What Is An Infrared Home Sauna?

An infrared sauna uses light to generate heat. It is also known as far-infrared sauna due to where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A typical sauna warms the air, creating steam that warms your body. But an infrared sauna warms your body directly without affecting the air around you. However, the heat generated creates a similar result; both steam and infrared saunas will cause you to sweat profusely. An infrared home sauna is a portable device that you can use in the comfort and privacy of your home. It lets you enjoy all the benefits of an infrared sauna, without having to visit the spa. There are a few key differences between traditional steam saunas and infrared saunas. Let’s take a look at what these are.

Differences Between Traditional And Infrared Sauna

1. Heat

The most significant difference between infrared and traditional saunas is the temperature each reaches. Conventional steam saunas can get as hot as 185oF or even 195oF. But infrared saunas can be equally effective at a much lower temperature in the range of 120oF to 150oF.

2. Humidity

As far as humidity is concerned, a steam sauna offers a far superior experience, simply because infrared saunas do not rely on steam at all.

3. Power

Steam saunas are more power-intensive than their infrared counterparts. An infrared sauna can function well at 1.6kw, while traditional saunas use 6kw to power on, making them thrice as expensive.

4. Function

A traditional sauna uses a stove to heat the air around you to generate steam that warms your body and increases its temperature. In an infrared sauna, infrared heaters are used to produce infrared light. These lightwaves penetrate your skin and directly increase your body temperature. Let’s take a look at the 7 best infrared saunas on the market that are worth checking out.

Top 7 Portable Infrared Home Saunas – 2021

1. Best Compact Design:SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Sauna

The SereneLife Portable Infrared Home Spa is compact, foldable, and portable, making it the most popular infrared home sauna on our list. It is a comprehensive kit that comes with everything you might need to enjoy an infrared sauna session at home, including a foldable sauna chair. Bring home this portable infrared home spa and make regular and expensive visits to the spa a thing of the past. The collapsible design features a moisture-resistant fabric that makes the SereneLife Spa perfectly suited for outdoor use, on a deck, or at a campsite. There are convenient hand-access zippers that allow you to read a magazine in peace while enjoying the sauna therapy. Check out this review for a closer look into the features of this product. Pros

Compact design Adjustable heat settings Fully foldable Easy to store Durable Lightweight Foldable sauna chair included Value for money Footpad heating mat included 1-year warranty

Cons None 

2. Best Affordable:Idealsauna FIS 101 Portable Infrared Sauna

The Idealsauna FIS 101 Portable Infrared Sauna is a high-quality device that offers a host of benefits that you can enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your home, without breaking the bank. The design incorporates several features that you can enjoy at the most luxurious saunas. A negative ion generator built in the device helps purify the air surrounding your body. There are three heaters with a carbon fiber heating element. The design leaves your head and hands free to read, watch TV, or listen to music. The compact size and foldable feature make sure that the sauna doesn’t take up too much space while being used. The video given below by this YouTuber gives an honest review of the product. Pros

Lightweight Affordable Carbon fiber heating pads Sauna chair included Footpad heating mat included 1-year warranty Features air ionizer Remote control to adjust settings Heats up quickly

Cons None 

3. Best Durable:Radiant Saunas BSA6315 Harmony Portable Sauna

The Radiant Saunas BSA6315 Harmony Portable Sauna comes with a solid beech hardwood dowel frame support system. The canvas chair can support weight upto 220 lbs. There are two zippered compartments on the front to store the controller and anything else you might want within reach. The controller offers six automatic timer options, so you can customize your sauna session according to your needs and preferences. A sanitary air ionizer keeps the sauna fresh and purified. There are four perfectly-positioned carbon heating panels. With the Harmony home sauna, you can slow down and relax anytime you want. Pros

6 automatic timer options Handheld remote control Portable chair Durable design 4 carbon heating panels Spacious inside Value for money Easy to use Padded armrest

Cons

Quality control issues

4. Best Portable:Durherm Infrared Sauna

Durherm Infrared Sauna is a premium home spa device that you can consider splurging on if you want to enjoy all the benefits of a luxury sauna but within the comfort and privacy of your home. The large size allows for roomy leg space, yet the device folds up easily to be stored out of sight when not in use. There are three carbon fiber heating panels with a surface temperature ranging from 104-140oF with increments of 9 degrees. The device is safe to use with low EMF levels within the range of 5-15 milligauss. The durable material ensures that the device is sturdy and will last a long time. This YouTuber’s review will offer deeper insight into the features of this product. Pros

Adjustable temperature settings Adjustable timer function Heated footpad included Handheld controller Portable sports chair Easy to set up Foldable for easy storage Safe to use

