🔥 Infrared vs. Traditional Finnish Saunas: What’s the Difference (and Why We Only Build Finnish Saunas)
When you start researching saunas for your home, you’ll quickly run into two main options: infrared saunas and traditional Finnish saunas (also called hot rock saunas or steam saunas). While both promise relaxation and health benefits, the similarities mostly stop there.
At Midwest Sauna & Steam, we specialize exclusively in building authentic Finnish-style saunas — because after years of research and firsthand experience, we believe they’re the only choice that delivers the full, time-tested sauna experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences, and why we choose to focus on traditional builds.
🔥 How Each Sauna Heats Your Body
➡️ Traditional Finnish Sauna
A traditional sauna heats the air around you to create an immersive thermal environment. It uses an electric or wood-fired heater with stones (often called “kiuas” in Finland). Water poured over the stones creates gentle steam (löyly), raising humidity and intensifying the sensation of heat.
Typical temperatures:
160°F – 190°F (70°C – 90°C)
Humidity: 10–30%, depending on how often you pour water
This type of heat deeply penetrates your body by warming your skin first, then raising your core temperature gradually — the way sauna bathing has worked for thousands of years.
➡️ Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna uses panels that emit infrared light, which directly heats your body rather than the air. The temperature inside the cabin usually stays much lower.
Typical temperatures:
110°F – 140°F (43°C – 60°C)
Humidity: 0%, as there’s no steam
Because of the lower air temps, many people find infrared easier to tolerate — but it also means you don’t get the same hot-air enveloping effect or traditional steam benefits.
🌿 The Experience & Ritual
A big reason we only build traditional Finnish saunas is because of the experience itself.
✅ The satisfying burst of steam when you pour water on hot stones.
✅ The ability to adjust humidity on the fly.
✅ That unmistakable dry heat enveloping you from head to toe.
This isn’t just about sweating — it’s a sensory ritual that’s been part of Finnish culture for thousands of years. Infrared saunas simply can’t replicate it.
💧 Health & Recovery Benefits
Both types of saunas can promote circulation, help with muscle relaxation, and encourage sweat-based detox. However, research on cardiovascular benefits and longevity overwhelmingly points to traditional sauna bathing at high temperatures.
Some highlights from long-term Finnish studies:
Lower risk of heart disease & stroke with frequent sauna use
Improved blood pressure & artery flexibility
Potential for reduced all-cause mortality
Traditional Finnish saunas also excel at post-workout recovery by providing intense, whole-body heat shock. Infrared saunas have benefits too, but operate differently and with less robust evidence tied to the same long-term health markers.
🛠 Why Midwest Sauna & Steam Only Builds Finnish Saunas
At Midwest Sauna, we’re dedicated to building handcrafted, authentic Finnish-style saunas in Ohio homes. Why?
✅ Because they deliver the highest temperatures and create the true thermal environment your body needs.
✅ Because you can control steam, humidity, and heat intensity with a ladle and bucket, not just an on/off panel.
✅ Because they become a ritual and lifestyle upgrade, not just a gadget.
And importantly — we build with materials and ventilation tailored specifically for these environments, so your sauna not only feels amazing but lasts for decades.
💬 Ready to Experience a True Sauna?
Skip the infrared hype. Invest in a sauna experience proven by centuries of tradition and decades of research.
📍 Serving Columbus, Cleveland & all of Ohio
📞 Contact us for a free design consultation at 614-506-8134
🌐 midwestsaunasteam.com
