Comparison Between The infrared Sauna and The Steam Room

Jordan Klein

Jordan Klein is a writer and expert in spas and saunas, contributing regularly to Calm Spas. He provides insightful commentary on the latest trends and benefits of spa treatments and sauna technology.

May 24, 2024

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

Pain relief: Pain and stiffness can be relieved with direct heat penetration from the infrared sauna. This can potentially help with inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as lower back pain. Blood flow increases as the vessels relax and dilate, helping to reduce joint pressure and muscle soreness.

Muscle recovery: Muscle soreness/tension following endurance training. The heat encourages tissue healing, allowing enthusiasts to return to the gym faster.

Relaxation: Stress relief and relaxation can be achieved more readily in an infrared sauna since it gives the system more time to release harmful toxins from the body. You can stay in there for a longer period than in the steam room, which is more beneficial for the skin, joints, and muscles.

The steam room

Congestion relief: Steam is more beneficial than infrared when relieving congestion in the upper respiratory system. Often, eucalyptus oil is mixed with the steam for inhalation to improve sinus vasodilation and clear the nasal passage.

Muscle and mental relaxation: Steam rooms offer stress relief for the body and mind. Many people use essential oils when using steam, which relaxes muscles and creates a more peaceful environment.

Improved circulation: Moist heat encourages better circulation, which leads to improved organ function and an overall healthy immune system. This is due to the body experiencing free-flowing oxygen and blood, allowing certain blood cells to be transported to fight viruses and infections.

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.

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