The short answer
There is no single right answer — it depends on the experience you want, your budget and your electrics. A traditional electric sauna heats the air to roughly 70–100°C, lets you pour water on the stones for steam, takes longer to warm up and usually needs a dedicated hard-wired supply for its larger heater. An infrared sauna warms your body directly at a gentler 45–60°C, heats up in minutes, is usually the lowest-priced to buy and — at the compact size — often runs from a standard socket, so it works out lower in cost per session. Choose traditional for the classic high-heat, steam experience; choose infrared for a gentler, quicker, lower-cost session that is simpler to install.
The choice really comes down to the kind of heat you want, what you are willing to spend, and how much electrical work you can do. Here is how the two compare on the things that matter.
At a glance
- Traditional70–100°C, steam, slower warm-up
- Infrared45–60°C, no steam, fast warm-up
- Lowest-priced to buyinfrared (compact)
- Lower cost per sessioninfrared
- Bigger electricstraditional
How the two compare
A traditional electric sauna heats the cabin air with a stove and stones, reaching a high, dry heat you can turn humid by ladling water over the rocks — the classic Finnish experience. It takes longer to warm up and the heater is more powerful, so it costs more to run and usually needs a dedicated supply. An infrared sauna uses panels that warm your body directly, so it feels comfortable at a lower air temperature, is ready in minutes and uses less energy. Infrared is the lower-priced and simpler install; traditional delivers the higher heat and steam many people prefer.
| Feature | Traditional electric | Infrared |
|---|---|---|
| Typical temperature | ~70–100°C | ~45–60°C |
| Steam (löyly) | yes — water on stones | no |
| Warm-up time | longer (30–45 min) | minutes |
| Running cost per session | higher | lower |
| Electrics | usually hard-wired | compact often plug-in |
General comparison for guidance. The right choice depends on the experience you want and your home. Source: UK supplier buying guides.
How to choose for your home
- Want the classic high-heat, steam experience? traditional electric is the one to choose.
- Want a gentle, quick, frequent session? infrared warms up in minutes and works out lower in cost per session.
- Limited electrics or renting? a compact infrared cabin that plugs into a standard socket avoids a dedicated circuit.
- Tight upfront budget? infrared is usually the lowest-priced route into home sauna ownership.
Want help choosing between the two?
We'll match you with a vetted sauna supplier or installer who talks through traditional versus infrared for your space, budget and electrics, and quotes the option that fits.
Frequently asked questions
Is a traditional or infrared sauna better?
Neither is universally better — they offer different experiences. Traditional electric saunas give a high, dry heat with steam; infrared saunas give a gentler heat that warms the body directly, heat up faster and usually work out lower in cost per session. The right choice depends on what you want and your electrics.
Which sauna heats up faster?
Infrared. Because it warms the body directly rather than heating the whole cabin of air, an infrared sauna is usually ready in minutes, whereas a traditional electric sauna often takes 30–45 minutes to reach temperature.
Which sauna is cheaper to run?
Infrared is generally lower in cost per session, as it uses a lower-wattage heater and warms up quickly. A larger traditional heater reaches higher temperatures and uses more energy per session.
Sources & further reading
- Wild Sauna UK — home sauna buying guide 2026
- Finnmark Sauna — electric or wood-burning sauna heaters, UK buyer's guide 2026
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific sauna, home and electricity tariff. Running costs assume about 27p per kWh. They are guidance, not a quotation.