Bringing the benefits of a sauna into your home is one of the best decisions you can make. From detoxification to recovery, convenience to property value, there are so many reasons to invest in a sauna. But actually choosing a sauna can be a complex process.

There are so many types of saunas at your fingertips that it’s easy to get overwhelmed - two of the most prominent being the infrared vs steam sauna. Each has its unique characteristics that set it apart, but which is right for you?

Infrared saunas heat your body directly using light, providing a deep, penetrating warmth at lower temperatures. They’re ideal if you prefer a milder, yet effective, detoxification experience. 

Steam saunas, on the other hand, heat the air with high humidity, creating a more traditional experience perfect for those who enjoy intense heat and the soothing effects of steam.

No matter which you choose, Nordica Sauna has the best sauna brands at the lowest prices online. You can contact our customer service team for a personalized recommendation, take our sauna quiz, or learn more below to pick your sauna with confidence!

What’s the Difference Between Infrared and Steam Sauna?

Saunas have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, detoxification, and overall well-being. The concept is simple: expose the body to elevated temperatures to induce sweating, which helps cleanse the body and relax the mind. 

However, there’s a lot more nuance to how saunas work given all the differences in technology. Such is the case when looking at the steam vs infrared sauna. So, what’s the difference between infrared and steam sauna technology? 

What is an Infrared Sauna?

As we briefly touched on earlier, these saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use light waves to penetrate your skin and heat your body from the inside out. 

But, are infrared saunas safe? Yes - this method allows for a deeper, more intense sweat at a lower sauna temperature, typically ranging from 120°F to 150°F. The result is a more comfortable sauna experience if you find the high heat of traditional saunas overwhelming.

Infrared saunas are known for their efficiency and targeted heat. Potential benefits include pain relief, detoxification, and improved circulation. The technology also allows for quicker heat-up times and lower energy consumption, making them a more convenient, cost-effective option. 

Moreover, infrared saunas generally produce lower levels of humidity, which can be easier on the respiratory system and more suitable for individuals with certain health conditions.

That being said, some individuals want humidity as part of their sauna experience. So, let’s look at the other half of the infrared sauna vs steam sauna comparison.

What is a Steam Sauna?

Steam saunas, sometimes referred to as steam rooms, create a hot and humid environment by generating steam. This is typically achieved by pouring water over heated rocks, which instantly vaporizes and fills the sauna with steam. 

More advanced systems incorporate steam generators which automate this process for you and give you more precise control over how much steam is put out in the sauna. These are far more expensive.

The temperatures in steam saunas usually range from 150°F to 190°F, accompanied by high humidity levels that can reach up to 100%. But why would you be interested in this style?

The steam in these saunas is particularly beneficial for respiratory health, as it helps to open airways, alleviate congestion, and soothe irritated sinuses. The high humidity also hydrates your skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed after a session.

Steam saunas provide a more intense heat experience, which many people find deeply relaxing and invigorating. The moist heat also helps loosen tight muscles, aiding in faster recovery.

Infrared Sauna vs Steam Sauna: Which is Right For You?

You might already be leaning towards one technology or the other after reading through the difference between infrared and steam sauna.

If not, don’t worry - we’ll leave you with a clear understanding by comparing and contrasting them side-by-side below, looking at the most important considerations in any sauna buying guide.

Heating Technology 

The primary difference between infrared and steam sauna is how they heat. This leads to differences across the board in temperature capabilities, health benefits, cost, and the overall experience.

As we touched on earlier, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat your body, rather than the air around you. This light penetrates the skin and warms your body from the inside out, leading to a deep, intense sweat at lower temperatures.

In contrast, steam saunas typically use a traditional heating element - either electric or wood-burning. Then, steam is introduced by pouring water over hot rocks. This method heats both the air and your body, producing a hot, humid environment.

Like we said before, though, you can also find more sophisticated steam saunas that introduce steam at the touch of a button. These require advanced steam generators, and as you’ll see below, add cost and complexity to the sauna experience. 

Temperature Range

Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you’re looking for in the sauna experience. They range between 120°F to 150°F to provide a more comfortable environment for extended sessions.

However, they still produce an intense sweat because they’re heating the body directly - so while you may not feel as hot, you’re getting all the benefits a sauna has to offer.

On the other hand, steam saunas usually get between 150°F and 190°F, coupled with high humidity. This creates a more vigorous - and in some cases, overwhelming - experience. But, the higher temperatures are great for enhanced muscle relaxation and increased circulation. 

Health Benefits

We want to be clear - both types of saunas are known to produce incredible health benefits. There is quite a bit of overlap here. For example, both styles offer detoxification, improved circulation, stress relief, and muscle recovery.

However, there are some differences in the health benefits offered between a steam vs infrared sauna as well. For instance, the steam sauna can improve skin health through hydration. There are respiratory benefits as well as it can open airways and relieve congestion. 

