SAUNA HEAT GUIDE
START WITH THE EXPERIENCE
Infrared saunas warm the body with radiant panels at a gentler air temperature. Traditional saunas heat stones and the surrounding air for a hotter session with the option to add water to the stones for steam. Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your preferred ritual, room and installation plan.
THE NØRDHUS HEAT OPTIONS
Sol
INFRARED / INDOOR
Low-EMF far and mid infrared panels in two- and four-person Western Red Cedar cabins.
Koselig
TRADITIONAL / INDOOR
Classic high-heat bathing with a HUUM electric stone heater in an indoor cedar sauna.
Fjord
HYBRID / INDOOR
Infrared panels and traditional stone heat in one cabin, so the session can change with the day.
Bjørn
TRADITIONAL / OUTDOOR
Outdoor-rated four-person cedar sauna with Harvia or HUUM stone heat for year-round use.
COMPARE THE PRACTICAL DIFFERENCES
01 / SESSION
Choose gentler radiant warmth, hotter stone-heated air with steam, or a hybrid cabin that supports both formats.
02 / SPACE
Match capacity and placement to the room. Sol, Koselig and Fjord are indoor models; Bjørn is designed for outdoor use.
03 / INSTALLATION
Confirm footprint, clearances and model-specific electrical or heater requirements before ordering. Nørdhus offers installation in select Colorado Front Range areas.
THE BEST SAUNA IS THE ONE YOU’LL USE
Infrared is often attractive to people who prefer a gentler-feeling session and want a dedicated indoor recovery space. Traditional stone heat appeals to those who want higher heat, the sensory ritual of heated stones and the option for steam. Fjord is the flexible choice when a household wants both experiences without two separate cabins.
Every standard Nørdhus model uses Western Red Cedar. Free shipping is available across the lower 48 states, and eligible buyers may use HSA or FSA funds through Truemed, subject to eligibility and reimbursement requirements.
INFRARED VS. TRADITIONAL SAUNA FAQ
Infrared panels deliver radiant heat to the body while the cabin air remains gentler. A traditional sauna heats stones and the surrounding air to create a hotter environment that can be paired with steam by adding water to the stones.
Warm-up time varies by model, room conditions and heater configuration. Infrared is often chosen for a direct, convenient session, while traditional sauna owners usually plan for the cabin and stones to reach the desired heat before bathing.
Yes. Fjord combines infrared panels with a traditional stone heater in one indoor Western Red Cedar cabin. That lets you choose radiant infrared, classic stone heat or a routine that uses both formats.
The better fit depends on the experience you prefer, the available room, capacity and the model-specific utility plan. Nørdhus can help compare Sol, Koselig and Fjord against your space before you order.
Tell us how you want the session to feel and where the sauna will live. We’ll help narrow the model and next step.