If you’re an American reading this article, you might think that one of the best home saunas is the hot wood-fired cabin located across from the steam room at the health club.
However, for many people around the world, dry saunas play a more important role in their lives than hot baths, which may or may not feature on the list of health benefits of exercising after hitting the rowing machine, bike or elliptical machine at the gym.
“Dry saunas not only provide relaxation, but also provide a host of incredible benefits to the body,” Neil Polvin, MD, a board-certified family practice and regenerative medicine physician, told The Washington Post. “According to one study, heat can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, ease chronic pain, reduce joint stiffness, and even help boost the immune system.”
If that’s not a reason to learn more about the best home saunas, we don’t know what is. Below, you’ll find our top recommendations.
The practice of relaxing for a while in this small, dry, hot place is said to have originated between 2,000 and 10,000 years ago, depending on who you ask. While the exact origins of the sauna are nearly impossible to trace, there is overwhelming evidence that the sauna closest to what we think of today originated in Northern Europe.
It’s no surprise, then, that in many European countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Russia, and Finland (countries well known for their saunas and sauna culture), you can easily find homes with saunas. If you don’t believe us, ask yourself why the only Finnish word that appears in everyday English is, you guessed it, “sauna.”
You won’t usually find them at your local home improvement store, so you’ll want to turn to us. We know exactly where to buy them online, and we’ve spent time researching and consulting with experts to find out what you should be looking for when looking for the best home sauna.
As the only home saunas proven to actually eliminate ELF and EMF (extremely low frequency and electromagnetic fields), Sun Home Saunas sold by Sun Home use a proprietary heater to produce unrivaled full spectrum infrared energy.
In addition, Sun Home’s full spectrum technology provides the deepest penetration of infrared heat. Sun Home saunas are available in basswood or mahogany and in a variety of 2, 3, and 4-person models.
I have been using the Equinox Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna by Sun Home Sauna for about a month now and it has really made a difference. The delivery was very smooth, it was installed in my garage and two subcontractors helped me assemble it. The whole process took less than 2 hours and you are good to go! This home sauna only requires a 20 amp outlet and space.
I decided to use it in my detached garage to save space. This sauna requires almost a foot of extra space and I just don’t have that much room in my house. Still, it was a great experience and relaxing experience overall. The infrared heat penetrates deeper to help flush out toxins and gets deeper into the muscles to reduce inflammation and soreness.
I have had lower back issues in the past and being able to use a sauna has been a huge help in my recovery process. I also find that it reduces stress levels and helps me relax. I also use it when I have a cold and being able to “sweat it out” is a great home remedy for me!
Finally, since this isn’t just traditional heat/steam, the temperature doesn’t have to be as high as a steam room or wood-fired sauna. The 165 degrees Fahrenheit here will still make you sweat and provide you with the supposed benefits of infrared heat therapy.
Product Dimensions: 39.9″ deep x 45.4″ wide x 70.3″ high (inside); 45.9″ deep x 50.9″ wide x 77.7″ high (outside) | Weight: 520 lbs | Heating Element: EMF Shielding Technology | Special Features: Infrared Heater, 7-Year Warranty, FDA Approved Materials
If you are on a budget but still want a high-quality infrared home sauna, Dynamic Saunas is your best choice. This Bluetooth-compatible home sauna is made from reclaimed Canadian hemlock and features remote-controlled chromotherapy lighting. This sauna is beautifully designed and powerful. Canadian hemlock is strong and durable, with a distinctly visible light brown wood grain.
Customer says: “We love our sauna. It is well made, easy to assemble and would be a great addition to your home. Very relaxing.”
Product Dimensions: 32″L x 36″W x 72″H (inside); 36″L x 39″W x 75″H (outside) | Weight: 265 lbs | Heating Element: Far Infrared | Special Features: LED Light, Audio In/Out, Antimicrobial Materials
If you’re looking for a sauna that can accommodate two people and want to save a little money, the Maxxus Toulouse Infrared Sauna from Dynamic Saunas is a good investment.
Equipped with 6 infrared carbon energy-saving heating panels with 1750W power, each user is provided with three infrared power panels. Use the internal or external controls to adjust and display the color therapy light, built-in reading light and AUX connection to the speakers.
Customer Review: “I am very happy with this purchase… it only takes a few minutes to assemble, the built-in fasteners simply attach the sides to the base. No tools are required at all. Wiring is a simple matter of snapping the labeled parts together… and then simply plugging into a regular plug. Heat up time is about 25 minutes… and easily fits two people. It is definitely comparable to a $7,000 product we were considering purchasing at our local store.”
Product Dimensions: 42″ Long, 50″ Wide, 75″ High | Weight: 250 lbs | Heating Element: Low Electromagnetic Far Infrared | Special Features: FM Radio, CD Player, Aux Port, and Built-in Speakers
The corner design takes the Heatwave Sonoma Hemlock 3-Person Infrared Corner Sauna to the next level, and it is sure to be the center of attention in your home. With a built-in MP3 player and wireless connectivity, one, two, or three people can enjoy the benefits of this indoor infrared sauna. The design also includes a vent and two benches for sitting and relaxing.
Product Dimensions: 27.5″ deep x 51.6″ wide x 68.5″ high (inside); 35″ deep x 55″ wide x 75″ high (outside) | Weight: 342 lbs | Heating Element: Far Infrared | Special Features: LED Lighting, Audio In/Out, Antimicrobial Design
This sauna can accommodate up to 4 people and is especially impressive due to its fully ADA compliant design.
Saunas sold by Sun Home use a proprietary heater that delivers the full spectrum of infrared power found in leading sauna brands. This beautifully designed sauna utilizes all useful infrared wavelengths (near, mid, and far) to provide the best experience.
