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Saunas just feel amazing. And they can do wonders for your health, and your fitness.
They can help you relax, relieve stress and sleep better after a long hard day at work.
But what is the best infrared sauna? Check out our “Buying Guide” to acquire more knowledge about these saunas or see our infrared sauna reviews below:
Top Infrared Saunas
1-2 Person Saunas
JNH Lifestyles 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna 7 Carbon Fiber Heaters
The JNH Lifestyles 2 Person home sauna has been getting great reviews online, and was a best seller in 2015.
It seats two people comfortably and is small enough to put in your bedroom, but it doesn’t have enough room for users to lie down.
It is made with Canadian hemlock wood, and it is easy to assemble because it has buckle panels that snap together.
It is also very easy to take apart and move around.
The dimensions are 47.3 x 75 x 39.5 inches, and it weighs 250 pounds.
The JNH Lifestyles 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna is designed to be used indoors, but it can be placed in a covered space outside.
Heaters
It has 7 carbon fiber heaters that are located at the back, side and calf. Because it has dual wall insulation and doors with special safety glass, it does a good job of keeping heat inside of the sauna.
Sound System
This sauna has good sound and lights. It has a top notch sound system that has to speakers with an amplifier via a 3.5mm plug.
Warranty
The sauna has a 5 year warranty that is not extended to commercial use.
This is a great option for someone who wants to put a sauna in a small space such as an extra bedroom or even in the master suite. Both the price and the size is right, and the sound system is a nice extra. I think this is the best home sauna for 2022.
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Dynamic Saunas AMZ-DYN-6106-06 Barcelona 1 to 2 Person Far Infrared Sauna
The Barcelona Sauna from Dynamic Saunas is quite small with the dimensions of 39.2 x 35.3 x 72.5 inches. This home sauna is good for a garage, basement, walk-in closet or master bath location.
It weighs 250 pounds and is made with natural reforested Canadian hemlock.
It can be quickly assembled, within an hour, and it seats one to two people.
Heaters
It has 6 low carbon fiber heating panels that are 30 percent bigger than other panels, which means that it can heat your skin 40 percent better, and this is very therapeutic. It also has double paneled walls that retain heat more efficiently. Not only does it get hot very quickly, but it is very energy efficient. Its maximum temperature is 130F.
Sound System and Lighting
In terms of sound and lighting, it has a MP3 auxiliary connection with speakers. It also has a LED light display with control gauges for time and temperature.
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2 Person Hemlock Deluxe Infrared Sauna with 6 Carbon Heaters by Radiant Saunas
The Hemlock Deluxe has the dimensions of 49 x 39 x 75 inches, and it weighs 354 pounds. It is made with solid hemlock wood, and it is easy to assemble.
Heaters
6 carbon fiber heating panels.
Sound System and Lights
It has a radio, CD player, AUX MP3 connection, speakers, chromo therapy lights and interior and exterior LED control panels. With a towel rack, magazine rack, oxygen ionizer, 2 backrests and tinted glass this unit has more accessories than the other saunas we reviewed.
Warranty
The 2 Person Hemlock Deluxe has a 5 year warranty on structure, wood, heating elements and electrical. But it only has a 1 year warranty on the radio. Also, outdoor use voids the warranty on this sauna.
It is a moderately priced sauna great for someone who wants to put a premium sauna with added accessories in a small space such as a bedroom.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon!
2-3 Person Saunas
JNH Lifestyles 2-3 Person Corner Far Infrared Sauna, Latest Carbon Fiber Heaters
JNH Lifestyles 2-3 Person Corner Home Sauna has dimensions of 59 x 39 x 75 inches, and it weighs 350 pounds. It is made with a double layer of Canadian hemlock. Because of its tongue and groove construction, it is much stronger and easier to assemble because of its buckle panels. The manufacturers say that this sauna fits two to three people, but many users say that this might be a tight fit for three people.
Heaters
The JNh Lifestyle 2-3 Person Corner Sauna has 5 carbon fiber far infrared heaters that are located at the back, side and calf areas.
Sound System and Lighting
It has AUX control and 2 speakers. It has LED lighting with light bulbs that save 50 percent more energy than other light bulbs. It uses a standard household plug.