Cons

Expensive

5. Best Heating Foot Pad:Kuppet Portable Infrared Portable Sauna

The Kuppet Portable Infrared Home Spa helps maintain good health while eliminating toxins from the body. It offers adjustable temperature settings that you can tweak according to your needs. The heat helps generate sweat and results in burning calories and excess fat from the body. The Kuppet sauna comes with a heated foot mat and a comfortable folding chair made of sports canvas. There’s also a set of rollers that you can use to massage your feet while sitting inside the sauna. The device folds up easily, is lightweight enough to be carried comfortably, and can be stored without hassles when not in use. Pros

Handheld remote controller Folds up easily Insulated waterproof fabric Rapid heating feature Pillbox for adding essential oils and herbs Portable chair Heating foot pad Affordable

Cons

Not durable enough. May emit smells.

6. Best Digital Display:Durasage Infrared IR Far Sauna

Reduce stress and tension with the Durasage Infrared IR Far Sauna. This Sauna is effective in detoxification, improving circulation, providing pain relief, and aiding in weight loss. The kit includes a personal infrared sauna, hand-held controller, heated foot pad, and a foldable chair. You can adjust the temperature and time with the help of a hand-held controller. It is designed with a dual-zippered hand opening offering the convenience of reading a book while enjoying the Sauna. This Sauna comes with four heaters where the surface temperature of the panel may range from 104℉ to 140℉. The air inside the Sauna may reach up to 110°F. You can adjust the time with an increment or decrement of 5 minutes. Pros

Portable Handle for easy carrying Easy storage Digital display Easy assembly

Cons

The chair may look flimsy

7. Best Machine-Washable Fabric:Smartmak Far Infrared Low EMF Sauna

The Smartmak Far Infrared Low EMF Sauna is suitable for use at home, making the benefits of a sauna session at a luxury salon much more affordable and accessible. It heats up quickly and is ready to use in just 5 minutes. The installation is fuss-free, and the whole set up folds easily, so you can store it away when not in use. The three carbon heating panels are quite safe with a low EMF and provide steady and even heating. The sauna tents are made using machine-washable fabric – all you need to do is open it up and throw it in the wash. Pros

3 carbon heating panels Heating footpad included Handheld controller Machine-washable fabric Heats up quickly Low EMF Folds for easy storage

Cons

Heat escapes through the neck hole. Uncomfortable chair for tall users. Not value for money.

An infrared sauna is probably one of the best investments you can make but this requires some amount of study. Let us guide you through some points you must keep in mind while choosing the best infrared saunas for your home.

Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Infrared Saunas For Home With Low EMF

Space The space inside the sauna must be big and comfortable for each member who will use it. The infrared rays must reach all over the body equally and therefore need a spread out body surface. Infrared saunas allow you to move around freely. Portable If you are picking a sauna for your home, make sure it is portable so it can be moved easily. It should be lightweight and ergonomically designed. You may look for foldable infrared saunas which are easy to put away in storage. Although most saunas will come with an instruction manual, make sure you pick one which has simple and hassle-free installation. EMF Radiation As we are specifically looking for low EMF infrared saunas, a home set should have an EMF level lower than 3.0 mG. Higher EMF may be unsafe to humans. High-end saunas usually have much lower EMF emissions from the heating panels. Material If you want to place your sauna outdoors, pick one which is weather-proof and waterproof. The fabrics should be machine washable and easy to clean. For better health reasons, pick an eco-friendly sauna made of wood and no-toxic glue. This is helpful as the sauna heats up and may give out gas from these materials. Eco-friendly wood will keep you safe from toxic fumes. Go for a high-end sauna which will not compromise on material. The low-end saunas are cheaper but also compromise on material and quality. The high-end saunas are more expensive but use good quality material and come with warranty. Heating Element Infrared saunas have either carbon fiber or ceramic heating elements. Carbon fiber heating panels are better and more beneficial for health purposes. They are long-lasting and distribute heat better, emitting lower EMF levels. Carbon fiber allows the heat to penetrate the skin deeper and is considered more energy-efficient. If you need more reasons to convince yourself to bring one of these amazing saunas home, keep reading to learn more about the benefits associated with using infrared saunas. 

Benefits Of Using Infrared Sauna

1. Improved Blood Circulation

Regular sessions in a portable home infrared sauna are extremely helpful in promoting blood circulation and also provide several benefits. The heat helps dilate blood vessels and capillaries, aiding blood flow to different parts of your body. It improves the appearance of your skin and makes you look less tired.

2. Muscle Pain Relief

With a hectic work life or physically laborious jobs, some downtime for the body is much-needed. An infrared sauna can help soothe stiff, tired muscles and aid pain relief. Sitting inside an infrared sauna provides intense relaxation to sore muscles.

