After a strenuous workout or stressful day of work, nothing beats kicking back, turning up the heat, and enjoying a relaxing sauna session. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to a local spa or commercial gym to experience the science-backed benefits of this steamy form of hydrotherapy. Thanks to some clever design work by Relaxe—which also produces one of our top-rated massage chairs—you can reap the rewards of infrared sauna therapy and red light therapy right at home.
RELATED: What Is Red Light Therapy?
So, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your health and wellness routine, this Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna review will give you all the information you need to decide if this is the right mind and muscle recovery tool (among other things) for you.
We Sweat the Small (and BIG) Stuff When We’re Testing Saunas
The GGR team includes certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit competitors, and competitive athletes. Always eager to find new ways to improve our training and recovery, we dissect everything from the knurl pattern on the best dumbbells to the noise level of the best massage guns with careful attention to detail.
When we break a sweat searching for the best home saunas, our squad uses a 1-to-5 scoring system to assess specific criteria based on our fitness equipment testing methodology. Some of the key factors we take into account include:
- Construction: Is the sauna made with high-quality materials? Or, are there any durability and functionality concerns due to design flaws or cheaper components?
- Footprint and Portability: How much space does the sauna take up? Is it a portable sauna that you can easily roll in and out of your house and take on the go? Or, is it heavy, cumbersome, and more of a “set it and forget it” type that you wouldn’t think of transporting?
- Performance: Does the sauna heater operate efficiently, or does it take long to reach your desired temperature? Are there extra features that could enhance your sauna experience like dynamic programming, smart controls, aromatherapy, or sound therapy?
- Value: Do you get a good bang for your buck in terms of build quality and performance? Or, does the sauna lack high-end features that justify its price tag?
RELATED: Best Infrared Saunas
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.”
A Quick Look at the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
The Relaxe Caldera Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna combines red light and near-infrared wavelengths to help promote muscle recovery1 and detoxification, enhance circulation, support collagen production, and deliver other health benefits. Available in one-, two-, or three-person models, this dry sauna is crafted from Canadian hemlock—a deformation- and moisture-resistant wood known for its durability.
RELATED: Dry Sauna Benefits
The Caldera is equipped with dual intelligent control panels that allow you to adjust the temperature between 64 and 149 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer between 0 and 90 minutes. Other key components include built-in Bluetooth speakers, a USB input, and light strips that create a chromotherapy2 (color therapy) effect that may support mental well-being and stress alleviation. This feature-packed, full spectrum infrared sauna comes with a comprehensive three-year warranty that covers the heaters, electronics, and wood panels, as well.
Before You Buy
- Although the two-person Caldera has an MSRP of nearly $11,000, you should be able to find it on sale for half that price ($5,499). If you’re on a tight budget, the one-person version costs $2,000 less. If you need more room, the three-person model costs about $7,500 on sale.
- In addition to near-infrared light, this sauna delivers therapeutic benefits through a detachable red light therapy panel. While red light therapy is safe for most healthy individuals, there are a few risks to keep in mind if you’re unfamiliar with this form of photodynamic (PDT) therapy.
- Relaxe allows you to relax for 365 days in this sauna before you have to make a final decision. Combined with a comprehensive three-year warranty that includes technician service, this unprecedented trial period adds major points to the customer experience.
- This is not the sauna for you if you want maximum heat, as the Caldera only reaches 149 degrees Fahrenheit. However, unlike high-humidity traditional saunas, one of the benefits of infrared saunas is that you experience a gentle, more tolerable heat.
RELATED: Wet Sauna vs. Dry Sauna
Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna Video Review
Is the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna Worth It?
A $5,500 price tag is nothing to scoff at, but in terms of value, you get excellent bang for your buck with the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna. Built from premium Canadian hemlock, it gives a spa-like feel and should hold up well over time. Between the infrared technology, red light therapy panel, and chromotherapy lighting, you have multiple means of enhancing your overall health and wellness from home.
“Saunas not only provide benefits like better blood flow and decreased stress, but they also can help you detox through increased sweating, boost your physical endurance, support muscle recovery and growth, and have positive effects on your cognitive function,” says Dr. Michelle Koolaee, double board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology.
To make this deal even sweeter and give you added peace of mind about your investment, Relaxe provides a 365-day trial and three years of comprehensive warranty coverage. So, even if you’re a little hesitant about pulling the trigger, you have plenty of time to assess the Caldera for yourself. Ultimately, though, we have little doubt you’ll enjoy using this infrared sauna based on our experience.