Warranty
It has a 2 year warranty.
This is a great home sauna for someone who wants a corner sauna that is beautiful, functional and sturdy due to its double timber material.
Currently Unavailable
3 Person Sauna Corner Fitting Infrared FIR FAR 7 Carbon Heaters Hemlock Wood CD Player MP3 Plug by Heat Wave
This 3 person corner sauna has dimensions of 53 x 53 x 76 and it weighs 400 pounds. Although it weighs more than most of the saunas in this review, it also holds 3 people.
It is made with hemlock wood and has tongue and groove assembly, which makes it easy to put together.
Heaters
It has 7 carbon heaters that are located in the back, side and front of the sauna. One is also on the floor.
Sound System and Lighting
It comes with a CD player and MP3 plug, radio and speakers. In terms of lighting, this sauna has dual interior and exterior LED panels.
It has a beautiful bronze tinted glass door and panels that allow you to see out of the sauna. It includes accessories such as backrests, an oxygen ionizer, towel hooks and a magazine rack. Because it has 120v/20 amp power, electrical modification is needed for 20 amps of power.
Warranty
The unit has a 5 year warranty on structure, heaters and electrical. But there is only a 1 year warranty on the CD player, radio and light bulbs. But the good thing is that this can be used for commercial use and it is moderately priced.
This home sauna is ideal for the small business that wants to have a small spa.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon!
JNH Lifestyles Joyous 3 Person Canadian Hemlock Wood 8 Carbon Fiber Heaters
The JNH Joyous home sauna is one of the few saunas in this review that has enough room for you to lie down; however, you must bend your knees. It is made from double layer Canadian hemlock, which makes it super sturdy. The dimensions are 59 x 39 x 75 inches, and it weighs 350 pounds.
Heaters
It has 8 carbon fiber heaters that are located in the back, sides and calf areas.
Sound System and Lighting
It has built in AUX with 2 speakers and a 3.5 auxiliary plug It also has interior LED lights that save energy.
Warranty
The warranty is for 5 years on everything.
It is at the top end for pricing, but it is a beautiful 3 person sauna, with room enough to life down, and the warranty is very good.
Currently Unavailable
4 Person Saunas
4 Person Sauna Heat Wave Hemlock 9 Carbon Infrared Heaters
This is the ideal sauna for a small business owner to use as a spa.
It has dimensions of 70 x 48 x 76, and it weighs 471 pounds.
The price offers very good value, and it is a good choice for both private and commercial use.
It is made from hemlock wood, and it is easy to assemble because of its tongue and groove technology.
Heaters
It has 9 carbon heaters.
Sound System and Lighting
It has outside and inside LED control panels, a CD player, a MP3 plug in and color mood lights.
Warranty
It has a 5 year warranty that can be used for commercial and private use.
Spa guests will find it comfortable because it has backrests, a magazine rack, a towel rack and an oxygen ionizer.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon!
Buying Guide
The technology used to heat saunas have changed and gotten better over the years. The infrared sauna is a product of modern technology. Traditional saunas use convection heat to warm air, but infrared saunas use radiant heat. This is unlike traditional saunas that heat air to a temperature that is unbearable for humans. With an infrared sauna, you can control the temperature level.
Heat Source: Carbon Fiber Heaters or Ceramic Rod Heaters?
The most important thing about an infrared sauna is the heat source. They use infrared light, which means that the temperature goes up, but it doesn’t heat the surrounding air. Your body absorbs heat from an infrared sauna, and this makes you sweat and get rid of toxins. This is why saunas are known for their healing properties.
Ceramic rod heaters are not as efficient because they must run at a higher temperature to get hot enough. This can be uncomfortable due to the high heat Also, many of the components in these saunas are very hot to the touch, which means that they can cause plenty of body burns.
In addition, ceramic heaters tend to have high EMF ratings, which is basically invisible radiation. The rating should be low enough so that it doesn’t harm humans. On the other hand carbon fiber heaters restrict the amount of EMFs that are emitted.
Besides, carbon fiber heaters cover a larger area and provide an even flow of heat. But make sure that the panels are located in back, front and sides of the sauna so that your body absorbs a balanced flow of heat. All in all, infrared saunas with carbon fiber heaters is a better choice than those with ceramic heaters.
