Infrared vs Steam Sauna | Is Steam or Infrared Sauna Better For You? – Elite Vitality

Infrared vs Steam Sauna: Is Steam or Infrared Sauna Better For You?

December 09, 2024By Andrew Salmen

The right sauna can transform your life in ways you never thought possible. It’s so much more than just a place to relax and unwind after a long day. Styles like the infrared sauna and steam sauna each deliver tangible physical and mental wellness benefits.

But, is steam or infrared sauna better for you? While you really can’t go wrong either way, it’s important to weigh these two options carefully and choose the one that best meets your needs. We’ll help you do just that in this infrared vs steam sauna comparison.

An infrared sauna provides a more comfortable experience by heating the body directly rather than the air around you. They work at lower temperatures without sacrificing results or the overall experience. They’re used for pain and weight management, muscle recovery, and more.

On the other hand, a steam sauna relies on a balance between heat and humidity, leading to respiratory benefits, skin hydration, and more. They’re a bit more expensive and maintaining these units is more involved.

You’ll have a clear understanding of which style is more in line with your preferences by the time you finish reading this comparison of the infrared sauna vs steam sauna. If you decide an IR sauna is the right choice, look no further than an infrared sauna for sale at Elite Vitality!

What’s the Difference Between a Steam Sauna and an Infrared Sauna?

Sauna therapy, in general, is one of the most powerful forms of self-care. Since its origin in Finland, we’ve learned more and more about what it can do for physical, cognitive, and emotional wellness.

The traditional sauna uses either an electric sauna heater or wood-burning stove to heat rocks, and that then radiates throughout the space, reaching temperatures as high as 200°. Some people find this to be too intense and uncomfortable, though.

Fortunately, there are many different types of sauna to choose from. So, what’s the difference between a steam sauna and an infrared sauna? Let’s introduce the two contenders below before comparing and contrasting the infrared sauna vs steam sauna.

Overview of Steam Saunas

Steam saunas are a unique take on the traditional sauna. Except, it’s not a dry heat. These use hot water to produce steam and create humidity. The ambient air temperature can range from 150-200°F. This leads to a few noteworthy benefits, including but not limited to:

Circulation and Relaxation: The intense heat stimulates circulation, relaxes muscles, and promotes a deep sense of calm.
Skin Hydration: Steam opens pores and hydrates the skin. This is a perfect way to enhance your skincare routine.
Respiratory Relief: High humidity can help clear sinuses and alleviate respiratory issues, especially when struggling with colds and allergies.

You’ll find steam saunas less frequently in homes, they’re more common in spas and gyms. That’s because they’re typically much larger than other sauna styles.

They also need a bit more upkeep than other types, and installation is a lot more involved. Optimal ventilation is essential to prevent mold and mildew build-up. The interior and heater need to be cleaned frequently as well.

Overview of Infrared Saunas

Now, let’s look at the other half of the infrared sauna vs steam sauna comparison. This style works much differently than others in that it uses infrared light to heat the body directly instead of the air within the sauna.

Infrared saunas operate at much lower temperatures as well, typically in the range of 120-150°F. This is more comfortable for those who find a traditional sauna experience to be a bit too much.

Make no mistake, though, these still produce an intense sweat. They also produce benefits you won’t find in other styles, including the steam sauna. Here’s what sets them apart:

Deeper Heat Penetration: Infrared light penetrating the skin and muscles aids in pain relief, muscle recovery, and improved circulation.
Detoxification: Direct heat encourages profuse sweating to help eliminate toxins from the body. Technically all saunas do this, but IR saunas are considered more efficient in how they do it. Speaking of which…
Energy Efficiency: This technology requires less energy to operate, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Beyond energy efficiency, these are more affordable upfront as well. That’s why you’ll see them so often in homes around the world. They’re the most accessible form of sauna. They’re compact and versatile, perfect for smaller spaces like home gyms or wellness corners.

They’re also a breeze to install and maintain. There’s no risk of mold or mildew since humidity is very low in an infrared sauna (or traditional sauna, for that matter). That being said, is infrared sauna better than steam sauna?

Infrared Sauna vs Steam Sauna: Which is Right For You?

Ultimately there’s no right or wrong answer as to which sauna is “better” between an infrared vs steam sauna. It’s just a matter of personal preference, and choosing based on your goals. We’ll compare and contrast the steam vs infrared sauna side by side below to help.

Comparing Heat Tolerance and Comfort

All saunas produce heat, but the maximum temperatures they’re capable of reaching - and how the heat feels - will vary from style to style.

