What are the different types of Infrared heater?
There are currently 3 types of Far Infrared heater types available and used in Far Infrared
Saunas. The key to selecting an efficient and effective heater is to consider the fact that Far
Infrared is a light wave which travels in a relatively direct line from its’ source.
The Ceramic Rod type heater
This is the most commonly used heater element used in the sauna industry. There are several
variations on this one design, generally ranging in quality of materials used which directly
affects the cost of the heaters. As the Ceramic Rod heater is round in shape, it emits Far
Infrared from the 360 degrees of surface area of the heater. This provides a wide band of FIR
dispersion, although in limited volumes.
Carbon Fibre / Flat Panel heaters - Monarch Saunas
Carbon Fibre / Flat Panel heaters are increasingly being used in the industry, mainly due to the
visual appearance of the heaters. They offer a softer heat output than other heater types which is
prefered by some peope. Like the ceramic rod heaters, they are available in varying qualities, all
directly related to the cost of the unit. Carbon Fibre heaters emit Far Infrared in a straight
line from the heater surface; hence the need to use large heaters on every surface area of the
sauna cabin to ensure the occupant receives the benefits of Far Infrared.
Healthwave “PURE-WAVE” heaters
Comprising of a concave shaped heater with multiple half-round ridges, this heater design offers a
large surface area and several trajectories of Far Infrared spread. This heater design emits a
concentrated band of Infrared across a wide arch. The end result is a heater design that outputs
Far Infrared that is comparable to having 6 rod heaters side-by-side, and delivers a wide arch so
that the sauna occupant can receive the benefits regardless of where they are sitting in relation
to the position of the heaters inside the sauna. Another key feature is the cost efficiency of
this heater type – around half that of the rod heaters.