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.