Infrared Sauna vs. Steam Sauna:
The Ultimate Sweat Showdown

Whether you’re on a mission to detox, relax, or simply break a good sweat, you’ve probably haven't considered your options (Or even that there are options): infrared saunas and steam saunas. Both leave you glowing and refreshed, but they do it very differently. So, read through the pros and cons with us to see which sauna earns a spot in your wellness routine.

1. Can You Handle The Heat?

Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas are different then the regular saunas that you hear about (You know, the things that some people go out of their way to avoid). Instead of heating the air around you, making it (For some people) unbearable in minutes, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to emit light waves that penetrate your skin and heat your body directly. Basically, the heat is a lower temperature to the ones you hear about, usually around 50-60°C (120-140°F). It fills you with warmth that's not not too hot and not too cold, and that’s better for long amounts of time. If you were planning on letting your kids use the sauna, I’d then definitely suggest this one.

Steam Sauna: Steam saunas, on the other hand, crank up the heat by filling the room with hot, humid air. The temperature can soar up to 70-100°C (160-212°F), creating an environment that’ll have you sweating buckets in minutes. While some people either love the sensation, or usually don’t have much time on their hands, for some it’s overwhelming, especially if you’re not a fan of high heat and sweating.

2. Health Benefits: What’s in It for You?

Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas are one of the heroes in the wellness world. They have a variety of health benefits, from detoxification to better circulation, and even pain relief. The infrared heat sinks through your skin, into your muscles and joints, soothing aches and pains (Not as creepy as you're imagining!). Plus, because you’re sweating at a lower temperature, and your body can handle the heat much longer, those health benefits will benefit you even more.

Steam Sauna: Steam saunas are no slouches when it comes to health either. The high heat opens up your pores, which cleanses the skin and helps circulation. The steamy environment is also great for respiratory health, because it clears out congestion and soothes your airways. However, the heat can be taxing on your body (Especially if you use it too much!)

3. Comfort Level: Which One Feels Right?

Infrared Sauna: Let’s be real, being comfortable is very important when it comes to relaxing. Infrared saunas earn major points there because they have the whole warmth calming experience without the crazy humidity levels. You can enjoy a session for up to 30-45 minutes without feeling like you’re constantly overheating, which is perfect for winding down after a long day.

Steam Sauna: Steam saunas have a much more intense experience. The combination of high heat and humidity can feel refreshing, especially on cold days or if you’re not feeling great. With steam saunas, it’s normal to need to escape after just 10-15 minutes.

4. Installation and Maintenance: How much Hassle?

Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas are pretty easy to install and maintain. They normally come in compact, plug-and-use designs that don’t need tools. Just set it up in a quiet corner, plug it in, and you’re ready. Maintenance is quick and easy (And you don’t need to get your hands dirty!) just wipe down the inside every now and then and you're good to go.

Steam Sauna: Steam saunas are a bit harder to set up. They need proper ventilation, access to water for the steam generator, and probably someone who knows how to set them up. Installation can also be complex because you usually need to install plumbing and electrical work. Plus, the humid environment means you’ll need to keep an eye on mold and mildew, which also means very regular cleaning.

5. Energy: What’s the Cost For You And Your Planet?

Infrared Sauna: When it comes to saving energy, infrared saunas are the clear winner. They heat up quickly and barely need any energy to keep it running. Unlike the steam sauna, which needs to work harder to generate and maintain that hot, humid air. The words Infrared Sauna means lower electricity bills and less pollution—win-win!

Steam Sauna: Steam saunas consume more energy, both to heat the room and maintain it. The cost really adds up, especially if you're planning on using your sauna a lot. The high humidity leaking out of the room is also terrible to the surrounding environment, which can lead to dampness or mold.

Which One Is Better

While infrared and steam saunas each have their perks, if you compare the differences, it’s clear that infrared saunas are overall just an easier experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, relax after long days, or just get out the sweat, an infrared sauna gives all of those but without the hassle.

So, if you want to upgrade your wellness routine with a sauna that’s as genius as it is genuine, an infrared sauna might just be the perfect fit. It’s more than just a sauna, it’s an investment in your health, comfort, and overall well-being. And honestly, isn’t that what everyone wants?

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