Infrared sauna terms, explained: carbon panels, red light and low EMF
Shopping for an infrared sauna means wading through terms like far-infrared, carbon panels, red light and low EMF. Here's what each one actually means, in plain English, and what's worth asking before you buy.
The short answer: far-infrared is the invisible warmth the panels give off. Carbon panels spread it over a large, gently warm surface. Red light is visible light and part of the experience. Low EMF describes how weak the electromagnetic field from the wiring is, but there's no official standard, so ask how it was measured.
Far-infrared
Infrared is part of the light spectrum, just beyond the red you can see. You can't see far-infrared, but you can feel it: it's the same kind of warmth you feel from the sun on your skin on a cool, bright day. Infrared sauna panels give off this warmth, which is why the cabin can feel comfortable at a lower air temperature than a traditional sauna.
Carbon panels
Most home infrared saunas use either carbon panels or ceramic heaters. Carbon panels are large, flat heating surfaces that run at a lower surface temperature, so the warmth is spread evenly over a wide area. Every Orb™ uses carbon far-infrared panels, placed around the cabin so the warmth reaches you from several directions.
Heating zones
A heating zone is a group of panels you can control together. More zones means more control over where the warmth comes from. The Orb™, for example, has ten carbon panels arranged in four heating zones, so the warmth wraps around you in its curved, one-person cabin.
Red light
Red light is visible light, sitting right next to infrared in the spectrum. In a sauna it gives the cabin a warm red glow. The Orb™ Plus and The Orb™ Max both include a red light heating tube alongside their carbon panels. Think of it as part of the atmosphere: a calming, warm-toned light for your session.
Low EMF
EMF stands for electromagnetic field. Anything electrical gives off a low-frequency magnetic field from its wiring, from your hairdryer to your fridge, and sauna panels are no exception. It's usually measured in milligauss (mG), and the field weakens quickly with distance.
"Low EMF" and "ultra-low EMF" are descriptions used by manufacturers, not regulated standards, and figures depend on where and how they were measured. Insignia Wellness specifies the carbon panels in The Orb™ as ultra-low EMF. If EMF matters to you, ask any brand for its test data, where the reading was taken, and at what distance from the panel.
Wattage
Wattage is the total rated power of the heating panels. It tells you how much electricity the sauna can draw, and so what it costs to run, but a higher number isn't automatically better: a bigger cabin simply needs more panels. The Orb™ range runs from 1,860W to 2,140W, which works out at about 61–70p for a one-hour session at the current Ofgem price cap average.
Timber
Infrared cabins are usually made from light, fine-grained softwoods such as hemlock, cedar or spruce, which stay comfortable to the touch when warm. The Orb™ range is made in Hemlock, with seating that follows its curved walls.
Smart controls
Controls range from a simple panel to a smart touchscreen and app. The Orb™ has a touch control panel with four memory presets. The Orb™ Plus and The Orb™ Max have a smart touchscreen, and an optional Wi-Fi upgrade (£39.99) so you can control the sauna from your phone.
Questions worth asking before you buy
- What power supply does it need, and does it need a new circuit?
- What are the exact dimensions, including the space for the door to open?
- What floor does the manufacturer recommend?
- How long does it take to warm up, and what temperature does it reach?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long? (The Orb™: 3 years on the wood, 2 years on the electricals.)
- If EMF matters to you, what are the test figures and how were they measured?
Next, read infrared or traditional: which suits your home?, take the 2-minute room check, or compare the three models in The Orb™ collection.
