The Outdoor Infrared Sauna: Discover and See Our Top Picks

What is an Infrared Sauna?

An outdoor infrared sauna is a specialized sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit radiant heat. Instead of relying on extreme heat and humidity levels, infrared saunas use electricity to generate infrared wavelengths to produce their heating sensation. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas directly heat your body, offering a more comfortable and efficient warming experience.

Outdoor infrared saunas use ceramic or carbon heaters to generate infrared waves. The waves penetrate the user’s skin to heat the body directly, warming it from the inside out. Infrared sauna heat consists of lower and milder temperatures of between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which are more tolerable for somewhat longer sessions than traditional saunas that require 175-degree temps or more to be effective. Because of the direct heat, infrared saunas feel warmer without being warmer.

Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

There are health concerns about over-exposure to electromagnetic fields or EMFs. While an outdoor infrared sauna is generally safe for most individuals, following proper safety guidelines is essential around infrared heaters.

When choosing an outdoor infrared sauna for your backyard, look for features like low EMF heaters to minimize exposure, adequate ventilation for fresh air circulation, and easy-to-use temperature controls to prevent overheating and provide the best experience.

Difference Between an Infrared Sauna and a Regular Sauna

Outdoor infrared sauna models differ significantly from traditional saunas. The primary difference is how they heat the sauna user’s body. Infrared saunas use infrared waves to accomplish the task instead of heating the air, as in a traditional sauna model. Infrared saunas also operate at lower temperatures without feeling cooler—120 to 150°F instead of 175°F or more.

Because of the alternative heating method, infrared saunas heat up more quickly and offer a milder and more comfortable form of heat than what you might be used to from traditional saunas.

Outdoor Infrared Sauna Benefits

According to Cleveland Clinic, infrared saunas offer a multitude of benefits, including the following list.

• Potential chronic pain relief or soothing sore muscles
• Relaxation
• Improved heart health
• Getting better sleep
• Detoxification through sweating
• Immunity benefits to help fight off illness

Other sources support potential benefits, such as the following items.

• Better weight management by burning more calories
• Stress reduction due to the promotion of relaxation
• Improved blood circulation to aid in nutrient delivery throughout the body
• Alleviation of joint pain and stiffness

However, Cleveland Health also describes risks, such as dehydration and nausea, associated with infrared sauna use. The report suggests that those with multiple sclerosis, who are pregnant or trying to conceive, or are sick or have pre-existing medical conditions should avoid sauna use or talk to a doctor before stepping into one.

Cleveland Health offers these tips to avoid danger or discomfort when using an infrared sauna.

• Start at a low temperature and adjust as you go.
• Stay hydrated during sauna sessions.
• Limit sauna time to three or four weekly sessions that last under 30 minutes each.
• Rinse off after each sauna session.

Are Infrared Saunas Better than Traditional Ones?

While both infrared and traditional saunas offer health benefits, outdoor infrared saunas are often considered more comfortable and accessible due to their milder heat. However, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and health goals.

Types of Saunas

Several types of saunas exist. The outdoor infrared sauna is just one type and refers mainly to the type of heat source, similar to how other sauna types are classified. Other types include the following models.

• Dry saunas, also called Finnish or Swedish saunas, rely strictly on high heat from an electric heater or other source rather than humidity to provide heating benefits.
• Wet saunas are those in which high heat combines with high humidity. Wet saunas generally have a heating source in which water is poured over warm rocks to generate steam and increase the water vapor content inside the sauna.
• Salt rooms are low to mid-humidity saunas that use salt blocks or chunks as heating elements.
• Steam baths or Roman baths generally operate at slightly lower temperatures and rely on high humidity and visible steam to create the sauna experience.
• Wood-burning and other sauna types generally refer to the heating method, shape, or design of the sauna room itself.

What Type of Sauna Is Best?

Each type of sauna has pros and cons, and choosing the best one for you can be a matter of preference or deciding which type is the best to achieve your goals. Infrared saunas offer mostly all of the benefits of traditional saunas and often include extra features such as light therapy compatibility and more.

