Sauna Comparison

The best far infrared heating system is a high glass content solid Ceramic TheraMitter™. Solid ceramic has the highest radiant efficiency and far-infrared emissivity, while others like steel rod, aluminum, or carbon heating systems fall short. The radiant efficiency of a heating material is an extremely important factor to its far infrared qualities. For this reason, the high glass content Ceramic TheraMitter™ remains the leader in producing the most far-infrared at the most beneficial micron range for the human body.

Compare for yourself and see why the QCA Saunas TheraMitter™ heaters provide the most effective range of far infrared therapy.

Heater Type	Concave Ceramic TheraMitter™	Incoloy Rod Heaters	Tubular Ceramic Heaters	Carbon Fiber Heaters
Description	TheraMitter™ heaters have the highest glass content in the industry which provides uninhibited transmission and output of far infrared. Concave Ceramic TheraMitter™ heaters are able to spread infrared heat waves in a 180º pattern, effectively covering every square inch inside the sauna. Due to the quality of the reflector, all energy is given direction toward the user to improve the delivery of far infrared. The watt density of the TheraMitter™ is ideal; providing the user with the highest output of far infrared at the most beneficial micron range for the human body.	Cylinder-type steel heaters are used by a number of different sauna companies. Incoloy rod heaters have a short life span due to the compaction of the magnesium oxide which tends to short out the helical wire. They also have an extremely high watt density which produces a very high surface temperature of the rod, which in turn produces a lower ineffective range of infrared.	Tubular ceramic heaters have a short life span due to the compaction of the silica sand which tends to short out the helical wire. They also have an extremely high watt density which produces a very high surface temperature of the rod, which in turn produces a lower ineffective range of infrared.	They operate at a very low cabinet temperature of approximately 130ºF and have a very low radiant efficiency. This type of heating element is used in automotive seat heaters. Carbon fiber heaters tend to absorb odor, then re-emit the offensive odor back into the sauna. In addition, since the carbon fibers are encased in fiberglass, resins, and epoxy adhesives, it vents the gases of these components back into the air when the sauna is heated.
EMF Levels	Very Low, due to the fact that the wire changes direction several times over the face of the heater	High, due to a non-cancelling wire and non-insulating metal surface	High, due to a non-cancelling wire and non-insulating metal surface	Varies
Composition	Natural Earth Elements, High-Glass Content Ceramic	Tubular elements consist of a helical resistant wire inside a metal tube filled with magnesium oxide as an insulator and heat conductor.	Tubular ceramic heaters consist of a helical resistant wire housed in vitreous silica sand enclosed in a metal tube.	These heaters sandwich a carbon screen between two fiberglass epoxy resin casings.
Watt Density	Ideal	Extremely High, produces less effected infrared	Extremely High, produces less effected infrared	Very Low, makes heating the sauna more difficult
Radiant Efficiency	96 %	50%	50%	55% – varies
Infrared Micron Range	6.0 – 14.0	3.0 – 6.0	2.5 – 6.0	4.0 – 12.0

Does the size of the infrared heater matter?

Our research has shown that physical size does not matter as much as the watt density of the heaters. The ideal infrared wavelength provided by the heaters within a far infrared sauna is more important than heater size. Some companies claim that large heaters are the best. The problem is that these large heaters have a very low watt density that produces an ineffective range of infrared and cannot heat the air inside the sauna effectively.