YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING A LUXURY INDOOR SAUNA

At first, choosing a luxury indoor sauna for your needs might seem overwhelming. With an array of sauna sizes and types available you may be wondering where to start. 

To help you make an educated decision, here is a guide that will help you choose the best luxury indoor sauna for you and your needs.

Types of Luxury Indoor Saunas

One of the first matters to consider if you want to choose a luxury indoor sauna is the type of sauna.  There are two main types to choose from:  infrared saunas and traditional saunas. 

Infrared Saunas

What makes infrared saunas different from traditional saunas is that they use infrared heaters (usually made of carbon or ceramic) to directly warm your body. Your body then absorbs the infrared rays, causing your core temperature to increase. This offers a range of health benefits that differ slightly from traditional saunas. To learn more, read the article “Are Infrared Saunas Actually Good for You?”

The temperature is lower than traditional saunas, usually between 120 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you suffer from heat sensitivity, infrared saunas are the best choice for you. Click the link to learn more about how to use an infrared sauna.

Traditional Indoor Saunas

The traditional sauna is the choice of many sauna fans because of its similarity to the saunas of yesterday. This type of sauna works by using an electric (or wood burning) sauna heater to warm sauna stones. You can also pour water over the sauna rocks to create steam. The steam increases the humidity and temperature which has additional health benefits.

There are two types of sauna heaters for traditional saunas – wood burning and electric. 

Wood burning sauna heaters are for outdoor use only, whereas electric sauna heaters can be used for both outdoor and indoor saunas. Since this article is about luxury indoor saunas, we are only going to overview electric sauna heaters. If you want to learn more about the different types of heater available check out this blog: “Which is the Best Sauna Heater?”

Electric sauna heaters are designed with stainless steel elements, and typically require 220 volts of electricity to operate. You’ll want to be sure you can place your indoor sauna in an area where hard wiring is possible.

Sizes of Luxury Indoor Saunas

After deciding on the type of luxury indoor sauna that is best for your personal needs, the next factor to consider is the size. If you buy a sauna that is too small, you and your guests will be uncomfortable as you try to relax. If you purchase a sauna that is too big, you may take up unnecessary space in your home. 

Our recommendation is to think about the number of people who will be using the sauna regularly. This will help you choose a sauna size that makes relaxation comfortable and effortless for everyone.

Here are a few tips to help you with your decision, along with our own recommendations for each sauna size:

1 Person Luxury Indoor Sauna: The Almost Heaven Logan 1 Person Indoor Sauna is the best indoor sauna choice if you plan on relaxing in your sauna by yourself. It’s perfectly sized to fit anywhere in your home.

2-3 Person Luxury Indoor Sauna:  The Auroom Baia Cabin Sauna is compact-sized luxury indoor sauna that comes with an ergonomically contoured seat. It’s made of thermally modified Aspen and absolutely gorgeous.  This sauna is great for slipping into pure bliss with your spouse or loved one. Another friend or family member can join comfortably as well. 

4-Person Luxury Indoor Sauna: The Almost Heaven Cascade Indoor Sauna is the best choice if you plan on including a few friends and family members on your therapeutic journey. It’s also taller than most standard saunas, which adds comfort and a spacious feel, while still being incredibly heat efficient.

6-Person Luxury Indoor Sauna: The Almost Heaven Nordic 6-Person Corner Indoor Sauna is a wonderful large sauna choice that allows you to entertain multiple sauna guests. By fitting into the corner beautifully, it tucks away while still offering easy access. With an all-glass front and tiered seating with a bench a small group can fit easily and comfortably.

To learn more about different sauna models and which types we recommend for your home, have a look at our guide to the 6 Best Indoor Saunas on the Market Today, which includes traditional, infrared and hybrid indoor sauna suggestions.

PLACEMENT OF A LUXURY INDOOR SAUNA

When deciding where to place your indoor sauna in your home, the most important factors are how much space you have and whether or not you have access to the proper wiring or outlet. 

Likewise, the type of flooring is important. Many luxury indoor sauna models use your existing floor as their interior. All level floor types work well, except carpet is never recommended. You also have the option to add an indoor floor. 

Certain areas also help you get the most out of your sauna experience. The master bathroom is one of the best places for a luxury indoor sauna as well as fitness rooms and basements. Below are some tips to follow if you choose to place your sauna in any of these locations.

PLACING YOUR LUXURY INDOOR SAUNA IN THE MASTER BATH

By placing your luxury indoor sauna in your master bathroom (near the shower or bath) will allow you to utilize the “Nordic Cycle.” This is the practice of alternating between hot and cold temperatures for maximum health benefits. Learn more about how to use your sauna for maximum health benefits by reading our article “How to Sauna Like a Pro.”

PLACING YOUR LUXURY INDOOR SAUNA UPSTAIRS

If you plan on placing your luxury indoor sauna in a fitness room or spare bedroom upstairs, you may worry if that’s a wise decision. Have no fear - whether you choose an infrared indoor sauna or a traditional sauna, upstairs placement works well. Because indoor sauna kits are so lightweight, carrying it upstairs for installation shouldn’t be too difficult for two people to do. 

If you install your sauna downstairs, and later decide to move your sauna upstairs that can also be done. Simply disassemble your sauna and reassemble it in its new location.

PLACING YOUR INDOOR SAUNA IN THE BASEMENT

Choosing to put your sauna in the basement area is a great option. Often basements are secluded from the noise and distraction of the other levels of the home and can help you save space. 

Even with no insulation, drastic changes in temperature will have little to no effect on your luxury indoor sauna. The materials used to create indoor saunas are specifically designed to withstand temperature changes. 

Please note, however, that with no insulation, your sauna’s warm-up time may take slightly longer than normal.  When placing your luxury indoor sauna in the basement, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

1. Use a corner for sauna placement if possible. 

   
   

2. Know the exact measurements of the area first. This will make it much easier to choose the optimum sauna size and style.

    

3. Hire a professional electrician to hardwire your luxury indoor sauna. Because of safety codes and features, you want to be sure that the process of installation is correct.