If you compare an infrared sauna vs. steam sauna, you’ll find two unique approaches to relaxation and wellness. Infrared saunas provide deep, targeted warmth, while steam saunas offer a humid, soothing environment. Both deliver fantastic benefits, but their differences matter. As luxury home spa solutions experts, we’ll help you decide which option best aligns with your health goals and lifestyle preferences.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas use radiant energy from infrared panels to warm your body directly rather than the surrounding air. They operate at lower temperatures, typically between 120°F and 140°F, making them more comfortable for longer sessions. Infrared waves penetrate up to 1.5 inches into your body, promoting detoxification and muscle recovery at a cellular level. Their energy-efficient design and quick heating time make them popular among people looking for at-home wellness solutions.

What Is a Steam Sauna?

Steam saunas create a high-temperature, high-humidity environment by using steam generators to fill the room with moist heat. Temperatures typically range from 170°F to 200°F, with 100% humidity. Custom sauna designs can improve this experience, allowing you to tailor the size, materials, and features to fit your preferences. These saunas can improve your respiratory health, promote relaxation, cleanse your pores, and give you a traditional, immersive sauna experience.

Infrared vs. Steam Saunas: Similarities

While infrared and steam saunas use different heating methods, they share several similarities that make them excellent choices for outdoor wellness retreats.

• They have similar health benefits: Both saunas promote detoxification, muscle recovery, improved circulation, stress relief, and relaxation, helping you achieve better physical and mental well-being.

• Both are customizable: Whether you love the modern efficiency of infrared saunas or the steamy ambiance of steam saunas, there are various home sauna design ideas to match your space, style, and personal needs.

• Both pair well with luxury amenities: Both types complement luxury hot tubs and luxury cold plunge pools, creating a complete spa experience that improves muscle recovery and relaxation.

• Both are safe and effective: When used responsibly, both saunas provide safe and effective ways to boost your overall health.

Infrared vs. Steam Saunas: Key Differences

The main difference between infrared saunas and steam saunas is that infrared saunas use dry, radiant heat to warm your body directly. In contrast, steam saunas create a high-humidity, moist heat environment by generating steam.

Aside from how they heat, these saunas differ in key ways that can shape your overall experience.

Temperature

Infrared saunas use advanced infrared panels to emit radiant heat directly into your body, operating at a comfortable 120°F to 140°F. This warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for longer, relaxing sessions without overwhelming heat. 

In contrast, steam saunas generate heat by using steam, filling the room with moist air and creating higher temperatures ranging from 170°F to 200°F. This intense heat provides a traditional and immersive sauna experience that you may find invigorating.

Humidity Levels

Infrared saunas maintain low humidity, delivering a dry heat that’s gentle on your respiratory system and ideal if you prefer a more comfortable, extended session. This dry environment also reduces the risk of mold and moisture buildup, making it easier to maintain the sauna. 

On the other hand, steam saunas provide 100% humidity, creating a steamy, moisture-rich atmosphere. This high humidity is excellent for clearing your airways, hydrating your skin, and delivering a spa-like, soothing experience.

Electrical Requirements

Infrared saunas often need a dedicated 120V outlet with 15-20 amps, which is standard in most homes. This makes them easy to set up, but to avoid overloading, ensure the circuit isn’t shared with other high-power devices.

For steam saunas, you’ll need a 240V outlet with 20-50 amps, depending on the size of the steam generator. Larger steam saunas or generators producing more steam require higher amperage to operate smoothly.

Heating Time Efficiency

Infrared saunas heat up quickly, taking 10 to 15 minutes to reach their target temperature. This makes them a convenient option for busy schedules. Their energy-efficient design uses less electricity, saving you time and money in the long run.

Meanwhile, steam saunas require 30 to 45 minutes to heat the room and produce enough steam fully. While this creates a deeply immersive experience, maintaining it takes more time and energy.

Detoxification

Infrared saunas promote deep sweating at lower temperatures, effectively releasing toxins such as heavy metals and chemicals from your body. This deeper, cellular-level detoxification is effective and gentler on your body, making it great for frequent use. 

Due to the high heat and humidity, steam saunas encourage more surface-level sweating. This sweating cleanses your pores, hydrates your skin, and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each session.

Cost

Basic infrared saunas typically cost $5,000 to $10,000. They offer energy efficiency and modern features, although custom setups can cost significantly more.

Steam saunas are usually more expensive than traditional saunas because they require a steam generator and plumbing setup. Basic ones cost between $6,000 and $15,000, but bespoke steam sauna configurations run much higher.

Running Costs

Infrared saunas generally cost less to operate than steam saunas. They require less electricity per session, making them more energy-efficient. 

In comparison, the higher power demand for creating steam and maintaining 100% humidity in a steam sauna contributes to the increased cost.