3. Not As Hot As A Regular Sauna

A lot of users find regular saunas a little too hot to be comfortable due to sensitive skin or low tolerance. For such users, far-infrared saunas are preferable because these are never as hot as the temperature in a regular sauna. Since the light directly warms your body, a session in the infrared sauna feels far more tolerable.

4. Relaxation

Infrared sauna therapy is also useful for dealing with stress. It helps balance cortisol levels and boosts relaxation, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

5. Burns Calories

The weight loss claims from using a sauna are debatable as most of the weight is water weight lost due to sweating. You will regain it once you rehydrate after your session. However, infrared saunas can penetrate your skin more deeply and have a more significant impact on your metabolic rate. This means that a single half-hour session may help you burn 200-600 calories.

6. Affordable

Compared to regular visits to the spa or salon, a portable infrared sauna for home use gives you the freedom to enjoy a sweating session as frequently as you want to without breaking the bank. Spas are expensive and a luxury for most of us. But these devices are a relatively affordable – a one-time investment that offers you more benefits and more extended returns.

7. Portable

The design of these home infrared saunas is such that you can fold them up and put it away in storage without any hassle. There is no complicated installation procedure, and even when opened up, they hardly take up a lot of space. Portable infrared saunas are a fantastic investment, but keep in mind that they are still an investment because of the price. Read on to know which features you should watch out for before buying one for your home.

Features To Consider When Buying An Infrared Sauna

1. Size

Check the dimensions of the sauna you have in mind, and make sure it can fit each user comfortably. Especially for taller or wider users, do check that the sauna is spacious enough on the inside.

2. Material

If you intend to use your infrared sauna outdoors, such as in the backyard or the deck, make sure that the material is durable to withstand the weather. Waterproof and machine washable fabrics are relatively easier to clean and maintain, so check what material your chosen sauna is made of.

3. EMF Radiation

Make sure that the infrared sauna you bring home has an EMF radiation level lower than 3.0mG. Higher EMF is associated with health risks and is deemed unsafe for human use.

4. Heating Element

Different models of infrared saunas vary in their choice of a heating element between ceramic and carbon fiber. The products on our list use carbon fiber heating panels, which offer many benefits. They provide better distribution of heat, last longer, and emit low levels of EMF. Carbon fiber is also more energy-efficient, and the heat radiated penetrates the skin more deeply.

5. Warranty

When buying a home infrared sauna, make sure that the product is backed up with a good warranty. It shows the manufacturer’s confidence in their product and also saves you any hassles if the product turns out to be faulty.

6. Manufacturer

Buying from a reputed manufacturer increases your chances of bringing home a quality product. For your safety, check that the product is ISO and CE certified, which guarantees lower risks. Other certificates, such as ETL, are also noteworthy guarantees of equipment safety. Now that you are all set to enjoy a good detox session in an infrared sauna, here are a few risks and precautions you need to be aware of. 

Health Risks And Precautions To Take While Using An Infrared Sauna

As a beginner, it is safe to start with 15-20 minute sessions and allow your body to acclimatize to the sensation over time. You can gradually increase your time in the sauna to 45-60 minutes. Restrict using the sauna to a maximum of three times a week to allow your body to rest and adjust between treatments. Keep the temperature settings to low-medium to avoid overheating or injury. Make sure to drink lots of water before a session to keep your body well hydrated. Excess sweating may cause dehydration if you use the sauna after low fluid intake. If you have any health conditions you are concerned about or are pregnant, make sure to consult with your GP before opting to use an infrared sauna at home. People with skin disorders, heat sensitivity, fever, implants, or undergoing prescription medication should avoid using the infrared sauna without professional medical advice.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Sakshi Bahal, who authored this post, is a home electronics and appliances enthusiast who has made it her job to find the best products to make your home smart! After a hard day’s work, all you want to do is relax at home, and with these infrared home saunas relaxing has never sounded better. So, Sakshi scoured the internet, and handpicked these products based on their design, heat settings, portability, ease of storage, and more. Should you shower after an infrared sauna? Yes, showering after a session of an infrared sauna helps wash off the sweat and release toxins. Does infrared sauna burn fat? Yes, infrared sauna burns fat, but it mostly helps lose water weight. What type of sauna is the healthiest? A dry infrared sauna is the healthiest as the gentle heat of the infrared sauna penetrates the body to raise the core temperature and cause intense sweat. What time of day is best for an infrared sauna? It has been observed that mornings are the best time for an infrared sauna as it improves your overall performance throughout the day. How long does it take to see results from infrared sauna? It takes 8-10 minutes for the infrared sauna to start showing its effects on your body. You will begin with a raised body temperature and deep sweating.

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