Saunas are good for both your physical and mental health. But not all saunas are created equal. Here, we share our favorites, expert advice, and trusted brands.
I’m pretty sure 2024 will be the year of the sauna. Thermal baths use essential elements of nature to create a rejuvenating experience for the body and mind in minutes, with proven health benefits. While there are many different types of outdoor saunas on the market, with the most unique being tent saunas and infrared saunas, barrel saunas are arguably the coolest and most practical sauna design, and they’re definitely the most photogenic, too.
The organic beauty and unique shape of a barrel sauna make it seem as if it belongs in nature. In addition to the visual effect, this shape is also very efficient in terms of heat circulation. In terms of installation, this is a DIY project suitable for beginners, as almost every outdoor barrel sauna comes as a kit and can be assembled on site.
Field Mag readers know that we have an endless passion for the art of hot tubs and wood-fired Jacuzzis as a way to immerse ourselves in nature through a timeless, restorative practice that is both relaxing and rewarding. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the world of barrel saunas and share practical tips, smart buying strategies, and our top recommendations to help you find the perfect sauna for all your future sweat sessions.
The cylindrical shape of a barrel sauna resembles a large wine barrel, which encourages natural air circulation from top to bottom, making it more efficient at heating than a square or cabin-style home sauna, where hot air can collect in unoccupied corners. “When you’re in a sauna, you want the heat to be distributed as evenly as possible so your head doesn’t sweat and your toes don’t get cold,” says Stuart Jensen, director of product design for Redwood Outdoors, a premium sauna, hot tub, and cold-tub manufacturer based in Washington state. “The barrel shape allows for a natural, even heat distribution.”
The round structure sits on ‘posts’ rather than lying on the floor, allowing ventilation from below and helping to keep the sauna dry.
Various types of saunas provide physical and mental health benefits, including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and lower blood pressure. The deep sweating that results from heat therapy also hydrates the skin and promotes the body’s natural detoxification.
Interestingly, studies conducted on both occasional and regular sauna users have shown that the effects of sauna on the body are comparable to those of moderate to intense exercise. So if you have an injury or illness that prevents you from doing this type of exercise, relaxing in a sauna can help speed up the recovery process on both a physical and mental level!
Most barrel saunas come in easy-to-assemble kits that are shipped to your door in pieces. Unlike the sauna our friend Andrew Szeto built, assembling a sauna kit doesn’t require a lot of DIY experience. Even a couple of DIYers can build a sauna in their backyard in an afternoon. Most kits only require a few basic tools that most households already have. Check out the step-by-step video on assembling a barrel sauna kit at the top of the article. Additionally, some sauna vendors offer on-site assembly services for an additional fee.
If you decide to use an electric sauna heater, it is important to remember that you will need to hire a licensed electrician to wire your dry sauna to your home’s electrical system. Wiring electricity to a sauna can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on the size of the sauna, the type of heater, and the distance from the electrical box. For reference, a local electrician in Maine charged me $1,700 last fall to wire my two-person backyard sauna. Since this cost is not included in the price of the sauna kit, it is important to factor it into the overall cost.
Wood and electric sauna heaters work on the same principle, with the most obvious difference being the heat source. Many people find that an electric heater is quicker and easier to operate (many even come with Wi-Fi, so you can preheat the sauna without going outside), and it allows for more precise temperature control. However, as mentioned above, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to hook up the power, which can be expensive.
The most popular types of electric furnaces are the Tylo, HUUM Drop, Virta and Harvia KIP models, with a power of 4 to 10.5 kilowatts and a current of 20 to 30 amperes, depending on the size of the furnace.
On the other hand, a wood-fired sauna stove allows you to enjoy life without being hooked up to the power grid and have more freedom in choosing where to place your sauna. Of course, you need to have some skill in making a fire. In my experience, a four-person sauna can heat up in less than two hours. However, during this heating period, you will need to add fire and ingredients. Like a wood-fired hot tub, this process is part of the immersive experience. And the smell is incredible.
A barrel sauna is a traditional sauna that uses a stove to heat the sauna to temperatures between 160 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit, and water is poured onto the hot stones using a bucket and ladle, creating steam and inducing deep, detoxifying sweating. You can control the temperature with an electric or wood-burning stove, and the humidity with the amount of water you sprinkle on the sauna stones.
If you’re lucky enough to have a great view from your yard, this barrel sauna is the perfect choice. The unique design (the top image in this post is of our friend Devon’s stunning rental cabin, Cedar Hollow) is made from rot-resistant, eco-friendly, heat-resistant wood and, best of all, has an all-glass front wall for panoramic views. The choice of an electric Harvia or wood-burning sauna stove provides efficient heating whether plugged in or off-grid. The sauna comes with everything you need for easy assembly, making it the perfect option for nature lovers looking for relaxation.
It’s hard to find a sauna kit for under $5,000, but this SaunaLife model is pretty sturdy, made from eco-friendly thermo-fir wood. The barrel sauna is compatible with both electric and wood-burning stoves, has a waterproof tiled roof rain cover, a spacious 6-foot-5-inch interior sauna height, an ergonomic bench and backrest, and heavy-duty stainless steel straps for structural rigidity. Plus, it comes with a Wi-Fi-enabled app that can control the LED lights, because why not.
The Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna, made in West Virginia, has a 6 x 4 foot enclosure for a compact footprint. Its compact size means it doesn’t take up much space and heats up quickly, making it a great choice for those looking to get sweaty in under an hour. There are also plenty of optional extras to customize your small but mighty sauna, including rear windows, lighting, and doors in solid wood, clear, or frosted tempered glass. Assembly required.
This large barrel sauna, designed for off-grid use, can be used with a wood stove or plugged into the grid with an electric heater. It is made entirely of high-quality Canadian Red Cedar wood, making it a beautiful, functional, and pleasant-smelling finished product. It truly is a sauna experience. Other features include a level floor (a surprisingly useful upgrade) and a glass sauna door, and the kit includes a bucket, shovel, and ergonomic backrest. Assembly takes only 3-4 hours for two people, and shipping is slow in the US and Canada.
Dundalk Canada is a respected manufacturer of high-quality saunas that are perfect for enjoying the beauty of nature while you soak. The traditional sauna features a not-so-traditional acrylic foam back window and a crescent-shaped bench that sits inside the dome so you can sit in the hottest spot in the house. Constructed from select cedar, this sauna has plenty of room to be customized with add-ons, including porches, changing rooms, and clear cedar trim. Assembly required.
This efficient, high-quality sauna can reach temperatures of 189 degrees Fahrenheit in one hour and features an outdoor covered seating area with benches. It’s the perfect place to cool off between sauna sessions without being fully exposed to the elements. It can also be used as a small changing room. The red cedar sauna features benches and backrests, and comes with sauna accessories like a bucket and spoon, as well as volcanic stones for the stove.
What makes Forest Cooperage barrel saunas unique is that buyers can choose a two-, four- or six-person sauna, all made from the same high-quality red cedar and craftsmanship. The minimalist barrel sauna features a simple two-person design and a Harvia stove, while buyers can outfit the six-person barrel sauna with a clear acrylic dome, porch, and a WiFi-controlled Harvia stove. Assembly required.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up a small private sauna, including a list of home sauna alternatives that will help you sweat.
A chat with Lindsay Bro about how she amassed over 500,000 Instagram followers, her passion for bathing culture, and her favorite hot springs around the world