WHAT IS THE BEST OUTDOOR SAUNA?
The health benefits of saunas are well documented, but what isn't often talked about is the everyday experience for a sauna owner.
If non-sauna owners want to relax in a sauna, they have to make their way through crowded streets and crazy drivers. Then when they do get to a sauna, they have to sit next to strangers that can get uncomfortably close.
It's not a pleasant experience. However, none of the above applies to a home sauna owner. They enjoy a relaxing afternoon in their backyard without having to commute or deal with anyone else they didn’t personally invite into their sauna.
Especially, if you place your sauna in your backyard. You can enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the outdoors while reaping the health benefits a sauna has to offer.
If that sounds desirable, continue reading to find out how to get the best outdoor sauna for your needs.
Why Get a Modern Outdoor Sauna?
Picture a serene oasis in your backyard where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
That's what a modern outdoor sauna can offer—an unparalleled retreat right at your doorstep. If you're wondering why you should consider investing in a sauna, consider some of the following benefits!
Glorious Benefits
Modern outdoor saunas boast cutting-edge technology and sleek designs that elevate your backyard ambiance. Say goodbye to the clunky eyesores of the past; these saunas blend seamlessly into your outdoor space, becoming an attractive focal point.
However, it's not all about aesthetics. The advanced heating systems in modern outdoor saunas ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. You can now enjoy longer sauna sessions without worrying about hefty energy bills. With programmable controls and precise temperature settings, customizing your sauna experience is a breeze.
Health Boost
Health benefits are a top reason to jump on the outdoor sauna bandwagon. Regular sauna use can improve the following:
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Cardiovascular health
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Promote detoxification
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Soothe sore muscles
With your own home sauna, you can say farewell to stress and tension as the sauna's gentle warmth envelops you.
What if you are entertaining guests? An outdoor sauna adds a touch of luxury to any gathering. Imagine the delight of your friends and family as they unwind in style, surrounded by the natural beauty of your backyard.
An outdoor sauna is the ultimate fusion of relaxation and style.
Best Outdoor Saunas
The benefits of owning your own outdoor sauna or indoor sauna are clear, but there is still one big question left to ask. What are your options? There are several different kinds of outdoor saunas, and they each have their own benefits and downsides.
In a later section, we will be going over what factors to consider when choosing an outdoor sauna. For now, it is best to look through a few of the best outdoor saunas offered so that you can know some of your options.
Dundalk Leisure Knotty Cedar Outdoor Luna Sauna
The sleek and stylish cube design of the Dundalk Leisure Outdoor Luna Sauna isn't just for show. This box design can comfortably seat four people, which is perfect for having friends over.
Every part of its build, including its walls, benches, and door, is made with clear Western red cedar.
However, that wasn't enough to satisfy the design team because it was all lined with a layer of EPDM rubber. This rubber ensures that the sauna is waterproof and prevents rot or mold from settling in easily.
As for the glass that lines the walls, bronze tempered glass windows provide perfect vision to the outside exterior.
Other features and specifications include:
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Two-tier benches
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Waterproof bevel
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Pre-fab solid log construction
Almost Heaven Huntington Canopy Barrel 6-Person Sauna
The Almost Heaven Huntington Canopy Barrel Sauna can accommodate your entire family. Huntington offers a spacious traditional sauna with ample room to relax and enjoy the heat.
The exterior benches provides a perfect spot to cool down after a sauna session, and the powerful Harvia 8kW electric heater quickly heats the sauna room up to 195ºF within an hour.
For added convenience, there's an option to upgrade to an 8KW Virta Heater with digital control. The sauna comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the room and a 5-year warranty on the heater. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded and reliable sauna experience.
Here are the Huntington Canopy Barrel Sauna's key features:
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Harvia 8kW electric heater
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Limited lifetime warranty on the sauna room
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Eight feet long sauna
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Two exterior benches for cooling off
Almost Heaven Allegheny 6-Person Cabin Sauna
Looking for a more rustic feel that just screams home? The Almost Heaven Allegheny 6-Person Cabin Sauna is an outdoor sauna that can be heated by either traditional wood-burning means or via an electric heater.
There are several options available, so be sure to consult later sections down below to see which option fits your style more. This sauna can comfortably sit six people and properly heat up the room to around 190–195F in less than an hour.
In addition to its spacious seating, you get:
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Full-length benches that provide upper-back support
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Stainless steel hinges and electric heater
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100–150 pounds of Finnish sauna stones encased by stainless steel
Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
If you’re looking for the best outdoor sauna to accommodate two people, this infrared sauna by Sun Home will leave you speechless.
Sleek and futuristic, this sauna comprises six full-spectrum heaters.
This means that you can enjoy the combined benefits of three varying wavelengths:
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Near-infrared
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Mid-infrared
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Far-infrared
Together, these penetrate deep within your body to promote healing and repair.
The sauna includes far-infrared heaters that are strategically placed throughout the sauna for a well-rounded healing experience. Additionally, you can maximize the health benefits it has to offer with its medical-grade chromotherapy features.
