Investing in a home sauna is often a big deal, especially when it is a pricey model. The hard choice between all of the designs is to pick which one is best suited for your lifestyle; if you live out in the woods, all alone, the single version might be the best. On the other hand, if you are big into family gatherings, you might want to invest in a larger model. I've picked my top 10 faves and listed them below.
Price: $6,170.00 at: saunas.com
Size: 48” x 72” x 84”
Heater Type: combination traditional/infrared
Type of sauna: pre-built sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 3
My Comment: I did like that this sauna could be built from either Poplar/Aspen or Western Red Cedar tongue and groove. It also comes with a copper ladle, copper bucket, and a 15 minute sand timer. It is extremely spacious as well, but the price is what put it at number ten for me. It's just a lot more expensive than the rest of the models and still only holds three people. Having the combination traditional/infrared ability in this sauna seems to have also added to the cost. I think the tinted door is a great added touch, as well as the ergonomic backrests.
Price: $4,270.00 at saunas.com
Size: 48” x 48” x 80¼”
Heater Type: infrared
Type of sauna: pre-built sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 2
My Comment: The infrared home sauna is still rather new to me, since I grew up with traditional saunas. These infrared models actually allow the body to produce sweat quicker than traditional models and at a much lower temperature. They also seem to be lower in price, for the most part. I like the idea of having a sauna large enough for another person to join me, since I like to chat and it would make the time a bit more enjoyable. It's also comforting to know that it is the industry's only UL listed unit.
Price: $6,125.00 at saunas.com
Size: 84” x 120” x 84”
Heater Type: traditional
Type of sauna: pre-cut sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 7
My Comment: This is an absolute monster! I love it! I thought it would be a blast to get this, since it can hold 7 people at one time, and make a party out of putting it together. Sometimes things mean so much more when you have to build them. I know the pieces are already cut out and it's not like I'd have to cut, sand, and assemble each little piece. I think it's great that some companies will sell a kit and let the customer assemble it all on his/her own. I feel it makes it more personal.
Price: $4,842.00 at saunas.com
Size: 48” x 48” x 84”
Heater Type: traditional
Type of sauna: pre-built sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 2
My Comment: This is definitely a luxury home sauna. I really enjoy the double tier style saunas, since you can sit on the lower part or the upper part, it's up to you. The installation of this model is very quick, since that is how they are engineered. Besides coming with all the parts to put this sauna together, it comes with additional accessories that many other saunas don't include. Even a thermometer/hygrometer is included in the deal!
Price: $5,533.00 at saunas.com
Size: 48” x 96” x 84”
Heater Type: traditional
Type of sauna: pre-built sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 5
My Comment: I thought this was a fairly reasonable price for a 5 person sauna. I also liked that the exterior was made of rough sawn mahogany. This company does boast about building their saunas out of ¾” thick lumber, as compared to the thinner forms their competitors use. I like the way this model has the seating in an “L” shape on the inside. It makes it easier for everyone to see each other, instead of some people having to sit above others on the double tier benches.
Price: $3,466.00 at saunas.com
Size: 43¾” x 47⅝” x 79¾”
Heater Type: traditional
Type of sauna: portable
Maximum Number of Bathers: 1
My Comment: I thought the idea of a portable sauna was fantastic! What better vacation than to go somewhere in the fall, when it's chilly, and have this lovely warm sauna to jump into. There are only six panels to put together and there is a stereo/CD sound system too. Excellent! Since this is only big enough for one person, having some music to listen too would be great. Another superb feature is that this sauna can be used wet or dry, both ways can deliver plenty of steam.
Price: $1,295.00 at saunas.com
Size: 36” x 36” x 75”
Heater Type: infrared
Type of sauna: pre-built sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 1
My Comment: As a personal home sauna, the price for this is fantastic. The hemlock it is built out of is gorgeous and the carbon heating is a very soft heat, but super soothing. Each wall actually radiates heat outward, so it is an even flow of heat waves. This is perfect for someone who doesn't have a lot of room, but has always toyed with the idea of having a sauna. This is small enough to even fit in some walk-in closets! It also has speakers mounted in the ceiling and a radio with a CD player in it. Perfect!
Price: $4,517.00 at saunas.com
Size: 48” x 72” x 84”
Heater Type: traditional
Type of sauna: outdoor sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 3
My Comment: If I were to choose an outdoor sauna, this would be it. Enough room for three people, and outside so I don't have to find room in the house for it. The roof does come separate and for this 3 person model, it would be another $948.00 for the roof kit. Even though it all has to be assembled by the person who purchases it, I think it is well worth all the extra effort. They look great out in the back yard and are perfect for fall garden parties.
Price: $1,995.00 at saunas.com
Size: 52” x 52” x 75”
Heater Type: infrared
Type of sauna: pre-built sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 3
My Comment: This home sauna reminded me of a bird atrium. I thought it looked kind of cool. The price is amazing as well! Many of the other 3 person saunas I looked into were well more than double this price. It's also nice that it fits into a corner, giving everyone a view out of the sauna windows. Often, there is only a view out of the door and only the person right in front of it has a great lookout. This is an extremely efficient design.
Price: $3,421.00 at saunas.com
Size: 48” x 72” x 84”
Heater Type: traditional
Type of sauna: pre-cut sauna
Maximum Number of Bathers: 3
My Comment: This is my top pick of the bunch. First of all, I like putting things together, as it makes it feel more like my own creation. Second, the size is perfect; not so large that it takes up tons of room and not so small that it won't comfortably fit 3 people. Third, I really like the Western Red Cedar inside. I think this type of wood is perfect for saunas. Fourth, I'm a sucker for the traditional saunas. For some reason they just seem to draw me in. And, last of all, I think the price is perfect for all that is included.
I hope this list helps you in your decision in choosing the right home sauna. If I could afford it, I'd definitely have a little one for myself and then a huge one outside for the rest of the gang. I'm glad that there are so many companies that offer different styles and attributes. This makes the decision a bit more difficult, but more choices are always great! Do you have a sauna? Or are you still shopping around?
Top Photo Credit: Farl