Saunas do provide physical and mental health benefits. But not all saunas are created equal. Here, we share our recommendations, expert advice, and trusted brands.
I’m pretty sure 2024 will be the year of the sauna. A hot tub uses the best of nature to refresh you in minutes and has proven benefits for both your physical and mental health. There are many different types of outdoor saunas on the market, with the most unique being sauna tents and infrared saunas, but barrel saunas are undoubtedly the coolest and most practical sauna design out there—at the very least, they’re definitely the most photogenic.
The organic beauty and unique shape of the barrel sauna make it seem like it is in harmony with nature. In addition to its visual appeal, its shape also allows for efficient heat circulation. As for installation, it is great for beginners, as almost all outdoor barrel saunas come with kits for easy on-site assembly.
Readers of Field Magazine know that we have an endless passion for hot tubs and the art of wood-fired hot tubs as a way to immerse yourself in nature through a timeless, restorative practice that is both relaxing and healthy. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the world of barrel saunas, sharing practical tips, smart buying strategies, and our top recommendations to help you find the perfect sauna for all your future sweat sessions.
The cylindrical shape of a barrel sauna resembles a large wine barrel, allowing air to naturally circulate from top to bottom, making it more efficient than a square or cabin-style home sauna, where hot air tends to get trapped in open corners. “In a sauna, you want the heat to be distributed as evenly as possible so your head doesn’t sweat and your toes don’t get cold,” says Stuart Jensen, director of product design for Redwood Outdoors, a Washington-based manufacturer of premium saunas, hot tubs, and cold baths. “The barrel shape allows for a natural, even distribution of heat.”
The rounded shape sits on ‘stands’ rather than lying flat on the floor, allowing for ventilation from below and helping to keep the sauna dry.
Different types of saunas can provide a range of physical and mental health benefits, including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and lower blood pressure. The deep-cleansing sweat from heat therapy also hydrates the skin and promotes the body’s natural detoxification.
Interestingly, studies conducted on both occasional and regular sauna users have shown that the effects of sauna on the body are comparable to those of moderate to intense exercise. So, if you are struggling with an injury or illness that prevents you from doing this type of exercise, relaxing in a sauna may help speed up your recovery!
Most barrel saunas come in easy-to-assemble kits that are flat-packed and shipped to your door. Unlike building a sauna yourself, like our friend Andrew Szeto did, assembling a sauna kit doesn’t require a lot of DIY experience. Even a couple of DIYers can build a sauna in their backyard in an afternoon. Most kits only require a few basic tools that you may already have at home. Check out the video at the top of this article showing the steps to build a barrel sauna kit. Additionally, some sauna vendors offer on-site assembly for an additional fee.
If you decide to use an electric sauna heater, it is important to remember that you will need to hire a licensed electrician to wire your dry sauna to your home’s electrical system. Wiring a sauna to the electrical system can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on the size of the sauna, the type of heater, and its proximity to the electrical panel. For reference, a local electrician in Maine charged me $1,700 last fall to wire my two-person backyard sauna. Since this fee is not included in the price of the sauna, be sure to factor it into your overall cost.
Wood and electric sauna heaters work on the same principle, with the most obvious difference being the heat source. Many people find that electric heaters are quicker and easier to use (many even have Wi-Fi, allowing you to preheat your sauna without leaving your home), and that they provide more precise temperature control. However, as mentioned above, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to hook up the electricity, which can be expensive.
The most popular types of electric furnaces are the Tylo, HUUM Drop, Virta and Harvia KIP models, with a power of 4 to 10.5 kilowatts and a current of 20 to 30 amperes, depending on the size of the furnace.
On the other hand, a wood-fired sauna stove allows you to enjoy the sauna without being hooked up to the power grid and have more freedom in the placement of your sauna. Of course, you need to know how to make a fire. In my experience, a four-person sauna can reach very high temperatures in less than two hours. However, you will need to add wood and refill the fuel supply as it heats up. As with a wood-fired hot tub, this process is part of the experience. It also smells amazing.
A barrel sauna is a traditional sauna that uses a stove to create temperatures between 160 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit (about 74 to 85 degrees Celsius) and a bucket and ladle to pour water onto hot rocks, creating steam and promoting deep detoxification. You can control the temperature with an electric or wood-burning stove, and the humidity with the amount of water you sprinkle on the sauna rocks.
If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful view from your yard, then this barrel sauna is perfect for you. It features a unique design – the photo at the top of this post is of our friend Devon’s stunning rental cabin, Cedar Hollow. It’s made from rot-resistant and eco-friendly charred wood, and best of all, it has a full glass front wall for panoramic views. You can choose between a Harvia electric sauna stove or a wood-burning stove, which provides efficient heating whether you’re connected to the grid or not. The sauna comes with all the accessories you need and is easy to assemble. It’s the perfect place for nature lovers looking for a place to unwind and relax.
It’s hard to find a sauna kit for under $5,000, but this SaunaLife model is made from eco-friendly thermo-fir wood and is quite durable. The barrel sauna is compatible with both electric and wood-burning stoves, features a waterproof tile rain cover, has an interior height of 6 feet 5 inches, an ergonomic bench and backrest, and heavy-duty stainless steel straps for rigidity. Plus, it comes with a Wi-Fi-enabled app that controls the LED lights, so why not?
The Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna, made in West Virginia, has a 6 x 4 foot enclosure, making it easy to keep small and compact. Its compact size means it doesn’t take up much space and heats up quickly, making it a great choice for those looking to get a quick sweat in under an hour. Plus, there are plenty of add-ons to customize your small but functional sauna, including rear windows, lighting, and doors in solid wood, clear, or frosted tempered glass. Assembly required.
This spacious barrel sauna is designed to be used stand-alone with a wood stove or plugged into the grid with an electric heater. Made entirely from select Canadian Red Cedar, it looks great, functions well, and smells great. It’s a sauna experience like no other. Other features include a level floor (an unexpectedly practical upgrade) and a glass sauna door. A bucket, ladle, and ergonomic backrest are included. It takes just 3-4 hours for two people to assemble and can be shipped easily within the United States and Canada.
Dundalk of Canada is a respected manufacturer of high-quality saunas, and this sauna will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature while you sweat. This traditional sauna features a distinctive acrylic bubble back window and a crescent-shaped bench inside the dome, making it the hottest place in the house. Made from high-quality cedar, this sauna can be customized in a variety of ways, with features such as a porch, changing rooms, and clear cedar trim. DIY assembly required.
This high-performance sauna reaches temperatures of 74°C (189°F) in under an hour and features an outdoor covered seating area with benches. It’s the perfect place to relax between sauna sessions without being fully exposed to the elements. It can also be used as a small changing room. The red cedar sauna features a bench and backrest, and comes with sauna accessories such as a bucket and ladle, as well as volcanic stones for the heater.
What makes Forest Cooperage barrel saunas unique is their individuality: customers can choose a two-, four- or six-person sauna, all made from the same high-quality Western Red Cedar with the same craftsmanship. The minimalist barrel sauna is designed for two people and comes with a Harvia stove for ease of use, while the six-person barrel sauna comes with an additional clear acrylic dome, porch, and a WiFi-controlled Harvia stove. Self-assembly required.
Below is a detailed guide on how to own a small private sauna, including a list of home sauna alternatives that will help you sweat.
A chat with Lindsay Bro about how she’s amassed over 500,000 Instagram followers, her passion for bathing culture, and her favorite hot springs around the world