9 Features You Should Look For in Your Next Indoor Sauna Kit

Shopping for a new indoor home sauna kit can be overwhelming. And considering the fact that indoor saunas are an investment, you will want to be certain you’re going to be satisfied with your purchase.

Knowing what features to look for will prevent wasting time looking at indoor sauna kits that aren’t a good fit. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 9 features you should look for in your next indoor sauna kit. Each will rank differently in importance for individual buyers, but all points are worth examining. 

1. Ideal Wood Choice

When it comes to the ideal wood choice for your indoor sauna kit, there are some universally accepted principles to follow. The wood, for instance, should be: 

• Mold, water, and heat safe

• Resistant to shrinking, expanding, and breaking

• Durable and cost-effective

• Aromatic with an aesthetic appeal

A few popular sauna wood options include the following:

Aspen 

Aspen wood has a gentle earthy scent that will elevate your relaxation to a whole new level. It also doesn't splinter, secrete resin, or become excessively hot, which makes it ideal for your sauna seats. 

Additionally, its light shade and matte finish make Aspen wood an attractive choice for a luxury indoor sauna kit. 

Nordic Spruce

This light-colored conifer wood is sourced from Scandinavia, the birthplace of saunas. Its small tight knots, lack of odor, and rustic appearance make it ideal for use on the sauna's exterior walls. 

Moreover, it’s also fairly smooth, which makes it smooth to the touch and pleasant to sit on in a sauna. 

Canadian Hemlock

Canadian Hemlock is a part of the pine family of wood known for its knot-free, strong, long-lasting structure. 

It emanates a gentle aroma and 

as for its appearance, the combination of light color and distinct grain pattern looks immaculate and works well in all sauna designs. 

Cedar

Cedar has a distinctive red hue and a classic aroma that you’ll definitely appreciate. Because of its natural humidity and mold resistance, this lumber is the most popular choice for for both outdoor and indoor sauna kits. 

It also does not leak sap, overheat, or deform when heated, making it another excellent choice for your sauna.

2. Size

Standard sauna sizes typically depend on the number of users. They include:

• One-person indoor sauna kits: These are designed for a single person and are the easiest (and cheapest) to install. The best small traditional sauna is the Almost Heaven Logan 1-person Indoor Sauna Kit (pictured above). Though small in size, it packs enough benefits for that one person. The Almost Heaven Logan 1-person Indoor Sauna can be pre-assembled, and it comes with LED lighting functions of only 110 volts. Other than that, the floor you place it on can be any material except carpet. You can customize  your indoor sauna kit to your tastes and preferences.

  
  

• Indoor Sauna Kits of medium size: A medium sauna can comfortably accommodate 2 - 4 people, enough for a couple and their friends or a small family. This might be the best choice for those who plan to enjoy their sauna with one or two other people, or if you just prefer to have some extra stretching space. The Almost Heaven Grayson is a very popular indoor sauna kit for this reason – it is spacious without taking up lot of exterior room. This sauna model is pictured at the very top of this blog. 

• Indoor Sauna Kits of Extra-large size: Large saunas are the most expensive and take up more space in your home. The good news is that these can easily accommodate more than four users simultaneously, and also offer just offer plenty of space to lie down inside if you prefer a spacious interior. These benefits make the investment in larger indoor sauna kits worth your consideration. If you want to go big, I would suggest the Almost Heaven Nordic 6-Person Indoor Sauna (pictured below). This huge traditional sauna masterpiece can comfortably hold six people while maintaining optimal flair.

So, What Size is Best for You?

The energy required to warm up and maintain high temperatures in a sauna is directly proportional to its size. 

A standard traditional sauna for a family of four measures 6 x 5 feet and has upper and lower benches. Its average height is around 80+ inches, with a maximum allowable ceiling height of 96 inches. If you want to lie down, look for a sauna that's at least 6 feet wide in any direction.

The sauna should also have enough space so you can comfortably enter and clean it without feeling restricted. Generally, the rule is to add around two feet of seat space for each user to allow for a relaxing experience.

3. Aromatherapy for Indoor Sauna Kits

Another vital feature you should look for in your next indoor sauna kit is aromatherapy essential oils. If you are wondering why essential oils, you would be surprised at the various health benefits derived from these oils. Aromatherapy oils are are known to aid in the following:

• muscle relaxation

• pain reduction

• stress management

• sleep improvement

  
  

Some of the most common and advisable essential oils are lavender, pine, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, cedarwood, birch, and cinnamon. 

