Infrared sauna heaters - the confused

[Calyn79]

I am trying to decide between purchasing an infrared sauna with a carbon heater or one with a ceramic heater and I have to admit that I am quite confused as to which one emits the better quality of infrared rays - more constant at 9.4 microns.

Does anyone have any experience with a particular name brand of infrared sauna that they like or has anyone researched heaters and would share their conclusion as to which heater is better and why?

More confusing to me too is that the carbon ones are quite large and come up past the shoulder region to your head and I'm not sure if that is such a good thing or not. Then there is the cedar toxins (or not?!?!) from cedar saunas as opposed to hemlock, fir or basswood ones. The prices range from around $2,000 to over $5,000 and while I don't mind spending a good dollar for what I believe to be the "best" sauna, if I am going to expend the higher amount, I'd like to be more convinced as to the heater technology truly being better.

I'd sure appreciate any one's experiences or knowledge. I firmly believe in the data regarding all the health benefits, however, not the sales lines of all the sellers. Thank you in advance./Marilynn

 

[nicklinneh]

Redwood was once the way to go.
Do they no longer make them out of that? ---ken

 

[davhu1]

Ceramic Heaters vs Carbon Heaters

Still researching but leaning toward the ceramic.

This what i found:

"What are the differences between Ceramic and Carbon Heaters?". That has to be in the top 3 questions asked when considering a sauna purchase. Some people do not know the differences and think that both heaters work nearly the same. They believe that there are only minor differences when it comes to Ceramic and Carbon heaters. Well here at the Sauna Pros we will tell them that they are right. Below we will describe each heater and its functionality and then compare Ceramic Heaters vs. Carbon Heaters. When you choose a Sauna Pros infrared sauna you have the option to choose either one and there is reasoning behind us carrying both heaters.

Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters happen to be the most popular type of infrared sauna heaters. These sauna heaters also have a high emissivity (degree at which material can emit electromagnetic waves) and tend to last a long time. Ceramic heaters generally come in a rod shape and the heat is reflected back into the sauna. Ceramic heaters generally do not have the largest surface are but because they are enclosed in a reflective plate the infrared is able to target a large portion of the body. However, these Ceramic heaters are more fragile than other types of infrared heaters, so it is important to make sure that the heaters are packed well when transporting. Ceramic heaters also have the fastest warm up time and produce a very intense heat that will allow you to sweat within minutes.

Carbon Heaters
Carbon heaters are less common than Ceramic heaters but they are quickly gaining their share in the market. They are usually made of a thin carbon plate and in some situations enclosed in fiberglass. Carbon heaters generally are flexible and less fragile than ceramic infrared heaters. Carbon heaters also happen to have the largest surface area that infrared heaters offer. Carbon heaters have a slower warm up time but they do have a high emissivity level. The heat from these heaters spreads more evenly over the body and is also a less intense heat. Since these heaters have a lower wattage, they actually provide more rays closer to the far infrared level. The customer that generally buys the carbon heater sauna is one that needs it for therapeutic benefits or likes the idea of carbon heaters in their sauna over ceramic.

Ceramic Infrared Heaters vs. Carbon Infrared Heaters
When it comes to choosing the sauna heater that works best for you we believe that both infrared sauna heaters work effectively and get the job done. Both heater types have strengths and weaknesses but when it boils down to it there is not much of a difference in the way these heaters perform. A good rule of thumb is that if you want an intense sweat and you want your sauna to warm up fast then go with a Ceramic sauna heater. If you are using your sauna because you have a condition, disease that you want to heal, or you want an even infrared heat distribution then a Carbon sauna heater is the choice for you. You will be happy with either model and side by side, once they are at optimal temperature, they are providing you with infrared rays. While both sauna heaters are providing you with similar infrared sauna benefits, Carbon heaters do have a slight advantage over the Ceramic heaters when it comes to sauna therapy.

I am also debating between the traditional sauna vs ones with glass walls.

I am curious on what you decide. Please message me.

 

[davhu1]

Cedar:

Cedar wood is very common in traditional saunas that use rocks and moisture to heat the air. Cedar has been the most commonly used material for saunas in North-America. However, cedars high price and reduced quality it has become less attractive to most sauna builders. Some people are sensitive to the odor of cedar, and will find it hard to breathe in a sauna made from cedar. Cedar has a natural resistance to bacteria growth where white woods do not. So if you are considering a white wood sauna be sure they include an ozone generator to help with the elimination of bacteria.

 

[rhonda]

Resurrecting the thread. Any new input?

We put a deposit on a display unit from Health Mate while at the San Diego County fair last weekend. Scheduled delivery is at the end of July. Looking forward to it!

 

[easyrider]

We bought our 2 years ago and used it often the first couple of months. Its just like out hot tub now, with usage only when its cold out or if were not feeling great. Ours has ceramic heaters with an ionizer. Its a 3 person sauna that was made in china and fits 2 people just right.

 

[rhonda]

easyrider -

Any chance the "cozy fit" and/or upright seating contributes to its lack of use? Our unit allows each of us to partially recline on separate benches -- which I'm hoping will make it more enjoyable than the models we saw with only upright seating.

Are there other factors that discourage more frequent use?

 

[easyrider]

Our sauna is comfortable enough to sit in for the 20 - 30 minutes at 125 degrees. We do enjoy the sauna together but its like anything else that we have owned. At first we use it alot. Then we use it less and less over time. This includes the pool, hot tub, execise equipment and other toys.

We use it mostly the next day after a nite out on the town, when we have a cold or if were uncomfortable with aches and pain. The sauna does get used more in the winter and rarely at all this time of year.

 

[rhonda]

Ah, understood. Thx!