Key Takeaways
Adding a sauna to your home is one of the most rewarding ways to create a private space for relaxation and warmth, but the first big decision comes down to infrared vs traditional sauna designs. Both deliver the soothing, enveloping heat that saunas are famous for, yet they get there in very different ways. If you live in East Tennessee and are weighing your options for a home in Chattanooga, Cleveland, Knoxville, or the Smoky Mountain towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, understanding how each type works will help you choose the model that fits your space, your budget, and the kind of experience you want.
A traditional sauna, often called a Finnish sauna, heats the air inside the room. A dedicated sauna heater warms a bed of rocks, and those rocks radiate heat into the enclosed space until the entire cabin reaches a high temperature. Traditional saunas typically operate in a hot range, often somewhere between roughly 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit, which produces that intense, immersive heat many people associate with a classic sauna session.
One of the defining features of a Finnish sauna is the option to pour water over the heated rocks. This releases a burst of steam known as loyly, which briefly raises the humidity and makes the heat feel more intense on the skin. You control the experience by adding water as often as you like, so you can keep the air dry or make it more humid and steamy. That flexibility, along with the ritual of ladling water over the rocks, is a big part of why traditional saunas have such a loyal following.
An infrared sauna takes a different approach. Instead of heating the air to a high temperature, infrared heaters emit gentle radiant heat that warms your body directly, much the way sunlight feels warm on your skin even on a cool day. Because the heaters target your body rather than the surrounding air, the cabin stays at a noticeably lower temperature, often in the range of about 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many people find this lower, drier heat easier to tolerate, especially if the high air temperature of a traditional sauna feels overwhelming. Infrared saunas also tend to warm up faster since they do not need to bring an entire room of air up to a high temperature before your session begins. The result is a milder, low-humidity environment that still delivers a deep sense of warmth.
When you place these two options side by side, a few practical differences stand out. Thinking through each one will help you narrow down the right choice for your home.
People commonly report that both types help them relax, unwind after a long day, ease muscle tension, and simply enjoy the comfort of quiet, warm time to themselves. These are among the most frequently mentioned reasons homeowners add a sauna, though it is always wise to check with your own physician before starting any new heat routine, especially if you have a health condition.
The best sauna for you depends on how you plan to use it and what your space allows. As you compare an infrared vs traditional sauna for your home, keep these considerations in mind.
Consider where the sauna will live. Both types come in sizes ranging from compact one- or two-person cabins to larger models. Measure your available area, allow room for the door to open, and think about how the sauna fits into the flow of the room. Popular indoor spots include a spare bedroom, a finished basement, a home gym, or a spacious bathroom.
Electrical requirements differ between the two. Many smaller infrared saunas can plug into a standard household outlet, while larger units and most traditional heaters need a dedicated, higher-capacity circuit installed by a qualified electrician. Confirming your electrical setup early prevents surprises later. Professional sauna installation ensures the wiring, framing, and heater are handled safely and correctly the first time.
Good airflow keeps any indoor sauna comfortable and helps manage moisture in the surrounding room. Traditional saunas in particular benefit from proper intake and exhaust ventilation to circulate fresh air during use. For any indoor installation, plan for adequate ventilation and choose a spot with a moisture-friendly, easy-to-clean floor surface nearby.
Finally, think about the experience you want. If you love intense, high-temperature heat and the ritual of steam, a traditional Finnish sauna is likely your match. If you prefer a gentler, quicker, lower-humidity session and value energy efficiency, an infrared sauna may be the better fit. There is no single right answer, only the option that feels best for you and the people who will use it.
Whichever style you choose, a sauna is a long-term investment that rewards a little upkeep. Heaters, controls, and wood surfaces all last longer with regular care, and prompt attention to any issue keeps your sessions safe and enjoyable. If a heater stops performing or a control acts up down the road, professional sauna repair can get things back to normal without the guesswork.
Choosing between an infrared and a traditional sauna is easier when you talk it through with people who install and service them every day. The Spas & More team proudly serves Chattanooga, Cleveland, Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Ooltewah, and nearby East Tennessee communities, and we are happy to help you compare models, plan your space, and enjoy the warmth of a sauna in your own home. Reach out to the Spas & More team to get started.
Traditional saunas heat the air to a high temperature and let you add steam by pouring water on the rocks, while infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm your body directly at a lower, drier temperature.
Infrared saunas generally reach a usable temperature more quickly because they do not need to warm an entire room of air and a bed of rocks first.
Infrared saunas often use less energy per session since they run at lower temperatures and heat up faster, while a traditional heater draws more power to reach and hold its higher temperature.
Many small infrared saunas plug into a standard household outlet, but larger units and most traditional heaters need a dedicated, higher-capacity circuit installed by a qualified electrician.
Written by Spas & More
Spas & More provides hot tub, spa, sauna, and hardscaping sales and service across East Tennessee. Questions? Email timspasandmore@gmail.com or call (423) 337-1859.