Wood Choice
The choice of wood used for your sauna is also very important. It must be thick, strong and free of gases. Cedar is the most popular wood choice for saunas. This is because cedar excretes an oil that provides protection from bugs and inclement weather.
Many sauna manufacturers choose wood such as Canadian Red Cedar and Pacific Coast Hemlock. This is because these types of woods are durable, smooth, warp resistant and beautiful. Also, they have a low shrinkage rate, a low amount of resin and are almost odorless.
Keep in mind that saunas made with wood choices such as pine and plywood may be cheaper, but they won’t last long. They will pucker and crack from heat. Steer clear of saunas made from wood choices such as western pine, white fir, aspen, California redwood or poplar.
Misc Factors
In addition to the heat source and wood choice, other things will of course impact on your choice of sauna. These include things such as the location of the control panels, the size of the sauna, the available accessories and the price that you are willing to pay.
Also pay attention to the warranty that comes with the sauna. The length isn’t the only thing that you should be concerned about. For instance, some warranties do not warrant outdoor or commercial use. Keep in mind your purpose when purchasing a sauna.
All in all, each of these saunas have something a little different to offer. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a great warranty, a sauna for a small space or one that you can use commercially, there is bound to be a great option that suits your needs.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Work?
While infrared saunas are a hot enough commodity to make you think that they’re a new-fangled product, they’ve actually been around for decades. When you’re getting one, you’re getting a piece of technology that’s long been used in hospitals and medical treatment centers.
This surprising longevity signifies that it’s no flash in the pan. It has such staying power because its effectiveness is more or less rooted in basic scientific properties.
Infrared saunas draw their power from infrared wavelengths of light. The wavelengths are as follows, in order of intensity:
- Short
- Medium
- Far
These various wavelengths specifically target their heating properties to a body, as opposed to the entire space. This allows for a more intense sauna session; one that promotes a more efficient release of toxins that sweat from your body.
The reason for the efficiency has to do with the heat from the wavelengths. They will promote vibration within the body’s water molecules, so much so that they’ll break down. When this breakdown occurs, toxins are shoved out along with body sweat.
This temperature concentration almost seems to run counter to perhaps the most impressive element behind these infrared wavelengths. Infrared saunas only average between 110 and 120 degrees. The wavelength’s intense focus compensates for the lack of temperature.
Infrared Sauna vs. Regular Sauna
The biggest difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is the temperature compared to both. An infrared sauna tends to be a hundred degrees cooler than a traditional structure, which averages temperatures of about 220 degrees.
The result is a structure that remains remarkably comfortable and dry. This alone drives the appeal of these saunas compared to other saunas, which tend to be musty and overbearing with their heat distributions.
The lower temperature of an infrared sauna also tends to have other side benefits that a traditional sauna doesn’t have. For instance, your nasal passages won’t be dried out, which can happen in an old-school sauna. When this does occur, pain and inflammation can be a possibility.
The science and technology discrepancies that exist between classic, old-school saunas and regular saunas serve as a reminder that the latter is a product of a technology that dates back about 900 years. While it has its merits – if it didn’t it wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has – it’s not too surprising to see that an improved level of text exists.
And as sleek as infrared saunas appear to be, they offer the same core benefits as a traditional sauna. Specifically, they both deliver on the following principles:
- Vigorous sweating
- Increase in heart rate
These elements are similar to the effects that one may experience while in the throes of moderate exercise. Proponents of infrared saunas will tell you that these new structures simply do a better job at delivering these benefits.
Near Infrared Saunas vs. Far Infrared Saunas
Not all infrared saunas are created equally. This category is split into two sub-categories:
- Near Infrared Saunas
- Far Infrared Saunas
While both fall under the infrared sauna category, there is some debate as to which is better for you. Before you could make such a call, it’s important that you take a look at the differences between the two structures.
A far infrared sauna will use heating elements that primarily emit light within a far-infrared range category. Its primary function is to provide heat therapy. They also tend to emit higher levels of EMFs, or electromagnetic fields.
Near infrared saunas, also known as lamp saunas, deploy a combination of heat and light therapy through the use of near-infrared emissions. They tend to emit lower EMF levels.
