One of the best muscle recovery tools to help optimize performance is the sauna. With health benefits ranging from improved muscle recovery and cardiovascular performance to brain health and reduced inflammation, there are a lot of reasons to consider adding a sauna to your home gym.
Our team of certified personal trainers, athletes, and coaches has tested 30 saunas (and counting), and we even helped close to 500 consumers buy saunas last year. Furthermore, we talked to Thomas Barbeau, CSCS, SCCC, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Carolina Panthers, about real sauna benefits for elite athletes, and had Dr. Raj Dasgupta—a quadruple board-certified physician with more than 20 years of experience—medically review this content for accuracy.
As described in our sauna testing methodology, our expert product testers looked at the following factors when researching and testing home saunas:
- Construction: To earn a 3-out-of-5 rating or higher for construction, saunas should be sturdy, built with the best woods for saunas with minimal creaking and no air leaks.
- Performance: A sauna will earn a 3 out of 5 or higher for performance if it heats up quickly and requires minimal to no adjustments once the temperature is set.
- Features: Products will receive a 3 out of 5 in this category if they can display the temperature and allow users to adjust the levels to their liking; additional quality-of-life features may earn a sauna an even higher score.
- Delivery and Setup: For delivery and setup, saunas can earn a 3-out-of-5 score or higher if they offer curbside delivery and have a hassle-free assembly process that takes less than three hours. The easier the assembly, the higher the rating.
GGR Gold Pick — Best Home Sauna
We selected the 4.4-star-rated Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna as the best home sauna for its above-average temperature range and ease of assembly. It accomplishes all of this with a smaller footprint than its competitors, as well.
12 Best Home Saunas for 2026
- Best Home Sauna Overall – Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Best Traditional Sauna for Home – Plunge Sauna
- Best Home Sauna with Red Light Therapy – Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
- Best 2-Person Sauna for Home – Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna
- Best Infrared Sauna for Home – Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna
- Best Sauna Blanket – HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Best Dry Sauna for Home – Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna
- Best Outdoor Home Sauna – Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna
- Best Portable Home Sauna – SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna
- Best Affordable Home Sauna – SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
- Best Indoor Sauna – HigherDOSE Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Best Low-EMF Infrared Sauna – Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2 Person Sauna
Current Top Deals
- Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna – Free shipping on all orders (up to a $1,500 value)
- Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna – Save up to 30%
- Plunge Sauna – Take up to 20% off cold plunges and saunas
- Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna – Get up to 40% off
Latest Updates
In February 2026, we reviewed our panel selections to ensure we continue to offer the saunas we truly believe are the best of the best. We also updated the current pricing and added more details on the different types of home saunas on the market, as well as safety considerations for sauna usage.
Best Home Saunas Video Review
Compare Side By Side
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| Sun Home Equinox | Plunge Sauna | Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna | Sunlighten Amplify II | Sun Home Luminar | HIgherDOSE Blanket | Almost Heaven Barrel Sauna | Redwood Outdoors Mini-Cube | SereneLife Sauna | SaunaBox SmartSteam | HigherDOSE Sauna | Heavenly Heat Sauna | |
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| Type | Indoor infrared | Indoor/Outdoor Electric | Infrared | Indoor Infrared | Indoor/Outdoor Infrared | Infrared Blanket | Indoor/Outdoor Electric | Outdoor electric | Indoor Electric | Indoor/Outdoor Steam | Indoor Infrared | Indoor Infrared |
| Footprint | 51” L x 46” W x 78” H | 67” L x 60” W x 95” H | 47″ L × 43″ W × 75″ H | 45″ L x 40″ W x 70″ H | 57” L x 52” W x 83” H | 71” L x 71” W | 72” L X 72” W X 78” H | 68.75” L x 50.75” W x 81” H | 35” L x 35” W x 71” H | 35” L x 35” W x 74.4” H | 71” L x 48″ W x 77” H | 47.2” L x 41.3” W x 75” H |
| Max Temp. | 165 F | 230 F | 165 F | 170 F | 175 F | 190 F | 190 F | 140 F | 130 F | 150 F | 165 F | |
| Capacity | 2 people | 5 (Standard), 7 (XL) | 2-person (1- and 3-person models available) | 2 people | 2 people | 1 person | 4 people | 2 people | 1 person | 1 person | 3 people | 2 people |
| Power Req. | 120V | 240V | 120V | 240 V | 120V | 220V | 240V | 120V | 110V | 240V | 120V | |
| Warranty | 7 years, controls: 3 years | 2 years | Limited lifetime, controls: 3 years | Limited 6 years | 1 year | Limited lifetime, heaters: 5 years | Limited 1 year | N/A | 2 years | Heaters: lifetime, other components: 5 years | 10 years, electrical/heaters: 6 years | |
Best Home Sauna Overall: Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The Sun Home Equinox Sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near, mid, and far infrared rays during a sauna session. With a controlled temperature adjustment, the sauna also features medical-grade chromotherapy LED lights and Bluetooth or auxiliary enabled surround sound.
