Traditional VS Infrared Sauna: The Difference

Are you interested in purchasing a sauna? You must have read multiple articles and blogs about the sauna, and you must know about the traditional and infrared sauna.

Traditional and infrared saunas are two broad categories of the sauna that you can choose according to your taste and preferences. Each has its own pros and cons, and you can get the one that suits you the most.

If you are interested in getting a home sauna, but you are confused about the best suitable option for you? The Royal Sauna team is here to rescue you. The team has prepared a complete blog about the potential differences of the traditional and infrared sauna.

So, keep on reading and evaluate the differences of a traditional and infrared sauna, and you will be able to make a choice of the best suitable sauna for you.

Traditional VS Infrared Sauna: The Differences

The sauna manufacturers design and build the traditional and infrared sauna to meet the demands and needs of the sauna users. The traditional saunas are different from the infrared sauna on multiple accounts that we will discuss in detail in this blog. However, before going into the details of the differences of a traditional and infrared sauna, you must know the different types of saunas and the most preferable types?

Different Types of Saunas

Saunas manufacturers design multiple types of saunas, and they could be categorized into the following four types.

• Traditional saunas
• Dry saunas
• Steam bath
• Infrared saunas

Though these are the available options of the saunas and the users could get the one that suits them the most. However, traditional and infrared saunas are the most commonly used saunas. The new users often preferred either traditional or infrared saunas. However, they get confused about which is the best for them. Therefore, the Royal Sauna has enlisted the differences of the two so that you can compare and contrast the differences of the two and select the most suitable option for you.

What is a Traditional and an Infrared Sauna?

The Traditional Sauna

Saunas have been a part of human history for almost 2,000 years, and people have been using them to get numerous health benefits. The traditional saunas are considered one of the widely used saunas in the mankind history.

Traditional saunas are simply a wooden room with a stove or heater to raise the temperature of the environment and water is used to create the steam and humidity in the ambiance. You can heat a traditional sauna with fire, gas or electricity. The traditional saunas have a higher temperature than the infrared saunas. You can raise the temperature from 70 to 90 degree centigrade. Traditional saunas offer you countless health benefits by giving heat and humidity to your body. If you are a new user, the Royal Sauna suggests you to sit in the traditional sauna for 5 to 10 minutes; however, once you get accustomed with the sauna ambiance you can increase the duration and number of sessions.

The Infrared Sauna

Like any other product, the saunas have developed over the period, and you can find some modern types of saunas to meet your demands and needs. The infrared saunas are a modern and advanced type of saunas that you can meet your needs.

The infrared saunas use infrared rays to give you a heating effect. The infrared heat waves penetrate into your body and raise your body temperature to give you the benefits of the sauna. You can raise the temperature of the infrared sauna from 40 to 60 degree centigrade. Though the temperature of the infrared saunas is lower than the traditional sauna, the penetrating nature of the sauna heat causes deep sweating to remove toxins from the body and give you numerous health benefits.

If you are a new user, you must avoid sitting in an infrared sauna for more than 10 minutes. However, once you become a seasoned sauna user, you can sit in the infrared sauna for 30-35 minutes. The Royal Sauna suggests you sit in the traditional sauna for a prolonged session only if your health conditions are good enough and you have the stamina to endure the heat for a long duration.

The Traditional VS Infrared Sauna

Now you have a clear idea about the traditional and infrared sauna. So lets discuss some differences of the two to give you a better understanding of both types. The compare and contrast of various characteristics will help you in making a good decision to select the best suitable sauna for you.

The Heating Method

The first difference between the traditional and infrared sauna is the heating system of both types.

The Heating Method of Traditional Sauna

The traditional sauna uses the traditional ways to heat up the environment and to raise your body temperature. The traditional saunas have a single heater or multiple heaters to raise the temperature of the sauna ambiance. The stones or rocks are placed near the heater to further raise the temperature of the sauna. Moreover, if you prefer humid ambiance, you can pour the water over the heated rocks or stones to create steam and humidity in the ambiance.

The Heating Method of an Infrared Sauna

The infrared saunas have an advanced heating system. They use infrared ways to raise your body temperature. The unique thing about the infrared sauna is that the heat doesn’t raise the sauna temperature, instead, the heat directly penetrates into your body to increase your body temperature.

Temperature Limit

The second notable difference between the traditional sauna and the infrared sauna is the temperature limit.

The Temperature of the Traditional Sauna

The traditional saunas have a higher temperature than the infrared sauna. The traditional saunas could go up to 70 to 80 degree centigrade to induce sweating in your body and to raise the temperature of the sauna.

The Temperature of the Infrared Sauna

In contrast to the traditional saunas, the infrared saunas have a lower temperature. You can raise the temperature of the infrared sauna from 40 to 60 degree centigrade. Though infrared saunas operate on the lower temperature, but they can induce profound and deep sweating in your body because of the heat penetration phenomenon.

