Indoor infrared saunas have moved from niche wellness gear to a mainstream addition for many Australian homes — especially as we look for ways to stay warm and well through winter. They're smaller, easier to install and cheaper to run than traditional Finnish saunas, and they slot neatly into a spare room, a garage corner or a wellness nook. Here's what to actually look for as an Australian buyer.
Quick note: this article is general buying information, not medical advice. If you have an existing condition, are pregnant, or take medications that affect heat tolerance, talk to your GP before buying or using a sauna.
What is an infrared sauna?
A traditional Finnish sauna heats the air around you — typically to 70–100°C — and you sit in that heat. An infrared sauna takes a different approach: infrared heaters warm your body directly rather than the air, working at much lower air temperatures (usually 45–60°C). You still sweat, your heart rate still lifts, but it feels less intense.
For many Aussie buyers, that's the appeal. Infrared saunas:
- Use less electricity than traditional saunas
- Heat up faster (10–15 minutes vs 30–45 minutes)
- Sit at lower air temperatures, which suits people who find traditional saunas too intense
- Fit into smaller indoor spaces without major renovation
If you've already got a spa and you're thinking about adding wellness depth, a sauna is a natural pairing — see our piece on hydrotherapy benefits for context on how the two complement each other.
The benefits — and what's actually supported
Like any wellness product, infrared saunas attract a wide range of claims. Here's where the evidence reasonably sits:
What research generally supports
- Cardiovascular response — regular sauna use produces a heart-rate response similar to moderate exercise. Several large studies (most famously from Finland) link regular sauna use with better cardiovascular outcomes.
- Muscle recovery and soreness — heat application after exercise can reduce perceived soreness and stiffness.
- Relaxation and sleep — like a warm bath or spa, a sauna session before bed can help signal your body to wind down.
- Pain management for chronic conditions — some users with chronic pain, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis find regular sessions help. Evidence is mixed but generally positive.
What's less well supported
- "Detoxification" — sweat is mostly water with some salts. Your liver and kidneys do the actual detox work.
- Significant weight loss — the scale moves because of water loss; it's rehydration, not fat loss.
- Curing serious illness — saunas are a supportive wellness habit, not a treatment.
The honest pitch: regular sauna use is a reasonable wellness habit with real cardiovascular, recovery and relaxation benefits. Like exercise and good sleep, the magic is in consistency over months and years, not in any single session.
Step 1: Pick the right size
This is the most practical decision. Bigger isn't always better — a sauna you use every day is more valuable than a larger one that becomes a clothes drying rack.
1–2 person
- Compact footprint, ideal for a spare bedroom corner or wellness nook
- Quick to heat (10–12 minutes)
- Lower running cost
- Best for solo or couple use
2–3 person
- Most popular Australian household size
- Room for a couple to share comfortably or one person to stretch out
- Slightly longer heat-up time
- Fits in most garages or larger spare rooms
3–4 person
- Family or share-house use
- Larger footprint — measure carefully before buying
- Higher running cost, longer heat-up
- Best if you'll genuinely use the extra capacity
Browse our indoor infrared sauna range for footprint dimensions on each model.
Step 2: Understand the infrared types
You'll see three terms — near, mid and far infrared — referring to wavelengths. In practice:
- Far infrared (FIR) — the most common in home saunas. Heats the body comfortably and produces good sweat at lower air temperatures.
- Mid infrared (MIR) — penetrates a little deeper. Often part of full-spectrum models.
- Near infrared (NIR) — claims around skin health and cellular function. Evidence is more limited.
- Full-spectrum — combines all three wavelengths. More expensive but versatile.
For most buyers, a quality far-infrared sauna delivers the bulk of the practical benefits. Full-spectrum is worth the premium if you want the full toolkit and are using it daily.
Step 3: Look at the timber and build
This is where build quality really shows. The two most common timbers:
- Canadian hemlock — light, clean-looking, low resin, very stable in heat. Widely used in good-quality saunas.
- Western red cedar — naturally aromatic, naturally resistant to moisture, slightly more premium. Some users prefer the smell.
What to avoid: thin construction, lots of resin in the timber (it weeps when hot), and visible adhesives inside the cabin. Quality saunas use tongue-and-groove panels, sealed joints and minimal off-gassing materials. The inside should smell like timber, not glue.
Glass doors and side panels are common and look great, but check the glass thickness and seal quality. Cheap glass can crack with thermal cycling over time.
