The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Infrared Sauna

There’s a reason why so many athletes, influencers, and health enthusiasts have added infrared saunas to their daily wellness routine. This modern take on traditional sauna bathing offers a wealth of health benefits, from pain relief and glowing skin to improved circulation and more. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying an infrared sauna and share considerations for finding the best option for your needs.

What to Look For When Buying an Infrared Sauna

Traditional saunas use hot rocks, steam, or electric heaters to warm the air around you. On the other hand, infrared saunas use infrared radiation (IR) to warm the skin directly—not the air. The result is a deeper, penetrating heat that delivers all the advantages of traditional sauna bathing, just at a more comfortable temperature. Infrared saunas offer incredible benefits like reduced chronic pain, improved cardiovascular health, better sleep quality, and more.¹

You’ve done the research, you’ve done the dreaming—and now, it’s time to buy an infrared sauna of your own. But where do you start? How do you know what qualities and features to look out for?

Below are some considerations to keep in mind when shopping for an infrared sauna:

1. Size and Capacity

One of the first things to determine when choosing an infrared sauna is what size you’ll need. Your sauna should not only fit comfortably in your space, but also have enough room to accommodate the number of people who will be using it. 

The most common infrared sauna sizes are: 

• One-person saunas: ideal for individuals or compact spaces 
• Two-person saunas: perfect for couples or small families 
• Three-person saunas: great for larger spaces and families 

Tylö infrared saunas are available in multiple sizes and dimensions to suit a variety of lifestyles, including:

Kiruna 1

1 Person Infrared Sauna

Dimensions:
38” D x 39” W x 78” H

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Kiruna 2

2 Person Infrared Sauna

Dimensions:
42” D x 51” W x 78” H

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Kiruna 3

3 Person Infrared Sauna

Dimensions:
44” D x 71” W x 78”H

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2. Heating Technology

All infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly. However, not all heating methods benefit you the same way. 

There are three main types of infrared sauna heaters to choose from, including:

• Carbon heaters: Made from flat carbon fiber panels, these heaters distribute warmth evenly for maximum comfort and effectiveness. They are also incredibly energy efficient. 
• Halogen heaters: These use quartz bulbs filled with halogen gas, which heat up quickly. Although they are powerful, halogen heaters create concentrated pockets of warmth, which can cause uneven heat distribution. They also consume more energy. 
• Ceramic heaters: These are made from ceramic rods that warm up quickly. They tend to have a smaller surface area, which can cause uneven heat distribution that may impact the sauna’s effectiveness. 

Tylö infrared saunas use CarbonFlex® heating emitters. These built-in panels deliver gentle, consistent heat for comfortable and effective sessions, every time.

3. Energy Efficiency

Many infrared saunas are already incredibly efficient, but some models take it a step further with innovative energy-saving features. Choosing an energy-efficient option doesn’t just reduce your environmental footprint—it also helps you save on energy costs over time.

Some saunas can use up to 8 kilowatts of electricity per hour. Tylö infrared saunas only use about 1.5–2 kilowatts of electricity per hour. Comparatively, electric dishwashers use around 2 kilowatts of electricity.

Tylö infrared saunas also feature dynamic air chambers that improve hot air distribution for consistent, efficient heating. Plus, they have a patented divided output feature, allowing you to enjoy even more energy savings.

4. Safety Features

Infrared saunas are incredibly safe and easier on the body than intense steam saunas. However, you should still keep safety features in mind when searching for the perfect option for your home. 

Infrared sauna safety considerations include: 

• Accidental burns 
• Overheating or dehydration 
• Fainting 
• Slips and falls 

Tylö saunas go above and beyond the safety standard for infrared saunas. All heaters have a ThermoSafe™ protective coating that adds a layer of safety against accidental burns. Every heater is also rigorously tested throughout the entire manufacturing process to make sure they are high-performing and safe. 

5. Material Quality

When buying an infrared sauna, it’s important to choose one made from the right type of structural materials. It’s important to avoid saunas made with low-quality wood, paint, or glues, which can release harmful fumes when heated. The best kind of infrared saunas will be made from high-quality, durable wood like: 

• Cedar 
• Hemlock 
• Spruce 
• Basswood 

These options resist warping and can naturally withstand more heat and humidity than other types of wood and other materials. 

Tylö infrared saunas are constructed with high-quality hemlock wood both inside and outside the rooms. They also use special no-VOC paint for the black accents to keep the air clean and safe. 

6. Additional Features and Accessories

Other infrared sauna features and accessories worth considering during your shopping journey include: 

• Chromotherapy (color therapy): color-changing lights help improve your mood and promote relaxation. 
• Bluetooth® speakers: built-in Bluetooth speakers that allow you to enjoy music, audiobooks, podcasts, or guided meditations during your sauna session. 
• App compatibility: compatibility with apps for enhanced control and personalization 

These features can make every sauna session more enjoyable and relaxing.

Shop Tylö Infrared Saunas at Creative Energy

Whether you’re new to infrared saunas or looking to replace an older model, the Creative Energy team is here to help. For decades, we’ve been the leading retailer of hot tubs, swim spas, fireplaces, and saunas in the Bay Area. If you’re ready to take your wellness routine to the next level, we can help you find the best infrared sauna for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Contact us today or visit any of our award-winning Bay Area showrooms in Concord, San Rafael, or San Mateo to experience the benefits of infrared saunas in person.