What our tester says:
“You can feel this sauna heat up in seconds—I really enjoy using it.”
Best Traditional Sauna for Home: Plunge Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The Plunge Sauna is a versatile take on a traditional Finnish sauna. With a slanted back wall, the Plunge Sauna provides an ergonomic backrest to add comfort to your sauna session. Additionally, the benches fold up to allow more space for standing or stretching. The electric heater is able to let the sauna reach temperatures up to 230 degrees, according to the company.
What our tester says:
“Once it reaches the goal temperature, it holds it really well.”
Best Home Sauna with Red Light Therapy: Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
The Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna is a dual-function unit combining infrared heat and red light therapy in a space-saving design. With its low-EMF carbon heaters, sleek aesthetic, and plug-and-play setup, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to elevate their home wellness routine with minimal hassle.
What our tester says:
“It has one of the most comfortable benches I’ve ever tested. It has a nice slant-back design where two people can easily fit comfortably.”
Best 2-Person Sauna for Home: Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna
Updated by: Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
The Sunlighten Amplify II is a full-spectrum infrared sauna with a built-in sound system and color therapy features.
Best Infrared Sauna for Home: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Infrared Sauna has a sleek aesthetic to its design, while also being functional. One of the only infrared saunas that are able to be set up outdoors, this sauna has an exterior built from aerospace grade aluminum to prevent warping and cracking. It also features a red cedar wood interior. This sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, providing near-, mid-, and far-infrared heat in the sauna.
What our tester says:
“You can feel this sauna heat up in seconds—I really enjoy using it.”
Best Sauna Blanket: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket offers a portable and affordable alternative to installing a sauna in your home. The sauna blanket uses far infrared technology to provide heat stimulation to your entire body while you’re inside the sauna blanket.
What our tester says:
“If you love sauna sessions and need a more portable option I think this is great. I felt super relaxed and enjoyed using it.”
Best Dry Sauna for Home: Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The Almost Heaven Morgan 4-Person Barrel Sauna is a barrel-shaped sauna to help circulate heat throughout the sauna evenly. This helps keep the temperature more uniform no matter how close or far you are from the Harvia heater. A more affordable option, this barrel sauna is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, as well as steam or dry heat.
What our tester says:
“It works great; I’ll usually turn it on about half an hour before my athletes are ready to use it, and it’ll be around 190 degrees by the time they hop in.”
Best Outdoor Home Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna from Redwood Outdoors is a compact two-person outdoor sauna, made for tight spaces or urban backyards. The Thermowood used is heat-treated Scandinavian softwood made to be resistant to cracking, warping, mildew, and insects.
Best Portable Home Sauna: SereneLife Full-Size Portable Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The SereneLife Compact Sit-In Sauna is a portable in-home sauna that can be assembled and then disassembled for compact storage. The sauna can reach a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The sauna features easy zipper access and a foldable chair for seated use. There are limited reviews but they are positive and found the sauna easy to set up.
What our tester says:
“The temperature that the foot pad provides is less than the overall temp of the sauna.”
