Can You Install an Infrared Heater in an Outdoor Barrel Sauna?

 

We hear this question all the time. You love the timeless look of a cedar barrel sauna, and you’ve heard great things about infrared heat for muscle recovery—so why not combine the two?

If you’ve checked our compatibility chart, though, you may have noticed a big “NO” next to Infrared Panels for Barrel Saunas. That’s not because we dislike infrared heaters—we sell plenty of them. The issue is simple: when it comes to premium sauna heaters, the right heater for the right environment makes all the difference. And in most cases, infrared panels and outdoor barrel saunas just don’t work well together.

Here’s why.

1. The Shape Just Doesn’t Work

Barrel saunas are curved by design. Infrared panels, on the other hand, are flat, rigid rectangles. Mounting flat panels onto round walls requires bulky framing, which eats into your interior space and disrupts the clean, seamless look of the cedar staves. Instead of feeling natural and elegant, the setup ends up looking—and feeling—awkward.

2. Outdoor Cold vs. Infrared Heat

Infrared heaters don’t heat the air; they heat your body directly using radiant light. Their operating temperatures are much lower, usually between 120°F and 150°F, which works well indoors.

Outdoors is a different story. In colder climates, an uninsulated barrel sauna is constantly losing heat to the surrounding air. Since infrared panels don’t warm the air inside the barrel, you can end up with an odd experience—your back feels warm, but your nose, feet, and surrounding air feel cold. In winter conditions, infrared simply can’t keep up with the heat loss.

3. No Steam, No Loyly

One of the best parts of an outdoor barrel sauna is the steam. Pouring water over hot rocks creates loyly—that rush of heat and humidity that opens pores and enhances relaxation.

Infrared panels are dry heaters. You can’t pour water on them without damaging the electronics. If you’re sitting in a cedar barrel surrounded by nature, missing out on steam takes away a big part of the traditional sauna experience.

The Better Choice for Outdoor Barrel Saunas

If your sauna is outdoors, classic heaters are the way to go:

• Electric Sauna Heaters – Capable of reaching 190°F and beyond, they handle cold weather easily and allow for steam.

• Wood-Fired Heaters – The ultimate outdoor experience, complete with crackling fire, rich heat, and the unmistakable aroma of burning wood.

At Northern Lights Cedar Barrel Saunas, our goal is to help you build a setup you’ll enjoy for years. If infrared is what you want, we recommend a custom indoor sauna room. If you’re set on a barrel sauna, pair it with a stainless-steel electric heater or a wood stove.

Trust us—you’ll appreciate that choice when it’s -20°F outside and your sauna is still perfectly hot and steamy.

Transform Your Outdoor Space with a Modern Barrel Sauna

 

When it comes to outdoor relaxation and wellness, few additions compare to the rustic charm and therapeutic benefits of an northern lights outdoor barrel sauna. These beautifully crafted, self-contained units have become increasingly popular among homeowners who value well-being and want to elevate their outdoor living spaces. With the convenient, all-inclusive barrel sauna options from Northern Lights Cedar Saunas, enhancing your backyard has never been easier.

Northern Lights’ outdoor barrel saunas are expertly engineered using multiple wooden planks formed into a cylindrical shape, sealed with two circular end walls. This simple, efficient structure allows the sauna to be shipped almost anywhere and assembled by one or two people within just a few hours—while still delivering a truly authentic sauna experience marked by rolling heat and rising steam.

Faster Heating

The curved design reduces unused airspace, enabling the heater to warm the room quickly. An outdoor barrel sauna can reach optimal heat in just 30–45 minutes.

Even Heat Distribution

Because heat rises, traditional saunas often have warmer upper areas. However, the curved interior of a barrel sauna pushes rising heat down the sides and back into the room, allowing warmth to circulate evenly throughout.

Energy Efficient

By maximizing usable air space and utilizing thick wooden planks as natural insulation, these saunas require less energy to heat. The exterior stays cool to the touch, and regular use can even help lower utility costs.

Low Maintenance

Designed specifically for outdoor environments, the barrel sauna naturally sheds water and withstands heavy snow loads. Polymer support cradles protect against moisture and insects, allowing the sauna to sit securely on any flat surface with virtually no ongoing maintenance.

Built to Handle Temperature Changes

The wood naturally expands and contracts with steam and heat. Instead of relying on excessive fasteners that can cause splitting, the structure uses steel bands that allow the wood to flex safely—extending the sauna’s lifespan.

Northern Lights Cedar Barrel Saunas offers durable, long-lasting outdoor barrel saunas that require no foundation—simply set the cradles on pavers, blocks, a deck, or a concrete pad. With a rounded roof designed to handle snow effortlessly, these saunas are built for all seasons. To choose the perfect outdoor barrel sauna for your home, visit their website or call 1-800-759-8990 or 1-204-977-1674.

Top Sauna Rocks to Boost Your Wellness

 

For a truly enjoyable sauna experience, having just the sauna itself isn’t enough—you also need the right sauna rocks. Whether you use a wood-burning or electric heater, sauna stones are essential. The heater warms the rocks, allowing them to retain heat for longer and produce therapeutic steam. High-quality rocks or stones hold heat efficiently and release steam gently, helping your body relax, detoxify, and breathe more easily.

Every sauna heater needs sauna rocks to create steam when water is poured over them. That’s why choosing the right stones is crucial to get the best performance from your sauna. Look for rocks with strong heat retention and good thermal conductivity. These stay hot longer, distribute heat well, and produce consistent steam. When buying sauna rocks, make sure you have the knowledge to pick the right type. Always check that they are safe and environmentally clean. Sauna stones should meet the following requirements:

 

• Eco-friendly and safe

• Even, dense structure

• No cracks (tap them—clear sound means no defects)

• Similar size for even heating

• Free of carbonates

• Free of asbestos
  

• Clean and dust-free (wash before use)

• Visually appealing

• Reasonably priced

Choosing Sauna Rocks

One of the key things to look for is heating capacity—the stones should heat up quickly and release warmth slowly. Quality sauna rocks make all the difference in creating a great sauna experience.

Durability is another important factor. The stones must withstand extreme temperatures without breaking. Good sauna rocks have low porosity so they won’t crack due to rapid heating and cooling. Using unsuitable stones can be dangerous, as some may explode under high heat.

Stone size also matters. Oversized rocks won’t fit into electric heaters, while very small stones may pack too tightly and block airflow—essential for proper heater function.

• Electric heaters require smaller stones (2”–4” or 5–10 cm) to fit between heating elements.

• Wood-burning heaters can use slightly larger stones, but not excessively big ones.

The shape of the stones affects steam quality:

• Round and smooth stones produce softer steam and are easier to stack.

• Angular stones create stronger, more intense steam due to their larger surface area.

 

Colors range from gray and blackish to white. White stones are mostly decorative and should be placed on top. Granite may appear red, and ceramic stones are often brown.

You can also mix stone types for better steam and visual appeal—use angular stones as the base and round stones on top for softer steam. Red granite or white decorative stones can enhance the overall look.

If you want premium-quality sauna rocks, contact Northern Lights Cedar Barrel Saunas at 1-800-759-8990 or 1-204-977-1674. They supply top-grade sauna stones designed to work perfectly with your sauna heater.