Infrared vs Traditional Sauna: Which Is Right for Your Hawthorn Home?

One of the most common questions we receive from Melbourne homeowners is: infrared or traditional? It's a genuinely important decision — the two sauna types deliver different experiences, suit different spaces, and come with different running costs. For Hawthorn homeowners considering a custom sauna, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

How Each Type Works

Traditional Finnish saunas heat the air in the room using a sauna heater (kiuas) loaded with rocks. The heater raises the air temperature to between 70°C and 100°C, and the bather experiences heat through both the hot air and radiant heat from the rocks. Pouring water over the rocks creates steam (löyly), which briefly raises the perceived temperature and humidity — this is the defining ritual of the traditional sauna experience.

Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air, infrared panels emit infrared light that is absorbed directly by the body. The cabin temperature is typically much lower — between 45°C and 60°C — but the infrared energy penetrates deeper into tissue, producing a profuse sweat at a lower ambient temperature. There is no steam, no löyly, and no rocks.

Health Benefits: What the Research Says

Both sauna types offer well-documented health benefits, though the mechanisms differ slightly.

Traditional saunas have the most extensive research base, with studies linking regular use to improved cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, enhanced recovery from exercise, and improved sleep quality. The high heat and steam also provide respiratory benefits and a deeply relaxing effect on the nervous system.

Infrared saunas are often promoted for their deeper tissue penetration, with proponents citing benefits for muscle recovery, joint pain, skin health, and detoxification. The lower operating temperature makes them more accessible for people who find the intense heat of a traditional sauna uncomfortable, including those with certain cardiovascular sensitivities.

For most healthy Hawthorn homeowners, either type will deliver meaningful wellness benefits with regular use. The choice often comes down to the experience you prefer rather than a clear health advantage of one over the other.

Running Costs in Melbourne

Energy costs are a practical consideration for any sauna installation. Here's how the two types compare for a typical residential installation in Melbourne:

• Traditional electric sauna (6–8kW heater): Consumes approximately 6–8kWh per session (including heat-up time of 30–45 minutes). At Melbourne's average electricity rate of around $0.30/kWh, a one-hour session costs roughly $2.00–$2.50.
• Infrared sauna (2–3kW panels): Consumes approximately 1.5–2kWh per session with minimal heat-up time (10–15 minutes). A one-hour session costs roughly $0.50–$0.70.

Infrared saunas are significantly cheaper to run, which is worth factoring in if you plan to use your sauna daily. However, for occasional use, the difference is modest.

Space Requirements for Hawthorn Homes

Hawthorn's mix of Edwardian homes, period apartments, and contemporary renovations means space varies considerably from property to property.

Traditional saunas require adequate ceiling height (minimum 2.1m is recommended for comfortable use) and sufficient ventilation. They also need a dedicated electrical circuit for the heater. The minimum practical size for a two-person traditional sauna is approximately 1.5m x 1.5m.

Infrared saunas can be installed in slightly smaller spaces and at lower ceiling heights, as the lower operating temperature reduces the importance of heat stratification. They're also available as pre-built flat-pack units that can be assembled in a spare room without any structural work, making them a practical option for Hawthorn apartments or properties where a built-in installation isn't feasible.

Which Suits Melbourne's Climate?

Melbourne's famously variable climate — cold winters, warm summers, and everything in between — suits both sauna types well. Traditional saunas are particularly appealing in winter, when the high heat provides an intense warming effect that's hard to replicate. Infrared saunas are comfortable year-round, including in summer, as the lower cabin temperature is less overwhelming on warm days.

For Hawthorn homeowners who want to use their sauna primarily in winter for deep warming and the full Finnish ritual experience, a traditional sauna is the natural choice. For those seeking a year-round wellness tool with lower running costs and easier installation, infrared is worth serious consideration.

Our Recommendation

If you value the authentic sauna experience — the steam, the ritual, the intense heat — choose traditional. If you prioritise lower running costs, easier installation, and a gentler heat experience, infrared is an excellent option. Many of our Hawthorn clients who are undecided ultimately choose a traditional sauna once they experience one in person.

Book a consultation and we can walk you through both options with a demonstration, helping you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.