What is an infrared sauna?

An infrared sauna warms your body with infrared radiation instead of heating the air in the cabin. The heat feels pleasant and deep while the temperature stays relatively low, usually between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. For many people that makes an infrared sauna more accessible and more comfortable than a traditional sauna at very high temperatures.

Thanks to the mild heat, the short warm-up time and the relatively low energy consumption, more and more people choose an infrared sauna for home. Whether you are looking for a moment of relaxation after a busy working day or want to build a fixed wellness routine, an infrared sauna offers comfort and convenience in your own space.

Buying an infrared sauna for home

Choosing to buy an infrared sauna means choosing an energy-efficient, user-friendly sauna that fits easily into most homes. Infrared saunas are compact, quick to reach temperature and generally run on a standard power socket, which makes them ideal for daily use.

An infrared sauna at home lets you enjoy a wellness experience whenever you like, without leaving the house.

Infrared sauna benefits

People choose an infrared sauna for the combination of comfort and convenience. The most frequently mentioned benefits are:

  • Mild heat that many people experience as pleasant and relaxing.
  • Short warm-up time, so the sauna is often ready within 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Relatively low energy consumption compared with a traditional sauna.
  • Compact format, which makes an infrared sauna suitable for many homes.
  • Everyday convenience thanks to fast heating and simple controls.

Infrared sauna vs Finnish sauna

Feature Infrared sauna Finnish sauna
Temperature 40 to 60 °C 70 to 100 °C
Warm-up time 10 to 15 minutes 30 to 60 minutes
Energy consumption Relatively low Higher
Heat Direct radiant heat Hot air and steam
Placement Mainly indoors Indoors or outdoors

If you want a sauna that heats up fast and uses little energy, an infrared sauna is often an excellent choice. If you prefer the traditional, intense sauna experience with steam, take a look at our Finnish saunas.

What to look for when buying an infrared sauna

  • The number of people who will use the sauna.
  • The space available in your home.
  • The type of infrared emitters.
  • The design and finish of the cabin.
  • The power connection required.
  • How and how often you intend to use it.

Thinking these points through in advance means choosing an infrared sauna that fits your home and lifestyle perfectly.

Not sure yet which cabin type or size suits you? Then also read our guide on the infrared cabin and the comparison for a 2 person infrared sauna.

Buying an indoor sauna: infrared is the logical choice

Looking for an indoor sauna? Almost all indoor saunas are infrared cabins, and for good reason: they run on a standard socket, need no drain or flue, and fit in a bathroom, bedroom, attic or home gym. If you are buying a sauna for indoors, measure your ceiling height and leave some free space around it for ventilation. Still torn between indoors and outdoors? Read sauna for home: indoors or outdoors?

Infrared sauna and contrast therapy

More and more people combine an infrared sauna with an ice bath as part of their wellness and recovery routine. Alternating heat and cold creates a complete contrast therapy experience that is growing in popularity worldwide.

Take a look at our ice baths and create your own wellness and recovery space at home.

Buying an infrared sauna at ICEO

At ICEO you will find premium infrared saunas that combine design, quality and ease of use. Our saunas are selected for years of comfort and a high-end wellness experience. Browse all models above and find the infrared sauna that fits your wishes perfectly.

Further reading on infrared saunas

Want to know more before you choose? These knowledge base articles will help:

Veelgestelde vragen

What is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna warms the body with infrared radiation instead of heating the air in the cabin. That gives you a pleasant warmth at lower temperatures.
What are the benefits of an infrared sauna?
People choose an infrared sauna for the mild heat, the short warm-up time, the relatively low energy consumption and how easy it is to use at home.
Is an infrared sauna suitable for home use?
Yes, an infrared sauna is very well suited to home use. Most models are compact, heat up quickly and are simple to install.
Is an infrared sauna suitable as an indoor sauna?
Yes. An infrared sauna is the most popular indoor sauna: it runs on a standard socket, needs no drain or flue and fits in almost any dry space, from bathroom to attic.
What does an infrared sauna cost?
The price of an infrared sauna depends on the size, the number of people and the finish of the cabin.
How much energy does an infrared sauna use?
An infrared sauna is relatively energy-efficient because only the body is warmed and the warm-up time is short. Exact consumption differs per model.
How long does an infrared sauna take to heat up?
Most infrared saunas are at temperature within 10 to 15 minutes.
What should I look for when buying an infrared sauna?
Look at the number of people, the space available, the type of emitters, the finish and the power connection required.
Can I combine an infrared sauna with an ice bath?
Yes, many people combine an infrared sauna with an ice bath as part of contrast therapy and a complete wellness and recovery routine.