Best Affordable Home Sauna: SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro offers an easy and affordable wet sauna option for home recovery sessions. It’s compact, folds down effortlessly, and is suitable for one person at a time. The heat is sourced from the SmartSteam Unit, which pumps steam into the SaunaBox and can be set to seven different settings.
What our tester says:
“It should take you less than 10 minutes and about 10 minutes to disassemble and clean it thoroughly.”
Best Indoor Sauna: HigherDOSE Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The HigherDOSE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation and can be purchased for 2- or 3-person use. You’ll have Bluetooth connectivity and a media shelf to stream entertainment during sauna bathing sessions.
What our tester says:
“The color palette they worked with also looks sharp, and very intentional to be something that is modern-looking but will stand the test of time.”
Best Low-EMF Infrared Sauna: Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna features chromotherapy lighting and a low electromagnetic field. It’s made naturally with no glues, plywood, or stains.
What our tester says:
“I got in around 130 degrees and I started to sweat, which has not happened while testing other saunas during the pre-heating phase.”
Other Home Saunas We Researched
We took a look at quite a few other saunas before coming to our final list. Here are some that didn’t quite make the list.
- Dynamic Andora Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna: This affordable infrared sauna on Amazon uses far infrared heat to keep EMF levels very low, but the two-person capacity might be a bit of a stretch; the 43-inch-wide bench is a tight squeeze according to our testing. You can get all of our thoughts in our in-depth Dynamic Infrared Sauna review.
- Radiant Sauna 2-Person Hemlock Infrared Sauna: With six carbon heaters, this sauna is a more affordable option, but some reviews complain about it not getting hot enough.
- LifePro Portable Far Infrared Sauna Blanket: Another budget-friendly option for those looking to use a sauna, we went with other portable saunas, since this sauna blanket doesn’t allow your head and arms to be covered as well.
- Durasage Oversized Portable Personal Steam Sauna: While a larger option for portable saunas, this steam sauna only allows for sitting.
- Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket: This sauna blanket is super similar to the HigherDOSE sauna blanket in price, size, and heat capacity. You can read more in our Sun Home Sauna Blanket review.
- Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna: We’ve tested this half-dome-shaped personal sauna, and we don’t think it’s roomy enough for folks of all shapes and sizes.
How We Picked and Tested Home Saunas
To create our list of the best home saunas, we started with research, finding top brands on the market and selecting ones for in-depth testing. Because of long lead times and limited inventory in some cases, we’re still in the process of testing and trying out top brands.
When testing out saunas, we look at various features of the sauna, using it through multiple sessions. We rate it on the following categories:
- Delivery and Setup: Are there better delivery and installation options than just curbside delivery? Also, we noted any issues or hardships we had while building out the home sauna.
- Construction and Durability: We looked at the materials used, as well as the quality of the sauna’s build. Were there any weak spots where you’d worry about long-term use?
- Footprint and Portability: We noted the size and dimensions of each sauna, as well as the interior dimensions, to help determine if the space of the sauna was being used effectively. Most saunas aren’t portable, but we also noted when a sauna blanket or portable sauna possessed such a feature.
- Heat Performance: How fast did the sauna reach the desired temperature, and was it able to maintain that temperature for the sauna session?
- Features and Extras: Here, we looked at any added amenities that may improve your sauna experience. Extras can include a touch panel, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting, or even just a spoon and bucket to pour over sauna stones.
- Value: Saunas can vary in size and features—and in price. Does the size, quality, and features of a sauna justify the cost?
- Customer Experience: Here we looked at both how easy it is to contact customer service, as well as warranty, financing, and return policies.
- Customer Reviews: We took the average score of reviews from the brand’s website, or from third-party sellers like Amazon.
After testing and scoring each sauna, we took a variety of saunas suited for different uses and needs and created our list of the best home saunas.
Benefits of Home Saunas
There are quite a few benefits you can get from home saunas, but a lot depends on the heat of the sauna and the time spent in the sauna. I talked with Thomas Barbeau, CSCS, SCCC, an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Carolina Panthers, about his use of saunas for his athletes’ performance and recovery.