Remember, infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (120-150°F) and warm the body directly for a more gentle, comfortable experience. If you find yourself sensitive to intense heat or you want to enjoy longer sessions, this is probably the best choice.

On the other hand, steam saunas can reach as high as 200°F - but the heat is just one piece of the puzzle. The steam they put out produces a ton of humidity, which is why these are only recommended for those with a high tolerance to heat looking for the most intense experience.

Addressing Specific Health Goals

There will definitely be some overlap in the benefits between an infrared vs steam sauna. For example, they both support stress relief and detoxification. However, the differences in how these styles work yield different benefits as well.

Infrared saunas are generally considered the optimal choice for pain relief, muscle recovery, and detoxification. Some say they can support a more comprehensive weight management routine, too.

A steam sauna can do things no other sauna can as well, though, like improving respiratory health and skin hydration. The high humidity can help clear sinuses and improve breathing, while the steam opens pores, leaving your skin refreshed and hydrated.

Consider what matters most to you in a sauna experience and choose accordingly. Most people will find that an IR sauna better resonates with their goals because it’s a more comprehensive wellness investment.

Space and Installation Considerations

There are practical and logistical things to consider in choosing between an infrared sauna vs steam sauna, too. You need to think about how much space you have and the legwork that goes into installing each style.

As we said earlier, infrared saunas are a much simpler way to create a spa-like atmosphere in the comfort of your home. You typically just need a standard electrical outlet.

Even those living in apartments can often find space for a sauna, be it in a bathroom a corner of the room, or a spare closet. They can also be installed outdoors.

In contrast, a steam sauna needs not only more space but also plumbing, ventilation, and a designated area to accommodate both the sauna and its steam generator. There are more moving parts to consider, and there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire help for installation.

Initial and Ongoing Costs

Now, let’s talk about the monetary side of choosing between an infrared vs steam sauna. Both are going to have a steep price tag, but in looking at the initial and ongoing costs, the infrared sauna tends to be a more economical option.

You can find IR saunas starting for just a few thousand dollars if you’re on a tight budget, but our luxury sauna offerings here at Elite Vitality start closer to $5,000. That’s because we only source from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry.

Steam saunas are almost always going to cost more because you’re not just buying the sauna and heater, you also need to make room in your budget for the steam sauna. Don’t forget to account for the extra installation costs, either.

From an ongoing cost perspective, infrared saunas are as efficient as it gets. You might not even notice it on your energy bill even if you use it a few times a week.

But steam saunas also run on water in addition to electricity. The maintenance needs are worth considering as well. Remember, the risks of mold and mildew are not issues when you use a dry sauna.

So, is Infrared Sauna Better Than Steam Sauna?

There you have it, everything you need to know about the infrared vs steam sauna differences. So, is infrared sauna better than steam sauna? Only you can answer that question for yourself. While they have some similarities, they ultimately serve different purposes.

Choose a Steam Sauna if you love traditional sauna experiences, are seeking respiratory or skin benefits, and have the space and resources for installation.
Choose an Infrared Sauna if you prioritize comfort, energy efficiency, pain relief, or have limited space for setup.

The vast majority of the population would be better suited to an IR sauna, though. These are more versatile, convenient, practical, and affordable. That’s why we’re proud to present the premier selection here at Elite Vitality.

We only carry the top brands in the industry, such as Finnmark, HUUM, Harvia, and a few others. This means no matter what you buy, you can trust that you’re getting the quality you deserve.

Each is carefully crafted from top-quality materials and features advanced technology, such as smart controls, ergonomic designs, and energy-efficient heaters. You always have access to knowledgeable support at every step of the journey, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Whether you’re looking for an indoor sauna or outdoor sauna, we have what you’re looking for. We even have a bespoke sauna offering if you want to create something custom, potentially combining the best of both worlds! So, narrow your search based on size below:

Or, get in touch with our customer service team at Elite Vitality today. We can talk about your goals and your budget and share a few suggestions to help you choose the perfect sauna for your unique needs. Take the next step towards bringing your personal sauna sanctuary to life!

Bringing Our Infrared vs Steam Sauna Comparison to a Close

Hopefully you have a clear understanding of the differences between an infrared sauna vs steam sauna.

In closing, steam saunas offer a traditional, humid heat that’s perfect for relaxation and respiratory benefits, while infrared saunas provide a modern, energy-efficient solution with deeper heat penetration for recovery and detoxification.

If you still have any lingering doubts about whether a steam vs infrared sauna is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Elite Vitality is eager to help you choose the ideal style for your unique goals and budget. Bring spa-quality relaxation home with you today!