“Saunas are a gym for your heat shock proteins.” That’s how one Harvard researcher described them after studying how sauna use can cut cardiovascular mortality risk by up to 50%. Powerful stuff. But before you dive in—what type of sauna should you choose?
The answer usually comes down to two paths: infrared or traditional. Both offer real benefits. Both have trade-offs. And the right choice depends less on what’s “best” overall, and more on what’s best for you.
Traditional Sauna: The Ancient Ritual
Traditional saunas have been around for over 2,000 years. They’re fire, water, and heat—simple, primal, and deeply cultural.
-
How it works: A heater warms rocks, and when water hits them, it creates steam (called löyly in Finnish). The temperature climbs higher than any other type of sauna—often reaching 230°F.
-
Pros:
-
Authentic experience with steam, ritual, and a sense of tradition.
-
High heat promotes deep sweating and a stronger “detox” feel.
-
Perfect for long-term homes where you can dedicate space to a sauna room or cabin.
-
-
Cons:
-
Requires a 240V power source, so installation usually means electrical upgrades.
-
Needs more space—indoor room or outdoor structure.
-
Not easily portable once installed.
-
Think of a traditional sauna as an investment in permanence. If you want the full, time-tested sauna experience and have the space—it’s the clear winner.
Infrared Sauna: The Modern Arrival
Infrared saunas are a much newer technology. Instead of heating the air around you, they use infrared panels to warm your body directly.
-
How it works: Panels emit infrared light that penetrates your skin and warms you from the inside out. Temperatures can reach 170°F—lower than traditional but still plenty hot.
-
Pros:
-
Easy setup—most plug into a standard 120V outlet.
-
Ideal for smaller homes, condos, or apartments.
-
Gentler, more tolerable heat for longer sessions.
-
More portable and often moveable to a new home.
-
-
Cons:
-
No steam—you miss out on the classic ritual of pouring water over the rocks.
-
Typically smaller, less social experience.
-
Heat feels different: some say “lighter” compared to the heavy intensity of traditional.
-
Infrared is about accessibility and convenience. It’s the easiest entry point into regular sauna use if space and setup are limiting factors.
Which One Fits You?
Here’s a simple decision guide:
-
Choose Traditional Sauna if:
You want the authentic, steam-filled ritual, plan to stay in your home long-term, and have the space for a larger, permanent build. -
Choose Infrared Sauna if:
You need something that fits a smaller footprint, plugs into a standard outlet, and delivers strong heat without a major renovation.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universal “best” sauna—just the best sauna for your lifestyle. Traditional brings the steam, intensity, and ceremony of centuries. Infrared brings portability, convenience, and accessibility for modern living.
If you want a ritual, go traditional. If you want practicality, go infrared. And if you’re lucky enough to try both, you’ll discover that each offers something the other can’t.