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Top Ten Low EMF Infrared Saunas
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Saunas provide a multitude of health benefits. They help the body heal and recover from a tough workout or injury by stimulating blood flow. They reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And they help purify the body by purging toxins through sweat. There are a number of reasons to consider spending a bit of time in the sauna.
For many people, however, traditional steam and dry saunas are too hot to be tolerable for any length of time. That is why more and more people are opting to try infrared saunas.
It’s worth noting, however, the electric panels used to heat an infrared sauna produce EMF radiation. And, as you know, EMF radiation can cause glioma, infertility, and a number of other health concerns.
So does that mean you should you ditch your dream of enjoying some time in the sauna? Not necessarily.
Infrared saunas and EMFs
Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas in that they use infrared heat to warm the body from below the skin’s surface. This is what makes the heat of the sauna easier to handle for those with health conditions. Unfortunately, it’s also this technology that produces EMF radiation. Excess electricity is generated during the heating phase, creating dirty electricity.
True infrared saunas produce the highest amount of EMF radiation. Near-infrared saunas are often a safer alternative, as they use incandescent bulbs to provide the heating effect. Incandescent bulbs are generally regarded as the safest and lowest-EMF light bulbs.
Infrared sauna reviews
If you are still interested in the health benefits of infrared saunas, don’t worry — there are lower EMF versions out there. We’ve taken a look at the reviews of some of the more common ones to compile this list of the top ten best low-EMF infrared saunas. Whether you’re looking to spend a lot or just a bit, we’ve found options for a wide range of budgets and needs.
10. JNH Lifestyles Four-Person Ultra-Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna
The Ensi Four-Person Ultra-Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna boasts that the unit was certified “zero distance, virtually zero EMF” by Intertek, an international testing body. Made from 100% Canadian Hemlock, this sauna features a solid body and a built-in bench. And because of the solid design, this unit won’t expand due to heat. Unlike other, similarly designed saunas, the Ensi Far Infrared Sauna does not require you to sit a certain distance from the heating element in order to avoid EMF exposure, either.
Optional features include an infrared foot heater, ergonomic backrests and head support, an oxygen ionizer, and chromotherapy lights. All saunas come standard with built-in speakers, an auxiliary cable, LED lighting, and digital controls.
9. SaunaSpace Faraday Zero EMF Oasis Sauna
>> Check price on SaunaSpace website
If you’re looking for a truly zero EMF experience, consider SaunaSpace’s Faraday Zero EMF Oasis Sauna. While it’s a little difficult to obtain and comes with a pretty hefty price tag, it is quite effective at blocking out EMF emissions. The Oasis Sauna consists of an infrared heating element, a bamboo chair, and a canvas tent and flooring. It’s large enough to sit comfortably at the recommended distance of 18 inches between your body and the heating element, and the manufacturer boasts that it is easy to assemble.
8. Maxxus 3-Person Low EMF FAR Infrared Canadian Hemlock Sauna
Maxxus’s Low EMF FAR Infrared Canadian Hemlock Sauna is unique in that it has space for three adults. This is a spacious sauna and also one of the most expensive on the list. However, if you are looking for a sturdy design made from solid Canadian Hemlock, this is a great option. For the price, you receive a three-person sauna with a built-in bench, built-in lighting, adjustable controls, radio and auxiliary connection, and low-EMF heating elements. Reviewers love the overall quality of the sauna, as well as the color-changing lights. Like other solid-construction true infrared saunas, however, you must stay about six inches away from the heating element in order to avoid EMF absorption.
7. Ideal Sauna Far Infrared Sauna
Ideal Sauna’s Far Infrared Sauna is an easily portable tent-style sauna. The setup includes four carbon fiber heating panels and a foot pad, as well as a folding chair. Assembly of this sauna is as simple as unfolding the tent and chair, and teardown is just as easy. This model is also low-EMF, with the entire unit producing between 5 and 10 milligauss. And it was designed with taller folks in mind, coming in at 41 inches tall. According to G-Force, similarly-styled saunas are typically only 37 inches tall.
6. Durherm Infrared Sauna
Durherm’s Infrared Sauna is a little unique for tent-style infrared saunas in that it is made from copper. Copper is a conductive metal that helps discharge dirty electricity. The Durherm Infrared Sauna uses negative ion technology and weighs just 25 pounds. It’s a little on the pricier side for a tent-style sauna; however, reviewers noted that the product is relatively durable, and the manufacturer was very responsive to those who did have problems. This sauna comes with a footpad, chair, and tent, as well as a wired handheld controller, and like other tent-style saunas, it is easy to unfold and assemble.
5. Smartmak FAR Portable Infrared Sauna
The Smartmak FAR Portable Infrared Sauna is another tent-style sauna that retails for retails for about half the price of the Durhern. It includes a heating food pad, handheld controller, foldable sauna, and foldable chair. The sauna requires no installation — you simply unfold it and plug it in. To use, preheat the sauna for about five minutes. The manufacturer recommends drinking a cup of water prior to stepping into the sauna, as well, to prevent dehydration.
Reviewers of the Smartmak FAR Portable Infrared Sauna remarked on how easy the product is to use, as well as the manufacturer’s quick response time when issues did arise.
