Posted by James Ford
on August 06, 2024
Last updated August 2026.
This is one of the first questions almost every buyer asks, and there is a genuinely correct way to think about it. Traditional and infrared saunas are not better or worse than each other, they deliver two different kinds of heat for two different goals. Here is the real difference, updated with a direct comparison.
How each one heats you
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, raising your core temperature through high ambient heat, usually 70°C to 100°C, with our Outdoor Traditional range reaching up to 110°C on a genuine Harvia heater. It is a more intense, full body sweat that feels deeply purifying, and you can pour water over the stones for steam.
Infrared saunas use infrared panels to heat your body directly at a much lower air temperature, typically 45°C to 60°C. Our Full Spectrum Infrared range combines near, mid and far infrared heat, offering a more gradual warmth with less heat stress on the surrounding air, ideal for longer sessions or anyone who finds high ambient heat uncomfortable.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Traditional Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heat method | Heats the air, then your body | Heats your body directly via panels |
| Typical temperature | 70°C to 110°C | 45°C to 60°C |
| Heat up time | 20 to 40 minutes | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Typical session length | 10 to 20 minutes | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Steam from stones | Yes | No |
| Best for | The classic, intense Finnish experience | Longer, gentler sessions |
Both support detox, circulation and relaxation
Neither type is the wrong choice. Both raise your heart rate, promote sweating and support circulation and relaxation, the difference is how you get there and how it feels along the way. Traditional heat gives you deep, immersive intensity, infrared gives you a gentler, more targeted warmth you can comfortably sit in for longer.
Which one should you choose?
If you want the authentic, high heat Finnish sauna experience with steam, choose traditional. Our range spans the 1 Person through to the 4 to 6 Person and Outdoor Traditional saunas, all running genuine Harvia heaters. If you prefer a gentler session you can sit in for longer, or you find very high heat uncomfortable, choose infrared. Our 2, 3 and 4 Person Full Spectrum Infrared range is built for exactly that. For a deeper look at what each temperature actually does to your body, see our full guide, How Long Should You Sauna For.
Quick Answers
Is infrared or traditional sauna better?
Neither is universally better. Traditional suits those who want intense, classic high heat with steam, while infrared suits those who want a gentler, longer session at a lower temperature.
What temperature does a traditional sauna reach?
Nordhaus traditional saunas typically run 70°C to 100°C, with the Outdoor Traditional range reaching up to 110°C on a genuine Harvia heater.
What temperature does an infrared sauna reach?
Nordhaus infrared saunas typically run 45°C to 60°C, since the panels heat your body directly rather than the surrounding air.
Can you pour water on the stones in an infrared sauna?
No. Pouring water for steam only works with a traditional heater and stones. Infrared saunas use heating panels instead, so there are no stones to pour water over.