However, traditional saunas can offer a more satisfying sauna experience for those who enjoy the higher humidity they provide. Traditional-type saunas, however, come with slightly more strict time and exposure limitations.

Electric sauna models, such as infrared and electrically heated versions, are easier to maintain than other types and are better suited to home installation and convenience.

What to Look For in an Outdoor Infrared Sauna

When purchasing an outdoor infrared sauna, consider the following factors.

• Size and space. Ensure it fits comfortably in your outdoor area.
• Heating elements. Opt for carbon or ceramic heaters for even heat distribution.
• Materials. Choose saunas made from durable woods like cedar or hemlock.
• Temperature Control. Look for adjustable temperature settings and digital sauna control if desired.
• Energy Efficiency. Consider the sauna’s energy efficiency for cost savings.
• A full-spectrum heater or equivalent, depending on model and needs.

How We Chose the Best Infrared Saunas

Dozens of outdoor infrared saunas are on the market, and choosing just one from the many that’s best for you is challenging.

We evaluated about a dozen of the most highly acclaimed and readily available outdoor infrared sauna models based on metrics including beneficial effects, heat-source specifics, design, convenience features, price and value, and several more to narrow the field.

From there, we dove deeper into each one to pick out the few that stand above the rest to help you make an informed decision about which might be best for you and your family.

Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna

The Best One-Person Outdoor Sauna

The Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna is a personal wellness retreat designed to offer a unique and efficient sauna experience. While customers tout the unit’s blend of comfort, convenience, and technology, its incorporation of far-infrared technology is well-suited to elevate your relaxation and detoxification regimen without needing a sauna that requires high maintenance and difficult installation.

The Xmatch Infrared Outdoor Sauna is available in several sizes. However, our favorite is the one-person model.

Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast and efficient heating
• Customizable features
• Ergonomic design
• Even heat distribution
• Available in multiple sizes

Cons

• Not completely maintenance-free
• Requires an additional dedicated electrical circuit for installation

Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna Features and Benefits

The Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna offers many features and benefits you’d expect from a top pick on numerous ratings and review platforms.

• Far infrared technology for even and deep penetrating heat
• Provides an effective and comfortable sauna experience
• Quick heating up to 140°F in 18 to 20 minutes
• Customizable controls with time and temperature pre-sets for tailored sauna sessions.
• Audio system with two Bluetooth speakers for listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts​​
• Lighting, including LED reading lamps and chromotherapy light therapy lights for a soothing ambiance and potential mood enhancement​​​​
• Ergonomic design providing superior comfort and support with a 660 lbs weight capacity
• Low EMF heaters for safety
• Outdoor placement dedication
• Durable construction to withstand the elements

Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for the Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna: 9.6

We like the Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna for its combination of technology, comfort, and design to deliver an exceptional sauna experience. Its quick heating time, customizable features, and health-oriented design make it a worthy investment for those seeking a personal wellness retreat. While it requires a little maintenance, its benefits and features are excellent and highly recommended by many sauna enthusiasts and experts.

Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna Reviews

Users and experts alike have praised the Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna for its performance and features. With a high customer satisfaction rating, it’s clear that the sauna delivers on its promises of efficiency, comfort, and convenience. The quick heating time, ergonomic design, and customizable features are particularly appreciated, making it a popular choice among those seeking a quality at-home sauna experience.

Why We Chose the Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna

The Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna is just one of many backyard sauna models offered in a variety of sizes. However, the one-person model from Xmatch surpasses its contenders based on price, contemporary design, style, ease of use, and convenience features, making it our top choice and favorite one-person outdoor sauna.

Other Available Xmatch Sauna Products

The Xmatch Far Infrared Wooden Outdoor Sauna is also available in 2 or 4-person versions.

