Infrared and traditional saunas can both work well at home, but they suit different spaces and different expectations. The useful question is not which one is “best” overall. It is which one fits your room, power supply and the way you actually want to use it.
Infrared is often the easier fit for a compact indoor setup. Traditional sauna makes more sense when you want hotter air, sauna stones, steam and a more classic sauna experience.
Infrared vs traditional sauna at a glance
| Infrared sauna | Traditional sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Infrared panels warm the body directly. | A heater warms sauna stones and the surrounding air. |
| Typical feel | Lower air temperature, dry heat. | Hotter room, with water on the stones if the heater allows it. |
| Space | Often works well in compact indoor rooms. | Available as indoor cabins and larger outdoor saunas. |
| Electrical planning | Varies by model. Check the exact specification. | Often needs more planning around heater output, circuit and clearances. |
| Good fit for | Solo or regular indoor use. | Classic sauna use, shared sessions or outdoor setups. |
2-person far-infrared cabin in Canadian hemlock. Orivon lists a 1750W heating system with 110V / 220V compatibility for this model.
3–4 person outdoor red-cedar sauna with electric or optional wood-burning heat. The installation plan is much more site-dependent.
Choose infrared when the room is the main constraint
Infrared saunas can be easier to place in a spare room, gym or dedicated wellness corner because many models have a relatively compact footprint. Before ordering, check the finished dimensions, door swing, access route and electrical requirement for the exact model.
Choose traditional when the experience matters more
Traditional saunas are the better match if you want sauna stones, hotter air and the option to add water for a more classic sauna experience. They also tend to offer more options for larger capacities and outdoor installations.
For outdoor models, think beyond the cabin itself. Base preparation, drainage, weather exposure, delivery access and the electrical route all matter.
Three checks before you decide
- Measure the finished space. Include ceiling height, door swing and the full delivery route.
- Check power early. Use the exact product specification and ask a qualified electrician to confirm what the installation requires.
- Choose capacity honestly. If it will usually be one or two people, buying a much larger cabin can add cost and space without adding much value.
What if you are planning heat and cold together?
A sauna and cold plunge can share the same wellness area, but each still needs its own allowance for power, water, drainage, access and maintenance. Plan the room around the larger practical requirements first, then work the second product around that.
Frequently asked questions
Do infrared and traditional saunas need different electrical setups?
Usually, yes. Requirements vary by model, so use the exact product specification rather than a general rule and have the circuit checked before installation.
Which type is easier to install at home?
Compact indoor infrared cabins can be simpler in some rooms. Traditional and outdoor saunas usually need more attention to heater clearances, ventilation, base preparation and power.
Can I put a sauna in a garage or basement?
Potentially. The room still needs suitable clearances, ventilation where required, the right electrical supply and a workable route for delivery and assembly.
Not sure which type fits your room?
Send us the room dimensions, intended location and available power. We’ll help you narrow the options before you commit to a model.