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Infrared vs Traditional Sauna: Pros and Cons
Compare the heat, features, and practical considerations of infrared and traditional saunas to find the right fit for your home.
Choosing a home sauna is easier when you know what you want it to feel like. Do you picture a hot room with heated stones and the option to add steam? Or would you prefer the warmth of an infrared sauna at a lower air temperature?
A traditional sauna uses a heater and stones to warm the room. An infrared sauna uses emitters that warm you and the surfaces around you. The two experiences feel different, and the right choice depends on your preferences, available space, and budget.
Below, we’ll compare both types and look at Finnleo models available through Epic Hot Tubs, including an option that combines traditional and infrared heat.
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Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna: At a Glance
Compare the heat, installation considerations, and experience of each sauna type before deciding what works best for your home.
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| What to Compare | Infrared Sauna | Traditional Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Infrared emitters warm you directly, along with surfaces and air in the room. | An electric heater warms the sauna room and stones. |
| Heat experience | Generally lower air temperatures, with warmth from the emitters. | Hotter air surrounds you. Water added to approved stones creates steam. |
| Temperatures people enjoy | Finnleo says many people enjoy infrared saunas at 120–130°F. | Finnleo says many people enjoy traditional saunas at 150–175°F. |
| Warm-up | Finnleo says an infrared room may feel warm in as little as 10 minutes; reaching the upper temperature range can take longer. | Finnleo says a traditional sauna generally takes 30–60 minutes to heat fully. |
| Electrical needs | Vary by model. Some Finnleo S-Series models use 120V with a 15- or 20-amp circuit. | Vary by heater and model. Some compact Finnleo traditional models also have 15- or 20-amp options. |
| Placement | Consider the model’s approved location, dimensions, and electrical requirements. | Indoor and outdoor models are available. Follow the selected model’s installation requirements. |
| Best fit | An option to explore if you prefer infrared warmth at a lower air temperature. | An option to explore if you prefer a hotter room, sauna stones, and the option to add steam. |
Note: Temperatures describe preferences reported by Finnleo, not a recommendation for every person or model. Warm-up times and electrical requirements vary. Check the specifications and instructions for the exact sauna you choose.
Which Sauna Experience Is Right for You?
The best sauna for you depends on what you enjoy. Think about how you want the heat to feel, how much space you have, and whether you’d like the option to add steam.
Choose a Traditional Sauna If You Enjoy a Hotter Room
A traditional sauna is a good option to explore if you like the feeling of hot air surrounding you. With a compatible heater, you can pour water over the heated stones to create a burst of steam. Finnleo offers traditional sauna options for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Choose an Infrared Sauna If You Prefer a Lower Air Temperature
An infrared sauna may appeal to you if you prefer a warm environment with a lower air temperature. Finnleo’s S-Series offers several sizes, so you can compare seating and dimensions based on the space you have available.
What about both?
If you’re interested in both experiences, Finnleo also offers InfraSauna models that combine infrared panels and a traditional sauna heater in one room. We’ll include an example in the next section.
Compare Finnleo Sauna Options
Once you’ve decided what kind of heat you prefer, the next step is finding a sauna that fits your space and the number of people who will use it. Here are three Finnleo options to help you start comparing.
Finnleo S820: Infrared Heat for One or Two
The S820 is a two-person infrared sauna with CarbonFlex emitters. Its compact design makes it an option to consider for an indoor space, such as a home gym or a room set aside for relaxation.
Finnleo Hallmark 2: A Compact Traditional Sauna
The Hallmark 2 offers a traditional sauna experience in a compact footprint. It’s available in 15-amp and 20-amp versions, so you can compare the requirements for each model with your available space and electrical setup.
Finnleo IS440 InfraSauna: Traditional and Infrared Heat
Can’t decide between the two? The IS440 combines infrared panels and a traditional sauna heater in one room. It gives you the flexibility to choose the type of heat you want for a particular session.
Sauna Benefits: What Does the Research Say?
Many people enjoy sauna time as a way to relax and unwind. Researchers have also studied possible connections between regular sauna use and cardiovascular health, but there is still more to learn about how different sauna types affect health.
For example, a Finnish study followed 2,315 middle-aged men and found an association between more frequent sauna bathing and lower cardiovascular mortality. Because it was an observational study, it cannot prove that sauna use caused the difference or predict an individual’s results. The study examined traditional Finnish sauna habits, not a direct comparison with infrared saunas.
Research on both traditional and infrared saunas continues, but it’s not enough to say that one type offers better health outcomes for everyone. When choosing a sauna, consider the heat experience you prefer and how it fits your home.
