An infrared sauna produces the same heat that the sun does. All living things need this type of heat for optimal health. This heat can penetrate the body helping to improve circulation and oxygen flow.
The best infrared sauna has the features that you need. With so many options on the market, it’s important to have all of the pertinent information to make the right decision. This buying guide helps you to choose the best infrared sauna that meets your preferences.
In A Hurry? Our Best Infrared Sauna Picks
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The Information That We Will Explore
- What is Radiant Heat?
- What Are the Types of Heaters?
- What is the Heating Surface Area?
- How to Choose Capacity and Dimension?
- What Are the Best Materials?
- Are the EMF Levels Safe?
What is Radiant Heat?
The best infrared sauna uses the radiant heat principle. This describes the transfer of radiant energy to a specific object from a heat source. In the case of this type of sauna, the heat source is the heater and the specific object is a person.
Using this type of heat, an infrared sauna can provide the benefits using a lower level of heat so that it is more comfortable and safer. Compared to a conventional sauna, the infrared type is approximately 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit lower in temperature.
What Are the Types of Heaters?
The best infrared sauna can use one of three primary heater types:
- Mica: Mica rocks make up this heater type. It allows for a low surface temperature and even heat distribution.
- Ceramic: This type tends to be smaller than other heater types. It is made from ceramic tubes.
- Carbon: Carbon fiber glass make up this heater type. It allows for even heat distribution, it is flexible and it has a low surface temperature.
There are some saunas that use a combination ceramic/carbon heater. This heater tends to be more emissive than the other types for a more even temperature.
What is the Heating Surface Area?
When you are looking for the best infrared sauna, it is important to look past the power wattage to determine performance. In general, you want to look at the heating surface in square inches. The larger the heating surface, the more even the heat distribution and the faster it will heat up.
How to Choose Capacity and Dimension?
Capacity and dimension describe the size of your sauna and how many people is can accommodate. The best infrared sauna will be able to accommodate the people who will use it comfortably. There are models for one person, and those for multiple people. The most common in-house size accommodates two people.
In general, you want a sauna of at least 42 inches for two people. For one person, 35 inches is typically sufficient. This takes into account that the person is of average adult size.
What Are the Best Materials?
There are numerous types of woods that companies use to build their infrared saunas. As you explore the best infrared sauna options, being able to differentiate between the wood options makes it easier to make the best choice.
Some of the common wood types include:
- Western Red Canadian cedar: This is one of the most commonly used types of wood. It resists allergens, bacteria and fungus growth. It has high air space and relatively low density. The characteristics of this wood make it an excellent insulator to keep the heat even and consistent in your sauna.
- Poplar: This wood tends to be porous and soft. It is highly durable, but it may not be ideal for higher sauna temperatures.
- Basswood: This wood is free from allergens, making it an ideal choice for sauna users with allergies. It also has a good strength to weight ratio.
Are the EMF Levels Safe?
Electromagnetic fields are a consideration with all electrical devices. The best infrared sauna has multiple electrical components, so there is EMF involved. Certain levels of EMF can be harmful, so it is important to understand the safe range and how much EMF you can expect with this type of sauna.
The safety standard associated with EMF is 3.0 mG. Any amount of EMF below this is deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. Infrared sauna technology typically keeps the EMF range at 0.2 to 0.3 mG, so this is considered very low.
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The 5 Best Infrared Sauna Options
1. JNH Lifestyles Far Infrared Sauna
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The JNH Lifestyles Far Infrared Sauna is the best infrared sauna due to its construction and features. This sauna is made from Canadian hemlock wood. It uses double layers for enhanced insulation and durability. The construction is tongue and groove, so that everything locks together strongly. This design also eliminates the need for tools to assemble this sauna.
The wood used for this sauna is FSC certified. There is no plywood and there are no chemicals added to the wood. This sauna uses a carbon heater.
It features a digital control panel. You use this panel to control how long you are in the sauna and the temperature. The sound system consists of two speakers. Use the 3.5-millimeter auxiliary plug to play music when you are in the sauna. All portable audio devices are compatible.
The lights in this sauna are LED. Compared to standard lightbulbs, they are approximately 50 percent more efficient.
