Whether you’re just getting into sauna culture or comparing types for your home, you’ve likely come across the debate: traditional vs. infrared saunas. While both promote relaxation and sweating, they work very differently – and the experience is worlds apart.
Let’s explore the differences so you can decide which is right for your wellness space.

🧊 Traditional Saunas: The Finnish Gold Standard
Traditional saunas, often called Finnish saunas, use either an electric heater or wood-burning stove to heat rocks. You can pour water over the stones to create steam, which boosts both the temperature and humidity in the space.
• Heat Range: 160–200°F
• Humidity: Variable – up to 40%
• Experience: Deep, immersive, almost meditative

It’s a ritual: you heat the space, enter slowly, and let the intense warmth work through your body.

☀ Infrared Saunas: Dry, Targeted Heat
Infrared saunas use special panels that emit infrared light, which penetrates your skin to warm you from the inside out. There’s no steam, and the air stays relatively cool compared to traditional saunas.
• Heat Range: 110–140°F
• Humidity: 0% (completely dry)
• Experience: Gentle warmth, ideal for those sensitive to high heat

Infrared is often marketed for detox, circulation, and skin health, though the science is still emerging.

🧖 Which Is Better?

🌿 Why We Only Build Traditional Saunas
At Mande SPA USA, we’re passionate about the authentic sauna experience – the kind you can smell, feel, and share with others. Traditional saunas offer deeper heat, more relaxation, and a fuller sweat. And unlike most infrared cabins, our saunas are built for the outdoors, using sustainable thermowood.
If you’re after more than just a quick warm-up, go traditional.

🛒 Find Your Perfect Fit
View our collection of traditional outdoor saunas or chat with our team about the best option for your home.