Two saunas. Two very different experiences. One decision worth getting right.
If you are researching home saunas for the first time, the infrared versus traditional question will arise quickly. Both are well-regarded. Both have loyal advocates. And both have the potential to become one of the most valued parts of your home wellness routine.
But they are not the same — and the differences matter more than many buyers initially realise. The heat feels different. The installation requirements differ. The atmosphere each creates is distinct. And the type of person who gets the most from each tends to be different too.
This guide is designed to help you understand those differences clearly, so you can make a decision that suits your home, your lifestyle, and the kind of wellness experience you are actually looking for.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared light panels to generate heat. Rather than warming the air around you, infrared technology heats the body directly — in a similar way to the warmth of sunlight on skin, without the UV exposure.
The result is a gentler, lower-temperature experience. Infrared saunas typically operate between 45°C and 60°C — significantly cooler than a traditional sauna — but many users find the heat feels more penetrating and easier to tolerate for longer sessions.
Infrared saunas are generally more compact, easier to install, and more energy-efficient than traditional models. They are well suited to indoor use, smaller spaces, and buyers who want a clean, modern aesthetic with minimal installation complexity.
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What Is a Traditional Sauna?
A traditional sauna — rooted in Finnish bathing culture — heats the air inside the cabin using a stove, either wood-burning or electric, which in turn heats a bed of stones. Water can be poured over the stones to create bursts of steam, known as löyly, which intensify the heat and humidity.
The experience is more immersive and more demanding than infrared. Temperatures typically range from 70°C to 90°C, and the combination of dry heat and steam creates a distinctive atmosphere that many users describe as deeply cleansing and profoundly restorative.
Traditional saunas carry a strong sense of ritual and heritage. For those who value that — the ceremony of heating the room, the discipline of sitting with the heat, the cold plunge that follows — a traditional sauna offers something that infrared simply cannot replicate.
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How the Heat Experience Differs
This is the most important distinction, and it is worth understanding clearly before you decide.
In a traditional sauna, you are surrounded by hot air. The heat is intense, immediate, and enveloping. The option to add steam creates a dynamic, shifting experience — you can control the intensity of each session by how much water you pour over the stones. The high temperature demands your full attention and produces a deep, whole-body sweat relatively quickly.
In an infrared sauna, the air temperature is lower, but the infrared panels warm the body from within. Many users find this gentler heat easier to tolerate, particularly those who find the intensity of a traditional sauna uncomfortable. Sessions tend to be longer, the sweat builds more gradually, and the overall experience feels quieter and more meditative.
Neither is superior. They simply offer different things. The question is which experience resonates more with how you want to feel.
Which Is Better for Different Wellness Preferences?
If you value intensity, ritual, and a classic sauna experience: a traditional sauna is likely the better fit. The high heat, the steam, the ceremony — these are things that infrared cannot replicate, and for those who are drawn to them, they matter enormously.
If you prefer a gentler, more accessible heat experience: infrared is worth serious consideration. The lower operating temperature makes it easier to use for longer periods, and many users find it more comfortable for regular, everyday sessions.
If you are interested in contrast therapy — moving between heat and cold — a traditional sauna paired with a cold plunge tends to produce the most dramatic physiological contrast. The higher temperatures make the transition to cold water more pronounced.
If you want a sauna you can use daily with minimal preparation: infrared heats up faster — typically in 15 to 20 minutes — compared to 30 to 45 minutes for a traditional model. For those who want to integrate sauna use into a busy daily routine, this is a meaningful practical advantage.
Which Suits Modern Homes and Smaller Spaces?
Infrared saunas have a clear advantage here.
Most infrared models are designed for indoor use and come in compact sizes suitable for a spare room, a home gym, or even a large bathroom. They plug into a standard electrical supply in many cases, require no specialist ventilation, and produce no steam — making them straightforward to install in a domestic setting.
Traditional saunas — particularly wood-burning models — require more space, proper ventilation, and in outdoor settings, a suitable base and weatherproofing. Electric traditional saunas can be installed indoors, but they still require adequate ventilation and a dedicated electrical supply.
If your available space is limited, or if you want a sauna that integrates cleanly into an existing room, an infrared model is the more practical choice.
Which Creates a More Classic Spa Atmosphere?
For atmosphere, traditional saunas are in a different category.
The combination of timber walls, glowing stones, rising steam, and intense heat creates an experience that feels genuinely immersive — closer to a high-end spa or a Scandinavian bathhouse than anything an infrared cabin can offer. There is a sensory richness to a traditional sauna that many users find deeply satisfying.
Infrared saunas are clean, modern, and comfortable — but the atmosphere is quieter and more clinical by comparison. For those who value the aesthetic and sensory experience of sauna bathing as much as the physical benefits, a traditional model is likely to feel more rewarding.
In an outdoor setting — a cedar barrel sauna in a landscaped garden, for example — a traditional sauna also has a stronger architectural presence and a more considered visual impact.
Installation, Maintenance, and Running Considerations
Installation
Infrared saunas are generally easier to install. Many models arrive as flat-pack cabins that can be assembled without specialist help, and the electrical requirements are often straightforward. They are well suited to indoor installation and do not require ventilation systems or drainage.
Traditional saunas require more planning. Electric models need a dedicated electrical supply and adequate ventilation. Wood-burning models require a flue and appropriate fire safety measures. Outdoor installations need a suitable base and weatherproofing. The process is more involved, but for a permanent outdoor wellness feature, the result is worth it.