Session Duration

The third notable difference between the traditional and infrared sauna is the session duration.

The Session Duration of the Traditional Sauna

The temperature of the traditional sauna is more than the infrared sauna. Therefore, the sessions of the traditional saunas are shorter than the infrared sauna. If you are a new user avoid sitting in the traditional sauna more than 5 minutes. However, if you are a seasoned user and your body has accustomed to the sauna ambiance you can prolong the session for 20-25 minutes. However, before expanding the session duration, make sure you have no health and wellness issues.

The Session Duration of the Infrared Sauna

The temperature of the infrared sauna is lower than the traditional sauna. Therefore the sessions are relatively longer than the traditional saunas. If you are a new user, you can sit in the sauna for 5-10 minutes.

However, once you become a seasoned user, you can use the infrared sauna for 25-30 minutes, and some users with stamina and good health conditions could expand the session for 35 minutes. However, you must consider your health conditions before extending the session duration.

The Sauna Ambiance

The fourth difference between the traditional and the infrared sauna is the difference in their environment.

The Ambiance of the Traditional Sauna

The traditional sauna has a humid ambiance because of the steam. Moreover, the heated rocks and stones raise the temperature of the sauna, and you can feel the heat in the environment.

The Ambiance of the Infrared Sauna

The infrared sauna ambiance is different from the traditional sauna. There is no humidity in the ambiance of the infrared sauna. Moreover, the temperature of the infrared sauna is not high compared to the traditional sauna because the heat directly penetrates into the body of the user without raising the temperature of the environment.

Heat Up Duration

Fifth difference between the infrared sauna and the traditional sauna is the heat up duration.

The Heat Up Duration of the Traditional Sauna

The traditional sauna takes more time to increase the temperature. You have to wait for 30 to 40 minutes before reaching the ideal temperature to give you the dry bath.

The Heat Up Duration of the Infrared Sauna

The infrared sauna does not require heat up time, and you can use it whenever you want to. However, it would be best if you wait for 10 to 15 minutes before getting into the sauna.

The Running Cost of the Sauna

The sixth and most notable difference between the infrared sauna and the traditional sauna is the running cost of the sauna.

The Running Cost of the Traditional Sauna

The running cost of the sauna is important to consider before making the final decision. The running cost of the traditional sauna is more than the infrared sauna.

If you use the traditional sauna for one hour, three times a week, it will cost you $20 in a month. However, the cost may be more or less than this depending upon the electricity rates of your area.

The Running Cost of the Infrared Sauna

Though the infrared sauna has modern technology and advanced functions, the running cost of the infrared sauna is lower than the traditional sauna. If you use the infrared sauna for one hour, three times a week, it would cost you $10 in a month. However, the cost could be lower or higher than this depending upo frequency of using the sauna and electricity price in your area.

Maintenance Process and Maintenance Cost

Traditional and infrared saunas are different from each other on account of the maintenance process and maintenance cost.

Maintenance of the Traditional Sauna

You need to do proper maintenance if you get a traditional sauna. The traditional saunas are closed spaces with the highly humid environment. Moreover, the high temperature of the sauna cause sweating in your body and these variables encourage the birth and growth of mold and mildew. Therefore, you must clean and maintain the sauna if you want to enjoy a clean and hygienic sauna bath.

Maintenance of the Infrared Sauna

In contrast to the traditional sauna, an infrared sauna needs less maintenance. No humidity and steam in the environment keeps the ambiance relatively clean. However, you have to clean the sauna to keep it hygienic. You can get the cleaning products from your local market.

Installation of the Sauna

The installation process of the infrared sauna is different from the traditional sauna.

The Installation of the Traditional Sauna

The installation of the traditional sauna is relatively a complicated process, and you have to hire professionals if you want to install a sauna in your home.  The traditional saunas need plumbing, drainage, and ventilation system, and you cannot install all these systems without the help of professionals. The installation process needs an installation budget that ultimately increases the cost of the sauna.

The Installation of the Infrared Sauna

The installation process of the infrared sauna is relatively easier than the traditional sauna. They are pre-built and pre-assembled and their installation is easier than you can do it by yourself. Two people are required to complete the process and the process maximum takes 2 to 3 hours to install the infrared sauna.

Moreover, you don’t have to hire the professionals and don’t need to spend extra budget on the installation that keeps the cost of the infrared sauna lower than the traditional sauna.

Cost of Traditional and Infrared Sauna

Apart from the installation process, there is a difference in the traditional and infrared sauna cost.

The Cost of the Traditional Sauna

The traditional saunas have higher costs than the infrared saunas. An average traditional sauna costs you $8,000 to $10,000. However, if you get a premium quality traditional sauna, the price could go up to 30,000. In addition to the purchasing cost, the installation cost of the traditional sauna would be additional.

