Infrared Saunas vs Traditional Saunas
Many infrared manufacturers and distributors make comparisons to traditional saunas that are misleading and untrue. Let’s look at a few.
Claim: Infrared saunas heat up in under 10 minutes. Traditional saunas require 45-90 minutes
Fact: Infrared saunas heat to between 120°F to 150°F. Traditional saunas to 195°F. Infrareds heat up in about 10-20 minutes. A traditional sauna, sized properly, will heat a sauna in 20-30 minutes. However, Heating up an infrared only provides for that "toasty" feeling. To perspire, you must be exposed to the infrared rays. It generally takes 12-20 minutes of exposure to begin sweating.
Claim: Traditional saunas are expensive to operate
Fact: Electrical costs are a direct reflection of heater size and operating time. The average electrical cost is 7 cents per kw hour. A 1.6 kW infrared sauna will cost 5-10 cents per use. A 6 kw traditional sauna will cost 40-50 cents. Most people use their sauna once or twice per week. So while it is true that traditional cost more, in either case costs are measured in pennies, not dollars.
Claim: Infrared saunas assemble in minutes, while traditional saunas take days and require special installation
Fact: Infrared saunas come primarily as pre-fabricated panels that snap or screw together. While they are relatively simple to assemble, it is more realistic to assume 1-2 hours for assembly. Traditional saunas are most popularly purchased as do-it yourself kits, which take a few days to install. There are also pre-fab traditional saunas that are built in essentially the same way as infrareds-that is panels that are simply screwed together. And they too can be assembled in a couple of hours.
Claim: Traditional saunas require special electrical work. Infrareds plug into any outlet.
Fact: Traditional do require a dedicated breaker. While some smaller infrared saunas can plug into any outlet, many mid size to larger require a dedicated 15 or 20 amp plug - which must also be installed by an electrician.
Claim: Traditional saunas require a lot of maintenance.
Fact: There is absolutely no difference in the amount of maintenance required. Even a heavily used home sauna gets relatively light use - once or twice a week on average. The only maintenance required is to wipe down the walls and benches periodically with a mild solution of water and dish detergent.
Claim: Infrared sauna heat is dry and gentle, where traditional saunas are harsh and claustrophobic.
Fact: It is true that traditional saunas are a hotter environment but to claim it is harsh is not accurate. You don’t have to operate the traditional sauna at maximum temperature, and each room has an upper bench where you will feel the hottest temperatures and a lower bench where the temperature is very comfortable. For many that is the essence of a sauna - extreme heat with blasts of humidity from splashing the rocks. For those sauna purists, there is nothing else. Many people find the small infrared saunas claustrophobic because of their small size. The traditional sauna offers a much larger relaxed atmosphere, and can include the whole family.
Because of the inaccurate marketing against the traditional sauna by many infrared dealers and distributors, one should not just swallow the information as fact about the health benefits of their infrared saunas. Did you ever notice how they all have the best emitters and the best materials.
Do your homework and get past the hype, and with any purchase you make, buy from a reputable company.
