Infrared Sauna, Sauna
Buying Guide And 5 Best Infrared Heater For Sauna
Anyone who wants to improve their health will certainly benefit from an infrared sauna.
The benefits and harms of the sauna cabin have been described for a long time.
Here in this article I am going o give the buying guide and the 5 best infrared heaters for sauna. See these below…
Contents
What Is An Infrared Sauna?
Infrared sauna equipment consists of only two main elements: an infrared sauna heater and a temperature control device.
The main difference between this type of sauna and the ordinary one is that the human body, being exposed to infrared rays, heats from the inside in contrast to the steam room, in which the skin first, and then the muscles and organs.
Heating “from the inside” in an infrared sauna is achieved due to the fact that the human skin transmits rays through itself, which are very effectively absorbed by the liquid in a person.
Currently, on the market for infrared saunas, there is a wide range of configurations, as well as a large selection of models of infrared heaters.
In addition to ceramic emitters, there are carbon, film, quartz, and others. All of them are good in their own way and the only difference is which heating element the sauna manufacturer uses.
With a ceramic infrared heater, you can assemble a sauna, roughly speaking, even at home from an old cabinet. The power of such a sauna will be about 2 kW. This is nothing more than a normal boiler or electric stove.
What Is Infrared Heater?
The infrared radiator remains an ecological heating method in most cases. Shortwave radiators in particular have a very long service life. For their part, long-wave radiators consume less electricity than traditional convector radiators.
The infrared heater offers favorable conditions for sensitive and sick people since it has no impact on the air movements of the house.
It is therefore an effective way to fight against the humidity of the walls and limit the movement of dust.
The infrared heater does not heat the ambient air, but the elements that its radiation encounters. We could compare this to the radiation of the sun which heats objects, people, and any other body.
It is quite possible to produce sufficient infrared heat in a home using infrared radiators. Although this heating system is not the most economical available today, it offers optimal thermal comfort.
How Do Infrared Heaters Work In A Sauna?
The principle of operation is based on the properties of infrared radiation generated by the heater. We talked about this in an article about infrared warm floors, so we won’t go into this issue much here.
The principle of operation is that infrared rays heat the surface on which they are directed. At the same time, they practically do not heat the air. And already from the heated surface, heat is transferred to the room.
This is a key feature of this type of heating device, which gives a number of possibilities. For example, you can heat a specific part of the room, such as a workplace.
Simply put, if you stand in front of such a heater, you will immediately feel the heat. This is the primary heat. And secondary heating is when heated objects give off heat into the air.
Structurally, these are quite simple products, which consist of a metal case in which there is a reflective element and a heating element. Additionally, there may be a thermostat. There are four types of heating elements: halogen, tubular, ceramic, and carbon heaters.
For a house or a summer residence, they often buy carbon or tubular ones, the rest do not fit too well for various reasons.
For example, ceramic ones are not considered durable, halogen radiation can be dangerous for humans and they are used for other purposes than for space heating.
Infrared heating, on the other hand, does not heat the air, but the walls, all the elements, and people in the room, by emitting infrared waves.
This radiation, absorbed by walls and furniture, will be transmitted over and over again, creating a pleasant feeling of warmth that is evenly distributed throughout the room.
This is a completely natural process and works similarly to being near a stove or in the sun. Heat waves do not significantly affect the movement of air, providing constant humidity, so the air remains cool and dust-free.
In addition, the feeling of room temperature when using full spectrum infrared heaters is 2-3ºC higher than in a conventional heating system.
Types Of Infrared Heaters For Sauna
Infrared radiation is a form of energy that is part of the electromagnetic spectrum after the color red.
In addition, it is a wavelength that generates heat from 0.78 microns to 1000 microns (or 1 millimeter) and covers a thermal range from several thousand degrees Celsius to absolute zero. The types of Infrared heaters are…
Suspended
They are also called ceilings, they can be hung from the ceiling. Such models are always equipped with remote control since without it it will not be possible to control it.
In general, in certain cases this is a fairly good option, the main thing is to choose the power for the height of the ceilings, especially if they are unusually high, that is, the room is not standard.
Floor
Installed on the floor, their main advantage is mobility. The truth is that they can not always be installed in the right position and sent to a specific place.
Sometimes they are equipped with a tripod, which greatly facilitates the “targeting” of the heater.
Wall
In principle, this is similar to the previous type, with the exception that it does not have mobility, it has a bracket with which it is attached to the wall.
