Near infrared
The shortest wavelengths within the infrared portion of the spectrum.
Learning Center · Infrared
What Is Full-Spectrum Infrared?
Infrared sauna heaters warm you with radiant energy rather than relying primarily on very hot room air. “Full-spectrum” describes an infrared heater system designed to produce a broader range of infrared wavelengths. But the label alone does not tell you whether one sauna is better than another.
First: how infrared feels
Radiant warmth instead of a super-hot room.
A traditional sauna heats the air and stones. Infrared emitters radiate heat toward the body, which allows the cabin to operate at a lower air temperature while still feeling warm. That is why infrared often appeals to people who want an easier, quicker everyday sauna routine.
Mid infrared
Wavelengths between the near and far portions of the infrared spectrum.
Far infrared
Longer infrared wavelengths commonly produced by infrared sauna heating systems.
What “full-spectrum” means in shopping language: the system is designed to include near, mid and far infrared output rather than being marketed as far-infrared-only. The actual heater design and output still vary by manufacturer.
What matters more than the buzzword
Compare the whole sauna.
Heater placement
Where the emitters are positioned matters because radiant heat is directional. Look at coverage around the front, back, sides and lower body rather than counting only the number of heaters.
Cabin design
Bench position, cabin size, glass area, controls and how comfortably you sit in relation to the emitters all influence the experience.
Electrical requirements
Infrared does not automatically mean every model uses the same outlet. Check voltage and amperage for the exact cabin.
Build quality
Wood, glass, fit, controls, warranty, certification and dealer support matter long after the words “full-spectrum” have helped get your attention.
A real example
Hekla combines different infrared heater types.
Hekla’s current Infrared 160 lists full-spectrum heaters at the front and back along with carbon heaters at the bench and sides. That is more useful information than simply seeing “full-spectrum” in a headline because it shows how the manufacturer is distributing radiant heat around the cabin.
Our advice: do not choose an infrared sauna solely because one brochure has more infrared terminology than another. Sit in the sauna if possible, compare heater coverage and comfort, and evaluate the entire product.
Want to compare infrared saunas?
Hekla and Cal give us different options to put side by side.
Use the Sauna Finder or visit the showroom and we can narrow the cabins that fit your space and how you plan to use them.
Use the Sauna Finder →Explore Cal Saunas