Step 4: Check the EMF rating
Infrared saunas use electrical heaters, which produce electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions. For most casual users this isn't a concern, but it's been a growing focus over the past few years — especially for daily-use buyers.
Look for low-EMF heaters with published readings (ideally under 3 mG measured at typical seated position). Reputable manufacturers will share their EMF data. If a brand can't tell you, that's a flag.
All of Just Spas' indoor infrared saunas use low-EMF heaters — see the spec on each model in our sauna range.
Step 5: Plan the electrical setup
This is where Australian buyers sometimes get caught out. A few practical points:
- Most 1–2 and 2–3 person saunas plug into a standard 10A household outlet — no electrician needed.
- Larger 3–4 person saunas may need a 15A outlet or hardwiring, depending on the heater total wattage. Check the spec sheet before buying.
- Indoor outlet — the sauna shouldn't share a circuit with high-load appliances (washing machine, dryer) on the same circuit.
- RCD protection — required under AS/NZS 3000. Most modern homes already have this.
If you're unsure, a quick chat with a local electrician before buying will confirm what your room needs.
Step 6: Where will you put it?
Infrared saunas live indoors, on a flat, dry surface. Practical considerations:
- Floor — tile, vinyl, polished concrete or sealed timber are ideal. Carpet is OK but harder to keep clean.
- Ceiling height — most home saunas need at least 1.9–2.0 metres of clearance.
- Ventilation — the room needs basic airflow. A nearby window, exhaust vent or door that opens occasionally is fine.
- Floor protection — a waterproof mat under the sauna catches the small amount of moisture that escapes during sessions.
- Access — measure your doorways before buying. Saunas usually arrive in flat-pack form and are assembled on site.
Step 7: Budget realistically
In 2026, Australian infrared sauna pricing generally looks like this:
- 1–2 person low-EMF infrared: $3,000–$5,500
- 2–3 person low-EMF infrared: $4,500–$7,500
- 3–4 person low-EMF infrared: $6,000–$9,500
- Full-spectrum or premium builds: add $1,000–$3,000+ on top
For comparison context, our spa cost guide covers spa pricing. Saunas are typically less than a third the upfront cost of a portable spa.
Running costs are modest. A typical 30-minute session uses about 1–2 kWh — around $0.30–$0.70 at Australian electricity rates.
Maintenance
Infrared saunas are refreshingly low maintenance. The routine:
- Wipe the bench and floor down after each session with a clean towel
- Air the cabin out (leave the door open for 15 minutes after use)
- Occasional gentle clean with a damp cloth — no harsh chemicals
- Replace heater bulbs only if one fails (rare — quality units last many thousands of hours)
That's it. No water chemistry, no filters, no monthly faff.
Frequently asked questions
Is an infrared sauna as good as a Finnish sauna?
It depends what "good" means. Traditional saunas hit higher air temperatures and have a longer cultural tradition; infrared saunas heat at lower temperatures, use less power and fit indoors more easily. For most Australian homes, infrared is the more practical option.
How often should I use an infrared sauna?
3–4 sessions per week is the most commonly recommended baseline for wellness benefits, though daily use is fine for most healthy adults. Start with 15–20 minutes per session and build up.
What temperature should an infrared sauna run at?
Most models reach 45–65°C of air temperature, with the radiant heat doing the work on your body. Higher isn't necessarily better — the goal is sustained sweat and elevated heart rate, not peak heat.
Can I install an infrared sauna myself?
Yes — most home infrared saunas arrive in flat-pack panels and can be assembled by two people in 1–2 hours. No electrician is needed for plug-in models. For 15A or hardwired models, an electrician handles the outlet.
Will an infrared sauna increase my power bill?
A modest amount. A daily 30-minute session typically adds around $5–$15 per month to a household's electricity bill, depending on your tariff. Less if you're on solar and use it during the day.
Is infrared sauna safe during pregnancy?
Most guidelines suggest avoiding sauna use during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Always check with your GP or midwife.
Do I need ventilation?
Basic airflow in the room is enough — most home infrared saunas don't require dedicated extraction. Opening the cabin door after a session is the main thing.
Bring an infrared sauna home
If you're considering adding a sauna to your routine, our indoor infrared sauna range covers the 1–2, 2–3 and 3–4 person sizes, all with low-EMF heaters and premium timber construction. Our infrared sauna guide page goes into more detail on how they work and what to expect during your first sessions.
If you'd like a hand sizing the right model for your room and routine, the Just Spas team is happy to walk you through it. Get in touch and we'll point you to the right model — even if it's the smaller, simpler one.