You can monitor all your calorie intake with the app (up to 36 hours in advance), so you don’t have to worry about getting up or moving to feel the benefits.
Customer Review: “Since owning the Sun Home Infrared Sauna, I look forward to the hours and days I can spend relaxing in the sauna. The sauna relieves my aches and pains and calms me down. Installing the sauna at home made the whole process so quick and easy. No more driving to the gym to use the sauna. I love it!”
Product Dimensions: 61″L x 71″W x 81″H (Inside); 64.5″L x 76″W x 85.5″H (Outside) | Weight: 779 lbs | Heating Element: EMF Shielding Technology | Special Features: Medical Chromotherapy, Bluetooth Audio System, Powerful Heater
If you are short on cash or just want to try a home spa, this home spa project is for you. Portable saunas are the best compromise, as they are located at a height that allows most people to stand upright. Installation is quick and easy, and the kit includes heated mats and a remote control for easy operation of the unit.
Customer Review: “All the [personal saunas] I’ve used before have had a head sticking out, but this is a full sauna that you can step into and suck your whole body in… Once I got it, I set it up, put a towel on it (as others recommended), and waited a few minutes. When I sat in it, it was like heaven, and now I can burn calories and listen to music or audiobooks in the comfort of my own home. Take your money and buy it now – or not before!”
Product Dimensions: 7″L x 16″W x 43″H (unassembled); 35.4″L x 35.4″W x 70.9″H (assembled) | Weight: 24.2 lbs | Heating Element: Infrared | Special Features: Includes folding chair, remote control, heated footrests
If saunas can be sexy, then this Luminar 5-Person Outdoor Infrared Full Spectrum Sauna from Sun Home is the one for you. This indoor sauna uses aircraft-grade aluminum for the exterior panels and cedar wood for the interior, giving you the ultimate sauna experience. This sauna seats up to 5 people and is a great buy for the serious sauna enthusiast. You’ll have a lot of new neighborhood friends to say hello to.
Customers say: “I’ve been to several saunas, but this one is the best. The heat is even and powerful. It feels like great quality. I highly recommend it!”
Product Dimensions: 51.5″ deep x 82″ wide x 82.5″ high (inside); 47″ deep x 78″ wide x 75″ high (outside) | Weight: 1,270 lbs | Heating Element: EMF Shielding Technology | Special Features: Heat-treated carbonized wood material for outdoor use, WiFi and mobile app-enabled control center, Bluetooth audio
When looking for a new home sauna, it is extremely important to know where to place it. Depending on the capacity (usually from 1 to 6 people), a home sauna can be placed in a large bedroom, basement, garage or even outdoors.
Remember that the larger the sauna, the more electricity it will require. Therefore, you may need an outlet that provides more power than the standard 120V 15A outlet.
This depends not only on your aesthetic taste, but also on where you place the sauna. Unless the sauna is specifically designed for outdoor use, it should be placed indoors to protect it from the elements.
How often do you plan to use the sauna? With whom? If you plan to use the sauna occasionally and alone, a cheaper design that takes up less space may be a better investment.
If you plan to use your sauna regularly with other people, then investing in something more durable and that better suits your home’s design may be a better value for your money.
Home saunas come in a variety of styles, including portable infrared saunas, which are small, easy to set up, and use infrared heat to directly warm the body at a lower temperature. Traditional dry saunas are usually built as permanent structures and use an electric or wood stove to create dry heat, providing a more authentic sauna experience. Steam saunas, which often come as steam showers or kits, create a high-humidity environment by converting water into steam, providing a soothing, moist heat for home use.
Installation is a key factor when purchasing a home sauna, as some models, such as traditional saunas, require permanent installation and professional installation, while others, such as portable infrared saunas, are easier to assemble and move. The cost of a home sauna varies depending on the type, size, and materials, with traditional saunas generally being more expensive because they require special construction and higher-quality components.
Additionally, ongoing maintenance and energy costs should be considered, as larger saunas or those that require higher temperatures may result in higher energy bills over time.
Maintenance is an important consideration when purchasing a home sauna, as some types of saunas, such as traditional wood-fired saunas, require regular maintenance of the stove, wood, and wood surfaces to prevent wear and tear.
Infrared saunas generally have fewer moving parts, but they still require regular cleaning of the heater and interior to maintain efficiency and hygiene. In addition, all saunas require regular inspections of electrical components, ventilation systems, and water supply (for steam saunas) to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
When shopping for a home sauna, look for features that suit your needs, such as size and capacity to ensure comfort and ample space. Consider the type of heating system – infrared, traditional or steam. Check if it is suitable for your preferred sauna and if it is energy efficient, which will help reduce operating costs.
Other desirable features include adjustable temperature controls, built-in lighting or sound systems (to enhance the relaxation experience), and durable, easy-to-clean materials that will maintain the appearance and performance of the sauna for a long time.
“A dry sauna increases your core body temperature, which in turn increases your heart rate and circulation,” says Polvin. “Like aerobic exercise, your heart has to work harder to pump blood at higher temperatures.”
“The main difference between traditional dry saunas and infrared saunas is their temperature and the way they generate heat. Traditional saunas can reach temperatures of 195 degrees Fahrenheit, which can seem unbearable, while infrared saunas are more gentle, reaching a maximum temperature of about 160 degrees Fahrenheit,” explains Alain Palinski, founder of Kollectiv in New York City.
“In addition, dry saunas use an external heat source to warm the skin. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use light waves to heat the body at a deep cellular level.”
“Both heat treatments provide similar benefits (just with different heat distribution), but with an infrared sauna you can: Stay in the sauna longer than a traditional sauna,” explains Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder of Remedy Place. “Infrared heats up faster and releases more toxins through sweat.”