Buying guide • Tylö saunas
Traditional, infrared, or hybrid sauna: which one should you choose?
Not all saunas provide the same heat experience. Some people enjoy the intensity and ritual of a traditional heater, others prefer infrared heat that feels gentler, and some want the option to choose between the two depending on the moment.
With the Tylö Halmstad, Reflection, Kiruna and Kiruna Hybrid models, Piscine Hippocampe can help you make a choice suited to your space, electrical supply, and habits.
The best sauna is the one you will enjoy using
The type of heat, dimensions, number of seats, and installation complexity matter more than a general promise of health benefits. Studies on sauna use are interesting, but they do not show that one type is universally superior for every person and every goal.
1. Traditional sauna: the heat of the heater and stones
A traditional sauna primarily heats the cabin air using a heater and stones. Depending on the setup and the manufacturer's instructions, small amounts of water can be poured onto the stones to create a burst of steam: this is one of the iconic practices of Nordic sauna.
Enthusiasts enjoy its enveloping atmosphere, pronounced heat, and the ability to adjust the experience through occasional humidity. The seating height, ventilation, and duration also influence the sensation.
Who is it right for?
For those who want the ritual of a classic sauna, appreciate the heater and stones, and have a location that allows for the required clearances and power supply.
At Tylö, the Halmstad are traditional family saunas, while the Reflection models feature a more architectural design, with aspen and smoked glass.
2. Infrared sauna: another way to experience heat
In an infrared cabin, panels emit thermal radiation that helps heat the body and the surrounding environment. The experience differs from a sauna with a heater: it does not involve the same ritual of stones and water.
Infrared cabins often operate at a lower air temperature than a traditional sauna, but comfort and the body's response vary depending on the equipment and the individual. This is not proof of “better detoxification” or a superior medical effect.
According to your catalog specifications, the Tylö Kiruna family uses CarbonFlex panels. It includes different capacities, including two- and three-person versions.
What buyers often appreciate
- A different experience from that of a traditional heater.
- Compact formats, such as the Kiruna 2.
- A personal wellness space that is easy to incorporate into a routine.
Key point: the term “infrared” describes the heating technology. On its own, it does not guarantee a therapeutic result.
3. Hybrid sauna: choosing between two experiences
The Tylö Kiruna Hybrid saunas combine a traditional heater and infrared panels in the same cabin. Important feature: the two modes are selected separately on these models. They are not presented as intended to operate simultaneously.
This is an interesting option for a couple or family with different preferences, or for someone who wants to experience two types of heat in the same space.
On the other hand, the installation requirements of the chosen cabin must be taken into account. The Kiruna Hybrid 2 and the Kiruna Hybrid 3 do not have the same dimensions or necessarily the same electrical requirements.
4. Comparison: traditional, infrared, and hybrid
| Criterion | Traditional | Infrared | Tylö Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat mode | Heater, stones, and heated air | Infrared panels | One or the other, separately |
| Water on the stones | According to the heater's instructions | No, not a classic stone heater | In traditional mode, according to the instructions |
| Sensation | Classic ritual, cabin heat | Radiant heat | Greater flexibility |
| Installation | Electrical and ventilation requirements by model | Electrical requirements by cabin | Requirements specific to the hybrid model |
| Who is it for? | Fans of tradition | Fans of the infrared experience | Those hesitating between the two |
| Clickable example | Halmstad 3 | Kiruna 2 | Kiruna Hybrid 3 |
Photos of the actual models
5. Discover the Tylö saunas in our catalog
Click the photos or buttons to view the product pages, their dimensions, and specifications. Cabin prices are not shown here because the amounts currently recorded in Shopify do not correspond to valid selling prices.
Traditional
Tylö Halmstad 3
3-person traditional sauna with Sense Bliss 6 heater; stated dimensions: 6 ft 2 in × 4 ft 3 in × 6 ft 9 in; stated power supply: 240 V / 25 A.
View photos and specifications
Premium traditional
Tylö Reflection 3
3-person traditional sauna with aspen interior, smoked glass, and Crown 8 heater; stated dimensions: 5 ft 11 in × 6 ft 7 in × 7 ft 3 in.
View photos and specifications
Infrared
Tylö Kiruna 2
2-person infrared sauna, CarbonFlex panels; stated dimensions: 4 ft 3 in × 3 ft 6 in × 6 ft 6 in; stated power supply: 120 V / 15 A.
View photos and specifications
Three-person infrared
Tylö Kiruna 3
3-person infrared sauna, CarbonFlex panels; stated dimensions: 5 ft 11 in × 3 ft 8 in × 6 ft 6 in; stated power supply: 120 V / 20 A.
