Sauna Buying Guide

Everything you need to know to choose the right sauna for your home, budget, and goals.

Indoor Infrared vs Outdoor Traditional: Which Is Right for You?

Choose indoor infrared if: You want a daily-use sauna in a bedroom, basement, or spare room. You want a plug-and-play setup without major construction. You value therapeutic infrared heat exposure for recovery, skin health, and cardiovascular benefits.

Choose outdoor traditional if: You want the full Finnish sauna experience with high heat and real steam (loyly). You have outdoor space and want a destination, not just an appliance. You're building a backyard wellness area and want a centerpiece.

EMF: The Most Important Spec Nobody Talks About

All electric heaters produce electromagnetic fields. Most health authorities consider below 3 mG acceptable for extended daily sessions. Budget infrared saunas routinely emit 10-50+ mG. Every Summit Infrared sauna emits under 3 mG at sitting distance, verified by third-party testing. Always ask for the measurement at sitting distance, not at the heater face.

Wood Species: What Actually Matters

Canadian Red Cedar: Naturally antimicrobial, aromatic, excellent moisture resistance. The classic sauna wood. More expensive but worth it for the sensory experience and longevity.

Canadian Hemlock: Light-colored, odor-neutral, excellent moisture resistance and dimensional stability. Better choice if you are scent-sensitive or prefer a clean modern aesthetic.

Avoid: Basswood (warps), pine (off-gasses resins at sauna temperatures), unspecified wood species.

Heater Types

Carbon crystal panels (best): Large flat panels, even heat distribution, lowest EMF, longest lifespan. Used in all Summit Infrared models.

Harvia electric heaters (best for outdoor): Finnish-made, used by professional sauna facilities worldwide. Produces high-output heat and genuine loyly steam.

Ceramic rod heaters (avoid): High surface temperature, uneven hot spots, significantly higher EMF output. Found in most budget infrared saunas.

Electrical Requirements

This is the most overlooked spec — check it before you order.

120V/15A standard outlet (no electrician needed): 909MRX, 909MHX, SR01, SH07, SR07

120V/20A dedicated circuit: SH01, SH02

240V/30A (electrician required, ~$200-400): SR02

All outdoor barrel and cabin saunas: 240V/20-40A depending on model — electrician required.

Questions? We Are Here.

Call or email us before you buy. We will help you find the right model for your space, goals, and budget with no pressure.

Phone: (901) 848-6211 | Email: summitsaunaco@gmail.com