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What We Like
- This sauna has built-in speakers
- The glass door eliminates feelings of claustrophobia
- It is easy to learn how to operate the control panel
- This sauna has plenty of space to stretch out
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What We Didn’t Like
- The panels may bow prematurely
- It takes slightly longer to heat up than advertised
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2. Dynamic Venice Far Infrared Sauna
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The Dynamic Venice Far Infrared Sauna features six carbon heating panels. This includes one on the floor so that your feet do not get cold when you are in the sauna. This sauna measures 43 by 37 by 70 inches. This is enough space to accommodate two average-sized adults.
This sauna is constructed of natural reforested Canadian hemlock. This wood allows for even and consistent heating. The exterior and interior wood planks are six millimeters. The inner frame is 1.13 inches.
The temperature goes up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a control panel that features an LED display, making it easy to see and use the controls. You operate the time and temperature functions from this panel.
The door has bronze privacy tempered glass. This allows you to see through it, but it is not completely transparent. There is also glass on the side walls.
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What We Like
- The level of heat is perfect and you never get too hot
- This sauna has built-in speakers
- The tray can hold cups up to 32 ounces
- The multi-colored lights create a relaxing atmosphere
- This sauna is small enough to fit just about anywhere in your home
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What We Didn’t Like
- The doors could have a better seal
- Assembly takes a little longer than advertised
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3. JNH Lifestyles One-Person Infrared Sauna
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The JNH Lifestyles One-Person Infrared Sauna uses Canadian hemlock wood. It is used in double layers to ensure optimal insulation and to make sure that the heat stays in the sauna. The wood does not have any chemicals added to it, and it is FSC certified. There is no plywood used in this sauna.
This sauna comes with built-in speakers so that you can listen to music when you are relaxing. There are two speakers, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary control and a volume rocker. You can connect most portable music devices to the speakers.
The lighting is LED. It is long-lasting so that you do not have to replace lightbulbs often. The control panel on this sauna is digital. You can use it to control and monitor the time you are in the sauna and the temperature.
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What We Like
- This sauna is comfortable for adults that are larger than average size
- It heats up very quickly
- This sauna is small and easy to fit in your home
- The heat is evenly distributed
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What We Didn’t Like
- Assembly make take longer than advertised
- The control panel may fail prematurely
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4. Radiant Saunas Hemlock Infrared Sauna
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The Radiant Saunas Hemlock Infrared Sauna uses Canadian hemlock as its primary material. This wood is strong and can stand up to the heat of the sauna over the long-term. There are six carbon heaters in this sauna. They are precisely placed to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed. You can heat this sauna up to 141 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use the controls to adjust the heat up or down as you relax in the sauna. The controls are LED and intuitive, so that you can operate them easily. This sauna also features a variety of extras, such as a magazine rack to hold your favorite reading material, cup holders and a sound system that has auxiliary inputs.
The door features glass so that you can see what is happening outside your sauna. The glass in the door is tempered and scratch-resistant to ensure optimal durability. This sauna also features an oxygen ionizer and chemotherapy lighting.
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What We Like
- This sauna has a magazine rack and cup holders
- There is no heat loss
- This sauna is relatively easy to assemble
- It has comfortable backrests
- The blue wave light is very relaxing
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What We Didn’t Like
- It may take a little longer to heat up compared to similar models
- The instructions to not provide information about how to install the roof sheet
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5. Dynamic Saunas Far Infrared Sauna
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The Dynamic Saunas Far Infrared Sauna can be assembled in under an hour. It clasps together, so you do not need to use any special tools. This sauna is made from reforested Canadian hemlock wood. The wood planks used are thick for the exterior and interior. The walls are double paneled for optimal insulation and temperature control.
This sauna can accommodate up to two people. Due to the construction, it heats up fast and is very energy efficient. There are six carbon panels that heat this sauna. This includes a heater on the floor to keep your feet warm.
Compared to panels that use ceramic heating, this sauna’s panels are 30 percent bigger. You never need to replace them. This sauna operates at up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no need for any special wiring to operate this sauna because it uses a 15-amp 110-volt outlet, which is common in most homes.
There is a control panel that lets you control the time and temperature functions of the sauna. It has an LED display to ensure that it is easy to operate. The built-in speakers use an MP3 auxiliary connection.
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What We Like
- There are no chemicals added to the wood
- It is easy to set up and use
- It heats up very quickly
- This sauna assembles fast
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What We Didn’t Like
- The door makes break easily
- The EMF rating may be slightly higher than advertised, but still in the safe zone
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If want to learn about some great portable Saunas, check out Best Infrared Sauna: In-Depth Review Of The Top 5 Infrared Saunas.