View photos and specifications
Two-person hybrid
Tylö Kiruna Hybrid 2
Two-person hybrid sauna, with a choice between two distinct modes; stated dimensions: 4 ft 3 in × 4 ft 3 in × 6 ft 9 in.
View photos and specificationsThree-person hybrid
Tylö Kiruna Hybrid 3
3-person hybrid sauna: traditional heater or CarbonFlex infrared panels, with modes used separately; stated dimensions: 6 ft 2 in × 5 ft 2 in × 6 ft 9 in; stated power supply: 240 V / 25 A.
View photos and specifications6. Three factors that really change your project
Available space
You need to measure the room, passageways, door, height, clearance spaces, and whether the cabin components can be brought inside. A two-person sauna does not necessarily require the same depth depending on whether it is traditional, infrared, or hybrid.
The electrical supply
Requirements vary considerably. For example, our product pages indicate 120 V / 15 A for the Kiruna 2, 240 V / 25 A for the Halmstad 3, and 240 V / 25 A for the Kiruna Hybrid 3. This information does not replace the official installation instructions and must be confirmed for the selected configuration.
Ventilation and surrounding materials
Ventilation, the room's materials, and safety clearances must comply with the Tylö manual. Proper electrical installation must be handled by a qualified professional; do not attempt to adapt a noncompliant outlet or circuit.
To prepare for the entire project, read our guide to installing a sauna at home in Quebec.
7. Which type should you choose for sports recovery?
The choice should not be based on promises of “detox” or muscle growth. Some research suggests that heat may potentially benefit comfort or perceived recovery; in particular, a small study of infrared exposure in 16 basketball players observed encouraging results after resistance training. However, this does not demonstrate that an infrared sauna is generally superior.
Heat exposure also adds physiological stress. Hydration, rest, and personal tolerance remain essential.
We detail the scientific data and an example routine in our article “Sore after your workout? Take a sauna!”.
8. Which sauna should you choose based on your profile?
Choose a heater and stones to rediscover the Nordic ritual.
Discover HalmstadA CarbonFlex panel cabin offers a different experience.
Discover KirunaThe choice between the two modes may justify a hybrid model.
Discover Kiruna HybridHippocampe Pool • Delson
The right sauna starts with the right project
Tell us your dimensions, the number of people, and the type of heat you want. We can guide you toward Tylö models and the requirements to check before installation. Visit us on Montreal's South Shore.
View a Tylö hybrid saunaThe detail that completes the warmth
Tylö Brilliant accessories: create a ritual around the traditional sauna
Do you prefer Halmstad or Reflection? The Brilliant accessories, in matte black aluminum, extend the cabin's style. A bucket and ladle for compatible heaters, a thermometer, and a hygrometer to monitor the atmosphere: customers can explore each product and its price.
Tylö Brilliant Bucket
79,99 $
The essential piece of the traditional steam ritual.
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Tylö Brilliant Ladle
39,99 $
To measure the water poured over stones intended for this use.
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Tylö Brilliant Thermometer
36,99 $
To monitor the cabin temperature.
View product
Tylö Brilliant Hygrometer
36,99 $
To monitor humidity during the session.
View productUse the ladle and bucket only when the heater instructions authorize pouring water on the stones. Never pour water on the infrared panels.
Before buying, also discover the history of Tylö since 1949, its technologies, and its complete range of products.
Frequently asked questions
Does an infrared sauna heat the stones?
No, the infrared cabins in the Kiruna range use CarbonFlex panels rather than the stone heater characteristic of a traditional sauna.
Can the traditional and infrared modes be used at the same time in a hybrid sauna?
According to the Tylö Kiruna Hybrid product sheets in our catalog, the two modes are used separately: you choose one experience or the other.
Does a traditional sauna always require a 240 V power supply?
No, not necessarily. Requirements vary depending on the cabin and heater. For example, the Halmstad 2 lists 120 V configurations in its product sheet, while the Halmstad 3 indicates 240 V. The instructions for the exact configuration prevail.
Is an infrared sauna preferable after training?
Some preliminary data are encouraging regarding perceived recovery, but the evidence is too limited to declare one type of sauna superior in all situations.
Where can you discover Tylö models in Quebec?
Piscine Hippocampe in Delson on Montreal's South Shore offers Tylö sauna product sheets and guidance for comparing models. Contact our team to find out about availability and the models displayed in store.
Information about the benefits of sauna use is general and does not constitute medical advice. If you have cardiovascular disease, are pregnant, or have medical concerns, consult a healthcare professional before use.