On the optimal conditions of sauna use, Thomas says, “A lot of the research suggests that the ideal temperature for sauna usage is above 176 degrees, and a session should be about 20 minutes long at that temperature to reap the full benefits of a sauna. Higher temperatures, though, can reduce the time needed in the sauna, whereas at about 200 degrees, you’d only need a 15-minute session.”

“A higher frequency of use tends to increase the benefits, too,” he adds. Because of this, Thomas tends to prefer traditional dry saunas for the higher temperatures they can reach, as steam and infrared saunas reach about 120 and 150 degrees, respectively.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, has a similar outlook on sauna use and safety.
“Keep sauna sessions to 15 to 20 minutes and pay attention to how you’re feeling,” he explains. “Stay hydrated before, during, and after, and avoid going in on an empty stomach or right after intense exercise.”
With that said, there are still plenty of benefits to have from an infrared sauna or steam sauna, such as reduced inflammation, increased recovery, and cardiovascular health, but the higher temperatures of a dry sauna have been shown to have unique benefits that can improve brain health as well. Let’s get into the benefits of home saunas.
Reduced Inflammation
One of the most well-known benefits of saunas is their ability to help reduce inflammation in the body.
A 2018 study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology2 measured the C-reactive proteins (CRP) of over 2,000 Finnish men. CRP is a blood protein that is used in inflammatory responses. Those who used saunas had lower CRP levels, and the correlation seemed inversely related to the frequency of sauna usage. Those who used the sauna over four times weekly had lower CRP levels than those who used it two or three times weekly.
Additionally, some anti-inflammatory proteins (such as IL-10) have been shown to increase with sauna usage. Another study from 20183 showed a significant increase in anti-inflammatory proteins after four weeks of consistent sauna usage.
Increased Recovery
Something vital to Thomas as an assistant strength coach for the Panthers is a sauna’s ability to aid in recovery after long football practices. Research shows that sauna use after exercise can help aid in an athlete’s recovery, with one study from 20194 even suggesting that resting heart rates were lower after sauna recovery than prior to sauna usage.
RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Supplements
Infrared saunas can help improve recovery as well. A small study from July 20235 showed that athletes who had a single infrared sauna session post-workout showed greater perceived recovery and less muscle soreness. Faster recovery leads to being able to train more efficiently the following day.
Cardiovascular Health and Performance
Saunas are a relatively safe way to train and increase your cardiovascular fitness and health. With the increased heat of a sauna, it can raise your heart rate6, up to levels comparable to moderate or vigorous levels of exercise.
One small study from 20197 measured the blood pressure and heart rate of 19 individuals during and 30 minutes after sauna use. In this study, participants’ blood pressure and heart rates increased significantly while under heat stress, but reduced to numbers below baseline after use.
Brain Health
One of the unique benefits of dry saunas (due to the increase in temperature) is their ability to help with brain health.
According to a 2017 study8, heat stress and exercise have been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein in the central and peripheral nervous systems. BDNF can have a ton of benefits, from helping with anxiety and depression9, as well as memory functions.
Preventing Muscle Waste
As an assistant strength coach, Thomas states, “We use saunas to help maintain muscle mass on injured athletes, as muscular atrophy can occur leading to strength losses in the first week due to reduced protein synthesis10.”
However, heat stress from saunas has been shown to prevent protein degradation from lack of activity. A study from 200711 suggests that intermittent heat stress can enhance skeletal muscle regrowth, which is a fantastic tool for a professional athlete recovering from injury—or a gym-goer with a pulled muscle.
What to Look for in the Best Home Saunas
There are a lot of factors determining what the right sauna is for you. Here are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Type
When looking into saunas, the first thing to decide is the type of sauna you’re looking at. Typically this is a debate between infrared and traditional saunas, or wet and dry saunas. Both provide similar benefits to muscle recovery and reduced inflammation, but traditional saunas have some unique benefits on improving brain health that occur at much higher temperatures.
