Side by side

How a Finnish sauna works

The heater warms the stones, and together with the heated air they create 70 to 100 °C at low humidity. Throwing water on the stones briefly raises the humidity and the heat suddenly feels far more intense – that is löyly. You sauna in rounds: a short spell in the heat, cooling down, resting. That sequence is what most people love about it.

How an infrared cabin works

Instead of a heater there are emitters in the walls and under the bench. The air stays relatively cool while your body warms up. There is no steam and no löyly, and a session is longer and calmer. The cabin is ready in minutes, so it also works for a spontaneous evening session.

Power supply and space

This is the most common reason people choose infrared. Electric heaters of 6 to 9 kW need a 400 V supply, a dedicated breaker and an inspection by a qualified electrician. An infrared cabin runs from a 230 V socket. In a flat or rented home it is often the only realistic option – see Sauna in an apartment.

A Finnish sauna for two needs roughly 150 × 150 cm, an infrared cabin for two about 130 × 110 cm.

Running costs

An 8 kW electric heater uses about 9 kWh per session, so roughly €2.25 at €0.25/kWh. An infrared cabin rated at 2.1 kW uses about 1.6 kWh per session, around €0.40. The configurator calculates exact figures for your setup in the last step.

How to decide

Choose a Finnish sauna if

• you want real heat, steam and löyly,
• you have or can arrange a 400 V supply, or want a wood-burning heater,
• sauna is a ritual for you, with cooling and several rounds,
• it is going into a house, cellar or garden.

Choose an infrared cabin if

• you only have a 230 V socket,
• you want to be done in half an hour including heat-up,
• hot air feels uncomfortable to you,
• space is tight and the cabin goes into a bathroom or bedroom.

Frequently asked questions

Can an infrared cabin be used daily?

Because of the lower temperature people use it more often than a Finnish sauna. Still, listen to your body and drink enough water.

Can you throw water in an infrared cabin?

No. There is no heater and no stones, and water would damage the emitters and the wood.

Which is cheaper to run?

The infrared cabin – lower power and shorter heat-up. Per session that is roughly €2.25 against €0.40 at €0.25/kWh.

Which wood suits an infrared cabin?

Aspen, alder or thermo aspen – they stay cool to the touch and never bleed resin. More on the Wood for saunas page.