Running Costs
Infrared saunas are more energy-efficient. They heat up faster and operate at lower temperatures, which means they consume less electricity per session. For those who use their sauna frequently, this difference adds up over time.
Traditional saunas — particularly electric models — consume more energy due to the higher operating temperatures and longer heat-up times. Wood-burning models have lower electricity costs but require a supply of seasoned firewood.
Maintenance
Both types of sauna are relatively low-maintenance compared to a hot tub. The main requirements are keeping the interior clean, treating timber surfaces periodically, and ensuring ventilation is functioning correctly.
Traditional saunas with wood-burning stoves require additional attention — ash removal, flue cleaning, and firewood management. Electric models are simpler in this regard. Infrared saunas are the most straightforward to maintain, with no stove, no steam, and no ventilation system to manage.
Which Is Better for Different Types of Buyers?
The infrared sauna suits you if:
- You want a sauna for indoor use in a limited space
- You prefer a gentler, lower-temperature heat experience
- You want something easy to install and simple to maintain
- You value energy efficiency and lower running costs
- You want a sauna you can use daily with minimal preparation
The traditional sauna suits you if:
- You want the full, classic sauna experience with steam and high heat
- You are planning a permanent outdoor wellness feature
- You value ritual, atmosphere, and the sensory richness of traditional sauna bathing
- You are interested in contrast therapy with a cold plunge
- You want something with strong architectural presence in your garden
Many of our customers find that once they have experienced a traditional sauna, they do not want to go back. But for those who want simplicity, accessibility, and everyday ease, infrared is a genuinely excellent choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Sauna
Choosing based on temperature alone. A lower operating temperature does not mean a less effective experience. Infrared heat works differently from convective heat, and the two are not directly comparable on temperature alone.
Underestimating the importance of timber quality. The wood used in a sauna — cedar, thermowood, aspen — affects both the experience and the longevity of the product. Ask about timber specifications before you buy.
Ignoring ventilation requirements. Both types of sauna need adequate airflow. Poor ventilation affects the quality of the experience and the lifespan of the cabin. Do not overlook this in the planning stage.
Buying a size that does not suit your usage. A sauna that is too small for two people will feel cramped. One that is too large for solo use will take longer to heat and cost more to run. Think carefully about how many people will use it and how often.
Treating it as a purely aesthetic decision. Both infrared and traditional saunas can look beautiful. Choose based on the experience you want, not just the one that photographs well.
Exploring the Homesanctuaire Sauna Collection
At Homesanctuaire, our sauna collection includes both infrared and traditional models — each selected for build quality, design integrity, and the quality of the experience they deliver. Whether you are drawn to the clean modernity of infrared or the timeless ritual of a traditional sauna, our range is designed to help you find the right fit for your home and your routine.
If you would like guidance on which model suits your space and lifestyle, our team is happy to help.
Conclusion
The infrared versus traditional sauna question does not have a single right answer. It has the right answer for you — based on your space, your preferences, and the kind of wellness experience you are looking for.
An infrared sauna offers accessibility, efficiency, and a gentle, penetrating heat that suits everyday use. A traditional sauna offers intensity, atmosphere, and a depth of experience that is difficult to replicate any other way.
Both are worthy investments. Both have the potential to become one of the most consistently used and valued features of your home. Take the time to understand what each offers, be honest about what you will actually use, and choose accordingly.
When you are ready to explore, we are here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared light panels to heat the body directly, operating at lower temperatures — typically 45°C to 60°C. A traditional sauna heats the air inside the cabin using a stove and stones, operating at much higher temperatures — typically 70°C to 90°C — with the option to add steam. The heat experience, atmosphere, and installation requirements differ significantly between the two.
Which sauna is better for home use?
It depends on your space and preferences. Infrared saunas are generally easier to install indoors, more compact, and more energy-efficient — making them well suited to home use in limited spaces. Traditional saunas offer a richer, more immersive experience and are particularly well suited to outdoor installations. Both are excellent choices when matched to the right home and lifestyle.
Do infrared saunas get as hot as traditional saunas?
No — infrared saunas operate at significantly lower temperatures than traditional saunas. However, the heat works differently: infrared panels warm the body directly rather than heating the surrounding air, which many users find feels more penetrating despite the lower ambient temperature. The experiences are not directly comparable on temperature alone.
Are traditional saunas better for an outdoor setting?
Traditional saunas — particularly barrel saunas and cabin-style models — are very well suited to outdoor settings. They have a strong architectural presence, are built to withstand the elements, and the classic sauna experience feels particularly at home in an outdoor environment. Infrared saunas are primarily designed for indoor use, though some weatherproofed models are available for outdoor installation.
Which sauna is easier to maintain?
Infrared saunas are the simpler option to maintain. There is no stove, no steam, and no ventilation system to manage — just periodic cleaning and occasional timber treatment. Traditional saunas require more attention, particularly wood-burning models, which need ash removal, flue cleaning, and firewood management. Electric traditional saunas are more straightforward, but still require more upkeep than infrared models.
What should I consider before buying a sauna?
The key considerations are your available space, whether you want an indoor or outdoor installation, the type of heat experience you prefer, your budget for purchase and running costs, and how often you intend to use it. Think about whether you want the ritual and intensity of a traditional sauna or the accessibility and simplicity of infrared — and choose the model that fits your actual routine, not just your aspirations.