Another advantage of this sauna is that you can leave it outside throughout the year without fear of weather damage. It is manufactured from carbonized wood that has been heat-treated for durability. This allows it to manage temperatures evenly both indoors and out.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Modern Outdoor Sauna
Choosing a modern outdoor sauna is an exciting endeavor that promises a luxurious retreat right in your backyard. However, with a myriad of options available, it's essential to consider several factors. As mentioned, we will now run through what you need to consider to find the perfect sauna.
Size and Space Requirements
Before diving into the world of saunas, assess your available outdoor space. Consider the dimensions and layout of your chosen area to determine the ideal sauna size.
Modern outdoor saunas come in various sizes, from compact two-person models to spacious family-sized saunas. Ensuring the sauna fits comfortably in your outdoor space is the first step toward creating your personal oasis.
Sauna Type
The sauna experience can vary significantly depending on the type of sauna (like a barrel sauna) you choose. Traditional saunas use heated rocks to create a dry heat environment, while infrared saunas use infrared heaters to warm the body directly.
Materials and Construction Quality
The quality of materials used in your outdoor sauna directly impacts its durability and performance. Opt for saunas constructed with high-quality and durable materials such as weather-resistant wood or stainless steel. A well-built sauna will withstand various weather conditions and provide years of enjoyment.
Your Modern Outdoor Sauna and Your Climate
Considering your climate is a key factor when it comes to investing in a modern outdoor sauna. This is because your climate can significantly impact your sauna experience.
While these sleek and innovative saunas are designed to withstand various weather conditions, understanding how your climate affects the sauna's performance and maintenance is crucial for making the most out of your investment.
Your Modern Outdoor Sauna in Colder Climates
A modern outdoor sauna can be a delightful oasis in colder climates during chilly winters. The sauna's efficient heating system ensures a cozy and inviting space, allowing you to escape the cold and relax.
In such climates, insulation is particularly important to retain the sauna's warmth and prevent unnecessary energy loss. Well-insulated saunas enhance the overall sauna experience and contribute to energy efficiency, reducing your heating costs.
Your Modern Outdoor Sauna in Warmer Climates
On the other hand, if you reside in a hot or humid climate, you might wonder if a sauna is a suitable addition to your outdoor space. It absolutely is! Modern outdoor saunas are designed to handle varying temperatures and adapt to different climates.
For warmer regions, adequate ventilation ensures proper airflow and prevents the sauna from becoming too stifling. Opting for saunas with natural ventilation options or adjustable temperature controls allows you to customize your sauna session according to your comfort level.
Wood-Fired Vs Electric Outdoor Saunas
When choosing an outdoor sauna, it’s crucial to consider your wood-fired versus electric options. Wood-fired saunas offer a rustic and authentic experience, providing a natural and soothing heat. However, they can only be used outdoors.
This is because they require a chimney or ventilation system to release the smoke produced by burning wood.
On the other hand, electric outdoor saunas are convenient and easy to use. Though they do require a power source, which might limit their placement options. Despite this, electric saunas offer precise temperature control and can be installed in various outdoor settings.
Best Outdoor Sauna FAQs
You may be confused as to how outdoor saunas may differ from indoor saunas. After all, don’t they both bring the same health benefits and essentially do the same thing? While that may be true, to differentiate between the two, you’ve got to think about which option is more convenient for you.
Read through the faqs below to learn more about how these saunas differ from similar types.
What Are the Major Differences Between Outdoor and Indoor Saunas?
Outdoor saunas are constructed with weather-resistant materials. They are designed from the ground up for external installation, ready to operate as stand-alone entities. Additionally, outdoor saunas will require either an external power source or the burning of wood to heat up.
Can Electric Saunas Be Placed Outdoors?
Yes, electric saunas can be installed outdoors but they will require an external power source.
Why Are Wood-Fired Saunas Only Used Outdoors?
Wood-fired saunas can only be used outdoors because they produce smoke and exhaust. As a result, proper ventilation will be required to get rid of said smoke and exhaust in a safe manner.
Best Outdoor Sauna and You
It should be clear now that the best outdoor sauna for you is the one that fits your needs. These needs include your region, general climate, and what you prefer in your sauna’s design. It's a lot to take into account, so why not consult the experts?
Contact us, and in one simple call, we will help you decide what sauna is best for your personal getaway.
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Let customers speak for us
I haven't even built this sauna yet (Rainelle), but I have to give an ENORMOUS shoutout to Adora and especially KELLY for their help on this one. This was a big purchase for us, and these ladies went way out of their way to make it work out for us. The first sauna that showed up was badly damaged in shipping, and from what it sounds like - that is not typical. At all. So Kelly helped us to get it squared away, and it took what could have been a horrible customer experience into a fantastic one. Give this woman a raise!
We really like our sauna! Quality of the sauna seems decent. The quality of the accessories was not! The back recliner was all busted up out of the box.
My wife and I would occasionally sit in the sauna at our gym after a workout. It was hot but a little gross. I can't tell you how many times we bailed on the gym sauna session because someone else was playing their phone too loud, someone was breathing like they were gasping for air, someone decided to be shirtless in public, someone is weird or any number of other reasons. Loved the sauna feeling but HATED the gym sauna.
