The infrared sauna and steam room differ in that each induces excessive sweating for the person using the unit but the heat is distributed differently. With the infrared sauna, infrared lights are used instead of steam. The heat is focused on the body and not the surrounding air.
This increases sweating as the body attempts to cool itself, improving circulation despite the lower temperature. The steam room, also referred to as a steam shower, accomplishes its results at a lower temperature.
These are installed by replacing a standard shower with the steam produced by an external generator that boils the water. A steam outlet releases this into the cabin. Because the room is watertight, the humidity stays at 100 percent.
We’ll compare the infrared sauna against the steam room, look at the pros and cons, and also consider the health benefits. Follow along to gain insight into the two variations for a more informed decision.
What Are the Differences Between the Infrared Sauna and the Steam Room?
The primary difference between the infrared sauna and the steam room is a personal preference between the direct heat of infrared light and moist heat produced from a steam shower. While the desired results for each are attained at lower temperatures, the heating solutions are unique in the following ways:.
Here is a detailed comparison between infrared saunas and steam rooms based on various factual details:
Aspect |
Infrared Sauna |
Steam Room |
Heat Source |
Infrared heaters emit radiant heat |
Steam generator with heated rocks |
Temperature Range |
120°F–150°F |
100°F - 120°F |
Humidity |
Low humidity (dry heat) |
High humidity (moist heat) |
Installation |
Easier, often plug-and-play setup |
More complex and requires plumbing and airtight space |
Maintenance |
Easier to clean, less prone to mildew |
Requires regular cleaning to prevent mildew |
Running Costs |
Lower, approximately $5 per week |
Higher, approximately $21 per week |
Heat-Up Time |
15-20 minutes |
Up to 45 minutes |
Space Requirements |
Can be more compact and suitable for smaller spaces |
Generally larger, needs more space |
Detoxification |
Promotes deep tissue detoxification |
Encourages sweating in a high-humidity environment |
Respiratory Benefits |
Lower humidity is better for respiratory issues |
Moist air helps clear nasal passages and sinuses |
Cardiovascular Health |
Improves circulation and may lower blood pressure |
Increases heart rate, beneficial for cardiovascular health |
Skin Benefits |
It helps with skin rejuvenation and collagen production |
It hydrates skin and helps with blemishes |
Comfort |
More comfortable for prolonged use |
High humidity may be less comfortable for some |
Weight Loss |
Can increase metabolism and calorie burn |
It helps with weight loss through sweating |
The Temperature
The infrared sauna and the steam sauna are lower in temperature, with the infrared ranging between roughly 120 degrees F and 150 degrees F and the steam sauna at approximately 100 degrees F and 120 degrees F. The infrared sauna has no humidity, while the steam sauna’s humidity is at 100 percent.
The high humidity of the steam sauna prevents the sweat from evaporating, making the user feel extreme heat at the low temperature, with the body working harder to cool down. The infrared sauna's direct heat, creating deeper body penetration, also creates extreme body heat and excessive sweating as the body works hard to cool itself down.
Here's a detailed comparison table, including the temperature ranges for both infrared saunas and steam rooms:
Aspect |
Infrared Sauna |
Steam Room |
Heat Source |
Infrared heaters emit radiant heat |
Steam generator with heated rocks |
Temperature Range |
120°F–150°F |
100°F - 120°F |
Humidity |
Low humidity (dry heat) |
High humidity (moist heat) |
Installation |
Easier, often plug-and-play setup |
More complex and requires plumbing and airtight space |
Maintenance |
Easier to clean, less prone to mildew |
Requires regular cleaning to prevent mildew |
Running Costs |
Lower, approximately $5 per week |
Higher, approximately $21 per week |
Heat-Up Time |
15-20 minutes |
Up to 45 minutes |
Space Requirements |
Can be more compact and suitable for smaller spaces |
Generally larger, needs more space |
Detoxification |
Promotes deep tissue detoxification |
Encourages sweating in a high-humidity environment |
Respiratory Benefits |
Lower humidity is better for respiratory issues |
Moist air helps clear nasal passages and sinuses |
Cardiovascular Health |
Improves circulation and may lower blood pressure |
Increases heart rate, beneficial for cardiovascular health |
Skin Benefits |
It helps with skin rejuvenation and collagen production |
It hydrates skin and helps with blemishes |
Comfort |
More comfortable for prolonged use |
High humidity may be less comfortable for some |
Weight Loss |
Can increase metabolism and calorie burn |
It helps with weight loss through sweating |
The Installation
An infrared sauna comes preassembled or with a kit. A professional can build the sauna using electrical qualifications and basic hand tools. The process is much less involved than the steam room, which requires a drain.
