Choosing between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is one of the most important decisions when planning an outdoor wellness space. Both can provide a relaxing heat experience, but they produce heat differently and vary in temperature, warm-up time, electrical needs, installation requirements, and overall atmosphere.
An infrared sauna warms the body primarily through infrared energy while operating at a lower air temperature. A traditional sauna heats the surrounding air to create a hotter, more intense environment and may allow water to be added to heated stones for bursts of steam. Understanding these differences can help you select the sauna that best matches your comfort preferences, property, budget, and installation plans.
How an Infrared Sauna Works
Infrared saunas use specialized heaters that emit infrared energy. Instead of relying primarily on very hot surrounding air, the infrared energy warms the occupants and interior surfaces directly. The cabin still becomes warm, but its air temperature generally remains lower than that of a traditional sauna.
Many people choose infrared heat because it can feel gentler and may require less warm-up time. The lower operating temperature can also appeal to someone who finds the intense heat of a traditional sauna uncomfortable. However, the experience does not include the same combination of very hot air, heated stones, and optional steam associated with a traditional sauna.
How a Traditional Sauna Works
A traditional sauna uses an electric or wood-burning heater to warm the cabin air and a container of sauna stones. This produces substantially higher air temperatures than an infrared sauna. Depending on the heater and manufacturer’s instructions, small amounts of water may be poured over the hot stones to create a brief increase in humidity.
People who enjoy traditional saunas often prefer the intense heat, classic wood-lined atmosphere, and ability to adjust the experience with water and ventilation. The tradeoffs may include a longer warm-up period, higher electrical demands, and more extensive site preparation, particularly for a large preassembled outdoor model.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Heat experience: Infrared heat is generally milder and more direct, while traditional sauna heat is hotter and warms the entire cabin air.
- Warm-up time: Infrared saunas commonly warm up faster. Traditional models may require more time to heat both the cabin and sauna stones.
- Humidity: Infrared cabins provide primarily dry heat. Many traditional electric saunas allow water to be added to heated stones for temporary bursts of humidity.
- Electrical requirements: Requirements vary by model, but large traditional outdoor saunas often need a higher-capacity dedicated circuit. Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications and use a licensed electrician.
- Installation: Either type requires a stable, level foundation and suitable outdoor placement. Size, weight, delivery access, weather exposure, and required clearances should be confirmed before purchase.
Which Type of Outdoor Sauna Is Right for You?
An infrared sauna may be the better choice if you prefer moderate heat, shorter warm-up times, and a more compact sauna for one or two people. It can also work well for frequent individual sessions when convenience and a gentler heat experience are priorities.
A traditional sauna may be the better choice if you want very high temperatures, the atmosphere of heated stones and wood, optional bursts of humidity, or enough room to share the sauna with family and guests.
Neither technology is automatically better for everyone. The right choice depends on how you want the sauna to feel, how many people will use it, the available installation space, your electrical capacity, and the total cost of preparing the site and operating the sauna.
Two Outdoor Sauna Models to Compare
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Sun Home Luminar 2
The Luminar 2 is a two-person outdoor infrared sauna suited to buyers who prefer moderate heat and a more compact design. It combines a Canadian red cedar interior with an aluminum exterior and uses both far-infrared and full-spectrum heaters.
View current specifications, availability, and pricing for the Sun Home Luminar 2.
Sun Home Solaris 4
The Solaris 4 is a four-person traditional outdoor sauna designed for buyers who prefer higher temperatures, heated stones, and a more spacious shared experience. It features a Thermo-Alder interior and a 6 kW HUUM heater.
View current specifications, availability, and pricing for the Sun Home Solaris 4.
What to Confirm Before You Buy
Before choosing either type of outdoor sauna, verify the complete installation requirements rather than comparing the sauna price alone.
• Confirm the exterior dimensions and required clearances.
• Make sure the foundation can support the sauna’s size and weight.
• Ask a licensed electrician to review the voltage, amperage, wiring, and disconnect requirements.
• Confirm that delivery equipment can reach the installation location.
• Review weather protection, drainage, ventilation, and maintenance needs.
• Check the current warranty, return policy, lead time, and estimated total installed cost.
• Determine whether local permits or homeowner-association approval may be required.
Making Your Decision
Choose infrared if you value moderate temperatures, faster warm-up, and a more compact personal sauna experience. Choose traditional if you prefer intense heat, heated stones, optional humidity, and a larger space for shared sessions.
Whichever type you prefer, compare the complete ownership picture—including site preparation, electrical work, delivery, warranty coverage, maintenance, and operating costs—before making your final selection.
Read our complete guide: How to Choose an Outdoor Sauna.