Best Home Sauna of 2023

What is a Home Sauna?

Saunas have appeared in different forms and cultures worldwide for thousands of years.

A sauna is a small room or building designed for heat therapy, providing many relaxation and health benefits. They are usually constructed of wood, heated using rocks or an electric heater, and available in various shapes and sizes.

The word “sauna” refers to a traditional Finnish steam bath. Saunas have been used in Finland for centuries and are still common today.

Home saunas are widely available in different varieties and price ranges and, due to their benefits, can be an excellent addition to your home environment. You can install a home sauna in your basement, garage, or anywhere that is large enough and provides the right ventilation and power supply.

Many people also forget that a home sauna in your backyard or next to your pool, pond, or lake is another great option. It offers the chance to create a home spa and set up a space that offers relaxation in the comfort of your home.

Benefits of a Sauna

Why should you invest in a home sauna? Many advantages come with owning one.

A home sauna is beneficial and can be a wonderful experience for home pleasure because it provides easy access without going to a public spa or wellness center. Who doesn’t like the idea of unwinding in your sauna at the end of a long day? 

Sweating in a sauna will transform your health as it purifies and detoxifies your body. It helps to relieve stress as it relaxes and refreshes you and, at the same time, provides energy and rejuvenation.

A sauna eliminates toxins from your body and boosts metabolism to help you lose weight while improving skin health by opening pores.

Saunas can improve circulation, help cardiovascular function, lower blood pressure, and strengthen immunity by increasing white blood cells. It will also grant pain relief to people with arthritis and other conditions.

All these benefits can lead to a better life, as they help you form quality sleeping habits and improve your overall mental clarity and cognitive function.

Not only does owning a home sauna offer numerous health and wellness benefits, but it also provides a great way to build relationships and your social life since spending time with others in one gives you a chance to bond with family and friends.

A sauna can be a luxurious addition and a source of fun. There are several benefits to having a home sauna, and it can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to use and enjoy it often.

Types of Saunas

Different types of saunas are available to choose from. What type of sauna is right for you? The most widely used and popular kinds of saunas include:

1. Traditional saunas
2. Infrared saunas
3. Steam saunas
4. Portable saunas

Traditional Saunas

A traditional sauna is often called a Finnish sauna since it originated in Finland and is a staple in the country. These are small wood-lined rooms with benches that use a wood sauna stove or an electric sauna heater. Water is poured over hot rocks to create steam and heat the air around you, making you sweat.

A session in a traditional steam sauna detoxifies you and extends pain relief and relaxation. Temperatures in a traditional sauna reach up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this type of sauna provides low humidity levels, it can be a better option for individuals with respiratory issues.

Infrared Saunas

An infrared sauna is a popular choice for many and one of the best home saunas available. They use infrared heaters to emit infrared light to generate heat and penetrate the skin directly, providing deep tissue relief for muscles and joints.

Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas since they raise your body temperature without heating the air around you. Since no steam or water is needed to create heat, you may find infrared saunas more comfortable to breathe in. Temperatures in infrared home saunas only rise to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and are a common choice for relaxation and detoxification.

Steam Saunas

Steam saunas produce moist heat from a steam generator. It provides deep relaxation with an intense feeling of direct warmth, causing quite a sensation of perspiration.

A steam sauna releases tense muscles and offers detoxification for the body with high humidity levels but operates at a lower temperature than dry saunas, reaching around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Portable Saunas

A mobile outdoor sauna is a portable sauna that has gained popularity in recent years. It is the best portable sauna for wellness and outdoor enthusiasts and people constantly on the go. They offer the same relaxation and pain relief benefits as a built-in sauna but without permanent installation. You can choose from infrared or traditional styles of saunas based on your preference.

An infrared sauna blanket is another top choice for portable saunas. It is a blanket or mat made of heat-resistant material that you lie inside of, and it uses far infrared radiation to deliver heat therapy to the body. The infrared waves of a portable infrared sauna penetrate the skin, which causes you to sweat and release toxins, reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.

Overall, a portable sauna is an excellent option if your space is limited, plus you can take it anywhere.

List of the Best Brands of Home Saunas

When buying a sauna for your home, you can choose from trusted brands that offer various styles and designs. 

You have many choices to find the right sauna to enjoy in the comfort of your own home to help you reach your relaxation goals. Popular brand names and some of the best models of home saunas include:

1. SunRay Sauna

2. SaunaLife

3. Auroom

4. Thermory

5. Dundalk

6. Aleko

How Much Does an At-Home Sauna Cost?

The price you pay to have a sauna at home varies. It depends on the size you buy, the materials it is made of, and the available features. You can buy a basic easy to assemble home sauna kit for as little as $1,000. Larger, custom-built home saunas are your best splurge and can cost $10,000 or more.

Factors for Choosing a Home Sauna

With different brands, types, and designs available, you have many choices for finding the best home sauna to fit your lifestyle. The sauna you buy for home use depends on what you want to achieve and the setup available on your residential property. It helps to consider certain factors when looking for the best overall home saunas on the market, such as:

• Size

• Shape

• Type

• Heating

• Materials

• Features

• Pricing

• Installation

Size of the Sauna

Think about how many individuals you want to accommodate at one time. For example, are you looking to keep it small for only one or two people? Or do you have the space and want to go larger? Home saunas come in a range of sizes for up to six people or more, so you have many options.

