There are two types of far infrared heaters used in Infrared Saunas today.  Ceramic heaters are the more common of the two and are used in most of the infrared saunas on the market.  Ceramic heaters are effective, however you will generally find fewer heaters that operate at a higher temperatures in the saunas that use them.  This can have the unintended effect of "hot spots" in the sauna, resulting in less even heat distribution.

 

 

* Ceramic Heater

 

Touchstone Infrared Saunas are only offered using Carbon Fiber Heaters.  Although carbon fiber heaters are a little more expensive, they are considered to be a higher quality product.  Touchstone Infrared Saunas, by using carbon fiber elements, have far more surface area of heaters than an equal infrared sauna using ceramic heaters.  This results in a much more even level of heat distribution and allows the surface area of the carbon fiber heater to stay cool to the touch, even at full operating temperature.

 

 

* Carbon Fiber Heater

 

 

Carbon Fiber and Ceramic Heater Comparison

 

 

Cost

Carbon Fiber heaters are slightly more expensive than Ceramic.

 

 

Heat Distribution

Ceramic Heaters:  Heat is concentrated close to the heaters.

Carbon Fiber Heaters:  Heat is evenly distributed throughout.

 

 

Surface Area

 

Ceramic Heaters:  Relatively small surface area.

Carbon Fiber Heaters:  Large surface area that covers a very large portion of the interior of the sauna.

 

 

Warm-Up Time

 

Ceramic Heaters:  Heats up quickly (10-15 minutes on average).

Carbon Fiber Heaters:  Heats up quickly (15-20 minutes on average).

 

 

Durability

 

Ceramic Heaters:  Durable, however ceramic rods can be fragile.

Carbon Fiber Heaters:  Very durable.  Carbon Fiber heaters are flexible and less fragile that ceramic.

 

 

Energy Efficiency

 

Ceramic Heaters:  Efficient.  Low cost of operation.

Carbon Fiber Heaters:  Very efficient.  Lowest cost of operation.