Infrared Saunas

Infrared warms you rather than the room, so it runs cooler and you can sit in it for an hour. Most sizes plug into an ordinary outlet, which is why these end up in spare rooms, basements and garages rather than needing a project.

Far, near, and full spectrum

Far infrared is the longest wavelength and the most common. It penetrates least deeply but produces the most sweat at the lowest temperature. If your goal is a comfortable daily sit, far infrared alone is usually enough.

Near infrared uses shorter wavelengths, typically delivered by LED panels rather than carbon or ceramic heaters. It is the wavelength most of the skin and circulation research is built on.

Full spectrum combines near, mid, and far. It costs more and it is worth it only if you will actually use the near infrared programs. Plenty of buyers pay for full spectrum and then run far infrared every session.

Carbon vs ceramic heaters

Carbon panels are large, heat evenly across a wide surface, and run cooler to the touch. Ceramic heaters run hotter and more concentrated, so they heat the cabin faster but less evenly. Neither is simply better. Carbon suits longer comfortable sessions, ceramic suits people who want intensity and a shorter warm-up.

Low EMF, and what the number actually means

Every electric heater emits an electromagnetic field. "Low EMF" is a marketing term with no legal definition, so the only useful thing is the measured number in milligauss and where on the panel it was measured. A manufacturer that publishes third-party test results at seat level is telling you something. One that just prints "Low EMF" on the page is not.

Sizing

Manufacturer capacity ratings are optimistic. A "two person" cabin seats two people who know each other well. If two adults want to sit comfortably without touching, buy the three person. The most common regret in this category is buying one size too small, and it is not fixable later.

Wood

Canadian hemlock is the standard: stable, light colored, no odor, and the reason most cabinets cost what they do. Western red cedar costs more, smells like a sauna should, and resists moisture better. Basswood is the hypoallergenic choice if cedar oils bother you. For an indoor infrared cabin any of the three will outlast the heaters.

Electrical

Most one and two person infrared cabins run on a standard 120V household outlet, though they want a dedicated circuit. Larger and full spectrum units often need 240V, which means an electrician. Confirm this before you buy, not after the pallet arrives.

Not sure which wavelength or size you need? Email hello@radiantsaunahq.com or call (424) 235-1861 and we will work through the room, the circuit and the models with you before you order.