4. Ereada Infrared Heating Pad with Amethyst
If you’re looking for pain relief, consider Ereada’s Infrared Heating Pad with Amethyst. While not a standard sauna, this is a low-EMF pad that you can actually lay on that generates infrared heat. The amethyst inside the mat is particularly effective at transmitting heat, and the manufacturer claims the heat from the pad can penetrate up to six inches into the body for maximum healing.
3. Durasauge Portable Infrared Sauna
Durasauge’s Portable Infrared Sauna comes standard with a chair (weight limit 220 pounds) and handheld controls. It folds up for convenient storage and unfolds for easy assembly. Durasauge claims that it is one of the lowest EMF tent-style infrared saunas on the market. In addition to the easy setup, reviewers also commented that the product was able to block out EMF radiation when tested by an EMF meter.
2. LifeSmart Dynamic “Andora” Infrared Sauna
Sturdier than a tent sauna, LifeSmart’s Dynamic “Andora” Infrared Sauna is made from Canadian Hemlock. It’s a little pricier than a near-Infrared Sauna or a portable model, but it’s durable and much more solid. It has a two-person capacity, as well. The Andora comes with a solid wood bench inside and side windows with tempered glass. Panels along the back and side wall emit infrared heat, and the chromo therapy-friendly overhead lights can change color.
Reviewers love the sturdiness of the Andora. It looks great and is easy to set up, as well as durable and long-lasting. The one thing to keep in mind is that you must sit with your back four to six inches away from the heating panels for maximum EMF avoidance.
1. Transcend Health Two-Person Sauna
If you want an infrared sauna that is both low in EMF radiation and high in luxury, Transcend Health’s Two Person Sauna can’t be beaten. The exact price of the sauna varies depending on your customizations — these are custom-built in Colorado — but expect to spend a minimum of a few grand on one of these.
Transcend Health’s infrared sauna comes standard with Triple Anti field heaters, which it advertises as being the lowest producer of EMF radiation when it comes to infrared heaters. These saunas also come with tinted glass, built-in AM/FM radio and CD player, poplar wood construction, and a comfortable ergonomic backrest. Each unit also has a fresh air fan that allows oxygen into the unit when in use. This feature is important because, as the manufacturer notes, carbon dioxide levels can rise quickly while the sauna is occupied.
What about near-infrared saunas?
Near-infrared saunas offer a safer experience than true infrared saunas. Incandescent bulbs generate far less EMF radiation than other types of light bulbs, and they are typically used in near-infrared saunas. However, just as there are many infrared saunas on the market, there are also many near infrareds. Check and make sure the unit you choose uses incandescent bulbs before purchasing.
One near-infrared option to consider is SaunaSpace’s Luminati, which is known for offering a truly zen-like experience, with virtually zero-EMF generated. The unit comes with a canvas tent, red-filtered incandescent lighting, a bamboo grounding mat, and a stool. Assembly is fairly simple and consists of hanging the light and plugging it in, hanging the canvas tent, setting up the mat, and placing the stool.
Reviewers loved the ambiance created by the red-tinted lighting and canvas tent. Many felt it made the sauna a meditative and relaxing place. They also commented on the fact that it’s easy to set up, and the tent can fit easily in small spaces.
While SaunaSpace does not advertise the Luminati as being low-EMF, the incandescent lighting used produces minimal radiation, even when you are sitting close to the light. That makes this a great option for anyone looking for a low-EMF near infrared sauna.
For those in search of a cheaper option, SaunaSpace also offers the SaunaSpace Photon, which is a the red-tinted incandescent light that can be used for targeted light therapy.
SaunaSpace advertises that this portable bulb can work well for travel and other situations where the Luminati is not feasible. Whether you travel for work or live in an apartment and don’t have space for a full-sized unit, the Photon is a great, smaller-sized low-EMF option.
Checking your sauna’s levels
Whether you go with one of the saunas on this list or find another option altogether, it’s a wise idea to test your sauna to verify the manufacturer’s claims. A product could easily advertise itself as being “low-EMF” when, in fact, it’s not. That is why investing in a high-quality EMF meter is such an important step towards protecting yourself and your family.
Your EMF meter should be capable of detecting ELF-EMF radiation in order to check your sauna’s levels. Ideally, however, you should purchase a meter that can detect electric, magnetic, and radiofrequency radiation. Although it is an initial investment, the TriField TF2 is one such meter. The TF2 can detect all forms of EMF radiation and is generally regarded as one of the best on the market.
To check your sauna’s levels, first, check the levels near the sauna with the unit off. Record your measurements. Then, re-check the levels with the sauna on. Check the levels both inside and outside of the unit, if possible. Your readings should not alter drastically with the unit on versus off. If your readings are significantly higher with the sauna on, that means it is producing a high amount of EMF radiation. If your readings are relatively close, the unit is working as advertised.
Final thoughts
Saunas provide many health benefits, and infrared saunas help make these benefits accessible to people with health problems. They provide a gentler experience and often operate at much lower temperatures than dry or steam saunas.
The EMF radiation emitted by infrared saunas, however, is cause for concern. For that reason, consider finding a lower-EMF model if you do invest in an infrared sauna. Our list is a great place to start, whether you’re looking to spend a couple hundred or a couple of grand.
Whether you buy one off this list or go a different direction, be sure to test your sauna’s effectiveness using a high-quality EMF meter. This step is critical to making sure your sauna is working as advertised and installed correctly.
Infrared saunas are a great way to enjoy the health benefits of saunas without harsh temperatures. Low-EMF infrared saunas provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without the radiation.