We bought a sauna for our home and installed it in our basement to escape the gym sauna experience. We absolutely love it! We sauna daily. Without the angst and frustration of hoping to avoid an awkward gross experience at the gym sauna.
If you are considering a sauna purchase, spend a little extra and get the WIFI enabled heater. This is the best way to make sure you get the benefit of owning a sauna. The app on our phone is easy to use. Just click the on/off button on the app and set your temperature to your desire. I like 171. My wife likes 153. Once it hits the temperature, the app will let you know. You can even turn on your sauna while you are on the way home from the gym. The WIFI version and the app make all the difference in usability and enjoyment of your investment. If we did not have the app and the WIFI version, we probably would probably skip 2/3 of the sessions we currently take.
The sauna is well made. Wood quality is excellent. Very few knots and blemishes. Hillsboro Almost Heaven saunas are a great choice for quality components, solid electronics, easy to use controls and an enjoyable sauna experience.
This is a standard kit sauna. I made several modifications but I am very satisfied with it so far. I have a few shingles left to install tomorrow and then will move onto to interior. MSW has been easy to work with and I recommend them.
I really love this sauna. I use it about four times a week to help me wind down before bed and calm my ego. Customer service at MySaunaWorld was great.
Assembly took me roughly 8–10 hours total over two days, and I’m not a particularly handy person. The step by step instructions video was straightforward and easy to follow.
I paired the sauna with the HUUM Drop 9 heater (the largest HUUM Drop), and it performs very well. I hired an electrician to install it (about $900 extra). It easily heats the sauna to 190°F plus. I personally like it around 180°F, which it reaches in about an hour. Also, you can pour water over the hot rocks to make the air hotter and steamier. Make sure to mount it low so that it can heat everything above it. (I mounted mine 6” from the ground to the base of the heater.) I love that I can start heating the sauna from my iPhone, even when I’m not on my home Wi-Fi.
I got the double-bench configuration going across the back of the sauna which lets two people lay down. The area around the lower bench is cooler which is nice to have different temperature seating options.
The sauna looks fantastic, smells great, and feels solid. I would recommend this sauna to a friend.
We love our new Almost Heaven Pinnacle barrel sauna!
Delivery was perfect, the assembly was a breeze, and the sauna fits perfectly in our space.
The only regret we have is not to have made this purchase 10 years ago!
I had been thinking about installing a sauna for quite some time. I kept going back and forth between framing one in or a prefab that I assemble. I spent several weeks going over the various websites looking at designs for both and writing out the pros/cons for each. After much deliberation, I reached out to My Sauna World to purchase an Almost Heaven Greyson.
It came way sooner than expected which was a good thing, so I had to arrange for my electrician. I assembled it very easily, with my wife holding just one panel, and then I ran into a problem. The last wall was short. It took a lot of head scratching and measuring and remeasuring as well as back and forth communication with both My Sauna World and Almost Heaven. It turned out that I had been sent 2 glass panels that were the same dimension when the 2 glass panels are actually designed with different dimensions. The new panel was sent out without question, and the rest of the assembly went easy.
I will say that the folks at My Sauna World were extremely responsive and did a great job as liaison back to the manufacturer.
Overall, I had a really positive experience, and we are very happy with the Greyson with the Harvia Spirit 8kW stove.
We also have the duckboard flooring (that is a must) sitting on top of the concrete floor. The back and leg rest are also recommended.
Note: this is advertised as a 3-4 person but in reality it is a good 2 person. And lastly, I grew up with sauna my whole life, starting with my grandpa’s wood burning sauna. This non insulated Greyson type will not get up to the same temperatures, but it does get the job done. Very pleased with the product and do recommend (to frame one in my self and buy a pre-cut kit would have cost a few thousand more overall)
Their customer service is refreshing in a world where most companies fail miserably with service. They should teach customer service to other companies and government agencies. We have only tested the actual product to make sure it works, but along the way, we had multiple questions and the replies were quick and helpful. The sauna was easy to assemble.
Frankly, I was stunned at the quality of this product. Equally stunning is how easily everything fits together. It’s well and I’m looking to an improved lifestyle.
Back rests are a nice size and fit perfectly in my Lugano 3-person sauna. They are very comfortable (especially considering they are wood) and make sitting in the sauna an even more pleasant experience. To think that they were added in free to my purchase of the sauna is hard to believe. Very pleased with customer service from My Sauna World.com !
Well built, good quality, reliable, and matches my barrel sauna very well
I purchased this since it was significantly more affordable than from the brands website. It arrived quickly and is function perfect. It's easy to install and looks great. I had issues with water leaking into the sauna before that used to annoy me. Now it stays completely dry and the wood also is protected from damage and weathering.
The best Sauna ever, and the quickest delivery, 100% recommend !!!!
Works exactly as advertised. Easy install and perfect coverage. Highly recommend.
Very good customer service. My sauna came as expected.