Here you need to calculate in advance where the infrared rays should fall and install the heater accordingly. Most often they buy exactly wall models.
Heaters are classified not only by the device or method of installation but also by the heating temperature. That is, how much the device itself heats up.
Most often, devices with a maximum temperature of 100-120 ° are used to heat living rooms or offices. If such a heater is located on the floor, then you should carefully monitor that there are no flammable objects near it.
Near-Infrared
Radiation of the near (short-wave) range is dangerous for the human body, which actively dries the mucous membranes and skin, and prolonged exposure can even lead to burns and vision problems. Radiation in the medium range is no less harmful to humans, but the far (long-wave) range is safe for humans.
Short-wave heaters are heaters with the highest heating element temperature, more than 1000°C. Short-wave infrared heaters are designed for large industrial facilities: warehouses, shops, hangars, etc.
They cope remarkably well with heating in open spaces. They are not used for residential premises, since a long stay of a person under such a device is not recommended.
Mid-Infrared
Medium-wave – already has an increased heating temperature of the elements from 600 ° C to 1000 ° C. These are more often used in commercial and industrial premises or large houses with a ceiling height of more than 3 meters.
Far Infrared Heaters
Far Infrared heaters or long wave infrared heat are models with a low heating temperature of the elements from 100 ° C to 600 ° C.
They can be used in residential areas even with low ceilings. They consume little energy and are a good option for normal household use.
Material Of Infrared Sauna Heater
Despite the slightly intimidating name, the infrared heater has a simple structure – a steel body painted with powder paint, inside of which there is an aluminum reflector (reflector), on top of which a heating element is installed.
The “heart” of the IR heater – the heating element – can be ceramic, tubular (heater), or carbon. Let’s know more about these…
Carbon Infrared Sauna Heater
Little is known about the carbon fiber heating element, developed just a few years ago, so let’s take a closer look at its features. So, this heating element is a sealed quartz tube, from which air is evacuated, with a spiral thread of carbon (carbon) placed inside.
Here it will be appropriate to note that the widely used phrase “hydrocarbon fiber”, often used when describing the device of infrared heaters combine carbon, is absolutely incorrect – there is no “hydrocarbon fiber”.
Ceramic Infrared Sauna Heater
The ceramic heating element consists of a resistive conductor enclosed in a ceramic plate. As a conductor with ohmic resistance, nichrome is used with a maximum heating temperature of up to 1000 ° C and fechral (an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum – FeCrAl), heated to 800 ° C.
The ceramic plate is composed of silicon carbide, lanthanum chromite or molybdenum disilicide does not conduct electricity, and does not interfere with infrared radiation. On average, the service life of ceramic heaters is about 4 years.
Carbon Or Ceramic Which Infrared Heater Is Best For Sauna?
A distinctive feature of carbon fiber is its high strength (2.5 GPa) and heat resistance (3000°C), the latter value exceeding the similar characteristics of steel twice.
Compared to nichrome (thermal conductivity 13.3 W/(m•K)), used in the heating elements described above, the carbon element has several times higher thermal conductivity (70 W/(m•K)), i.e. its operation requires less energy consumption.
However, the contact of a carbon fiber heated to a temperature above 350°C with oxygen in the air causes its oxidation, and therefore it is placed in a vacuum tube in carbon heaters. Due to their characteristics and being subject to high-quality workmanship, carbon heating elements have an unlimited service life.
Household cabinet IR heaters can be stationary and mobile – models of the first type are designed for permanent installation on the floor (including the baseboard installation option), walls, ceilings, and models of the second type can be repeatedly moved around the rooms, they are smaller in size and power.
Suspended and ceiling infrared heaters are installed on the ceiling – the first ones are built into the false ceiling, and the second ones are suspended at a distance of 50 mm from the ceiling surface using special fasteners.
Wall-mounted appliances are installed at a certain distance from the floor (its value depends on the presence of small children in the house, the younger they are, the higher the heater is installed), and plinth models are most conveniently placed under window openings, so they can reliably block the flow of cold air into the room from streets.
Buying Guides For Infrared Heater For Sauna
They are classified according to various criteria, we already wrote above that they are halogen, carbon, tubular and ceramic heaters. They are also divided into gas, diesel, and electric.
In everyday life, only the electric type is used, and in this article, we consider it exclusively.