Additionally, you should consider whether you want the sauna indoors or outdoors. Either way, it’s smart to consider the space you have to work with, and find a suitable option. If you don’t have a lot of space, a portable sauna or sauna blanket may be a viable option, then.
Performance
What is the sauna’s maximum temperature, and how quickly does it reach that temperature? The answer will depend on the type of sauna, but you’ll want to make sure the sauna reaches those ideal temperatures.
- Dry saunas can reach a maximum temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit, and typically hotter, generally within a half-hour.
- Steam saunas won’t get as warm, relying on the humidity to warm you up. They have a maximum temperature of about 120 degrees, and take about the same time to warm up.
- Infrared saunas can heat up in about half the time to a max temperature of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Electrical Requirements
Some saunas will use a standard 120-volt plug, making installation a breeze. However, many outdoor saunas (and some indoor ones) will use 240 volts, meaning a 240-volt outlet will need to be installed if you don’t have one. It’s best to have an electrician do this if you don’t have experience with wiring.
Features and Amenities
What other amenities are available to you while using the sauna? While the main goal is recovery, it’s nice to enjoy your time in the sauna. Common features include Bluetooth audio, lighting, and a Wi-Fi controller for ease of access in controlling timers and temperatures.
Some traditional Finnish saunas may keep the features minimal, but they should at least come with a thermometer and a bucket and ladle (to pour water over sauna rocks and help maintain or adjust the temperature).
Cost
Saunas can be expensive, even if they’re affordably priced. After looking at all of these factors in a sauna, make sure to check the price and see if the sauna brings enough value to justify the home sauna’s cost.
Home Sauna Types Explained
We believe home saunas can help almost anyone, but not every sauna is suitable for every home setup. Before committing to a certain model, you’ll want to know all about the different types of home saunas, as well as which silhouette suits your preferences best.
Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas
There’s more than one way to break a sweat, so it’s important to be informed on the differences between infrared saunas and traditional wet and dry saunas. Here’s a quick explainer:
- Infrared Saunas: These saunas work by using infrared lights to directly heat your body, rather than heating the air around you. Infrared saunas also warm up quicker than traditional profiles, and since they don’t rely on moisture as a heat source, there’s less of a danger of mold growth. The flip side is that infrared saunas tend to be pricier than traditional models, sometimes costing thousands more.
- Wet Saunas: Also called “steam rooms,” wet saunas utilize hot, humid air to superheat the interior of the unit. This is typically accomplished through heated stones that the user ladles water over. These models can typically reach 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit with 100% humidity. And while the additional moisture will require more maintenance, there are unique benefits to all of that steam. According to research in the Canadian Medical Association Journal13, steam can help break up mucus membranes and relieve headaches that occur due to sinus pressure.
- Dry Saunas: Electric heaters are used to warm the sauna interior. The temperatures inside range from 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the units top out at 10 to 20% humidity. One benefit here is that there won’t be as much moisture created inside the sauna, so the risk of mold or bacteria growth is reduced as long as you towel off the insides and leave the door open between uses.
Many non-infrared home sauna models offer options for both wet and dry heat, as well, which is another consideration if you like to flip-flop between recovery modalities.
Portable vs. Built-In Saunas
While we love home saunas here at GGR, we admit that they’re not practical for everyone’s situation. For those in smaller living spaces or those who are frequently on the road, portable saunas can offer a viable way to reap the sweaty benefits without the space (or monetary) commitment.
Portable saunas can come in the form of sauna blankets, tents, and masks that can be folded and stored in a to-go bag or kept in a garage when not in use. Many of these units only require access to a 120V outlet and need little to no maintenance or assembly, as well. They also cost a fraction of what you’ll pay for a built-in sauna—a major perk for athletes who favor budget home gym equipment.
That said, if your home has sufficient space and you can afford the asking price, a standalone sauna will likely deliver the greatest benefits. The temperatures can often reach higher settings, there are more quality-of-life features like Bluetooth speakers and chromotherapy lightscapes, they’re more spacious for multi-person sweat sessions, and they’re built to last.