That being said, infrared saunas are potentially more effective for pain relief, be it joint or muscle soreness. There are also weight loss benefits associated with this technology, as the deep, penetrating heat can speed up your metabolic rate.

So, think about which benefits matter most in a sauna experience and choose accordingly.

Upfront and Operational Costs

There’s no getting around the sauna cost. This is a big investment in your home, but make no mistake, it’s well worth it. 

You can put the financial stress behind you by shopping at Nordica Sauna, too, where you’ll get the lowest prices online, hassle-free financing, and the ability to use HSA/FSA funds.

That being said, is one more affordable than the other between an infrared vs steam sauna? Definitely. Steam saunas tend to have higher upfront costs as they need a more complex heating system and steam generator. They also consume more energy, particularly during the initial heat-up period. 

In contrast, infrared saunas are known specifically for being the most energy efficient style on the market. They operate at lower temperatures and do not require the power needed to generate steam.

Maintenance Needs

All saunas need some level of maintenance, it’s just a matter of figuring out how much. Infrared saunas don’t use water or steam, so you won’t have to stress about mold or mildew growth like you will with a steam sauna. Just a bit of regular cleaning is all you’ll need to do.

Installation Complexities 

There are plenty of sauna kits that streamline the installation process, allowing you to take the DIY route to save money. However, you’ll find it more difficult to install a steam sauna on your own given the need for proper ventilation to manage the high humidity levels.

If you choose to go with a sophisticated steam room rather than the old-fashioned heated rock method, you’ll also need to think about plumbing for the sauna. At that point, you’re all but forced to hire an expert to assist with installation, adding more costs to the project.

But, infrared saunas are designed to be very easy to install on your own. You might need to get the help of a friend or family member for the project, but you can typically take the DIY route regardless of your experience.

You’ll also have more options as far as where you install the sauna, as these are smaller and don’t need the same level of plumbing or ventilation. From the backyard to the basement, a closet, or anywhere in between, you can place your sauna where you deem fit.

Overall Experience

If you zoom out and look at the overall sauna experience, you’ll notice clear differences between an infrared sauna vs steam sauna. 

The former is a more gentle, comfortable experience that let’s you spend more time in the sauna, and thus, more time reaping the benefits this technology has to offer. 

That’s not to say you won’t have an enjoyable steam sauna experience - it’s just a bit more intense. Still, the combination of higher heat and humidity can be deeply relaxing and even invigorating. 

Still Not Sure Which is Right For You?

Hopefully you have a clear understanding of whether you should go with an infrared vs steam sauna after reading this comparison guide!

You can learn more about the nuances in sauna styles here in our blog. We have a similar comparison of the infrared sauna vs dry sauna, indoor vs outdoor sauna, and even infrared vs traditional sauna.

But the best way to get a solid grasp on which type is right for you is to simply get in touch with our experts here at Nordica Sauna, where you’ll discover all the top brands and models across different technologies.

Nordica Sauna Has You Covered Whether You Want an Infrared or Steam Sauna!

Whether you’re looking for a steam sauna or infrared sauna for sale, Nordica Sauna has the perfect pick waiting for you here in our catalog. You’ll enjoy the latest and greatest the industry has to offer at the lowest prices online with exceptional support before, during, and after your purchase.

We’re passionate about helping you create your own personal sanctuary in the comfort of your own home, and have curated a collection of various sauna sizes, technologies, and price points to meet your needs. You can also find all the top sauna brands, including:

• Auroom sauna
• Finnmark sauna
• Golden Designs saunas
• Harvia sauna
• Huum sauna
• Morozko Forge sauna
• Sauna Life saunas
• Saunum sauna
• Almost Heaven sauna

Whether you want an indoor infrared sauna or outdoor infrared sauna, you can rest assured we’ve got a model for you. 

You won’t have to go searching for it either - take our intuitive sauna quiz, get a personalized recommendation from our experts, or narrow your search based on size:

• 1 person infrared sauna
• 2 person infrared sauna
• 3 person infrared sauna
• 4 person infrared sauna
• 5 person infrared sauna
• 6 person infrared sauna
• 8 person infrared sauna

But, you can also find a traditional sauna for sale that supports steam integration! For example, the Golden Designs “Copenhagen Edition” 3-Person Traditional Steam Sauna is one of our most popular models. We also love the Finnmark FD-5 Trinity XL Infra-Steam Sauna.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards bringing the power of a sauna into your home today as we wrap up our guide on the infrared sauna vs steam sauna comparison below.

Bringing Our Infrared vs Steam Sauna Comparison to a Close

In closing, choosing between an infrared vs steam sauna is just a matter of weighing the unique benefits each has to offer while considering cost and installation. Each has its place in the world of sauna technology. 

Infrared saunas provide deep, penetrating heat ideal for detoxification and pain relief, while steam saunas deliver a traditional experience with intense heat and humidity, perfect for respiratory health and muscle relaxation.

No matter which you choose, Nordica Sauna offers top-quality options to meet your needs. Invest in your wellness today - shop with us and find the perfect sauna for your home.