The Ultimate Guide to Saunas: Understanding Traditional, Steam, and Infrared Saunas, and How to Choose the Perfect One for You
A sauna is an enclosed space that is typically used for relaxation and therapeutic purposes. It is designed to create a high-temperature and low-humidity environment. Saunas have been an integral part of Nordic culture for centuries, serving as a way of life due to its various health benefits. Recognising its potential, today, saunas have become widespread across many cultures worldwide.
The heat inside a sauna is usually generated by a heater, often fueled by electricity, wood, or infrared technology. The walls and benches inside the sauna are typically made of wood, which helps retain the heat.
To use a sauna, individuals sit or lie down in the heated room and allow their bodies to perspire. This sweating process helps to cleanse the body and may provide various health benefits, such as improving circulation and quality of sleep, promoting relaxation, relieving muscle tension, and supporting detoxification. It is important to note that while saunas can offer multiple health benefits, it is essential to stay hydrated during its practice and not overexpose oneself to excessive heat. Additionally, doctor consultation is recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Traditional Sauna
Also known as a Finnish sauna, the conventional type used for centuries in Finland and other Nordic countries — typically a small, enclosed wooden room with wooden benches. Heat is generated by a sauna heater that warms rocks, which radiate dry heat throughout the room. Water can be poured over the hot rocks to create steam, increasing humidity.
Steam Sauna
Uses a steam generator to form steam in the sauna, bringing humidity up to 100% — often called a “wet heat” sauna. In contrast to traditional saunas, the temperature is lower, roughly between 40–60°C.
Infrared Sauna
A newer type of sauna using infrared heaters to emit infrared light, absorbed by the body to produce heat — mimicking sunlight’s warming effect without harmful UV rays. Harvia’s infrared panels radiate heat of differing wavelengths depending on category: near, mid, or far. Thanks to the low humidity, you can comfortably read a book or listen to music during a session.
Traditional Sauna vs Infrared Sauna – Key Differences
| Traditional Sauna | Infrared Sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Uses a stove or heater to heat rocks, which then heat the air around the sauna room. | Uses infrared heaters to directly heat the body. |
| Temperature | Typically between 70–100°C. | Much lower, 30–65°C. |
| Humidity | Can be low (dry heat) or higher with water on hot rocks (steam). | Very low. |
| Heat-Up Time | May take up to 30–45 minutes to fully heat up. | Quicker — panels warm up and are ready almost immediately. |
How to Choose the Right Sauna for Me?
It’s important to note that traditional saunas, steam saunas and infrared saunas offer several potential health benefits, such as relaxation, improved circulation, temporary relief from muscle soreness, improved quality of sleep and much more. The choice between the different types of saunas often comes down to personal preferences, heat experiences, health considerations, space availability, and cost.
If you have any further questions or require support in choosing the right type of sauna experience for you, please contact us here.
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