Saunas have evolved from ancient communal rituals into some of the most coveted features in modern wellness design. At Theraluxe, we honor this lineage while helping homeowners bring it into the present, refined, deeply personal and expertly crafted.
For those exploring home sauna options, the question often arises: should you choose the deep, time-honored heat of a traditional sauna or the low-temperature warmth of an infrared cabin?
On the surface, both seem to offer health benefits. But dig deeper and the differences become more than technical, they become experiential.
Let’s explore both, with a closer look at why traditional saunas still lead the way in both wellness and design.
What sets them apart?
Traditional Saunas
Also known as Finnish saunas, traditional saunas use a heater to warm stones, typically reaching temperatures between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C). Water can be ladled onto the stones, generating steam and intensifying the experience. This deep, enveloping heat is central to what makes a sauna, well, a sauna.
There’s a reason traditional saunas have stood the test of time. Beyond the heat, there’s ritual. There’s pause. There’s steam, silence, sweat and space to reflect. You don’t just step into a traditional sauna. You arrive.
Infrared Cabins
Infrared cabins, on the other hand, use infrared light to warm the body directly. They operate at significantly lower temperatures (120°F to 140°F), which some find more tolerable, but it’s a completely different experience, closer to targeted heat therapy than the immersive ritual of a sauna.
Infrared cabins are often positioned as a low-effort alternative, easy to install, quicker to heat and more tolerable for those sensitive to high temperatures.
They can provide relief from muscle tension and some users enjoy them for targeted pain relief or chronic stiffness. But they lack the multisensory experience of a traditional sauna. There’s no steam. No ritual. No communal element.
Infrared cabins are not a replacement for the full-body, heat-intense, steam-laden tradition of sauna culture. They’re gentler, yes, but gentleness isn’t always the goal in recovery or detoxification.
Each method offers a distinct experience, but only one has been refined over generations.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Traditional Saunas:
- True Detoxification – Sweating at high temperatures removes toxins more effectively.
- Cardiovascular Strength – Intense heat boosts heart rate and blood flow.
- Muscle Recovery – Post-workout tension melts away.
- Skin Health – Pores open, cleanse and tone.
- Mental Clarity – The full-body intensity clears mental fog and cultivates mindfulness.
Infrared Cabins:
- Mild heat can aid muscle relaxation
- Often marketed as helpful for chronic pain
- May support light sweat sessions for sensitive individuals
Core Differences
- Heat Quality: Traditional saunas offer radiant, immersive heat with a steam option. Infrared cabins heat you, not the space, losing much of the sensory and physiological benefits.
- Experience: A sauna is ritualistic, quiet, grounded and social. Infrared cabins feel clinical by comparison.
- Construction & Longevity: Traditional saunas are built for legacy. Infrared cabins, while more portable, lack the craftsmanship and endurance of a real sauna.
- Community: Saunas are designed to be shared, to sit with others in silence or conversation. Infrared cabins are solitary by design.
Additional Considerations
Cost & Maintenance
Infrared cabins may appear cheaper upfront and easier to maintain, but they’re rarely built to the same quality standards and may need to be replaced far sooner than a properly built traditional sauna.
Sustainability
While infrared cabins run at lower temperatures and may consume less energy, many traditional sauna users pair sessions with energy-efficient practices like batch heating or using saunas in off-peak hours.
Cultural Legacy
Traditional saunas carry centuries of cultural and communal tradition. Finnish, Russian or Scandinavian. They’ve stood the test of time for good reason. Infrared cabins are a recent invention, lacking this lineage or depth.
Our commitment to craftsmanship and modern refinement
At Theraluxe, we honor the rich tradition of sauna culture while embracing the needs of modern living. Every detail of our saunas is shaped by a deep respect for heritage and an uncompromising approach to design. Our models are crafted with precision using premium materials, like thermally modified wood, brushed steel accents and weather-resistant glass. Chosen not just for durability, but for how they feel, age and elevate a space.
Whether you’re stepping into the timeless warmth of our Vana model or enjoying the bold architectural presence of the Teplo, you’ll notice the difference in the way the door closes softly, the way the bench supports you just right, the way heat envelops the body instead of rushing it. This is craftsmanship you can sense with every session.
Designed to integrate seamlessly into modern homes
A traditional sauna doesn’t need to feel old-fashioned. Our outdoor and indoor models are designed with contemporary lifestyles in mind. Clean lines, minimalist silhouettes and thoughtful sizing make our saunas feel like a natural extension of your space, whether nestled in a city courtyard or framed by forest views.
Features like Wi-Fi connectivity, LED mood lighting and energy-efficient heaters allow you to enjoy the tradition of sauna bathing with the conveniences of modern living. You get the best of both worlds, authentic heat with the kind of smart control and quiet elegance today’s homeowners value.
Built to last, made for everyday rituals
A Theraluxe sauna isn’t a seasonal indulgence, it’s a daily ritual, built to serve you for years to come. Our team designs with intention, knowing that longevity is just as important as luxury. We source materials that withstand fluctuating climates, engineer ventilation systems that preserve air quality, and test every component for strength and reliability.
From hand-finished wood to reinforced structural framing, every sauna is a reflection of our belief that wellness should be rooted in both beauty and integrity. It’s not just about stepping into warmth, it’s about building a retreat you’ll return to again and again, knowing it will meet you with the same comfort and care, every time.
Making Your Decision
Infrared or traditional? The answer lies in your lifestyle, space and wellness priorities. Whatever you choose, the value of having a sanctuary at home, tailored to your rhythm, can’t be overstated.
Infrared cabins have a place in light wellness routines, but if you’re serious about heat therapy, recovery and longevity, nothing matches the depth of a true sauna experience.
Before you buy based on trends, ask yourself:
- Do I want something that mimics heat or fully delivers it?
- Do I want lasting value or temporary comfort?
- Do I want a wellness tool or a wellness ritual?
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