A sauna is one of the few upgrades that pays you back every single day. But the first decision, traditional or infrared, changes everything about how it feels, what it costs to run, and where it can go. Here's how to choose.
Traditional (cedar) saunas
A traditional sauna heats the air with a stove and rocks, running hot, typically 160–200°F, with the option to pour water for steam. It's the classic, enveloping heat most people picture. Our Auris cedar saunas are built for the outdoors, with kiln-dried cedar that handles the temperature swings and the weather.
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Best for: the traditional high-heat, steam experience
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Heat-up time: 30–45 minutes
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Placement: outdoors, with appropriate electrical for the heater
Infrared saunas
Infrared saunas warm your body directly with radiant panels rather than heating the air, so they run cooler, around 120–150°F, and are ready in minutes. Many people find the lower, dry heat easier to sit in for longer. Our Lumin infrared cabins are the simplest way to add a daily sweat.
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Best for: gentle, low-temperature sessions and quick starts
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Heat-up time: 10–15 minutes
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Placement: flexible, with a lower power draw
How to decide
If you want the ritual of steam and intense heat, go cedar. If you want something you'll actually use every day with minimal wait, go infrared. Either way, pair it with a cold plunge and you've built a proper contrast-therapy routine at home.
Not sure which fits your space? Ask us and we'll help you size it and sort the electrical before you buy.
Shop This Guide
Browse all saunas and ice baths →
How to Choose a Sauna: Traditional Cedar vs. Infrared
A sauna is one of the few upgrades that pays you back every single day. But the first decision, traditional or infrared, changes everything about how it feels, what it costs to run, and where it can go. Here's how to choose.
Traditional (cedar) saunas
A traditional sauna heats the air with a stove and rocks, running hot, typically 160–200°F, with the option to pour water for steam. It's the classic, enveloping heat most people picture. Our Auris cedar saunas are built for the outdoors, with kiln-dried cedar that handles the temperature swings and the weather.
Infrared saunas
Infrared saunas warm your body directly with radiant panels rather than heating the air, so they run cooler, around 120–150°F, and are ready in minutes. Many people find the lower, dry heat easier to sit in for longer. Our Lumin infrared cabins are the simplest way to add a daily sweat.
How to decide
If you want the ritual of steam and intense heat, go cedar. If you want something you'll actually use every day with minimal wait, go infrared. Either way, pair it with a cold plunge and you've built a proper contrast-therapy routine at home.
Not sure which fits your space? Ask us and we'll help you size it and sort the electrical before you buy.
Shop This Guide
Browse all saunas and ice baths →