Outdoor Saunas
While many home saunas can be used both indoors and out, some are confined to interior spaces due to construction that isn’t meant to withstand the elements. When choosing a home sauna, you need to select an option that fits your living space and consider whether you might later want to move it to a more external environment.
Like with any home sauna, outdoor saunas can be wet, dry, infrared, or portable. You might also want to opt for a barrel-shaped model, which can help limit snow accumulation and prevent rain from pooling on the roof. Otherwise, these outdoor options operate like their strictly indoor counterparts.
Safety Considerations
Aside from the sauna-specific specs, included features, and final price tag, there are a few more things about home saunas to keep in mind before confirming your order. Notably, you may have some questions about safety for both traditional and infrared saunas. Here, we’ll help you navigate best practices and alleviate any worries you may have before using a home sauna.
Should You Talk to Your Doctor Before Using a Home Sauna?
Saunas are generally safe, but you should still consult a doctor before using one. This is even more important if you’re pregnant or have a pre-existing condition like high blood pressure or a cardiovascular issue. While it’s a largely safe activity for most, the higher heat of a sauna can put stress on the body, which can cause adverse effects like dizziness or cardiovascular strain in pre-disposed individuals.
Talk with your health professional about your health history, as well as any medications you may be taking; certain medications can also affect how your body regulates and handles heat.
How Long Should You Sit in a Sauna?
The ideal time frame for using a sauna will largely depend on your comfort and experience with heat therapy. If you’re newer to sauna usage, you should only stay in a sauna for about five to 10 minutes at a time. On the other hand, experienced users may be able to stay for as long as 15 to 20 minutes.
“The best way to acclimate is to start small and build,” says Dr. Michael Masi, DPT. “For beginners, I recommend no longer than 5- or 10-minute sessions, focusing on hydration at all times. And, as a general rule, you should never stay in the sauna if you feel like it’s too much.”
No matter your experience level, hydration is vital in the intense heat of a sauna. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during your sauna session, and always exit immediately if you ever feel unwell.
Signs You Should Stop Using Your Sauna
During your session, be on the lookout for any signs of feeling “off” or unwell. You should stop your sauna session if you begin to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, or have extreme thirst or headaches, as these can all be symptoms and warning signs of dehydration14 or overheating.
Other warning signs to listen to include:
- An irregular or racing heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive fatigue or lethargy
- A sudden stop in sweating
- Skin irritation or burning sensations
- Feeling faint
As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to be safe than sorry; if you start to feel off during your sauna session, stop and exit the sauna immediately. Make sure to hydrate afterward, and If issues and symptoms persist after leaving the sauna, you may need to seek medical attention.
EMF Levels
Infrared saunas, in particular, can produce some levels of electromagnetic fields, known as EMF, while providing infrared heat. Electromagnetic fields can be produced by electrical equipment—like cell phones, computers, or microwave ovens—and are generally considered harmless at lower frequencies. Higher frequencies produced by X-rays, sunlight, and infrared waves can be harmful in larger quantities15, however.
To combat this, many manufacturers use low-EMF heaters to minimize the amount of EMFs created from the sauna. Furthermore, some saunas have shielding to block any remaining EMFs produced from entering the sauna.
If you’re looking for an infrared sauna, be sure to read all available safety guidelines for the sauna you plan to purchase before you actually buy it; notably, about the steps taken to minimize EMF levels and exposure. Once you’re comfortable enough to make a purchase, follow all safety guidelines thoroughly and contact customer support for additional guidance, if needed.
Assembly and Maintenance
Any home sauna you buy—even portable models, to a certain extent—is going to require some form of assembly and maintenance. Saunas are a big investment, and the only way they’ll last is if you learn to take care of them. Below are just a handful of sauna maintenance tips and tricks to help ensure your device stays clean and operating for plenty of sessions to come:
- Keep it dry: Most saunas, especially wet models, have some form of ventilation to help reduce water damage, but you should also always leave the door open between uses and dry the seats off with a towel post-session. Drying the inside of your sauna after every use can help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria (which can also limit potential sweat smell and wood deterioration).
