When considering a sauna for your home, you'll quickly discover there are two main categories: traditional saunas (also called Finnish saunas or steam saunas) and infrared saunas. While both offer heat therapy and relaxation, they work in fundamentally different ways and provide different experiences.
This guide breaks down the key differences between these two types of saunas to help you understand which might better suit your preferences, health goals, and practical circumstances.
The Fundamental Difference: How They Heat
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas heat the air around you using a stove or electric heater, typically with hot rocks that radiate heat into the enclosed space. The room temperature climbs to 70-100°C (158-212°F), and you sweat as your body works to cool itself in the hot environment. Many traditional saunas also incorporate water poured over the hot rocks to create steam (löyly in Finnish tradition), adding humidity to the dry heat.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to directly heat your body without significantly heating the surrounding air. The cabin temperature typically stays between 45-65°C (113-150°F), but your body experiences deep warming as infrared energy penetrates your skin and raises your core temperature. There's no steam—the environment remains dry with normal humidity levels.
Traditional: 70-100°C air temperature, feels intensely hot
Infrared: 45-65°C air temperature, warmth felt from within
The Experience
Traditional Sauna Experience
A traditional sauna delivers an intense, enveloping heat that many find deeply satisfying. The hot air hits you immediately upon entering, and breathing can feel challenging until you acclimate. Sessions are typically shorter—10-20 minutes before taking a break to cool down—often with multiple rounds of heat and cooling. The ritual of pouring water on the rocks, creating bursts of steam, is part of the experience.
Many describe the traditional sauna feeling as "cleansing" or "purifying," with profuse sweating and a sense of being deeply heated from outside in. The post-sauna feeling often includes pleasant fatigue and relaxation.
Infrared Sauna Experience
Infrared saunas provide a gentler, more gradual heat experience. You can enter a warm (rather than hot) cabin and sit comfortably as your body temperature rises over 15-30 minutes. Breathing remains easy throughout, and many users read, meditate, or even work on laptops during sessions.
Sweating typically begins 10-15 minutes into a session as your core temperature rises, continuing to build throughout. The heat feels like it's coming from within rather than pressing in from outside. Sessions are typically longer—30-45 minutes—without breaks.
Experience Summary
- Traditional: Intense, challenging, ritualistic, shorter sessions with breaks
- Infrared: Gentle, comfortable, practical, longer continuous sessions
Health Benefits Comparison
Both sauna types offer health benefits, though the research base differs:
Traditional Sauna Research
Finnish saunas have been used for thousands of years and have a robust body of research, particularly from Finland. Studies have associated regular traditional sauna use with:
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular events
- Lower all-cause mortality
- Improved blood pressure
- Enhanced cardiovascular function
- Potential cognitive benefits
Much of this research involves frequent, long-term sauna use (4+ times weekly over years).
Infrared Sauna Research
Infrared saunas are newer, and research is less extensive but growing. Studies suggest potential benefits including:
- Pain relief for chronic conditions
- Improved blood vessel function
- Exercise recovery enhancement
- Skin health improvements
- Relaxation and stress reduction
Many health claims for both sauna types require more research. Both offer genuine benefits for relaxation, sweating, and heat therapy, but specific medical claims should be evaluated critically. Always consult healthcare providers for medical concerns.
Practical Considerations
Energy Consumption
Infrared saunas are significantly more energy-efficient. A typical infrared sauna uses 1.5-2kW and reaches operating temperature in 10-20 minutes. Traditional electric saunas use 4-6kW or more and require 30-60 minutes of preheating. This translates to meaningful differences in electricity costs, particularly for frequent users.
Installation Requirements
Traditional saunas often require special electrical work (dedicated circuits, potentially 3-phase power for larger units), additional ventilation, and sometimes waterproofing for surrounding areas. Installation can be complex and costly.
Infrared saunas typically plug into standard 240V outlets and require minimal installation—many are designed for assembly without professional help. Ventilation needs are modest since there's no steam involved.
Heat-Up Time
Traditional saunas: 30-60 minutes to reach operating temperature
Infrared saunas: 10-20 minutes (and some users enter while still warming)
Space Requirements
Both types come in various sizes, but infrared saunas are often available in more compact configurations, including 1-person units, portable tents, and blankets—options not feasible with traditional sauna technology.
Maintenance
Traditional saunas with steam capability require more maintenance to manage moisture, prevent mould, and maintain heating elements and rocks. Infrared saunas are relatively maintenance-free, requiring only basic cleaning.
Cost Comparison
Purchase Price
Entry-level infrared saunas start around $200-400 AUD (portable/blanket) or $1,000-2,000 AUD (cabin style). Premium models range from $3,000-8,000+ AUD.
Traditional saunas generally start higher, with quality home units beginning around $3,000-5,000 AUD and professional-grade installations costing $10,000-20,000+ AUD including installation.
Operating Costs
Based on typical Australian electricity rates and 3-4 sessions per week:
- Infrared: Approximately $50-80 per year
- Traditional: Approximately $150-300 per year
Who Should Choose Which?
Traditional Sauna Might Be Better If You:
- Love intense heat and don't mind challenging temperatures
- Enjoy the ritual aspects—pouring water, managing heat levels
- Have dedicated space and budget for proper installation
- Value the established Finnish tradition and research base
- Prefer short, intense sessions with cooling breaks
- Want to replicate the experience of public saunas or spas
Infrared Sauna Might Be Better If You:
- Find extreme heat uncomfortable or have heat sensitivity
- Want quick, convenient sessions without long preheating
- Have limited space or need portability
- Prefer lower operating costs and simple installation
- Want to read, meditate, or relax during sessions
- Are renting or may move homes
- Have respiratory issues that make breathing hot, humid air difficult
If you have the opportunity to try both types—at a gym, spa, or wellness centre—we highly recommend doing so before purchasing. Personal preference plays a significant role, and experiencing both helps you understand which sensation you prefer.
The Verdict
Neither sauna type is objectively "better"—they're different tools for similar goals. Traditional saunas offer an intense, ritualistic experience with a long cultural history and robust research support. Infrared saunas provide accessible, comfortable heat therapy with practical advantages for home installation.
For most Australian homeowners looking to add a sauna to their wellness routine, infrared saunas offer compelling advantages: easier installation, lower costs, and a more approachable heat experience. However, if you're a sauna purist who craves intense heat and the full traditional experience, the investment in a proper Finnish sauna may be worthwhile.
Whatever you choose, regular sauna use of either type can become a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle. The best sauna is the one you'll actually use consistently.
Ready to explore infrared options? Check out our comparison tool or learn more about infrared technology in our science guide.