Great for:
- Enjoying red light therapy benefits at home
- Couples who want a spacious two-person sauna
- Wellness-focused users who appreciate full-spectrum infrared heat, low EMF, and other features that support detox, muscle recovery, better skin health, and more
- Value-conscious buyers—This well-priced sauna includes an unparalleled 365-day trial and excellent three-year warranty
Not recommended for:
- Outdoor use
- Users expecting smart features like standalone app control or advanced diagnostics
- Those who prefer minimalist aesthetics, as the Caldera has starlight LEDs, a Himalayan salt bar, and multi-feature control panels that may feel a little “busy”
- Max heat seekers—This sauna only heats up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit, while many of the best home saunas reach at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit
Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna Specs (2-Person)
| MSRP | $10,988 (on sale for $5,499) |
| Materials | Canadian hemlock, tempered glass, carbon heater |
| Weight | 340 lbs |
| Capacity | 2-person |
| Dimensions | 47″ L × 43″ W × 75″ H (sauna)36″ L x 8.5″ W x 25.5″ H (detachable red light therapy panel) |
| Adjustable Temperature Range | 64-149º F |
| Key Features | Red light therapy panel, chromotherapy lighting, Bluetooth speakers |
| Warranty | 3-year comprehensive warranty |
Using the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
No stranger to breaking a sweat in the name of finding the best home saunas, GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele took on testing duties for this Caldera review. She was highly impressed by the build quality, ease of assembly, and performance of this two-person infrared sauna from Relaxe. Let’s take a closer look at key areas so you get a complete picture of the Caldera.
Construction, Footprint, and Portability
Earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for construction, the Caldera is made completely from Canadian hemlock—a wood frequently used with infrared saunas because it creates a “calming experience” due to its low odor, according to Lindsay.
While cedar wood is also a popular choice, it can be particularly hot to the touch. Plus, some people don’t enjoy the strong aroma of cedar wood. With the Caldera, you don’t have to worry about any of those issues.
“When you sit down, you are going to sweat, but the wood itself does not feel hot,” Lindsay explains. “Plus, it’s very good at keeping bacteria away.”
RELATED: How to Clean Saunas
Measuring 47 inches long, 43 inches wide, and 75 inches high, the Caldera has almost identical dimensions to the Heavenly Heat Far Infrared 2-Person Sauna, which earned our nod as the best two-person infrared sauna. Lindsay points out that the Caldera also has a few user-friendly ergonomic features, including a cup holder, a grooved wooden storage area for your phone, a towel rack, and a shelf.
“It has one of the most comfortable benches I’ve ever tested,” she states. “It has a nice slant-back design where two people can easily fit comfortably.”
Unfortunately, this is not an outdoor sauna. You can keep it in your garage (as long as it’s well-covered), but it is not built to be exposed to any outside elements. Tipping the scales at 340 pounds, it’s also not particularly portable. Overall, we rate the footprint and portability at 3.5 out of 5. While we appreciate the Caldera’s compact footprint, we docked some points due to its lack of portability.
Features
The Caldera isn’t the most decked-out sauna we’ve seen, but it certainly has quite a few features worth mentioning. First, the detachable red light therapy panel emits between 660- to 880-nanometer (nm) wavelengths of red light. That’s right on par with what we like to see with red light therapy devices based on the research surrounding the most effective wavelength ranges3.
“You want to sit right between about 600 and 1,000, so this really hits the mark,” Lindsay explains. “Having the addition of red light therapy without any extra cost is excellent at this price point.”
In addition, this sauna boasts infrared technology with nine carbon heaters. The heaters are placed around the side panels as well as on the ground and underneath the bench.
“You are really feeling heat from every direction,” Lindsay explains.
Two other distinct features on the Caldera include a Himalayan salt bar on the back and chromotherapy lighting. While some of the health claims4 about Himalayan salt can be controversial, Lindsay highlights that it may help clear mucus, reduce inflammation in your airways, and create a calming environment.
Meanwhile, the Caldera has four LED light strips with seven static colors and a dynamic lighting mode that may support mental well-being and stress relief. Just like the Himalayan salt bar, this isn’t the primary reason to invest in this sauna, but it’s a nice bonus.
Overall, we give the Caldera a rock-solid 4-out-of-5 score for features.
Performance
With a 4 out of 5 for performance, the Caldera came up a little short of a perfect score. As mentioned earlier, this sauna doesn’t offer quite as robust a temperature range as other models we’ve tested. Still, you can absolutely work up a good sweat.
Capable of reaching 149 degrees Fahrenheit, the Caldera has a timer that goes up to 60 minutes. Be prepared to wait about 30 minutes for it to reach the max temperature, though.
“Most people’s sauna sessions will range from about 20 to 30 minutes, so I think 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time,” Lindsay says.
One callout she has is that the control panel isn’t the easiest to navigate. Lindsay warns that you have to hold down the button until it starts beeping before you adjust the lighting, temperature, or sound control on the built-in speakers.
“It’s not the most user-friendly sauna LED screen I’ve ever used,” she says.
Still, the Caldera earned a firm stamp of approval from one of our most seasoned product testers.
“Between the salt, the red light, the infrared, and the fact the chromotherapy lighting is uniquely done with these starlight-like features at the top, I thought it was just a very fun sauna to use,” Lindsay says.
Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna vs Heavenly Heat Far Infrared Sauna
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:
“If you prioritize eco-consciousness and work to actively reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields, this may be the right option for you. The brand takes pride in eliminating Bluetooth accessories, cable shielding, and not treating wood with stains or glue.”