Sauna Shape

Whether buying an indoor sauna or outdoor sauna, you need to anticipate the shape that fits into your available space. For instance, you can choose from different designs, such as a wood sauna barrel or a cabin sauna.

Type of Sauna

What benefits are you going for? Infrared saunas use infrared heat and provide deep tissue therapy by penetrating the skin directly, which can be more tolerable. Traditional saunas use wood stoves or gas heaters and have high humidity levels. Each one has its advantages. Decide the best type based on your needs and what you want to achieve.

Materials

You want to purchase a high-quality home sauna made of durable and renewable materials like wood, ceramic, glass, and acrylic. For instance, Canadian cedar is a popular choice due to its durability and moisture resistance, and it withstands discoloration, warping, and cracking.

Heating

Traditional saunas use an electric heater element or stove to heat rocks or other materials, producing steam that warms the air inside. The traditional experience of a wood-fired sauna may be your preference and can be more efficient and easier to use. Whatever you choose is up to you, and each has its benefits.

Available Features

You can enhance your sauna experience with different features like temperature controls, LED lights, sound systems, ventilation, and bench designs and bring it to another level.

Cost of Buying the Sauna

Since saunas come in different sizes and materials and offer various features, prices vary, and affordability is essential for your budget. Determine if you would like a pre-built or a custom sauna. You can purchase pre-built sauna kits that are usually easier to install and are available in different dimensions and designs. Researching and reading reviews before purchasing one is highly recommended for choosing the best personal sauna.

Cost of Using the Sauna

The cost of running an at-home infrared sauna or a traditional Finnish sauna depends on its wattage and electricity prices of where you live. How often do you plan to use it? How long does it take to heat your sauna? These factors play a significant role in monthly bills.

Installation

Are you installing your home sauna yourself? Do you have the right tools and skills to do so correctly? If not, you need to hire someone that can do the installation for you. Paying for a professional may be a good idea, especially if you do not have the right experience or equipment on hand.

How to Set Up a Room for Your Home Sauna

Personal home saunas need a proper setup. You should carefully consider all the factors that go into buying one before your purchase. With the many options available, you need to ensure the space in your home or where you plan to place it on your residential property can accommodate what home saunas require.

• Identify the Location of Your Sauna Room - The area where you place the sauna must be spacious enough to accommodate your preferred size, style, and design. An average-sized model requires about 8 feet by 6 feet of room, so keep this in mind. If you purchase a more extensive model, be sure the space is big enough.
• Use Correct Ventilation - Saunas require good ventilation to prevent mold and mildew buildup. If you do not have this, consider what you can do to add an appropriate circulation system.
• Use Suitable Flooring - The floor in and around your sauna should be made of non-porous and non-slip materials because they will get wet. Consider using wooden floors, tiles, vinyl, or concrete to avoid a fall or accident.
• Establish Proper Lighting - Infrared saunas generally do not require bright lighting. But traditional saunas do, and you must ensure the lighting fixtures you install are safe for use in high temperatures.
• Add Seating and Other Accessories - The sauna room should come with benches or chairs to sit on. You will also need towels and a water bucket with a ladle for hydratation. Other accessories are available that will enhance the effects of a sauna and help you relax even more.
• Test the Sauna - It is showtime! Once everything is in place, it is time to test the sauna. You want to ensure it operates properly and the temperature is adjusted appropriately.

Best Home Sauna Accessories to Improve Your Experience

There are many home sauna accessories that can enhance your experience and bring it to another level. 

These make a great addition to your sauna session. Some of the home sauna accessories that are available to purchase include:

• Sauna stones: They provide a natural source of heat conduction and steam.

• Wooden bucket and ladle: These are essential for pouring water over the sauna stones to create steam.

• Essential oils: Adding a few drops to the water can increase your home sauna's aroma and therapeutic benefits.

• Sauna towels: Use ones made with cotton or natural fibers to absorb sweat. They also provide a comfortable surface for sitting or lying down.

• Sauna hooks: These come in handy for hanging your robe or towel.

• Sauna backrests: They provide support and comfort while sitting in the sauna.

• Chromotherapy lights: These add vibrant colors to the sauna, with each different one attributed to healing benefits.

• Sound system: This adds a relaxing atmosphere to your sauna with music or guided meditations.

How Safe is Sauna Therapy?

A sauna, including an infrared home sauna, is generally safe for most people. Consulting with a healthcare professional beforehand is recommended if you have specific medical conditions or may be pregnant. You also want to ensure that you hydrate before and after a sauna session, which is essential to reap the most benefits.

When using your home sauna, remember to take certain precautions, including:

• Preventing prolonged exposure 

• Avoiding alcohol consumption

• Drinking plenty of water

Find the Best Home Sauna Today

If you're looking for a sauna, Avide Home provides luxury home saunas at affordable prices. Maximize the benefits of owning a home sauna today and choose from the many brands and styles to help you reach your relaxation goals.