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The Complete Guide to Saunas: Traditional, Infrared & Hybrid - What’s Right for You?

Monday, 21 April 2025 | Saunas

Whether you’re investing in a wellness upgrade at home or expanding your spa experience, saunas are an increasingly popular way to support both physical and mental health. With a range of options available, it’s important to understand the differences between traditional, infrared, and hybrid saunas - and also how to choose between indoor or outdoor installations.

In this blog, we explore the features, pros and cons, and installation aspects of each sauna type, helping you make the best decision for your lifestyle, space, and wellness goals.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas (also known as Finnish saunas) use a wood-burning stove or electric heater to heat the air inside the room, raising the temperature typically between 70 - 100°C (158 -212°F). You can pour water over hot stones to produce steam and increase humidity, creating an intense and immersive experience.

Advantages:

  • Authentic experience - High heat and steam replicate the traditional sauna ritual.
  • Deep sweating - Excellent for detoxification and promoting circulation.
  • Social atmosphere - The heat and steam create a shared, immersive wellness ritual.

Disadvantages:

  • Longer heat-up time - Can take 30 - 45 minutes to reach optimal temperature.
  • Energy usage - More power is required to heat the space.
  • Not always ideal for people with heat sensitivity due to high ambient temperature.

Installation Notes:

  • Requires proper ventilation and heat-resistant materials.
  • Needs more power (hardwired electric or wood-burning setup).
  • Can be installed indoors or outdoors, but insulation is key for outdoor versions.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat that penetrates the body directly without significantly heating the air around you. Operating at lower temperatures - usually 40 -60°C (104 -140°F) - they offer a more accessible and modern sauna experience.

Advantages:

  • Lower operating temperatures - More comfortable for beginners or heat-sensitive users.
  • Energy efficient - Consumes less electricity than traditional models.
  • Faster heat-up time - Typically ready to use within minutes.
  • Compact options available for small spaces.

Disadvantages:

  • Lacks the steam experience some users associate with sauna use.
  • Less intense sweating compared to traditional high-heat models.

Installation Notes:

  • Easier installation with plug-and-play designs.
  • Ideal for indoor spaces, including spare rooms or garages.
  • Limited in outdoor installation unless placed in a fully insulated structure.

Hybrid Saunas

Hybrid saunas combine both traditional heaters and infrared panels, offering users the best of both worlds. With dual heat sources, you can customise your experience depending on your preferences or wellness needs.

Advantages:

  • Customisable sessions - Choose infrared, traditional, or both.
  • Broader health benefits - Deep tissue penetration plus steam detoxification.
  • Flexible temperature range - Tailor the experience for comfort or intensity.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher initial cost - More complex design and technology.
  • More space needed - To accommodate both heating elements.
  • Installation complexity - May require professional setup.

Installation Notes:

  • Often best suited for larger indoor installations.
  • Must account for dual energy needs and ventilation.
  • Can be installed outdoors in a properly insulated and sealed cabin.

Indoor vs Outdoor Saunas

Whether you choose a traditional, infrared, or hybrid sauna, you’ll also need to decide between an indoor or outdoor installation. Each has its own appeal:

Indoor Sauna Benefits:

  • Convenience - Easily accessible from bathrooms or home gyms.
  • Weatherproof - Protected from the elements.
  • Easier to install infrared options.

Outdoor Sauna Benefits:

  • Spa-like experience in your garden or patio.
  • Great ventilation and aesthetic appeal.
  • Traditional and hybrid saunas often work better outdoors with more space.

Considerations:

  • Outdoor installations require weatherproof materials, solid foundations, and electrical connections.
  • Indoor models may need additional ventilation or moisture barriers.
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