Traditional vs Full Spectrum Infrared Outdoor Sauna
Last updated October 2026
Short answer: choose a traditional outdoor sauna if you want high heat up to 110°C and steam from water on the stones. Choose a full spectrum infrared outdoor sauna if you prefer a gentler 30 to 75°C heat, a faster warm-up and a simpler 15 amp connection. Both Nordhaus outdoor saunas share the same aluminium exterior and footprint width.
Side by side
| 3 Person Outdoor Traditional | 3 Person Outdoor Full Spectrum Infrared | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14,490 | From $12,990 |
| How it heats | A Harvia 6kW heater warms the stones and the air in the cabin | 8 far infrared panels plus 2 full spectrum heaters warm your body directly |
| Temperature | Up to 110°C | 30 to 75°C |
| Steam | Yes, pour water over the stones | No |
| Heat-up time | About 30 to 45 minutes | About 20 to 30 minutes |
| Session length | Timer from 1 to 6 hours of operation | Up to 90 minutes |
| Power | Dedicated circuit. Harvia recommends 35A single phase or 3 phase 3 x 10A. Your electrician on site confirms what suits your home. | 15 amp dedicated circuit, 3,400W total |
| Controls | Harvia Fenix WiFi touch panel and MyHarvia app | WiFi touchscreen with app remote access |
| Extras | 20kg Harvia stones, bucket, ladle and hourglass. Warm LED lighting. | Built-in JBL Bluetooth speakers. 7 colour chromotherapy lighting. |
| Seating | Two-tier benches, up to 3 adults | Single 50cm deep bench, up to 3 adults |
| External size | 154cm wide x 158cm deep x 200cm high | 154cm wide x 136cm deep x 200cm high |
| Exterior | Powder-coated 6063-T5 aluminium batten cladding in Matte Black or Matte White | |
| Warranty | 5 years cabin, cladding and electrical. 2 years Harvia heater. | 5 years cabin, cladding, electrical and infrared heating elements. |
How each one feels
Traditional
This is the classic Finnish sauna. The air itself is hot, the heat hits you as you open the door, and pouring water on the stones sends a wave of steam through the cabin. Sessions are usually shorter and more intense, and many people pair them with a cold plunge.
Full spectrum infrared
Infrared warms your body more than the air, so the cabin feels milder and easier to breathe in. You can comfortably stay in longer, listen to music through the built-in speakers and read or stretch. Full spectrum means near, mid and far infrared wavelengths together.
Running and installing
The infrared sauna draws 3,400W and needs a 15 amp circuit, so it is the simpler and cheaper electrical job. The traditional sauna's 6kW heater needs its own dedicated circuit. As a guide, Harvia recommends 35A on single phase, and your electrician on site decides what is suitable for your individual installation. At full power and typical 2026 electricity rates of 33 to 40 cents per kWh, running costs are about $1.10 to $1.40 an hour for infrared and $2.00 to $2.40 an hour for traditional, usually less in practice because heaters cycle once at temperature. See our electrical requirements guide.
Both arrive flat-packed, assemble in about 90 minutes with two people, and need a flat, solid base. The infrared model is 22cm shallower, which helps on a narrow deck or side passage.
Which should you choose?
Choose traditional if you want real high heat and steam, you like short hot sessions, or you want the larger 4-5 Person size, which is only available as a traditional sauna.
Choose full spectrum infrared if you find very hot rooms uncomfortable, you want longer and gentler sessions, or you want the lower purchase price and the simpler 15 amp connection.
Common questions
Can I pour water on an infrared sauna?
No. Infrared saunas have no stones and are not designed for water or steam. If steam matters to you, choose traditional.
Do both work outdoors all year?
Yes. Both use the same insulated walls, sealed door and powder-coated aluminium exterior built for Australian sun, rain and humidity.
Which is better for recovery?
People use both. It mostly comes down to which heat you will enjoy enough to use regularly. If you have a medical condition, speak with your doctor before using any sauna.
Prices and specifications are correct at the date above and are confirmed on each product page. To compare every Nordhaus sauna, indoor and outdoor, see the sauna comparison guide.