Gas and diesel engines are not used in everyday life, they are designed for other purposes, for example, for industrial premises and use in factories, so it makes no sense to consider them.
In general, infrared heaters do not have so many criteria by which they need to be selected. Let’s figure it out in order.
Infrared Heater Material
If we compare infrared ceramic heaters for a sauna with analogs, it can be noted that these elements are a plate with a nichrome conductor. It is capable of heating up to 1000 degrees.
Alternatively, a Fechral transmitter with an operating temperature of up to 800 °C can be used. The average operating period of the device is four years.
The tubular heating element is insulated with an aluminum profile. The result is a wide and long plate, from the surface of which radiate infrared rays. Several of these modules are provided in a heater.
Build Quality
The infrared sauna with carbon radiators includes a quartz tube with a spiral carbon thread placed inside.
The tube is completely sealed due to vacuum. The working temperature of the device is up to 3 thousand degrees. With proper maintenance, the life of the device is practically unlimited.
Safety
Safety is also provided by an insulator that prevents the heating element from coming into contact with the housing. And in order to notice the problem in time and fix it in a timely manner, many models have a light indication.
Placement Of Heaters
The installation of heaters must correspond to the type of installation of the infrared emitter. You should not mount the corner device on the wall, and vice versa – install the flat device in the corner of the room.
Surface Temperature
The floor version is easy to install but requires the allocation of a special place. It can tip over if handled roughly.
To do this, the model must be equipped with a special option that turns off the device in the event of a fall. Pay special attention to this if the family has small children.
More complex installation for wall-mounted versions, but they do not take up useful space and decorate the interior as a whole, fitting into it as harmoniously as possible.
Ceiling units are distinguished by a uniform direction of rays and high-quality infrared heat and have a laborious and complex installation method.
Infrared heaters for saunas are often equipped with a cutout in the corners of the room. The opening range in this case is 90-120 degrees.
Maintaining a certain temperature regime for a long period of time will allow the use of a thermostat. The best option would be a model with a rotary mechanism.
Sauna Size
The dimensions of the heaters depend on the power, the manufacturer, and the design of the model itself.
On average, they have a length of 600-800 mm., A width of 180-250 mm. and a thickness of 40-70 mm. The weight of household appliances is not more than 4-6 kg. Such “compact characteristics” make them very attractive to use.
5 Best Infrared Heaters For Sauna
In just a few years, infrared heaters have become one of the most popular and sought-after types of heating.
But, nevertheless, when choosing this equipment, many questions arise, therefore, when buying an infrared heater for a sauna, it is worth considering in more detail not only the types of the device but also their advantages.
Below I am going to give the 5 best infrared heaters for the sauna. See these below…
Lifeplus Electric Infrared Space Heater
Opens our rating of the best outdoor infrared heaters Lifeplus Electric Infrared Space Heater. Actually, infrared heaters are her forte.
The price tag cannot be called affordable, but such a nuisance is more than offset by increased reliability, efficiency, and excellent workmanship.
The design is quite stylish, the case is durable, made of aluminum and good plastic.
The carbon heating element has an almost unlimited service life. This does not mean that it is downright eternal, but the probability of breakage is extremely small.
There are two power settings – 850 and 1700 watts. Heating area – 15-20 m². Management is mechanical. Who cares: there is a more advanced version with electronics, remote control, and a thermostat. True, such pleasure will cost a pretty penny.
Pros
- Automatic shutdown in case of overheating, or falling
- Protection of the housing against dust and moisture class IP24
- Warranty obligations 2 years for the electronics unit, and 5 years for the heating element.
Cons
- High price
Duraflame Infrared Heater
A relatively inexpensive, but quite powerful and efficient version of the IR heater in a metal and plastic case.
And not due to controversial elements such as a remote control, and a swivel case, but thanks to additional opportunities for creating a comfortable microclimate.
Duraflame Infrared Heater covers an area from 4 to 20 m², which is more true than the fantasies of some manufacturers. Heating elements – 4 quartz lamps. There are also 4 operating modes, power levels – 2 (2000 or 1000 W).
There is no contradiction here since the design provides for the functions of a fan and a humidifier. And there is also a thermostat that allows you to maintain a stable temperature in conditions of continuous use of the device.
Pros
- Overheat protection sensor
- Auto-off when tipping over
- Indication of the water level in the humidifier tank.
Cons
- Mediocre case build quality
- Noisy operation of the fan is possible.
