Infrared vs Traditional Sauna – Which One Is Right for Your Home?
When people imagine a sauna, they often picture a steamy wooden room with high temperatures and dripping humidity. Traditional Finnish-style saunas have been popular for decades, but modern infrared saunas offer a different experience.
If you’re considering adding a sauna to your home, understanding the differences will help you make the best choice for your wellbeing and budget. Below we compare the two types and explain why many homeowners are now choosing infrared.
Heat Source and Comfort Level
Traditional saunas warm the air with electric heaters or a wood-burning stove. This hot air (typically 70–90 °C) then heats your skin through convection, which is why the room feels very hot and humid. Infrared saunas, by contrast, use specialised heaters to emit near-, mid- and far-infrared light. This light warms your body directly, meaning the surrounding air can stay much cooler. Because your core temperature still rises, infrared sessions create a similar physiological response to traditional saunas at a more comfortable air temperature.
Research into far-infrared therapy shows that it increases blood perfusion and capillary density in treated limbs, suggesting that infrared heat may promote circulation even at lower temperatures.
Installation and Running Costs
Installing a conventional sauna usually requires dedicated electrical wiring, ventilation and sometimes water connections for humidity control. The heaters take longer to warm up, and the high ambient temperature means greater energy consumption.
An infrared sauna, like the Deluxe 2 Person Carbon Home Infrared Sauna from JT Spas, plugs into a standard household socket and heats up within minutes. These saunas typically consume less electricity because they don’t need to maintain a high air temperature or generate steam. Many models are also portable and can be assembled in under an hour, so you can install one in a spare bedroom, basement or even a large bathroom.
Health Benefits
Both types of sauna encourage sweating and help you feel relaxed. However, the way they heat your body leads to different experiences. The deep penetrating heat of an infrared sauna can aid detoxification, as sweating is a recognised way to eliminate toxins and heavy metals. Regular infrared sauna sessions may also support cardiovascular health; the far- infrared study mentioned earlier found that thermal therapy increased blood perfusion and capillary density, which is a good indicator of improved circulation. Traditional saunas, on the other hand, generate a more intense heat stress, which can be invigorating but may be less tolerable for people sensitive to high temperatures.
Humidity and Environment
Traditional saunas create steam when water is poured over the rocks, which raises humidity and can help open your airways. This moist environment is ideal if you enjoy a classic spa experience. Infrared saunas operate in a dry environment, which some people find easier to breathe in. If you prefer to avoid humidity – perhaps to protect hair treatments or avoid feeling stifled – an infrared sauna is the better choice.
Maintenance and Safety
Conventional saunas require regular cleaning to prevent mould and bacteria growth in the humid environment. Infrared saunas are generally easier to maintain: without steam, there’s less risk of dampness and the wooden cabins stay fresh with simple wiping. Both types are safe when used correctly, but infrared models with low-EMF heaters minimise electromagnetic exposure whilst delivering full-bodied warmth. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance on session length and hydration.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for an intense, traditional spa environment and enjoy alternating between hot steam and cool showers, a classic steam sauna might appeal to you. However, if you want a home sauna that’s easy to install, energy-efficient and comfortable to use year- round, an infrared sauna has clear advantages.
Infrared models heat up quickly, operate at lower temperatures and offer deep-tissue warmth that can support detoxification and circulation.
| Feature / Preference | Traditional Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & Comfort | Very hot (70–90 °C) with high humidity; can feel intense | Operates at lower air temperatures; provides deep-tissue warmth with a gentler feel |
| Humidity | Uses steam for a moist environment; classic spa experience | Dry heat; easier breathing for some and no dampness |
| Installation | Requires specialist wiring, ventilation, and sometimes water supply | Plugs into a standard socket; minimal setup and often portable |
| Running Costs | Higher energy use due to heating large air volume and generating steam | Lower energy use; heats up in minutes |
| Maintenance | Needs regular cleaning to prevent mould in humid environment | Simple wipe-down; less risk of damp or bacteria growth |
| Best For | Those who love intense heat and steam rituals | Those who want easy installation, year-round comfort, and energy efficiency |
Choosing Your Model
JT Spas offers a range of infrared saunas to suit different spaces and budgets. Compact units like the Atlantic Saunas Mono are perfect for one or two people and fit easily into a small room. Larger cabins such as the Jaquar KAYA-IR offer three seats and a spacious interior, whilst still assembling in under an hour.
If you’re excited about the growing trend toward outdoor wellness, keep an eye out for JT Spas’ upcoming Outdoor Garden Infrared Saunas – designed to bring the spa experience to your backyard. No matter which model you choose, you’ll benefit from infrared heating technology and express delivery from JT Spas.
Final Thought: Buy the Best Infrared Saunas from JT Spas
Both traditional and infrared saunas offer relaxation and wellbeing benefits, but the convenience and comfort of infrared models have made them a popular choice for modern homes.
Their lower operating temperature, deep-penetrating heat and lower running costs make them ideal for people seeking regular home wellness sessions. By choosing a home infrared sauna from JT Spas, you’ll enjoy the latest heater technologies, rapid assembly and flexible placement options.
Explore our range today to find the perfect sauna for your lifestyle and start experiencing the difference for yourself.
