Traditional vs. Infrared Saunas: What’s the Best Fit for You?

Saunas have long been celebrated for their wide-ranging health benefits. They support cardiovascular health, ease muscle and joint pain, and help preserve muscle mass. On the surface—literally—saunas also promote healthier-looking skin. With all these perks, it’s no surprise that more people are looking to bring the experience home.

But one big question tends to pop up early in the search: Should you choose a traditional sauna or an infrared one?

If you’re not sure which direction to take, this guide will walk you through the key differences—so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.

What Sets Them Apart: Heat Source

At the core, traditional and infrared saunas differ in how they generate heat.

A traditional sauna uses either a wood-burning or electric stove to heat the air inside a wood-lined room. This hot air, in turn, warms your body. You can also pour water over the heated rocks to create steam, raising humidity levels and adding an extra layer of intensity. These saunas typically operate between 70°C to 100°C, creating that classic, steamy heat we often associate with Scandinavian bathing rituals.

An infrared sauna, on the other hand, doesn’t heat the air at all. Instead, it uses infrared panels that emit radiant heat directly absorbed by your body. The air remains relatively cool, and the sauna operates at lower temperatures—usually around 40°C to 60°C—which some users find more tolerable.

Key Differences to Consider

Let’s break it down beyond just the heating style:

Steam & Moisture

Love that rolling steam and therapeutic aromas? Traditional saunas deliver. You can pour water over hot rocks for that steamy rush and even infuse it with essential oils.
Infrared saunas don’t produce steam, which means you miss out on that part of the experience.

Construction & Build Quality

A well-constructed traditional sauna features quality insulation and vapour barriers that help it heat quickly and hold that heat effectively.
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, are typically sold as lightweight, pre-fabricated kits. While they’re marketed as DIY-friendly, assembly can be frustrating, and support from manufacturers is often limited. In many cases, these saunas use lower-grade materials that may not hold up to long-term use.

Location Flexibility

Traditional saunas are built to handle both indoor and outdoor setups—even in tough Canadian climates—making them more versatile depending on your available space.
Infrared saunas, by contrast, are strictly indoor-only in colder regions.

Size Options

Infrared models are generally compact, seating just 1 to 4 people due to limitations in heat distribution.
Traditional saunas offer a broader range of sizes, from intimate single-person designs to roomy layouts perfect for family or friends.

Heat Experience & Customization

Traditional saunas provide a more dynamic experience thanks to multiple bench levels and vertical heat zones. You can choose to sit higher for more intense heat or lower for something milder.
Infrared saunas produce a more consistent temperature, without the range of heat intensities you’d find in a traditional sauna.

Which Sauna Is Right for You?

While infrared saunas may be trending in the wellness world, they’re not necessarily the best option for everyone. If you’re looking for a full-spectrum sauna experience, complete with steam, flexible installation options, greater durability, and a range of heat intensities, a traditional sauna might be the better fit.

At SaunaBuilder, we specialize in premium traditional saunas designed to fit your space, preferences, and wellness goals. Whether you’re after an indoor escape or an outdoor retreat, we’ll help you build a sauna that enhances your lifestyle for years to come.