You can dilute essential oils in your sauna bucket before pouring it over the rocks. As the rocks heat up, the oil vaporizes and spreads the aroma throughout the sauna. To avoid overpowering the sauna, add only a couple of drops (3-3.5 drops per gallon of water) and gradually increase the amount till it reaches your desired level. 

Aromatherapy can also be performed in a dry sauna by misting the air with essential oils.

4. LED Light Bar or Himalayan Salt Panel 

Surrounding yourself with the right ambiance is good for your relaxation just as much as for your health benefits. Most people find relaxing spaces  beneficial for a calmer mood. 

You may want to choose a LED light bar to add to your indoor sauna kit. The Almost Heaven LED Light Bar is very versatile, and can be mounted on walls, both horizontally and vertically.

The light bar improves the ambiance and aesthetics of your indoor sauna kit. The light on a cedar deflector frame allows light to be directed along a wall or bench, which compounds the beauty of it all.

With the Almost Heaven LED Light Bar, you get up to 10,000 hours of lighting, which promises a long life and plenty of usage. If that is not enough, you can set the brightness to your desired level! 

Folks who want to take things up a notch should consider investing in Himalayan salt-based products, like the Hotass Himalayan Salt Wall Panel.  

Research shows that the potential benefits of Himalayan salt include improving mood, relieving pain, and helping you sleep better. If you equip your traditional indoor sauna with Hotass Himalayan Salt Panel, your sauna experience will be enriched by all these benefits. 

5. Type and Size of Your Indoor Sauna Kit Heater

A modern-day indoor sauna kit is not complete without an electric heater. But the question is, how large of a heater do you really need for your sauna? 

Well, this depends solely on your sauna’s size. If the room is large, you'll need a powerful heater with at least 6-8KWs of power,, whereas a  4.5 KW electric heater would be ideal for a smaller space. 

Wifi-enabled electric heaters can be controlled via an app on your phone or tablet. Some even come with Alexa or Google Home integration so that you can change their settings with just your voice. 

Automating your home sauna can also help improve its efficiency by allowing you to set things like a heating curve or an automatic turn-off timer.

6. Floor kits

Most indoor sauna kits are designed to use your existing floor as their floor. So, you can place it on any level surface, including tile, concrete and vinyl (but no carpet!). If you want to improve the aesthetics of your sauna, floor kits are the way to go. The Almost Heaven Indoor Floor Kit is a great choice as it distinguishes your custom indoor sauna kit by giving it a more refined and personal appearance. Floor kits also protect your sauna floor from damage caused by sweat or moisture. 

They come in various colors and styles — cedar, nordic spruce, aspen, and so forth — so you can choose the one that best fits your sauna and your personal tastes.

7. Thermometer and Hygrometer

A sauna temperature gauge is necessary for monitoring its performance and ensuring it’s hitting it’s optimal range for the best health benefits. The thermometer you buy should be accurate and easy to read, with a large dial and vivid digits.  In addition, look for a sauna that has a hygrometer. It measures humidity levels and tells you how dry or wet your sauna environment is.

8. Timer for Your Indoor Sauna Kit 

In such a relaxing environment, it is easy to get carried away and forget the passing of time. The solution? A sand timer! T Sand timers are graduated with 15-minute increments and can be mounted on your traditional sauna walls. The convenience of this timer is that they not only keep track of your time but can also withstand temperature and humidity. We offer three different brands, all of which are built to last: the Baltic leisure sand timer, the Almost Heaven Sand Timer or the SaunaCore Sand Timer.

9. The Right Door

The door of a sauna is a prime example of how first impressions often last the longest. A beautiful entryway can transform an ordinary sauna into a regal work of art that stands out. 

So, look for a door made of sturdy materials; or, if you want one with a bit more visual impact, choose one with with metallic accents or etched glass to  complement the overall theme of your sauna.

Some examples include the SaunaCore sauna door for SaunaCore models. It is made from durable red cedarwood that allows it to withstand wear and tear. The sauna door can be installed with bronze tempered glass for your safety and has a classic design to match your SaunaCore indoor sauna kit. The EOD72 and EOD78 have full glass etched scenic designs. Others, like the Deluxe Fading glass door by Almost Heaven showcases beautiful fading glass for natural illumination plus privacy, while their All-Wood Door offers full privacy and exceptional insulation. 

Final Thoughts on Indoor Sauna Kits

There is no denying the comfort of a steamy sauna after a long day at work. That said, the quality and features of your sauna matter and have a larger impact on this comfort than you might think. If you’re looking for the ultimate sauna experience at home, look for the right size, wood type, aesthetic, heating system, and accessories. 

Also, if you want a lasting return on your investment, always invest in high-quality products from well-known retailers with good reviews and testimonials, rather than unknown brands.