Choosing an infrared sauna
An infrared sauna warms you with heater panels instead of heating the room air with stones. Healthline puts typical infrared sauna temperatures at 120 to 140°F (49 to 60°C), compared with 150 to 180°F (66 to 82°C) for a traditional sauna. The listings here match that: many state a top setting of 140 to 149°F, and a few reach 158°F.
Size: how many people
Pick the size from the number of people who will sit at once, then check the footprint.
- 1 person infrared saunas: 13 models, $1,216 to $2,799. Most are about 29 to 36 in (74 to 91 cm) wide.
- 2 person infrared saunas: 34 models, $1,675 to $5,199. Most are about 39 to 48 in (1 to 1.2 m) wide.
- 3 and 4 person infrared saunas: 10 models, $2,534 to $16,999.
Heater type
Most listings use far-infrared carbon panels. Carbon heaters are named in 30 listings and ceramic in a couple. Full spectrum infrared saunas add near- and mid-infrared emitters to the far-infrared panels. Many also add a red light panel. "Low EMF" appears in 32 listings. Where a maker gives a measured figure, it is on the product page.
Power needs
This is the main practical advantage of infrared. At least 30 listings here specify 120V, with heater loads between about 1,020 and 2,310 watts. Read the amp rating closely. Some models plug into a standard 15-amp outlet, while others want a 20-amp circuit, sometimes dedicated and non-GFCI. A handful of larger cabins list 220V or 240V.
Wood species
Canadian hemlock shows up in about 60 of the 91 listings. It is light in color and mild in smell. Red cedar appears in 11 and has a stronger scent and a reddish tone. You will also find spruce, aspen and old fir. Browse hemlock saunas if you want that wood specifically.
| What to check | Typical range in this collection |
|---|---|
| Price | $993 to $18,999 (median about $2,999) |
| Supply | Mostly 120V, 15 or 20 A |
| Heater load | About 1,000 to 3,200 W |
| Top temperature | Often 140 to 149°F |
Indoor or outdoor
Most infrared cabins are indoor-only. If you want one in the yard, look at outdoor infrared saunas, which have roofs and exteriors built for weather. Large cabins ship freight, so check door widths and the room's ceiling height before you order.
Sources: Healthline: infrared sauna temperatures.
