Traditional Finnish Sauna vs Infrared Sauna: What’s the Difference?
Published on May 27, 2026
As more homeowners across the GTA invest in wellness-focused spaces, saunas have become one of the most sought-after additions for relaxation, recovery, and year-round comfort.
But one of the most common questions people ask before purchasing a sauna is simple:
Should I choose a traditional Finnish sauna or an infrared sauna?
While both offer heat therapy and wellness benefits, the experience, temperature, installation, and overall feel are very different. Understanding those differences can help you decide which sauna best fits your lifestyle and goals.
What Is a Traditional Finnish Sauna?
A traditional Finnish sauna is the classic sauna experience that most people picture: heated rocks, dry heat, cedar interiors, and temperatures that can range from 70°C to 100°C (160°F to 212°F).
The heat is created using either:
- A wood-burning stove
- An electric sauna heater
- Heated sauna stones
Water can also be poured onto the hot stones to create steam, known as löyly, which increases humidity and intensifies the experience.
Key Features of Finnish Saunas
- High heat temperatures
- Low to moderate humidity
- Can produce steam
- Typically built with cedar or other softwoods
- Indoor or outdoor installation options
- Social and traditional atmosphere
Many homeowners prefer Finnish saunas because they provide the authentic Nordic sauna experience that has been used for centuries.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas use infrared light panels instead of heated rocks or steam. Rather than heating the air around you, infrared technology heats the body directly.
Infrared saunas usually operate at lower temperatures, often between 40°C and 65°C (104°F to 150°F).
Key Features of Infrared Saunas
- Lower ambient temperatures
- Dry heat only
- Faster warm-up times
- Typically smaller indoor units
- Often powered by electricity only
- Modern wellness-focused design
Some users prefer infrared saunas because the lower temperatures feel more comfortable while still providing warmth and relaxation.
The Main Difference: Air Heat vs Direct Heat
The biggest distinction between the two sauna types is how the heat is delivered.
Traditional Finnish Sauna
The air itself becomes extremely hot, warming the body through surrounding heat and steam. Typically between 70°C – 100°C
Infrared Sauna
Infrared waves warm the body directly without dramatically increasing air temperature. Typically between 40°C – 65°C
This difference creates two very different experiences.
Steam and Humidity
One major advantage of traditional Finnish saunas is the ability to create steam.
Pouring water onto heated stones increases humidity and creates waves of heat throughout the sauna. Many sauna enthusiasts consider this an essential part of the experience.
Infrared saunas do not use steam. The environment remains consistently dry.
Which Sauna Is Better for Canadian Winters?
In the GTA, traditional outdoor saunas are especially popular during colder months.
The combination of:
- Snowfall
- Crisp winter air
- Intense sauna heat
- Cold plunges or cool-down periods
creates the classic Nordic-style experience many Canadians are looking for.
Infrared saunas are typically more focused on indoor convenience and year-round accessibility. Here at TSC we offer indoor saunas as well as outdoor saunas that will satisfy all metrics surrounding sauna wellness.
Both traditional Finnish saunas and infrared saunas offer relaxing heat therapy experiences, but they deliver that experience in very different ways.
Traditional saunas emphasize ritual, atmosphere, steam, and intense heat. Infrared saunas focus more on convenience, lower temperatures, and modern wellness trends.
For many homeowners in Toronto, the choice ultimately comes down to whether they want:
- a classic outdoor sauna experience,
or - a modern indoor wellness solution.
As sauna culture continues to grow across Canada, both options are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners looking to create personal wellness spaces at home. The torontosaunaco is an excellent choice for value and quality.