The steam room installation is complex, requiring that a steam shower replace a basic shower. A professional should do the installation. These showers are unique in that the ceiling must be 8 feet in height and sloped, the shower needs to be watertight and include a seat, and there should be a steam generator in a cabinet nearby.
The Costs
The pre-assembled kit for an infrared unit with all the materials can cost between $1500 and $7000, with an additional approximately $500 to $1500 for a professional to install the kit. The expert will handle the wiring for all the electrical components. The final cost can range upwards of $3000 with all done and said. This would be for a one-person, small unit.
A steam shower’s materials can range between $2000 and $8000, with labor costs up to $1500. When all is done and said for a professional installation, the total is roughly $3500, with a custom space ranging as high as $8000 without considering installation, the steam generation’s price or that of the shower door.
Here's a detailed comparison table for the costs and installation considerations of infrared saunas versus steam rooms:
Aspect |
Infrared Sauna |
Steam Room |
Initial Purchase Cost |
$1,500 - $7,000 |
$2,000 - $8,000 |
Installation Cost |
$500 - $1,500 for prefab installation |
$1,000–$3,500 (including plumbing and electrical) |
Running Costs |
Approximately $5 per week |
Approximately $21 per week |
Energy Consumption |
1.6 to 3 kWh per hour |
6 to 9 kWh per hour |
Heat-Up Time |
15-20 minutes |
Up to 45 minutes |
Maintenance Costs |
Low, minimal cleaning required |
High, regular cleaning is needed to prevent mildew |
Space Requirements |
3’x3’ up to 8’x12’ |
4’x4’ up to 8’x12’ |
Installation Requirements |
Simple DIY: plugs into standard outlets |
Requires plumbing, ventilation, and airtight space |
Ventilation |
Minimal ventilation needed |
Requires good ventilation to handle humidity |
Durability and Maintenance |
Easy to maintain, less prone to mold |
Regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew |
Airtight Requirements |
Not required |
Must be airtight to retain steam and prevent leaks |
Additional Features |
Can include chromotherapy, sound therapy, and red light therapy |
Typically, this includes steam generator and sloped ceilings for drip management |
Browse Our Collection Of Best Selling Infrared Saunas
Pros and Cons OF Infrared Sauna vs Steam Rooms
The Infrared Sauna
PROS |
CONS |
Sweat is good for skin cleansing and health |
It takes up space inside the house |
Circulation is improved |
Not recommended for pregnant women, elderly or children |
Low maintenance, easier cleaning |
|
Raises property value |
|
Easy install |
|
Increases positive sleep patterns |
|
Budget-friendly |
|
Excellent option for “humidity-sensitive conditions” |
The Steam Sauna
PROS |
CONS |
Beneficial for skin health through excessive sweat |
Requires professional installation |
Circulation improvements |
Not recommended for pregnant women, elderly or children |
Can replace a standard shower |
Maintenance and cleaning to prevent mold and mildew |
Improves property value |
|
Improves sleep patterns |
What Are The Health Benefits Associated With The Infrared Sauna And The Steam Room?
Some of the health benefits of the infrared sauna and the steam room are comparable, including improving the user’s sleep patterns and enhancing skin through perspiration. Here are some specific to the individual units.
The infrared sauna
The steam room
Final Thought
After exploring the benefits and differences between infrared saunas and steam rooms, I hope you feel more informed about which option might be best for you. Both offer incredible relaxation, detoxification, and overall wellness benefits, but each has unique advantages.
If you're interested in an infrared sauna's dry, deep-penetrating heat and are excited about its ease of installation and low maintenance, you're in for a treat.
Why not take the next step and experience these benefits for yourself? I invite you to explore our exclusive collection of state-of-the-art infrared saunas at CalmSpas. Transform your home into a personal sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.