An outdoor sauna may seem like an impractical waste of money, but it can be a great investment in your overall health. And they may not be as expensive as you think.
In addition to being relaxing and restorative, home outdoor saunas also provide health benefits, such as “relieving muscle tension and stress, improving circulation, and lowering cortisol levels,” says Home Depot associate and sales associate Uneb Rahman.
“An outdoor sauna can be built as a freestanding structure or attached to a patio or porch,” adds Rahman. “Wood-fired saunas and steam saunas are ideal for outdoor relaxation.”
It can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people and is equipped with Bluetooth speakers and LED reading lights to make the trip even more enjoyable.
The Kanlanth Hemlock 4-Person Infrared Sauna is our number one pick for the best outdoor saunas thanks to its affordable price, large capacity, and full functionality.
The sauna is made from select Canadian hemlock wood and features eight carbon crystal infrared heating panels that heat to 149°F in 15 minutes, a touch control panel with LED display, two Bluetooth speakers and two LED reading lights.
It uses infrared heating technology, so it doesn’t require water or steam to generate heat like a traditional steam sauna, but it’s not too hot. It can accommodate up to 4 people, and vents at the top allow air to circulate. It can be used indoors or outdoors.
Product Details: Dimensions: 68 x 52 x 82.6 inches | Recommended Capacity: 4 | Type: Infrared
If you are looking for an efficient and beautifully designed sauna, we recommend the sauna from Sun Home. We tried this infrared sauna in our home for a month and were impressed with its overall aesthetics.
We hired two professionals to build the sauna, which took them about 10 hours. Only one person had experience building a sauna, and that was from a different brand.
Despite the large company logo on the sauna door, we like the black exterior and wooden interior, which makes the sauna look modern and stylish.
We found that the sauna heated up quickly and maintained the temperature we had set. Overall, the sauna was easy to operate, but the sauna app included a setting that allows the user to program the sauna. However, since the sauna heated up very quickly, we felt that we did not need it.
During our testing, we found the app to be a bit limited, and we would have liked more features. However, the sauna also includes Bluetooth speakers, chroma therapy, LED lights, and under-bench and outdoor lighting. Our biggest complaint is the sound quality of the speakers, which we think could use some improvement. [Editor’s note: Since we first tested this sauna, Sun Home has released a new app that includes features like sauna control and guided meditations. They’ve also upgraded the sound system to include two 8-inch high-definition speakers. We haven’t tested the app or speaker yet.]
While the sauna is an investment, it also includes cup holders, magazine racks, phone or iPad racks, chargers, and a towel rack. There were also robes, towels, and sauna caps to complete the spa-like feel.
The unit is designed for two people, and we found that both of them could sit upright comfortably. The curved seats are not adjustable and are not large enough to lie down on, but we found them to be comfortable nonetheless.
The sauna had a pleasant cedar scent that made it feel more like a spa. Since we used the sauna barefoot, it required little maintenance and remained fairly clean throughout our testing.
However, the company does recommend putting a case on the device in inclement weather. We tore the case when trying to put it on, but customer service easily fixed it, so we don’t consider it a deal-breaker.
Product Details: Dimensions: 57 x 51.5 x 82.7 inches | Recommended Capacity: Two | Type: Infrared
The SweatTent Outdoor Sauna proves that affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or functionality. This sauna tent is lightweight and portable, and its “QuickPop” design makes it easy to set up and take down.
Plus, it’s wood-fired and heats up to 200°F in just 30 minutes, so you’ll be relaxing in no time. Instead of traditional materials like cedar or pine, it’s made from durable, heat-resistant 210D Oxford fabric (available in black or green) for a comfortable spa experience.
The sauna comes with a zippered entrance for easy entry and exit, a chimney for ventilation, and a fiberglass roof covering for weather protection. You also get a wooden thermometer, ergonomic fireplace tongs, heat-resistant gloves, and a bag for easy transport.
Please keep in mind that the stainless steel stove that comes with the SweatTent outdoor sauna weighs 50 pounds and may require some extra effort to transport.
With over 40 years of experience designing and building saunas, Almost Heaven is one of our leading outdoor sauna brands, and the Salem Two-Person Barrel Sauna is our favorite.
The sauna has a unique barrel design that is not only beautiful but also provides good heat distribution. It is ideal for small yards or areas with limited space and can accommodate up to two people. Be sure to leave enough space around the sauna for proper ventilation.
The included heater can be controlled manually or via Wi-Fi depending on your preference, allowing you to reach temperatures of up to 85°C in about an hour.
Almost Heaven offers you a variety of sauna options. You can design it according to your taste and style, from wood to the type of windows and lighting.
This requires assembly, but most users say it’s relatively simple and easy to do. If you choose a stain color, you’ll have to apply it yourself after assembly.
The heater also requires a 240V power source and a 30A circuit breaker to operate safely. If you are not familiar with electrical work, it is recommended that you consult a licensed electrician for installation.
Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 75.37 x 47 inches | Recommended Capacity: Two | Type: Dry Sauna
The Kanlanth Hemlock 4-Person Infrared Sauna is our top pick for the best outdoor saunas because it’s affordable, has a large capacity, and has convenient features like infrared heating, Bluetooth speakers, and LED lighting.
Before you start buying an outdoor sauna, carefully evaluate the dimensions of the room where you plan to install it. Make sure that the room has enough space to install the sauna, as well as good ventilation and the necessary space for easy entry and exit.
“A typical sauna ranges in size from 3 feet by 3 feet to 8 feet by 12 feet,” Rahman said. He noted that when choosing a size, consider the amount of seating you need, with ideally at least 2 feet of headroom per person.
Leave enough space behind the sauna for maintenance, repairs, and electrical connections. Also, when choosing a location for the sauna, consider the direction in which the door will open. This will help you choose the right size and shape for your space and needs.
Once you have determined the correct size for your outdoor sauna, you need to consider its recommended capacity; that is, how many people can comfortably and safely use it.
Remember, do not crowd the sauna. This will disrupt proper air circulation and may create a safety hazard. Choose the recommended capacity that suits your needs and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Dry saunas, such as infrared saunas, are more energy efficient than wet or traditional saunas. They use infrared technology to heat your body rather than the surrounding air, producing less heat but warming you up faster. Our favorite is the Kanlanth Hemlock 4-Person Infrared Sauna, which is great for saving energy.
Traditional saunas and infrared saunas (including dry saunas) have lower humidity because they produce dry heat, without steam. Wet saunas (such as steam saunas) on the other hand, create steam by pouring water onto hot stones or using a steam generator.
“Imagine being in a jungle or a desert,” says Vivian Yu, a personal trainer, physical therapist, and founder of Gym Near Me. “You’ll feel warm in both places, but the air will feel different. That’s the difference between a dry sauna and a wet sauna: A dry sauna uses dry heat and minimal humidity, while a wet sauna (steam room) uses humidity.”
Tabitha Britt is a writer and editor with over 14 years of experience writing on a variety of topics including health, wellness, home, lifestyle, and the outdoors. For this article, she carefully reviewed several options and considered key factors such as size, recommended capacity, type, and heat source to find the best outdoor sauna.
To get more information, she turned to personal trainer, physical therapist and founder of Gym Near Me Vivian Yu and Home Depot partner and salesperson Unib Rahman for help.