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Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas offer a more approachable way to bring heat therapy into your daily routine. Instead of heating the air to extreme temperatures, infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm the body more gradually - making them a popular choice for recovery, relaxation, and consistent use at home.

Competitors Oultet offers a variety of infrared saunas including, low EMF, ultra low EMF, near zero EMF, and full spectrum infrared saunas, that are available in 1-person to 4-person sizes, with options for Canadian hemlock and cedar wood, as well as features like chromotherapy lighting and Himalayan salt bars.

If you’re comparing infrared sauna benefits, trying to understand full spectrum vs standard infrared, or deciding what size fits your space, use the sections below to explore the right fit for your home.

Shop by: Full Spectrum | Low EMF Saunas | Near Zero EMF Saunas | Indoor Saunas | Outdoor Saunas | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 6 Person

Understanding Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas have become one of the most popular options for home wellness because they offer a more flexible and approachable experience than traditional high-heat saunas.

Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm the body directly. This allows for effective sessions at lower temperatures, which many people find easier to use consistently over time.

As you explore this category, you’ll notice differences in infrared types, EMF levels, features, and build quality. Those differences aren’t just technical - they shape how the sauna feels, how often you’ll use it, and whether it fits into your routine long-term.

How Infrared Saunas Work in Everyday Use

The simplest way to understand an infrared sauna is this:

it heats you, not the room.

In a traditional sauna, the air gets extremely hot first, and your body responds to that environment. In an infrared sauna, the heat is more direct and gradual, which changes the entire experience.

The air temperature is lower—typically around 100–140°F - but your body still warms up enough to produce a strong sweat.

That difference is why many people describe infrared saunas as:

  • easier to stay in
  • easier to use regularly
  • more practical for everyday routines

For buyers who are building a sauna into their daily recovery, relaxation, or wellness habits, that usability matters more than raw heat.

Infrared Types, EMF Levels, and What They Actually Mean

As you compare options, you’ll see terms like full spectrum, low EMF, and near zero EMF. These are often listed together, but they refer to two completely different things.

Infrared Types (How the Heat Works)

Not all infrared heat is the same.

A standard infrared sauna typically uses far infrared, which is known for producing a steady, deep heat that encourages sweating.

A full spectrum infrared sauna expands on that by combining:

  • near infrared (closer to the skin surface)
  • mid infrared (targets soft tissue areas)
  • far infrared (drives the deeper heat and sweat response)

The goal of full spectrum is not just “more heat,” but a broader range of heat interaction with the body.

That added complexity is why full spectrum models are usually more expensive - they require more heater types and a more advanced internal layout.

EMF Levels (How Much Electrical Output Is Reduced)

EMF stands for electromagnetic field, which is naturally produced whenever electricity is in use.

Infrared saunas are electrical systems, so EMF exists - but many models are designed to reduce it.

Here’s how the categories typically break down:

  • Low EMF → ~5–10 milligauss
  • Ultra Low EMF → ~3–5 milligauss
  • Near Zero EMF → ~1–3 milligauss

A simple way to think about this:

It’s like background noise.

Low EMF is already quiet.

Ultra low and near zero make it even quieter.

For most buyers, low EMF is already sufficient.

The lower categories are usually chosen by people who plan to use their sauna frequently and want the lowest possible exposure.

Materials, Features, and Where Infrared Saunas Fit in Your Home

Once you understand how infrared saunas work, the next layer is choosing the right build and features.

Wood Types: Hemlock vs Cedar

Most infrared saunas are built with Canadian hemlock or Canadian cedar.

Hemlock is more common and more cost-effective. It has a clean, neutral look and performs well in indoor environments.

Cedar is more expensive because the trees grow more slowly and the wood naturally resists moisture, odor, and wear over time. It also has a distinct scent that many people associate with a traditional sauna experience.

For most buyers:

  • Hemlock = practical and budget-friendly
  • Cedar = premium feel and long-term durability

Interior Features

Many infrared saunas include features that don’t change the heat—but do change the experience.

  • Chromotherapy lighting adds color-based ambient lighting, often used to create a calmer, more relaxing environment
  • Salt bar panels add a soft glow and are often associated with air quality and breathing comfort, though most buyers value them for the atmosphere they create

These features are less about performance and more about how enjoyable the space feels, which plays a big role in how often the sauna gets used.

Indoor vs Outdoor Infrared Saunas

This is one area where buyers sometimes make the wrong assumption.

Indoor infrared saunas are not designed for outdoor use.

They are built for controlled environments, and placing them outside can lead to:

  • wood damage from moisture and temperature changes
  • electrical issues
  • reduced lifespan

Outdoor infrared saunas are specifically constructed with weather-resistant materials and finishes to handle those conditions.

How to Narrow Down Your Infrared Sauna Options

At this point, most shoppers aren’t trying to learn what infrared saunas are - they’re trying to figure out which direction to go next.

Instead of comparing everything at once, it helps to narrow your options based on a few practical starting points.

Start with the type of infrared system

If you want a straightforward, effective setup for regular use, a standard far infrared sauna is often enough.

If you’re comparing higher-end options or planning to use your sauna frequently, you may want to look at full spectrum infrared saunas, which use multiple heat types instead of just one.

Then consider EMF level preferences

Most modern saunas are already low EMF, which is sufficient for the majority of buyers.

If minimizing exposure is important to you - especially for frequent use - you can narrow your search to ultra low EMF or near zero EMF models.

Think about where the sauna will live

Your space will quickly eliminate a lot of options.

  • If the sauna is going inside, focus on indoor infrared saunas designed for controlled environments
  • If you’re planning a backyard setup, look specifically at outdoor infrared saunas, which are built to handle weather and temperature changes

Choose a size that fits how you’ll actually use it

Capacity labels can be misleading.

