By the SaunaSpot UK — The Home Sauna Authority Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Home Sauna vs Infrared Sauna UK — Which Should You Actually Buy?

If you're shopping for a home sauna in the UK, the choice between a traditional sauna and an infrared one isn't straightforward. Both work, but they heat your body differently, cost different amounts to run, and suit different homes. Here's what you actually need to know.

How They Heat You Differently

A traditional sauna heats the air around you to 80–100°C. Your body feels the radiant heat from the walls and floor, and sweating kicks in quickly. It's intense and immediate.

An infrared sauna uses infrared light waves to warm your skin directly, without heating the surrounding air as much. The cabin temperature sits around 50–65°C, but you still sweat because your core temperature rises. The experience feels less brutal on your lungs and sinuses.

This difference matters more than marketing suggests. Traditional saunas can feel claustrophobic if you're new to heat; infrared feels gentler. But if you're after that sauna tradition—steam, intense heat, the ritual—infrared won't scratch that itch.

The Health Claims Reality

Both types make people feel better, but let's be honest: the science doesn't stack up as dramatically as the marketing does.

What they actually do: Both increase heart rate, improve blood circulation, and promote sweating. Most regular users report better relaxation and sleep.

The hype: You'll see claims about infrared being superior for muscle recovery, skin health, or toxin removal. These are exaggerated. Infrared has some research backing for muscle pain and circulation, but the difference between it and traditional saunas is smaller than vendors claim. Traditional saunas have their own research supporting cardiovascular benefits.

Choose based on what you'll actually enjoy using, not on health promises. Consistency matters far more than the type.

Running Costs: Where They Differ

This is where the choice gets practical.

A traditional sauna uses 4–8 kW of electricity and costs roughly £1.50–£3 per hour to run in the UK (at current rates). Preheating takes 45 minutes to an hour.

An infrared sauna uses 1.5–3 kW and costs around £0.50–£1.20 per hour. It heats up in 15–20 minutes.

Over a year, if you use it three times weekly for an hour, infrared saves you £250–£350 on electricity. That's significant if you're in it for the long term.

Neither type is expensive to operate compared to a hot tub, but infrared's lower consumption adds up. Factor in that you'll turn it on less often to reach comfort (because it doesn't need preheating) and the gap widens.

Installation and Space

Traditional saunas come as finished wooden cabins. They're heavy, take up a proper footprint (typically 1.5 × 2 metres minimum), and need good ventilation. They demand a solid, level floor—a spare bedroom, garage, or garden building works. Most don't require specialist electrical work if you have a suitable outlet; some larger ones need a dedicated circuit.

Infrared saunas are lighter and more compact. A single-person model fits in a corner. They're easier to move if you change your mind. Electrical requirements are simpler because they draw less power.

If you're renting or have limited space, infrared is the practical choice. If you have a garage or garden room, a traditional sauna makes more sense and feels like a proper investment.

Maintenance and Durability

Traditional saunas need more upkeep. Wood needs occasional treatment, you have to manage moisture levels carefully, and they're slower to dry out after use. Done right, they last 15–20 years.

Infrared saunas are lower-maintenance—mostly just wipe-downs—but the heating elements can degrade over time. They typically last 10–15 years before components need replacing.

Maintenance costs for traditional saunas are modest but ongoing. Infrared is more hands-off until something breaks.

Use-Case Fit

Choose traditional if:

• You have space (garage, garden room, spare bedroom)
• You want the full sauna ritual and heat intensity
• You're willing to invest time in maintenance
• You value durability over convenience

Choose infrared if:

• Space is tight
• You're newer to saunas and want a gentler introduction
• Lower electricity bills appeal to you
• You prefer minimal fuss and faster heat-up
• You value quick access (no 45-minute preheat)

The Real Difference

The best sauna is the one you'll actually use consistently. A traditional sauna gathers dust if your only free hour is the one you have before bed (too stimulating to shower and sleep right after). An infrared sauna you can jump into for 30 minutes fits modern life better.

If cost is tight, infrared wins on running expenses and upfront price. If you have the space and want a centrepiece addition to your home, traditional saunas feel more rewarding.

There's no objectively "better" choice—only the one that fits your home, budget, and how you actually live.