If you have a health condition or are unsure whether sauna use is appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare professional before using one. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, stay hydrated, and leave the sauna if you feel unwell.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Sauna?
Purchase and Installation Costs
The price of a sauna depends on its size, design, features, and heating system. When comparing quotes, ask what’s included so you can plan for the full project and not just the sauna itself.
Your quote may include some services, while others may be separate. Ask about delivery, assembly, site preparation, electrical work, and any accessories you’d like to add.
Running Costs and Maintenance
Your electricity cost will depend on the sauna’s power rating, your utility rate, and how often and how long you use it. When comparing models, ask for their specifications so you can estimate costs using your own routine.
You’ll also want to plan for routine cleaning and model-specific care. Traditional sauna heaters use stones that need attention according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For an example calculation, read How Much Does a Sauna Cost to Run?.
Space and Installation Requirements
Before choosing a sauna, measure the space where you’d like it to go. Check the model’s exterior dimensions, required clearances, ceiling height, and door swing. You’ll also need to consider how the sauna will fit through doorways or other access points during delivery.
Both traditional and infrared saunas come in different sizes. Review the manufacturer’s instructions for the model you’re considering, including its flooring, ventilation, and electrical requirements. If you’re planning an outdoor installation, choose a sauna designed for outdoor use and check its base requirements.
Epic’s team can help you compare Finnleo models and discuss what to check before delivery and assembly.
Safety Considerations for Both Sauna Types
Hydration and Best Practices for Safe Sauna Sessions
Both traditional and infrared saunas expose you to heat, and everyone responds differently. Follow the instructions for your sauna, stay hydrated, and leave the sauna if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Avoid using a sauna after drinking alcohol or when you’re ill. If you’re pregnant, avoid sauna use and speak with your healthcare professional. If you have a medical condition, take medication that affects heat tolerance, or have questions about whether sauna use is right for you, check with your healthcare professional first.
A lower air temperature does not automatically make an infrared sauna safer or mean that longer or more frequent sessions are right for everyone.
Conclusion: Find the Right Finnleo Sauna for Your Home
Whether you prefer the heat of a traditional sauna or the warmth of an infrared model, the right choice depends on the experience you want and the space you have.
Epic Hot Tubs can help you compare Finnleo models, understand their requirements, and find an option for your home. Explore our saunas or contact our team with your questions.
FAQs About Infrared and Traditional Saunas
What is the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna?
A traditional sauna uses a heater and stones to warm the room around you. An infrared sauna uses emitters that warm you directly, along with surfaces and air in the room. Infrared saunas generally operate at lower air temperatures, while traditional saunas offer the option to add water to compatible heated stones for steam.
Which sauna is better, infrared or traditional?
The better choice depends on the experience you prefer and what fits your home. If you enjoy hotter air and the option to add steam, explore traditional saunas. If you prefer infrared warmth at a lower air temperature, consider an infrared model. A Finnleo InfraSauna offers both heating options in one room.
Are infrared saunas better than traditional saunas for health benefits?
There isn’t enough evidence to say that one type provides better health outcomes for everyone. Both have been studied, but the research varies. Choose based on the experience you prefer, and speak with a healthcare professional if you have questions about whether sauna use is right for you.
Which sauna is safer for daily use?
A lower air temperature alone doesn’t establish that one sauna type is safer or suitable for more frequent use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and talk with a healthcare professional if you have a medical condition or questions about your own use.
What are the downsides of infrared saunas?
An infrared sauna may not be the best fit if you prefer the hotter room and steam from heated stones associated with a traditional sauna. As with any sauna, check the model’s dimensions, seating, electrical requirements, and approved placement before buying.
Who should avoid saunas?
Avoid sauna use after drinking alcohol or when you’re ill. If you’re pregnant, avoid sauna use and speak with your healthcare professional. If you have a medical condition, take medication that affects heat tolerance, or have concerns about sauna use, check with your healthcare professional first.
What are the pros and cons of a sauna?
A home sauna can offer a place to relax and unwind, with traditional and infrared models providing different heat experiences. Before buying, consider the purchase price, installation requirements, electricity use, maintenance, and space needed. Sauna use is not appropriate for everyone, so check with your healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
Ready to Find Your Finnleo Sauna?
Have questions about infrared, traditional, or hybrid saunas? Call us at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below. Our team can help you compare options for your home.
About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard, helping over one thousand North Carolina homeowners achieve that dream in the process.