A 2-person sauna works well for solo use or occasional sharing, but it can feel tight.

If you want more room to sit comfortably or stretch out, many buyers choose a 3-person or larger model when space allows.

Use features as a final filter - not a starting point

Once you’ve narrowed down type, size, and placement, then it makes sense to look at upgrades like:

  • chromotherapy lighting
  • salt bar panels
  • cedar vs hemlock construction

These features improve the overall experience, but they matter most after the core decision is made.

How to Choose the Right Infrared Sauna for Your Situation

A better way to approach this decision is not “Which sauna is best?” but “Which sauna will I actually use consistently?”

If you’re looking for something you can step into regularly - after workouts, long days, or as part of a routine - a standard low EMF infrared sauna is often the most practical choice.

If you’re building a more intentional wellness space and want a broader heat system, a full spectrum sauna may be worth considering.

If your priority is minimizing electrical exposure, focusing on ultra low or near zero EMF models may give you more confidence in long-term use.

And if you’re unsure on size, most buyers find that going slightly larger than expected leads to a better experience over time.

What Actually Changes Between Infrared Sauna Options

Common Mistakes When Buying an Infrared Sauna

  • Choosing based only on specs instead of how you’ll actually use it
  • Focusing too heavily on EMF levels without understanding real-world impact
  • Selecting a sauna that’s too small for comfortable sessions
  • Assuming indoor saunas can be placed outdoors
  • Overlooking electrical requirements for larger units

Still comparing options or trying to make sense of the details? The questions below are based on what customers ask us most often - especially around heat types, EMF levels, materials, setup, and real-world use - so you can move forward with more clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Infrared Saunas

  • Saunas are commonly used to support circulation, relaxation, and muscle recovery, but the real benefit comes from consistency.

    For many customers - especially older adults or those dealing with stiffness, joint discomfort, or fatigue - the heat helps the body feel looser and more mobile. Over time, regular use can support better sleep, reduced tension, and an overall sense of recovery.

    You’ll also see people exploring saunas for detox, skin health, and metabolism. Results vary, but the common thread is simple: heat encourages your body to respond through sweat, circulation, and relaxation.

  • Traditional saunas heat the air first, often reaching 170–220°F, and use water poured over hot stones to create steam and increase humidity.

    Infrared saunas heat the body directly, operating at lower temperatures (100–140°F), without steam.

    So the difference isn’t just temperature - it’s the entire experience:

    • Traditional = hotter, more intense, shorter sessions
    • Infrared = gentler, longer sessions, easier to use regularly

  • Full spectrum infrared uses multiple types of infrared wavelengths (near, mid, and far) instead of just one.

    Each wavelength interacts with the body differently:

    • Near = surface-level heat
    • Mid = soft tissue areas
    • Far = deeper heat and sweating

    Because it requires more heating elements and a more complex internal design, full spectrum saunas are typically more expensive.

    They’re often chosen by buyers building a more premium wellness setup.

  • EMF stands for electromagnetic field - something produced anytime electricity is used.

    In saunas, it’s measured in milligauss (mG):

    • Low EMF → ~5–10 mG
    • Ultra Low EMF → ~3–5 mG
    • Near Zero EMF → ~1–3 mG

    Think of it like background noise:

    Low EMF is already quiet.

    Ultra low is a whisper.

    Near zero is almost silent.

    Most buyers are comfortable with low EMF, while others prefer lower levels for long-term, frequent use.

  • The main differences come down to price, durability, and feel.

    Hemlock is more common and cost-effective. It performs well and has a clean, neutral look.

    Cedar is more expensive because the trees grow more slowly and the wood naturally resists moisture, odor, and wear. It also has a distinct scent many people associate with traditional saunas.

    So:

    • Hemlock = practical and budget-friendly
    • Cedar = premium, aromatic, and more durable over time

  • This is one of the most common surprises.

    A “2-person sauna” technically fits two people - but it’s usually a tighter fit. Many buyers choose to size up for comfort.

    A good rule:

    • 1–2 person = solo use or occasional shared use
    • 3–4 person = more comfortable for regular use

    If you plan to stretch out or sit comfortably, going up one size often makes a big difference.

  • Chromotherapy uses colored LED lighting inside the sauna to create a more calming and immersive environment.

    You’ll often see colors like blue, purple, and green, each commonly associated with different mood or relaxation effects. Some infrared saunas have red light therapy included as well.

    What makes Red Light Therapy so unique is that it uses higher-powered, targeted wavelengths specifically designed for skin and recovery benefits which adds to the wellness and relaxation features some infrared saunas can offer.

    For most people, the biggest benefit of Chromotherpy is simple: it makes the sauna feel more comfortable and enjoyable to use regularly.

  • Salt bars are panels built into some infrared saunas that emit a soft glow and enhance the overall atmosphere.

    They’re often associated with air quality and breathing benefits, but for most buyers, their biggest impact is how they make the sauna feel more like a spa environment at home.

  • This depends mostly on size.

    • 1–2 person infrared saunas

      Typically use a 120V, 15 amp outlet (standard, but should be on a dedicated line)
    • 3+ person infrared saunas

      Usually require a 120V, 20 amp outlet on a dedicated line

    Larger units may require consulting an electrician.

    A simple way to think about it:

    Small saunas = like plugging in a normal appliance

    Larger saunas = like installing a refrigerator or washer (needs its own line)

  • No -and this is a common mistake.

    Indoor saunas are not built to handle:

    • moisture
    • temperature swings
    • weather exposure

    This can damage the wood and electrical components.

    If you want an outdoor setup, you need a sauna specifically designed for outdoor use.

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