Infrared vs Traditional Saunas
What actually differs — how hot the room runs, how long it takes to get there, whether water goes on stones, and what the install needs. Every figure below is from the manufacturer's own manual.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11 · every figure is from the manufacturer's published documents, cited under the section it appears in.
Two different ways of making heat
A traditional sauna has an electric heater that warms a mass of stones and, through them, the air in the room. Pouring water on the hot stones raises the humidity — HUUM's DROP manual describes the room air becoming dry as it heats, and ladling water on the heater stones as the way to raise it.
An infrared sauna has heating emitters built into the cabin instead of a stove. Golden Designs states it plainly in its owner's manual: infrared saunas “do not require hot rocks, water, or steam to operate.”
Source: HUUM DROP 2.0 US manual; Golden Designs GDI-6996 owner's manual.
How hot the room runs
The two are built for different room temperatures, and each manufacturer publishes its own range. Compare like with like: a control range is what the panel allows, while a recommended range is what the maker suggests using.
| Manufacturer | Type | What they publish | Kind of figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Designs (GDI-6996) | Infrared | 86 °F – 150 °F (30 – 65 °C) | Control range |
| Golden Designs (GDI-6996) | Infrared | 118 °F – 122 °F (48 – 50 °C) | Average used |
| Harvia (Cilindro E) | Traditional | About 149 – 167 °F (65 – 75 °C) | Suitable room temperature |
| HUUM (HIVE Flow) | Traditional | 140 – 176 °F (60 – 80 °C) | Best temperature for steam |
| Saunum (Air) | Traditional | 149 °F to 176 °F | Recommended for sauna use |
Source: Golden Designs GDI-6996 owner's manual; Harvia Cilindro E Series IOM; HUUM HIVE Flow US manual; Saunum Air IOM.
How long it takes to heat up
Golden Designs says it will take approximately twenty to thirty minutes to preheat its sauna to 50 °C / 122 °F, and longer when the surrounding air is cold.
Saunum says a traditional room takes 45–90 minutes to reach the desired temperature — on the condition that the room is properly insulated and the heater's power suits the room. Both makers name their conditions, so treat each figure as a guide for that setup rather than a promise for yours.
Source: Golden Designs GDI-6996-02 owner's manual; Saunum Air IOM.
Water, steam and humidity
In a traditional sauna, water on the stones is part of normal use — with care. Harvia's manual warns not to throw too much water on the stones, because the evaporating water is boiling hot.
In an infrared sauna, water is not part of the design. Golden Designs' manual says: “Do not pour water or any other liquids onto the infrared heat emitters.”
Source: Harvia Cilindro E Series IOM; Golden Designs GDI-6996 owner's manual.
What the install needs
The supply is the practical dividing line. Many infrared cabins are built to plug into a standard household circuit. Almost every traditional electric heater we carry runs on 240 V, or 208 V for the three-phase models, on its own circuit sized to the amperage on its spec table; the one exception is a small 1.9 kW model Harvia rates for 110–240 V. Either way, plan on a licensed electrician before delivery: Harvia's manual says even that small heater may only be connected by an authorised, licensed professional electrician, and that plugs are not allowed in the sauna room. Our 120V vs 240V guide covers what the supply decides.
A traditional heater also has to be matched to the room it heats. Saunum's troubleshooting table covers both ways it goes wrong: a room that heats up too slowly may need more heater power, and a room that heats quickly while the stones stay too cool may have a heater that is too powerful. The heater sizing guide walks through the manufacturers' own room-size tables.
Source: Harvia Vega IOM (HCBU1912241: 1,9 kW / 110-240 V; connection only by an authorised, licensed professional electrician; plugs not allowed in the sauna room); Saunum Air IOM, troubleshooting.
Common questions
Which one gets hotter?
Traditional saunas are built for the higher range. Harvia gives about 149–167 °F as a suitable room temperature and HUUM 140–176 °F for steam; Golden Designs' infrared panel range tops out at 150 °F, with 118–122 °F as its average used setting.
Can I put water on the heater in an infrared sauna?
No. Golden Designs' manual says not to pour water or any other liquids onto the infrared heat emitters. Water on stones is a traditional-sauna practice.
Which heats up faster?
Golden Designs quotes about twenty to thirty minutes to reach 122 °F. Saunum quotes 45–90 minutes for a traditional room to reach temperature, in a well-insulated room with a correctly sized heater. The figures are for different temperatures and different setups.
Do I need an electrician?
For a traditional electric heater, plan on one. Harvia's manual says even its smallest model, rated for 110–240 V, may only be connected by an authorised, licensed professional electrician, and the rest of the electric heaters we carry run on 240 V, or 208 V for three-phase models, on a circuit sized to their spec table. Many infrared cabins plug into a household circuit, but check the product's own electrical row before you order.
Which one is better for my health?
We don't rank them on health. Manufacturers make health claims we can't verify, so this guide compares what they measure and publish — temperatures, heat-up times, water use and power.