna heaters can help your sauna reach very high temperatures, which can be particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- The intense heat experienced inside a traditional sauna can optimize mental health benefits, including increased dopamine and serotonin and decreased cortisol.
- Most sauna heaters can offer steam as well when paired with sauna rocks
Benefits of Infrared Saunas
- Infrared saunas are able to target the body directly, heating it deep into your muscles and tissues. This makes this heating choice especially beneficial for muscle recovery and joint pain relief.
- Since the temperature inside infrared saunas is not as high and the air is less humid, it is well-tolerated by most people, especially those who struggle with heat.
- Infrared saunas use less energy than traditional sauna heaters, so they have lower operational costs and also heat up faster.
Select Your Perfect Sauna Heater at SaunaFin
If you are in the market for a home sauna or outdoor sauna for your property, you should definitely be considering what kind of heating option is best for you. Both options can offer significant benefits, however, infrared heaters may be better suited for you if your main goal is muscle relaxation and recovery. In most other cases, a sauna heater is preferable. However, for the best of both worlds, you can actually install both infrared panels and a heater to reap maximum benefits. Browse SaunaFin’s website today to build a custom quote for your home sauna in Chicago!
