Electric Sauna Heater vs Infrared Sauna: Which Costs More to Run? (2026)
An infrared sauna uses about a third of the electricity of a traditional electric sauna per session. It heats the body directly with 1.2 to 3 kW panels and needs only ten minutes to warm up, while a traditional sauna heats the whole room and its rocks with a 6 to 9 kW stove for half an hour or more before use. Traditional saunas win on heat intensity and steam.
At the hours shown, Electric Sauna Heater costs about $394.20 per year and Infrared Sauna about $88.70 in United States (average).
| Appliance | Typical watts | Hours / day | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Sauna Heater | 6,000 W | $1.08 | $32.40 | $394.20 | |
| Infrared Sauna | 1,800 W | $0.32 | $7.29 | $88.70 |
Edit the hours to match your own use. Costs use the typical wattage of each appliance.
When the electric sauna heater makes sense
- You want high heat and löyly steam
- You share the sauna with several people at once
- Tradition matters more than the bill
When the infrared sauna makes sense
- You want daily sessions at low cost
- You prefer gentler heat
- Warm-up time matters
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