One of the main reasons people choose to buy a sauna is the wide range of health benefits it offers. Throughout sauna history, traditional saunas have been more popular, while infrared saunas, as a rising star, don't have as deep a place in traditional culture. Yet, infrared saunas stand out for their convenience and effectiveness compared to traditional ones. If you're still unsure about which type of sauna is best for you—whether it's the best infrared sauna or an outdoor traditional sauna—please read this article carefully.

Alphasauna, the manufacturer, will provide a set of solutions to help you choose the infrared or traditional sauna that suits you best. We hope this guide will be helpful.

Differences Between Infrared Sauna Vs Traditional Sauna

The simplest difference between an infrared sauna vs traditional sauna is that a traditional sauna is a room filled with steam, while an infrared sauna operates at a lower temperature and is heated by infrared rays. Both types offer unique experiences. The specific distinctions between infrared and traditional saunas can be broken down into the following aspects.

Differences in Workmanship and Material Selection

Infrared saunas, often called portable infrared saunas, are ideal for homes, spas, and gyms. They are typically set up indoors, so their workmanship and material selection are optimized for indoor environments.

Firstly, wood choice, since indoor saunas are not exposed to harsh outdoor conditions, you can choose materials like basswood, spruce, hemlock, or cedar. These woods are not only durable but also enhance comfort. design, infrared saunas often incorporate more glass as partitions, especially for home use, where privacy is valued. This allows for a modern design that fits well with indoor aesthetics.

Secondly, portable infrared saunas on the market offer three different infrared wavelengths—near, mid, and far infrared—each providing unique health benefits. For material selection, you can opt for a full-spectrum infrared sauna, which covers all three wavelengths, and ensure it’s a low-EMF model (low EMF means low electromagnetic field radiation), which is beneficial for health.

Traditional saunas are available as both indoor and outdoor models. For indoor traditional saunas, the choice of wood is like that for infrared saunas, but these saunas use electric sauna stoves for heating. Outdoor traditional saunas, but, are designed to withstand exposure to the elements, so heat-treated wood or cedar is recommended for durability. This type of outdoor sauna offers the closest experience to the original, natural sauna tradition. The process of burning wood in a wood-burning stove and pouring water over stones creates an authentic, grounding experience.

Additionally, choosing a wood-burning stove for an outdoor sauna impacts both safety and heating efficiency. Well-known brands like Harvia, Tylo, and Finnmark offer reliable options for both safety and performance.

Differences in Temperature

Another key difference between an infrared sauna vs traditional sauna is the temperature range. Portable infrared saunas usually operate between 40°C-60°C, while outdoor traditional saunas reach temperatures between 70°C-100°C.

Portable infrared saunas use infrared heaters, which warm the body from the inside by directly penetrating the skin with infrared rays. They rely on electrical energy, allowing them to heat up the sauna space in a short time. In contrast, while electric sauna stoves in outdoor traditional saunas can also heat the space quickly, traditional wood-burning stoves must a 2-3 hour preheating time. The wood-burning process heats stones, and water poured over them produces steam, heating the air inside the sauna to higher temperatures.

Differences in Experience

Most portable infrared saunas are used indoors and are suitable for homes, gyms, and spas. They offer low temperatures and low humidity, making the experience comfortable and easy to tolerate for most people. Outdoor traditional saunas, but, are especially appealing to those who enjoy high humidity and high temperatures. They may be less comfortable for people who dislike the sticky feeling of humidity or have sensitive respiratory systems. While both types provide health benefits, the experience of a traditional sauna may not be for everyone.

Tips

If you value traditional saunas for their rich history and connection to nature and want to experience their raw, natural ambiance, a traditional sauna is likely the best choice.

If you prefer the technological advantages of a portable infrared sauna, with its fast heating, lower temperatures, and comfortable effects, then an infrared sauna might be ideal for you.

Ultimately, your choice depends on personal preference, but it’s also important to consider factors like budget, space, and suppliers.

Conclusion

The above information offers a guide to help you choose between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna. If you'd like to learn more about saunas or have specific questions, please email us, and Alphasauna’s professional staff will provide one-on-one help. Both outdoor traditional saunas and infrared saunas positively impact your health. Whichever you choose, regular sauna use will offer great benefits over time.