Ah, the eternal question: do you go for the bold intensity of a classic Italian espresso or the smooth, slow burn of a matcha latte? Choosing a traditional or infrared sauna isn’t so different. One is a time-honored ritual, steeped in tradition and steam. The other is sleek, efficient, and deeply restorative. Both promise relaxation, detoxification, and that delicious post-sweat glow. So, the heat is on—but which kind is right for you?
Traditional Saunas: The Time-Honored Classic
The Experience
Picture this: the scent of cedar, the enveloping warmth, the satisfying hiss of water meeting hot stones. A traditional sauna is the full sensory experience—pure, primal, and rooted in centuries of ritual.
How It Works
Heated by an electric or wood-burning stove, a traditional sauna raises the air temperature to 180–195°F, (82–90°C), surrounding you in deep, penetrating heat that coaxes out every last drop of tension.
The Benefits
- Full-body detox—Sweat it all out in a way that feels almost sacred.
- Stress-melting stillness—A digital detox disguised as a wellness indulgence.
- A social ritual—Perfect for those who love the communal aspect of a sauna session.
Considerations
- Patience required—Traditional saunas take their sweet time to heat up.
- Higher energy use—Electric models, in particular, pack a punch on the power bill.
Where Tradition Meets Modern Comfort
If you love that classic steam-laden heat, consider the SaunaLife XPERIENCE Series, a sleek indoor model with all the charm of a Nordic retreat. For an outdoor oasis, the SaunaLife CL7G Cube-Series brings traditional sauna culture straight to your backyard.
Infrared Saunas: The Modern Contender
The Experience
Step in. No waiting, no steam—just gentle warmth seeping into your muscles, melting away tension from the inside out. Infrared saunas offer a sleek, modern approach to deep heat therapy.
How It Works
Instead of heating the air, infrared panels emit heat at lower temperatures (~140°F / 60°C) that penetrate deeper into the skin, warming you from the inside with a sensation that’s more subtle but just as effective.
The Benefits
- Deep muscle relief—The kind of relaxation that reaches your core.
- Instant gratification—No waiting, just step in and sweat.
- Energy-efficient—Lower operating costs make it a budget-friendly choice.
Considerations
- Not the "classic" sauna feel—No steam, no water, no fire. Just pure, dry heat.
- A different heat sensation—More of a slow burn than an all-encompassing blast.
The Future of Heat, Right in Your Home
For those craving a cutting-edge, full-spectrum infrared experience, the Finnmark FD-3 delivers therapeutic heat in a stylish indoor design. Prefer to take your infrared sessions alone? The Finnmark FD-1 gives you uninterrupted peace.
The Final Verdict: What’s Your Sauna Style?
Are you drawn to the time-honored tradition of wood and steam, or does the sleek efficiency of infrared heat call your name? Either way, both styles offer a luxurious escape from the cold, the chaos, and the stress of daily life.
Go traditional if: You crave the ritual, the heat, the steam, and that classic sauna experience.
Go infrared if: You want deep muscle relief, fast sessions, and energy efficiency.
Whatever you choose, it'll be an experience—one that, much like your choice of espresso or matcha, is all about personal taste. Whether you savor the intensity of tradition or the smooth, modern convenience of innovation, the right sauna is the one that makes every session feel like a little indulgence.