If you’re interested in a two-person infrared sauna, you have a few viable options. While the Relaxe Caldera checks many important boxes, so does the Heavenly Heat Far Infrared Sauna. Built with almost identical specifications, this similarly-priced product also relies on infrared technology to deliver various health benefits like detoxification, pain relief, and improved circulation.
However, while the Caldera only reaches a max temperature of 149 degrees Fahrenheit, Heavenly Heat offers a higher upper limit of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is something to consider, especially if you prefer a hotter sauna experience.
Both models offer chromotherapy LED lighting and low EMF. With Relaxe, you get the added benefit of red light therapy, along with the Himalayan salt bar. On the other hand, Heavenly Heat provides longer warranty coverage.
For more details on our experience testing this two-person sauna, check out our full Heavenly Heat Sauna review.
| Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna | Heavenly Heat Far Infrared Sauna | |
| Price | MSRP: $10,988 Sale: $5,499 | MSRP: $6,700 Sale: $5,759 |
| Type of sauna | Far infrared | Far infrared |
| Materials | Canadian hemlock, tempered glass | Canadian hemlock, tempered glass |
| Weight | 340 lbs | 320 lbs |
| Number of people | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | 47″ L × 43″ W × 75″ H | 47.2 “ W x 41.3” W x 75” H |
| Max temperature | 149° F | 165° F |
| Key features | Detachable LumaPanel™ Full Body Red Light Therapy Panel, Himalayan salt bar | Low EMF/ELF, Bluetooth speakers, chromotherapy LED lighting |
| Warranty | 3-year comprehensive warranty (technician service included) | 10 years for wood and carpentry; 6 years for electrical components (including heater) |
Customer Experience
Relaxe deserves a tip of the cap for prioritizing the customer experience. First, this sauna comes with a comprehensive three-year warranty that covers everything from the sauna itself to the electronics to tech support.
“Three years is unheard of,” Lindsay remarks.
Furthermore, Relaxe stands out by giving you a full year to test out your sauna. This 365-day trial is also unmatched in the industry, as most manufacturers have a 30-day return policy. So, not only are you covered in case anything goes awry, but you also have more than enough time to evaluate the Caldera’s effectiveness before you have to completely commit to it.
Ordering the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
You can order the Caldera Infrared Sauna directly on the Relaxe website. The ordering process is straightforward: Simply choose your capacity (one-, two-, or three-person) and add it to your cart. You can pay the entire amount at checkout with a credit or debit card or set up monthly installments via a financing plan with Affirm.
Relaxe offers free express shipping that takes between two to five business days. Your sauna will arrive in a few flat-packed boxes that can easily fit through a doorway. The assembly process is quick and painless: Just lock the side panels into place, connect the electronics, and you’ll be ready to go.
Customer Reviews
The Caldera Infrared Sauna has earned an average rating of 5 stars based on three reviews on the Relaxe website. Customers appreciate the easy assembly, user-friendly features, and attractive design. Here are their direct testimonials:
Final Verdict of Our Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna Review
It’s hard to find many knocks against the Caldera. Sure, it doesn’t get as hot as some other saunas we’ve tested. However, it combines several forms of therapy—including red light and chromotherapy—while providing plenty of conveniences in a well-built, well-priced package. Whether you need a one-person sauna for solo sweat sessions, a two-person model for you and a partner, or a three-person option for small groups, the Caldera can be your new tool to relax and recover for your next training session.
Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna
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.
Product Brand: Relaxe
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 10,988
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.4
Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna Review: FAQs
What is the best brand of infrared sauna?
Based on our experience testing more than 20 saunas, we put Sun Home and Sunlighten at the top of our list of the best infrared saunas. Both brands use high-quality build materials and offer excellent value.
What are the disadvantages of an infrared sauna?
One of the main disadvantages of infrared saunas is that they don’t reach the same temperatures as traditional saunas. In addition, you may experience dehydration, overheating, or skin irritation due to the dry heat.
What are the benefits of using the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna?
Because the Relaxe Caldera Infrared Sauna combines full-spectrum infrared heat with red and near-infrared light therapy, you may experience benefits such as enhanced muscle recovery, pain relief, relaxation, improved circulation, and skin health.
References
- Mero, A., Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M., & Puurtinen, R. (2015). Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. SpringerPlus, 4, 321. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5
- Azeemi, S. T. Y., Rafiq, H. M., Ismail, I., Kazmi, S. R., & Azeemi, A. (2019). The mechanistic basis of chromotherapy: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 46, 217–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.025
- Yadav, A., & Gupta, A. (2017). Noninvasive red and near-infrared wavelength-induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 33(1), 4–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12282
- Fayet-Moore, F., Wibisono, C., Carr, P., Duve, E., Petocz, P., Lancaster, G., McMillan, J., Marshall, S., & Blumfield, M. (2020). An Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Pink Salt Available in Australia. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 9(10), 1490. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101490