EMF levels are a big deal. Proponents of near infrared saunas may point out that the EMF levels found in far infrared saunas could carry a few unintended consequences, ranging from chronic headaches to excessive fatigues.
This isn’t a case of people pointing to something that others may feel to be irrelevant. Some manufacturers of far infrared saunas have started to incorporate implementations to try and lessen the amounts of EMFs transmitted within the process.
Proponents of near infrared saunas will also point out that they possess significantly more power than their far infrared counterparts. The typical lamp will emit about 250 watts, which tend to be far higher than far infrared heat emitters.
This power translates to a deeper body penetration. Various research indicates that lamp sauna emissions penetrate deeply into the body, anywhere between 3 to 9 inches, depending on where you’re obtaining the numbers.
Additionally, lamp saunas emit a larger spectrum of visible radiation in addition to infrared rays. These visible rays, which show up in the red, orange, and yellow components of the spectrum, are said to promote stimulation in the body’s lower organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and large intestines.
Some researchers indicate that some of the infrared energy emitted by lamp saunas provide benefits pertaining to the healing of glands and organs as well as the regeneration of certain cells. These rays are also thought by some to have a more relaxing presence on the body.
Proponents of lamp saunas also point to its design as a sign of its overall effectiveness. Because of the way the lamps providing the rays are typically arranged, the rays emitting tend to be more focused, which ultimately provides a more targeted session for the person enjoying the emissions.
This increased focus can also be somewhat manipulated by the person in the sauna. For instance, if a person wants to concentrate the sauna’s effectiveness on his or her shoulder, he or she can sit in such a way that the focus on the lamp sauna’s rays is primarily on the shoulder.
Finally, lamp saunas tend to provide a greater sense of electric efficiency. This may appeal to those that are looking for a greener way to bring about good personal health.
Infrared Sauna FAQ
How fast can you feel the effects of an infrared sauna?
Infrared heat tends to be gentle – which is to be expected since its heat comes at you at about 100 degrees lower than a traditional sauna. As such, you shouldn’t expect to be hit with a wallop of intense heat once you enter the sauna.
That said, this doesn’t mean you won’t feel the effects eventually. Because it’s a dry heat of around 110 to 120 degrees, you may end up comparing it to being similar to standing in the middle of the Arizona desert in the summertime.
Can I set the infrared sauna’s temperature higher?
Some saunas will allow you to crank the heat up to as much as 140 degrees. However, this is ultimately not necessary for you to experience the full effect of an infrared sauna. Its power is not derived from the heat but from the power and concentration of the infrared wavelengths themselves.
Are the rules of etiquette the same?
Yes. If you’re sharing an infrared sauna with other people, you should be prepared to be appropriately outfitted for such an experience. However, some infrared saunas are designed to be completely private. In these situations, you may inquire about them being clothing optional.
One thing that remains constant whether or not you’re in a private setting – clean up after yourself. You are still going to sweat in the sauna, which means you’ll form pools of sweat around you. Don’t leave those behind for other people to deal with – doing so is just plain gross.
Are infrared saunas device friendly?
Infrared saunas aren’t too friendly toward cellphones. It’s best that you leave them outside. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be forced to do nothing.
Some private infrared saunas will allow you to plug your device into external outlets, thus enabling you to pipe your own music through the chamber as you sweat. Of course, you could just keep things simple and bring a book to your session.
What should I expect after my infrared sauna experience?
After your session is completed, your first step should be to hit the showers. You won’t want to make this step optional – you will be fiercely drenched from head to toe in your own sweat.
After you shower, you should drink water. You’ll be drinking water during the session, too, but you shouldn’t take this need for granted just because your session is over. After all, you’ll have purged a lot of water through your body in the form of sweat, and it will be in need of replacement.
How often should I go?
Depending on whom you speak with, you should be going anywhere between once a week and three times a week. The amount depends on a host of factors, from your health concerns to your lifestyle goals. It’s wise to consult with someone on these metrics before you set up your personal infrared sauna regimen.
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I will be installing a small infrared sauna at a mountain cabin which has a small solar system used in conjunction with a Honda 2000 generator. Would the combination on those be sufficient for saunas such as these?