Sauna in an Apartment: Infrared Cabin, Tent or NIR Panel?

A sauna in an apartment does not have to mean a wooden cabin and a bathroom renovation. The options that usually fit a flat are an infrared cabin, a foldable sauna tent or a portable near infrared (NIR) panel. A classic Finnish sauna is possible too, but humidity, ventilation and higher power needs make it the most demanding choice. Below you will find all four options side by side and what to check before you buy.

Quick comparison

	Finnish sauna	Infrared cabin (FAR)	Sauna tent	NIR panel
Space needed	its own cabin, often 1.5–2 m² or more	about 1–1.5 m²	about 1 m² when set up, folds away	none, 65 × 40 cm, 8 kg
Power	heater usually 3–9 kW, larger ones on 400 V	usually 1.5–2.5 kW	depends on the heat source	1 kW, standard socket
Air temperature	70–100 °C	40–60 °C	depends on the heat source	room temperature to slightly warmer
Humidity	yes, when you pour water on the stones	low	low	low
Installation	electrician, ventilation	cabin assembly	none	none
Red and NIR light	no	little or none	depends on the heat source	yes

1. A classic Finnish sauna in an apartment

A Finnish sauna heats the air in an insulated cabin to 70–100 °C. It is the most intense experience, but in a flat it is also the most demanding option: you need a dedicated cabin, a heater with higher power (larger ones often on a 400 V three-phase supply), ventilation and protection against moisture. The cabin takes 30–60 minutes to heat up before each session.

It makes sense if you have the space and are ready to invest in the wiring. If the work touches the electrics or ventilation, talk to your landlord or building management first.

2. Infrared cabin (FAR)

An infrared cabin is a small wooden cabin with carbon or ceramic heaters that emit mostly far infrared (FAR). The air inside is 40–60 °C, so it is easier to breathe than in a Finnish sauna. Smaller models for 1–2 people often plug into a standard socket.

The downside is space: the cabin permanently takes about 1–1.5 m² of floor. Power and electromagnetic field (EMF) levels vary from model to model, so check the manufacturer’s specifications before you buy.

3. Foldable sauna tent

A sauna tent is a foldable cover made of insulating fabric that you sit in and that keeps the heat around your body. It does not heat by itself, so it needs a heat source: a steam generator, small infrared heaters or a NIR panel. After the session you fold it up and put it in a cupboard.

It is an inexpensive way to get a stronger sauna effect from a smaller heat source. When you buy one, check which heat sources the tent is safe to use with.

4. Portable near infrared panel

A NIR panel uses bulbs that give off near infrared light. That light warms your body directly, so you do not need hot air. You put the panel on a table or the floor, or hang it on a door, and put it away after the session.

Our near infrared sauna panel has four 250 W TheraBulb bulbs, weighs 8 kg and plugs into a standard EU socket. Most people feel strong warmth within a few minutes. In a living room some people sweat and many simply get very warm. In a bathroom or a sauna tent you will sweat much more.

What to check before you buy

Space: how much floor you can give up permanently and where you will store the device.
Electricity: the device’s power and the fuse of the circuit you plug it into. Finnish sauna heaters often need a dedicated circuit or 400 V.
Humidity and ventilation: a Finnish sauna needs ventilation, while dry options (infrared cabin, NIR panel) produce little humidity.
Time: a Finnish sauna heats up for 30–60 minutes, a NIR panel warms you as soon as you switch it on.
Safety: hot surfaces, children and pets nearby, and distance from flammable materials.

How much electricity does one session use?

Rough figures for one 30-minute session, including warm-up:

NIR panel (1 kW): 0.5–0.7 kWh if you warm up the bathroom for 10 minutes
infrared cabin (1.5–2.5 kW): about 1–2 kWh
Finnish sauna (3–9 kW): about 3–6 kWh, mostly because of the warm-up

At €0.25 per kWh, one session at the NIR panel costs about 13–18 cents. Actual use depends on the model, the room and how long you stay in.

How to turn your bathroom into a sauna with a NIR panel

Close the door and switch the panel on 10 minutes before your session so the small room warms up.
Place or hang the panel so you sit 40–50 cm from the bulbs, out of reach of splashing water.
Stay for 15–30 minutes and turn every few minutes.
Wipe off sweat with a towel and drink a glass of water afterwards.

You will find the full routine in our user guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can an infrared sauna plug into a normal socket?

Smaller infrared cabins and NIR panels usually can. Check the power rating in the specifications and what else is on the same circuit. Finnish sauna heaters with higher power often need a dedicated circuit or 400 V.

How much space do I need?

Its own cabin for a Finnish sauna, about 1–1.5 m² of floor for an infrared cabin. A folded sauna tent and a NIR panel take no permanent space.

Will I sweat with a NIR panel in a flat?

Most people do, especially in a smaller room or a sauna tent. In an open living room you mainly feel strong warmth on the side facing the panel.

Is a NIR panel the same as an infrared heat lamp?

The principle is similar; the difference is power and coverage. A panel with four 250 W bulbs warms your whole torso at once, not just one spot. Read more in our FAQ.

If you want a sauna in your apartment with no installation and no lost space, have a look at our near infrared sauna panel. Shipped from the EU with no customs, 2-year warranty and 30-day returns with no reason needed.

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