If you’re new to saunas, you’ve probably noticed there isn’t just one kind of sauna. Traditional, infrared, barrel, and cabin designs all offer a different style of heat, layout, and atmosphere. For beginners, these options can feel confusing when you’re trying to choose the right sauna for your home.
The good news is that once you understand the basics of each sauna type, the decision becomes much clearer. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy outdoor retreat or an indoor wellness corner, there’s a sauna style designed to fit your lifestyle.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The main types of saunas and how they work
- The difference between traditional and infrared heat
- What makes barrel and cabin saunas unique
- Which sauna style is best for beginners, families, and small spaces
- Where to go next if you’re ready to choose your own sauna
What Are the Main Types of Saunas?
While there are many variations, most home saunas fall into four main categories:
- Traditional saunas (electric or wood-burning)
- Infrared saunas
- Barrel saunas
- Cabin saunas
Let’s look at each type in simple, beginner-friendly terms so you can see which one lines up with your space and routine.
1. Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas are the classic Nordic style most people imagine: a warm, wood-lined room heated by a stove filled with stones. You can enjoy dry heat or gently pour water over the stones to create steam.
How a traditional sauna works:
- A heater (electric or wood-burning) warms a large bed of stones.
- The stones store heat and release it gradually into the room.
- You can keep the air dry or add water for a soft burst of steam.
What it feels like:
- Hot, enveloping air
- A deep, full-body warmth
- Shorter but more intense sessions
Best for people who:
- Love the classic sauna experience with stones and steam
- Want powerful heat and a traditional ritual
- Are planning an outdoor sauna or a dedicated indoor room
If this sounds like your style, you can explore traditional layouts and heater options in our curated Traditional Sauna Collection. For a deeper dive into what to look for before purchasing, you may also enjoy our guide What Should I Look for When Buying a Sauna?
2. Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared elements instead of a traditional stone heater. The air temperature stays lower, but you still feel a warm, gentle heat building over time.
How an infrared sauna works:
- Infrared emitters warm the body directly rather than super-heating the air.
- Temperatures are typically lower than in a traditional sauna.
- Sessions are often longer and feel very relaxed.
What it feels like:
- Soft, soothing warmth that builds gradually
- Milder air temperature compared to a traditional sauna
- Great for longer, meditative sessions
Best for people who:
- Prefer gentler heat
- Want an indoor sauna that’s easy to access year-round
- Like the idea of longer relaxation sessions
If this feels like the experience you want, browse our Infrared Sauna Collection for different sizes and layouts. You can also read How Many Times Should You Sauna a Week to See Benefits? for beginner-friendly routine ideas.
3. Barrel Saunas
Barrel saunas are one of the most recognizable outdoor designs. Shaped like a wooden cylinder, they look striking in a backyard, on a patio, or at a cottage. The curved walls help air circulate efficiently, which supports quick, even heating.
How a barrel sauna works:
- The curved interior encourages air to circulate evenly.
- Traditional heaters (electric or wood-burning) provide classic sauna heat.
- Compact footprints make them ideal for many backyards and cottage lots.
What it feels like:
- Classic traditional heat with excellent air flow
- A cozy, cocoon-like interior
- Immersive connection to nature, especially in forest or lakeside settings
Best for people who:
- Want an outdoor sauna that feels like a retreat
- Appreciate Scandinavian-inspired design
- Prefer efficient heating and a compact footprint
If you’re drawn to the look and feel of barrel saunas, explore our Barrel Sauna Collection for different sizes, window options, and layouts.
4. Cabin Saunas
Cabin saunas look more like a small wooden building or room. They typically offer more interior volume than a barrel sauna and provide a familiar, room-like shape with straightforward bench layouts.
How a cabin sauna works:
- Uses a traditional heater with stones (electric or wood-burning).
- Rectangular walls and higher ceilings create a spacious feel.
- Flexible bench layouts can accommodate individuals, couples, or small groups.
What it feels like:
- Traditional sauna warmth in a roomy, comfortable interior
- Plenty of space to sit upright or stretch out
- Great for families or those who enjoy sharing sauna time
Best for people who:
- Want more interior space and bench depth
- Prefer a classic, room-style layout
- Have the yard or cottage space to host a larger structure
If you like the idea of more headroom and seating flexibility, explore designs in our Cabin Sauna Collection.
Traditional vs. Infrared: Which Is Right for You?
A common beginner question is whether to choose a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna. Both offer a relaxing experience, but they feel and operate differently.
Traditional saunas are ideal if you:
- Want the classic stone-and-steam experience
- Enjoy strong, enveloping heat
- Are planning an outdoor sauna or a dedicated indoor room
Infrared saunas are ideal if you:
- Prefer gentler temperatures
- Want a space-efficient, indoor wellness feature
- Like the idea of longer, more gradual sessions
If you’re still comparing options, our article What Should I Look for When Buying a Sauna? A Beginner’s Guide walks you through key decisions like size, materials, heater type, and location.
Barrel vs. Cabin: How Do They Compare?
When you know you want a traditional outdoor sauna, the next choice is often barrel vs. cabin.
Choose a barrel sauna if you:
- Love the sculptural, Scandinavian look
- Want efficient heating and a compact footprint
- Enjoy the idea of a cozy, cocoon-like interior
Choose a cabin sauna if you:
- Prefer more interior space and headroom
- Want a familiar, room-style layout
- Plan to share the sauna with family or friends
Which Sauna Type Is Best for Beginners?
There isn’t one single “best” sauna for everyone, but beginners often decide based on three questions:
- Do I prefer strong heat or gentle heat?
- Will my sauna live indoors or outdoors?
- Is this mainly for solo use or for sharing?
If you want strong heat and classic steam: a traditional sauna (barrel or cabin) is usually the best fit.
If you want gentle, accessible warmth indoors: an infrared sauna is often the easiest and most convenient choice.
Once you’ve chosen your type, you can fine-tune details like size, features, and heater options using the buying tips in our guide What Should I Look for When Buying a Sauna?
Next Steps: Explore Saunas That Fit Your Lifestyle
Different types of saunas offer different experiences, but the best sauna for you is the one you can see yourself using regularly. Once you understand how traditional, infrared, barrel, and cabin saunas compare, it becomes much easier to choose the one that fits your home and routine.
Ready to explore?
- Browse traditional layouts in our Traditional Sauna Collection.
- Discover gentle indoor options in our Infrared Sauna Collection.
- Create a Scandinavian-inspired retreat with our Barrel Sauna Collection.
- Explore roomier designs for families in our Cabin Sauna Collection.
For more beginner-friendly education, you can also read How Many Times Should You Sauna a Week to See Benefits? A Beginner’s Guide to help you build a routine once you’ve found the sauna that feels right for you.