- Inspect and seal: While many outdoor saunas are built with waterproof sealants and roof shingles to protect against the elements, those precautions won’t last forever. You still need to regularly inspect the roof for leaks and reapply a high-quality sealant every year to prevent water from getting inside.
- Watch the cords: If your sauna is placed outside, make sure all power cords are kept dry and protected from the elements in order to prevent damage. Also, research the type of outlet required for your sauna. Most use a 120V outlet, which is common in most households, but you can find some models that utilize 240V outlets. In these cases, you might need an electrician to help with installation.
In terms of assembly, read up on any resources the company has to offer. Try to gauge how much assembly is required in advance and determine whether you need professional help.
Best Home Saunas at a Glance
Wanting to compare the top picks on the market? Here are the important specs you should know about each sauna, as well as the best uses for each profile:
| Model | Type | Capacity | Max Temp | Price | Best For |
| Sun Home Saunas Equinox 2-Person Infrared Sauna | Infrared sauna | 2 people | 165º F | $6,799 | Space-savers who want an infrared sauna |
| Plunge Sauna | Dry sauna | 5 people (standard); 7 people (XL) | 230º F | $12,990 | Larger households wanting plenty of room in a traditional sauna |
| Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna | Infrared sauna | 2 people | 149º F | $9,999 | Infrared sauna users wanting red light therapy, as well |
| Sunlighten Amplify II Infrared Sauna | Infrared sauna | 2 people | 170º F | Around $5,000 (estimated; contact the company for a quote) | Those wanting a 2-person sauna for their home |
| Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna | Outdoor infrared sauna | 2 people | 170º F | $11,599 | People wanting a heavy-duty outdoor infrared sauna |
| HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna blanket | Infrared sauna blanket | 1 person | 175º F | $699 | Those on the go that prefer portable recovery |
| Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna | Dry barrel sauna | 4 people | 190º F | $8,165 | Dry sauna users that prefer a barrel sauna’s heat distribution |
| Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna | Dry sauna | 2 people | 190º F | $5,699 | Space-savers wanting a compact traditional sauna |
| SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna | Steam sauna | 1 person | 140º F | $244.54 | Those wanting a portable sauna option |
| SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro | Steam sauna | 1 person | 140º F | $349 | Budget-minded individuals |
| HigherDOSE Full-spectrum Infrared Sauna | Infrared sauna | 2-3 people | 150º F | $8,999 | Indoor sauna users wanting a sleek aesthetic |
| Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna | Infrared sauna | 2 people | 165º F | $7,400 | Infrared sauna users wanting low EMF heaters and shielding |
Best Home Saunas: FAQs
What is the best sauna for home?
The best sauna for your home will depend on your needs, as well as the space you have at your house. Some of our favorite profiles include home saunas from Sun Home, Sunlighten, Redwood Outdoors, and Plunge, among other brands.
What’s better, infrared or steam saunas?
The type of home sauna that’s better for you will depend on your wants and needs. An infrared sauna will get warmer than a steam sauna, although the humidity in a steam sauna will make it feel warmer. Additionally, infrared saunas can be easier to operate than a traditional Finnish sauna.
However, a dry sauna will operate at higher temperatures, which can provide health benefits in a shorter time frame than an infrared sauna. But they can be a little more difficult to operate with their electric or wood-fired heaters.
What is the best wood for a home sauna?
There’s no clear-cut best pick for the type of wood used in a home sauna. Instead, it’ll depend on whether you want an indoor or outdoor sauna, as well as the properties of the wood you prefer or favor. Common choices for wood are cedar, aspen, and hemlock, but each has pros and cons.
Cedar is a durable wood that’s affordable, resistant to moisture, and has a pleasing aroma and look. However, it’s not hypoallergenic, so some folks may need to opt in for a allergy-friendly wood like hemlock, which is a durable alternative to cedar that’s considered scent-free. Aspen is a wood commonly used in European sauna interiors, but the wood should be thermo-treated prior to sauna use (i.e., heated to increase durability).
References
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