To calculate your sauna’s running cost, use this formula:

Running Cost = Cost per kWh × Heater kW Rating × Hours Used

For example, if your electricity rate is $0.15 per kWh, your heater has a 6kW rating, and you use your sauna for 12 hours per month:

Running Cost = $0.15 × 6 × 12 = $10.80 per month

This formula helps estimate expenses based on your monthly sauna energy usage and local electricity rates.

Installation and Maintenance

Infrared saunas are easy to install and typically only require a standard electrical outlet. Their simple setup makes them a practical option for your home, and their low-maintenance design requires minimal upkeep. 

Steam saunas, however, demand more complex installations, including plumbing for the steam generator, proper ventilation, and moisture management systems to prevent mold. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep your steam sauna functioning effectively and ensure a clean environment.

General Health Benefits of Saunas

Saunas make a terrific addition to your personal wellness retreat, offering targeted therapeutic benefits, such as:

• Improved circulation: Regular sauna use can increase blood flow, helping your body deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently. This can boost recovery, reduce inflammation, improve overall health, and increase lifespan.

• Detoxification: Saunas encourage sweating, which helps flush out toxins from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

• Relaxed muscles: The heat from saunas soothes sore muscles, reduces stiffness, and aids post-workout recovery.

• Stress relief: The calming heat environment in both saunas promotes relaxation, lowers cortisol levels, and helps you unwind. Using a sauna or a hot tub before bed can also improve your sleep quality.

• Enhanced skin health: Regular sauna use opens your pores, cleanses your skin, and improves its tone and texture, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.

Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas provide unique health advantages through their ability to penetrate heat deep into your body:

• Deeper pain relief: The penetrating heat of infrared saunas more effectively reaches muscles and joints, helping alleviate chronic pain and stiffness.

• Improved cellular health: Infrared heat may promote cell regeneration and support overall healing by improving oxygen delivery at a cellular level.

• Boosted metabolism: The gentle, sustained heat of infrared saunas can increase your heart rate, simulating mild exercise and supporting calorie burn.

Health Benefits of Steam Saunas

Steam saunas create a soothing, humid environment that can help clear your airways, ease congestion, and relieve respiratory discomfort, especially if you have sinus or lung issues. The moist heat also makes you sweat more, helping your body flush out impurities. Additionally, using a steam sauna regularly can boost your immune system by raising your core temperature, mimicking the way your body fights off illness.

Safety Considerations for Saunas

All saunas are safe if you use them correctly, but follow these guidelines to make sure you have a positive experience:

• Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your session to avoid dehydration.

• Limit session times: Depending on your comfort level, use infrared saunas for 20 to 30 minutes and steam saunas for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Cool down gradually: Rest 5 to 10 minutes after your session and take a lukewarm shower to adjust your body temperature.

• Consult a doctor: If you have medical conditions like high blood pressure or respiratory issues, or if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before using a sauna to avoid health complications.

• Use the correct sauna outlet: Use the appropriate outlet for your sauna to ensure safe operation, prevent electrical issues, and avoid potential damage to the sauna or your home’s wiring.

Infrared vs. Steam Sauna: Which Is Better?

Choosing between an infrared sauna and a steam sauna depends on your health goals, preferences, and practical considerations.

When to Choose an Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna is ideal if you prefer a gentler heat penetrating deep into your muscles. These saunas are perfect if you focus on detoxification or muscle recovery or are sensitive to high temperatures. The quick heating time and energy efficiency make them a convenient and practical choice if you frequently use your sauna at home.

When to Choose a Steam Sauna

A steam sauna is better if you enjoy high heat and soothing humidity. These saunas improve respiratory health, hydrate your skin, and create a traditional, immersive sauna environment. If you appreciate the classic sauna ritual with moist heat, a steam sauna delivers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for respiratory health, infrared or steam saunas?

Steam saunas are better for respiratory health due to their high humidity, which clears airways and reduces congestion.

Which sauna type heats up faster, infrared or steam?

Infrared saunas heat up faster, typically in 10 to 15 minutes, compared to steam saunas, which take 30 to 45 minutes.

Which sauna is better for detoxification?

Infrared saunas are better for detoxification as their deep heat releases toxins stored in fat cells.

How do the costs compare between infrared and steam saunas?

Infrared saunas generally cost less to install and maintain, while steam saunas require more extensive plumbing and energy.

Are steam saunas harder to maintain than infrared saunas?

Yes. Steam saunas need more maintenance for moisture management, ventilation, and mold prevention.

Can I use either sauna every day?

Yes, but keep your sessions short and stay hydrated to avoid overexposure.

Should I shower after using a sauna?

Yes, showering helps remove toxins from your skin and stabilizes your body temperature after a session.