Amazon Basics Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
High-quality carbon heaters for wall mounting. Good in almost everything – beautiful, reliable, durable, efficient. One problem: the price tag is clearly for the elite.
However, a device of this class is more suitable for service apartments, houses, summer cottages, and other buildings, the cost of which clearly indicates the absence of financial problems for the owners.
Power adjustment 4-stage – 800/1200/1600/2000 W. The supported heating area is up to 20 m² as the main heating device and up to 40 as an additional one. There is also a 2.5 kW version.
The heater can be used even in open areas, and verandas. With an IP55 enclosure rating, dust, rain, and snow are no problem. Inspires optimism and a long warranty period – 5 years for the heater, and 2 years for the body and electronics.
Pros
- Electronic control, remote control
- Digital thermostat, auto-off timer
- System of protection against overheating, and falling
Cons
- No moisture protection
- It is difficult to find replacement lamps
Edenpure Electric Portable Heater
Dimensions, power, and design of this model of infrared heater determine the scope of its application – industrial premises, workshops, warehouses, etc. It can also be used on covered terraces.
An effective heater for drying paintwork, defrosting pipelines, and machine tools. The heating element is a quartz tube. Two key switches can set one of 3 powers – 1/2/3 (max) kW.
Constant heating is maintained, and there is no smell of burning, smoke, or condensation.
Oxygen is not burned, forced airflow is not created, and as a result, noise is reduced. Just do not forget about the compliance of the wiring at the connection points.
Pros
- Three heating modes, designed for rooms up to 30 m2.
- Mobile wheel base for easy movement, wheel stopper for fixing the position.
- Steel body and support bracket.
- Fixed housing tilt for directional heating.
- Rollover emergency stop.
Cons
- The device has a sufficiently high maximum power, be careful to connect it to a network with old or inappropriate wiring.
- Fragile heating tube, care must be taken.
Airnmore Infrared Space Heater
The Airnmore Infrared Space Heater is not quite a household one, although it can act quite successfully in this role.
It is intended for the main, auxiliary, and local heating of rooms with high ceilings (recommended maximum of 3.5 m).
It is optimal for use in offices, shopping centers, and cafes to maintain a comfortable temperature directly in the area of separate work areas and at tables.
Electric power – 1000 W (per 10 m²), there are analogs for 600, 800, 1500, 2000, and 3000. Panel-type heater and mounting brackets are included. It is possible to connect to an optional thermostat.
With a relatively high cost, this infrared heater from the brand is one of the most efficient in its class. For giving, it is relevant in the first place, thanks to good power, reliable performance, and maximum efficiency – 100%.
Pros
- Stylish design, compactness
- Does not burn out oxygen, there is no burning smell
- The supported warranty period is 24 months.
Cons
- On the first days it smells like plastic
- Not suitable for low ceilings.
Conclusion
Infrared heaters are ideal for heating saunas. They meet all fire safety requirements.
The silent operation of the unit, the absence of vibrations, and the provision of uniform heating of the room allow a person to fully relax.
The healing effect of all types of saunas is based on thermal effects, the source of which can be various technical devices.
Infrared sauna heaters work in a completely different way, heating bodies and other objects through the penetration of rays inside.
In this case, the air temperature can increase due to the release of infrared energy not only from the wave source but also from surrounding objects.
Reference:
- infraredsauna.com/infrared-sauna-buying-guide/
- cedarbarrelsaunas.com/infrared-sauna-heaters.html
- aqualinesaunas.co.uk/sauna-heaters
- jnhlifestyles.com/blog/infrared-sauna-heater-types-ceramic-heaters-vs-carbon-fiber-heaters/
- luxway.eu/infrared-panel-kits
- infraredsaunaparts.com/infrared-sauna-heaters.html
- goodhealthsaunas.com/buying-guide/infrared-saunas-carbon-vs-ceramic-heaters/
- electronicshub.org/best-infrared-heaters/
- popsci.com/reviews/best-infrared-saunas/
- mindbodygreen.com/articles/best-infrared-saunas
- infraredsauna.com/true-wave-low-emf-infrared-heater-technology/
- saunacloud.com/infrared-sauna-heater-comparison/
- mysaunaworld.com/blogs/my-sauna-world-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-infrared-saunas
- steam-sauna.com/blog/what-type-of-infrared-heater-is-best-to-use-in-a-sauna.html
- infrarotwaermekabinen.at/en/useful-information/sauna-technology
