Types of saunas.
Four traditions, four very different experiences. Choose the one that fits your space, your tolerance for heat, and the ritual you want to build.
Traditional Finnish
The original. High heat, low humidity, optional steam.
Intense, dry heat with bursts of steam from water on hot stones (löyly).
- Heat
- 160–200°F (70–95°C)
- Humidity
- 10–30%
- Session
- 15–20 min
- Cost
- $$ – $$$
Best for: Purists, longevity protocols, traditional ritual, social use.
Infrared
Lower temperature, deeper tissue penetration, fast warm-up.
Gentle, radiant heat that warms the body directly, not the air.
- Heat
- 120–140°F (49–60°C)
- Humidity
- Ambient
- Session
- 30–45 min
- Cost
- $ – $$
Best for: First-timers, lower heat tolerance, daily home use, recovery.
Barrel
Outdoor classic. Curved cedar, fast heat-up, social shape.
Traditional Finnish heat in a curved cedar shell. Heats faster than square cabins.
- Heat
- 160–200°F (70–95°C)
- Humidity
- 10–30%
- Session
- 15–20 min
- Cost
- $$
Best for: Outdoor installs, cabins, lakeside or backyard settings.
Steam Room (Hammam)
Lower heat, 100% humidity, enveloping wet steam.
Heavy, wet heat. Visible steam. Tile and stone surfaces, not wood.
- Heat
- 110–120°F (43–49°C)
- Humidity
- 100%
- Session
- 15–20 min
- Cost
- $$$
Best for: Sinuses, skin, those who find dry heat uncomfortable.
Side by side.
| Attribute | Traditional | Infrared | Barrel | Steam |
| Peak temp | 180°F | 140°F | 180°F | 120°F |
| Humidity | Low | None | Low | 100% |
| Warm-up | 30–45 min | 10–15 min | 20–30 min | 15–20 min |
| Session length | 15–20 min | 30–45 min | 15–20 min | 15–20 min |
| Best location | Indoor / outdoor | Indoor | Outdoor | Bathroom |
| Energy use | High | Low | High | High |
Let us narrow it down.
Two minutes, six questions, and we'll recommend the type and size that fits your space and ritual.