A plug-in home infrared sauna rated at 1.6 to 2.2kW costs an estimated 32p to 43p per session to run in the UK, based on Ofgem's current price cap electricity rate and a 45 minute run time including warm-up. That works out at around £5 to £8 a month for four sessions a week. Traditional saunas with larger stoves generally cost more, because they draw more power and take longer to heat up.
The figures below are estimates. Your actual costs depend on your tariff, how long you preheat, the temperature you choose, the room you put the sauna in and how often you use it. For more on choosing a sauna, see our home sauna guide.
The electricity price we have used
Ofgem sets the energy price cap every three months. For 1 October to 31 December 2026, Ofgem gives an average electricity unit rate of 26.32p per kWh for customers paying by Direct Debit. Ofgem also notes that there is no VAT on electricity from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
This is an average across Great Britain. Rates vary by region, payment method and tariff, and fixed or time-of-use tariffs can be higher or lower. Check your latest bill for your own unit rate, and remember the cap changes each quarter. The daily standing charge is not included in our sums, because you pay it whether or not you use a sauna.
How to work out the cost
The calculation is simple:
- Take the sauna's rated power in kilowatts (kW). For example, 1700W is 1.7kW.
- Multiply by the hours it is switched on, including warm-up, to get kilowatt hours (kWh).
- Multiply the kWh by your unit rate in pence.
So a 1.7kW sauna running for 45 minutes (0.75 hours) uses 1.7 x 0.75 = 1.275kWh. At 26.32p per kWh, that is about 33.6p.
This is a deliberately cautious estimate. It assumes the heaters run at full rated power the whole time. In practice, once a sauna reaches its set temperature, the thermostat cycles the heaters on and off to hold it there, so real use is often lower than the rated figure suggests.
Worked examples: ThermoX far-infrared saunas
These examples use the rated power of each cabin and the Ofgem average rate of 26.32p per kWh. All figures are estimates rounded to the nearest penny, assuming full power throughout.
| Model (rated power) | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauna Mini (1600W) | 21p | 32p | 42p |
| OG Sauna (1700W) | 22p | 34p | 45p |
| Sauna Max (2200W) | 29p | 43p | 58p |
Monthly and yearly estimates
Assuming four 45 minute run times a week (warm-up plus session), every week of the year:
| Model | Per week | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauna Mini | £1.26 | £5.47 | £65.69 |
| OG Sauna | £1.34 | £5.82 | £69.80 |
| Sauna Max | £1.74 | £7.53 | £90.33 |
If you use the sauna daily, multiply the weekly figure by 7 and divide by 4. If your unit rate is different, scale the numbers: for example, at a rate 10% higher than 26.32p, each figure rises by about 10%.
How a traditional sauna compares
Traditional electric sauna stoves are generally more powerful than infrared panels because they have to heat a whole room of air and a mass of stones to around 80 to 100°C. Using the same formula, a hypothetical 6kW stove running at full power for one hour would use 6kWh, costing about £1.58 at 26.32p per kWh. Because traditional saunas also tend to need a longer warm-up, the total run time per session is often longer too. Actual stove ratings and warm-up times vary widely, so check the specification of any model you are considering. For the wider differences between the two, read infrared vs traditional sauna.
What affects your running costs
- Preheat time: the longer you leave the sauna warming before you get in, the more it costs. Switching on only as far ahead as you need is the easiest saving.
- Temperature setting: a higher set temperature means the heaters work harder and cycle off less.
- Session length: shorter sessions use less energy, and are also what most guidance recommends.
- Room temperature: a cabin in a cold room has more heat to make up than one in a warm room.
- Door discipline: keep the door closed while the cabin heats and during your session.
- Your tariff: some time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper electricity at certain times of day, which may suit evening or early morning sessions.
Other costs to budget for
Running costs are only part of the picture. A plug-in infrared cabin has no installation cost beyond assembly, as it runs from a standard 13A socket. A traditional sauna with a hardwired stove usually needs a qualified electrician, and this work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, which adds to the upfront cost. Our home sauna buying guide covers power, space and installation in more detail.
Maintenance for an infrared cabin is minimal: wipe the wood with a soft, dry cloth after use and avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
A note on safety
Using a sauna for less time is cheaper, but more importantly it is sensible. Speak to your GP before using a sauna if you have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, are pregnant, or have any other medical condition. Avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and start cooler and shorter. See our sauna safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an infrared sauna cost per session in the UK?
Based on Ofgem's average price cap rate of 26.32p per kWh for October to December 2026, our infrared saunas cost an estimated 32p to 43p for a 45 minute run time at full rated power. Your cost depends on your tariff and how you use the sauna.
Is an infrared sauna cheaper to run than a traditional sauna?
Usually, yes. Infrared cabins are typically lower powered and warm up faster, while traditional electric stoves draw more power and need to heat a whole room of air and stones. Compare the rated power and expected run time of the models you are considering.
Does the standing charge go up if I use a sauna?
No. The daily standing charge is a fixed amount you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. Only the units (kWh) the sauna uses add to your bill.
Why are these figures only estimates?
They assume the heaters run at full rated power the whole time, and use an average GB rate. In reality, thermostats cycle the heaters, and unit rates vary by region and tariff and change every quarter.