Cylinder-type ceramic heaters
These heaters consist of a thick cylindrical casing containing ceramic plates and stainless steel reflectors.
They have highly emissive properties that allow them to effectively radiate infrared heat.
The cylindrical bore reflects the heat more directly toward the body, while the reflectors project additional heat from behind the heater.
Concave-type ceramic heaters
These heaters are curved inward and usually have galvanized metal bodies.
The concave shape distributes heat over a wider area, making them ideal for large saunas and multiple users.
Most models lack steel reflectors, so they may not reflect heat as effectively from the back of the heater.
Carbon heaters Carbon heaters have heat panels made of carbon layers encased in laminated fiberglass sheets.
They direct heat outwards in a straight line, so they have to be positioned properly to effectively warm the user’s body.
They also lack steel reflectors, which causes heat from the back to flow away from the user.
Incoloy rod heaters
These heaters have heating elements made of Incoloy, an alloy of nickel, iron, and chromium.
They reflect only 50% to 60% of far infrared light, which prevents heat from effectively penetrating the skin and warming the body.
They are used in applications that require high air temperature, such as rock sauna heaters.
Aluminum heaters
Aluminum heaters are made of Incoloy rods enclosed in aluminum sheets and plated with a thin ceramic coating.
They reflect infrared heat in different directions, but heat from the back is often absorbed by the walls because there are no backside reflectors.
They relatively light and compact, and are often used in larger heater models.
| 
