Silva buying guide · New Zealand
Infrared vs Wood-Fired Saunas
Two ways to bring a sauna home. Compare the space, setup and equipment behind each Silva range, then choose the one that fits your routine.
Wood-fired
For an outdoor space and a hands-on ritual: prepare the stove, light the wood and tend the fire.
Explore wood-fired
Infrared
For a dry space with suitable power: fit the panels, connect the controls and choose your settings.
Explore infraredThe practical differences, at a glance.
This comparison covers Silva’s portable wood-fired kits and Silva Box infrared range. It does not describe every traditional cabin or infrared sauna on the market.
| What to compare | Wood-fired | Infrared |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Wood-burning stove, chimney and sauna stones. | Eight removable infrared panels and digital controls. |
| Power or fuel | Wood fuel; the stove needs no electrical supply. | Requires a suitable mains power connection. |
| Placement | Outdoor use only; allow the required stove clearances. | A dry, level location with electrical components protected from water and weather. |
| Enclosure size | 1.8 × 1.8 m footprint; 2.1 m high. | 1.4 × 1.4 m footprint; 1.6 m high. |
| Seating | Core has no bench. Premium and Ultra add different cedar seating. | Two portable seats across the range. Retreat also includes a cedar bench. |
| Before each session | Prepare the stove, chimney and stones, then light and manage the fire. | Fit the panels, connect the controls and allow time to preheat. |
| Packing away | Allow the stove and stones to cool completely; dry the equipment before storage. | Switch off and unplug, allow to cool, then remove panels and controls before folding. |
The enclosure dimensions are not the full operating space. Allow extra room for access, assembly and the clearances in the owner’s manual.
Make it fit your everyday life
Start with your space. Then your routine.
Where will it go?
If you are choosing wood-fired, start with a suitable outdoor position. For Silva Box, plan a dry location and suitable electrical supply. Measure the available space before choosing seating or accessories.
Which setup will you enjoy?
Wood-fired involves fuel, lighting and tending a stove. Infrared uses electrical controls and removable panels. Choose the preparation and pack-down process you are comfortable repeating.
What needs to pack away?
Both ranges use portable enclosures. Plan storage for the separate equipment as well as the tent. Let everything cool and dry before packing; infrared panels must be removed before the enclosure is folded.
Same heating type. Different inclusions.
Once you choose the heat, choose your kit.
Core, Premium or Ultra
All three wood-fired models share the tent, stove, chimney and spark arrestor, sauna stones and setup equipment. The main choice is your seating.
- CoreThe foundation kit, without a bench.
- PremiumAdds the two-person foldable cedar bench.
- UltraAdds the cedar bench and table combination.
Silva Box, Plus or Retreat
All three use the same eight-panel heating system, enclosure, controls and two portable seats. The upgrades change the included equipment.
- Silva BoxThe portable infrared foundation.
- PlusAdds a separately controlled red light and SweatLock floor mat.
- RetreatAdds a cedar bench, weather-resistant cover, bamboo mat and two hats to the Plus setup.
Before your first session
Plan for your New Zealand location.
Use the owner’s manual for assembly, clearances, ventilation and care. Your chosen location matters as much as the tent’s footprint.
Check before lighting a wood-fired stove
Check current fire conditions and any site or landowner restrictions before use. Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s tool helps you check local conditions and permit requirements.
Check it’s alright — Fire and Emergency NZFor trips away from home, check the site rules too. DOC does not permit portable solid-fuel stoves on public conservation land.
Read DOC’s fire rulesKeep electrical components dry
Protect Silva Box panels, controls and connections from water and weather. Retreat’s cover does not make the electrical system waterproof. Follow the manual’s electrical and placement instructions.
A few useful answers
Questions before you choose.
Is a traditional sauna always wood-fired?
No. Traditional or hot-rock saunas can heat stones using a wood-burning or electric heater. Silva’s wood-fired range uses a wood-burning stove; Silva Box uses infrared panels.
Can I add water in an infrared sauna?
Silva Box is not designed for water to be poured onto its heating panels. Follow its manual. In the wood-fired range, the sauna stones are part of the stove setup; follow the wood-fired manual for their use.
Is infrared heating the same feature as red light?
In Silva Box, infrared panels provide the sauna’s heating. Plus and Retreat also include a separate red-light unit. The base Silva Box does not include that additional unit.
How should I compare the total cost?
Compare the sauna, seating and any optional extras. NZD prices are displayed on each sauna page and NZ shipping is free. Use the inclusion lists to choose the setup you need.
Where will my NZ order come from?
Free shipping throughout New Zealand, including all 17 regions and Chatham Islands. Silva covers NZ import GST, any import duties and customs clearance fees. You will not receive an additional bill for these charges. Estimated delivery for in-stock products is 7–11 days. Preorder dispatch dates are separate; see the product page for availability.
See how each sauna is set up.
Still choosing?
Talk through your space with Samuel.
Tell us where you want to set up and which parts of the sauna routine matter most to you.