The Cost of the Infrared Sauna

The cost of the infrared sauna is lower than the traditional sauna. An average infrared sauna could cost you $5,000 to $7,000. However, if you want to get a premium quality infrared sauna, it would cost you $10,000. Additionally, there is no installation cost of the infrared sauna that saves your budget.

The Space of the Sauna

The traditional and the infrared sauna are different from each other on account of the space.

The Space of the Traditional Sauna

The traditional saunas are more roomy and have more space to adjust multiple users to give them a sauna bath.  As they have more space than the infrared saunas, therefore they are designed for the outdoor installation. If you want to experience a sauna bath with your family and friends, the traditional sauna could be the best option for you.

The Space of the Infrared Saunas

The infrared saunas are less roomy than the traditional saunas. They cannot adjust the multiple numbers of users. They are smaller in size. Therefore they are perfect for the indoor installation. If you want to enjoy the sauna with your partner, infrared saunas are the best option for you.

Different Pros and Cons of the Traditional and Infrared Saunas

Traditional and the Infrared saunas are different from each other on account of the pros and cons they offer to the users.

The Pros and Cons of the Traditional Saunas

The Pros of the Traditional Saunas

Following are some benefits of the traditional sauna.

Actual Sauna Experience

Traditional saunas give you the actual feel and experience of the sauna bath with their high temperature and humid environment. They are more similar to the old saunas in their function and system.

Control Over Humidity

Though the traditional sauna’s ambiance is humid, you can control the humidity level in the sauna by increasing or decreasing the amount of water.

Outdoor Installation

The traditional saunas are perfect for the outdoor installation.

The Cons of the Traditional Sauna

Following are some disadvantages of the traditional saunas.

The Purchasing cost

The purchasing cost of the traditional sauna is higher than the infrared sauna. If you have a small budget, you cannot get a traditional sauna.

The Running Cost

The running cost of the traditional sauna is higher than the infrared saunas.

Maintenance

You need to do more maintenance and cleaning if you have a traditional sauna  compared to the infrared sauna.

Heat Up Duration

The traditional saunas take time to heat up, and you have to wait for 30 to 40 minutes before using the sauna so that it could reach to the ideal temperature.

Session Duration

The temperature of the traditional sauna is higher than the infrared sauna. Therefore you cannot sit for a long time in the sauna. Even a seasoned user can sit for 20-25 minutes in the high temperature of the traditional sauna.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Infrared Sauna

The Advantages of the Infrared Sauna

Zero to Minimum Heat Up Time

The infrared sauna does not require heat up duration, and you can use it whenever you want to. However, some sauna manufacturer suggests that you must wait for 10-15 minutes before using the infrared sauna.

The Lower Purchasing Cost

The purchasing cost of the infrared sauna is lower than the traditional saunas.

No Installation Cost

The infrared saunas are portable saunas. They are pre-assembled and pre-designed, and you don’t have to spend a lot of the budget on the installation of the infrared sauna. s

The Maintenance

The infrared saunas don’t need the in depth and detailed maintenance, and you can easily clean them in a short time.

No Ventilation or Drainage System

The infrared saunas are easy to install and easier to use. They don’t require a ventilation or drainage system to function properly.

Longer Sessions

The infrared saunas have a lower temperature than the traditional saunas; therefore, you can enjoy longer sessions of the dry bath.

The Disadvantages of the Infrared Saunas

Humidity

The infrared saunas have the infrared heat waves that penetrate into the human body and raise the temperature. The infrared sauna ambiance does not have the steam to make the environment humid.

Not Suitable for Outdoor

The infrared saunas are designed for the indoor installation, and if you want to install the sauna outdoors, the infrared sauna may not be the best option for you.

Which Sauna is Best Traditional Sauna or Infrared Sauna?

We have discussed multiple differences of the traditional sauna and the infrared sauna. You must be thinking about which sauna is the best choice for you. Well, it is a very subjective choice; it depends upon your choice preferences and taste which one you preferred more.

The Traditional Sauna

If you want to get a steamy sauna experience with high temperatures, traditional sauna could be a better choice for you. Moreover, the traditional sauna has more space to adjust multiple users if you want to include it in your gatherings and parties, get the traditional sauna.

However, the price, running costs, and the maintenance cost of the traditional sauna is more than the infrared sauna.

The Infrared Sauna

If you don’t like humidity and want to enjoy long sessions in a relatively lower temperature, the infrared sauna is the best choice for you. Moreover, the price, running costs and the maintenance cost of the infrared sauna is lower than the traditional sauna. The infrared sauna is perfect for you if you have a small installation area available and want to install the sauna indoors.

However, if you want a large sized sauna and install it outdoors, the infrared sauna may not be the best choice for you because it is designed for indoor installation.

So, evaluate these differences and qualities and choose the one that is more suitable for you. You can get the one from the Royal Sauna. Hurry up! Make a decision and place your order to get the best one for you.