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

The Best Two-Person Infrared Sauna

The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna is a beacon of modern luxury and health-centric technology. Its dry heat, unparalleled features, and quality stand out, offering a superior relaxation and wellness experience​​. Its full-spectrum heater delivers even heat,  its convenience features outscore most competitors in our review, and it all comes with a 6-year limited warranty.

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Pros and Cons

Pros

• Mobile app control for convenience
• Premium sound system
• Carbonized wood construction
• Full-spectrum heaters
• 6-year warranty

Cons

• Premium pricing
• 240V wiring circuit necessary for installation

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Features and Benefits

The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Sauna features numerous convenience perks and all the benefits of a traditional sauna without much of the hassle.

• Full-spectrum heaters
• Ultra-low EMF shielding
• Mobile app functionality
• Premium sound systems
• Medical-grade chromotherapy light therapy features
• Luxurious glass exterior wall
• Carbonized wood construction for durability
• 6-year limited warranty

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna: 9.4

The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna is an exemplary product that combines luxury with tangible health benefits, making it a worthy investment for those prioritizing wellness and relaxation​​. Sun Home is also featured in our best cold-plunge tubs review, proving the company’s dedication to providing high-quality health and wellness products.

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Reviews

The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna is known for being a top-notch product in the infrared sauna category. Costumers and experts alike appreciate the model’s carbonized wood construction for durability, panoramic viewing glass wall, full-spectrum heaters, and a long list of convenience features and add-on availability.

Why We Chose the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna stands out as the best 2-person infrared sauna for numerous reasons despite its higher-than-average pricing.

We chose this Sun Home model primarily because of its generous distribution of 9 distinct full-spectrum heaters that deliver an all-encompassing direct-heating experience for the user.

However, more subtle reasons for choosing this model are its contemporary, stylish design and thoughtful convenience features.

Other Available Sun Home Sauna Products

Sun Home features a long list of home health and wellness products, including several sauna models and variations, cold plunges, infrared blankets, and more.

Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna by Sun Ray

The Best 4-Person Sauna

The Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna by Sunray Saunas features a shingled and pitched roof for superior outdoor weather protection, modern sauna technology, a Bluetooth speaker system, and advanced features. Its construction consists of natural Canadian Hemlock wood with a traditional appearance.

Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Pros and Cons

Pros

• 8 ceramic heaters
• Pitched roof
• Included a severe weather cover
• Ozone sterilization system
• Bluetooth speaker system

Cons

• Features no exterior lighting
• Chromotherapy light therapy features unavailable

Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Features and Benefits

The Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna features strong construction with a pitched roof and shingle system to protect against weather. The sauna also comes with a severe weather cover for when the weather turns particularly ugly. Other features include the following items.

• 8 ceramic heaters for quick and even heating
• Made of quality materials, including natural Canadian Hemlock wood
• Bluetooth speaker system
• Ozone sterilization system
• Exterior control panel
• Doesn’t offer chromotherapy light therapy features
• 7-year warranty

Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna by Sunray Saunas: 8.8

The Cayenne Sauna is highly regarded for its quality, efficient heating system, and user-friendly features. While it lacks some amenities, like chromotherapy light therapy provisions, its pros significantly outweigh the cons, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional design with modern technology​​.

Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Reviews

Customers and experts alike tout the Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna for its traditional design, comfort, and user-friendly convenience features, such as the exterior controls that make setting the temperature before entering easy. The pitched-roof design and ceramic heaters are technical favorites as well.

Why We Chose the Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna

While customers like the Cayenne 4-Person Infrared Sauna’s convenience features best, we chose the model as our favorite 4-person sauna more for its technical features. We like the pitched roof and the inclusion of a severe weather cover. We also appreciate the inclusion of durable ceramic heaters for rapid and even heat and a 7-year warranty that includes 1-year coverage for parts.

Other Available Sun Ray Sauna Products

In addition to the Cayenne 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna, Sun Ray offers a wide selection of saunas, including 12 indoor infrared sauna options in various sizes and configurations, two other outdoor models, and 11 versions of traditional saunas for indoors and out.

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