Choosing a sauna can be overwhelming. There are so many different styles, brands, features, sizes, and other things to consider, and given the cost of this investment, it’s not something you can take any chances on.
You can put all that stress behind you with our help, though. We created this sauna buying guide to leave you feeling confident investing in your home and health.
From picking an infrared or traditional sauna to sizing your sauna, determining where to install it, budgeting for the purchase, and more, we’ll cover everything you need to know to take the next steps toward bringing the benefits of a sauna into your home.
While there is a ton of value in this sauna guide below, you can save yourself some time by simply reaching out to us for a personalized recommendation or taking our quiz. We’ll ask you a few questions and from there we’ll be able to help you weigh your options.
You can also narrow your search by browsing some of our most popular collections below:
Try Our Sauna Quiz To Find Your Ideal Sauna Today
Why Buy a Sauna?
First things first, is buying a sauna worth it? Absolutely. These deliver tangible physical and mental health benefits, from detoxification to relaxation. They have the potential to raise your home’s value, too!
Health Benefits
You may already be familiar with some of the health benefits of a sauna, as these are among the most long-standing therapeutic remedies.
Regular sauna induces deep sweating to help eliminate toxins from the body. This process can improve skin health, enhance circulation, and support the body's natural detox systems.
The high-heat environment of a sauna can also aid in muscle recovery by relaxing muscles, reducing soreness, and alleviating joint pain. This can provide much-needed relief and improve mobility for individuals with chronic pain conditions.
Saunas also contribute to cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and improving blood flow, mimicking the effects of moderate exercise.
Mental Well-being
Beyond physical health, the heat and tranquility of a sauna can melt stress away. Saunas can improve overall mood and mental clarity, making it easier to manage daily stressors.
Regular sauna use is also associated with improved sleep quality, as the relaxation and detoxification processes help to prepare the body for restful sleep.
You can even use the quiet time spent in a sauna to meditate and focus on being present, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Home Value
If you’re still stressing about the cost of a sauna, consider this - you could see an ROI should you decide to sell your home one day.Saunas are seen as a luxury feature that can attract potential buyers, making your home more appealing in the real estate market.
Beyond the monetary value, a home sauna provides a lifestyle upgrade, transforming your home into a personal wellness retreat. This added convenience allows you to enjoy the numerous health and mental benefits of a sauna without the need to visit a spa or gym.
How to Choose a Sauna: Size, Technology, Features, Installation, and More
It’s clear that a sauna is worth the investment, but all the benefits are contingent on choosing the right sauna. Don’t worry, you’ll know exactly where to start your search after reading through our sauna buying guide below! Here’s how to choose a sauna:
Different Types of Saunas
The first step is choosing among the different types of saunas. We’ll highlight each below to help you figure out which aligns with your needs.
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas, are the most well-known type. They use either electric or wood-burning heaters to warm the air, creating a high-heat, low-humidity environment.
- Electric Heaters: Popular for their convenience and efficiency. Electric heaters quickly reach high temperatures and maintain consistency. They’re easy to control, with many models offering digital controls for precise temperature adjustments.
- Wood-Burning Heaters: Provide a more rustic experience reminiscent of the traditional feel of a sauna. The aroma of burning wood adds to the ambiance. However, they can be high-maintenance and need a steady supply of firewood.
You can pour water over hot stones to create steam with this type of sauna, known as “löyly.” This increases humidity and can make the heat feel more intense for a deep, purifying sweat. Here are some popular sizes at Nordica Sauna:
- 1 person traditional sauna
- 2 person traditional sauna
- 3 person traditional sauna
- 4 person traditional sauna
- 5 person traditional sauna
- 6 person traditional sauna
- 7 person traditional sauna
- 8 person traditional sauna
Infrared Saunas
These use infrared panels to emit light that is absorbed by the skin, heating your body directly rather than warming the air around you. It operates at a lower sauna temperature but still provides intense heat that penetrates deeply into muscles and tissues.
This makes it great for those who don’t want to sit through higher temperatures. These are also more energy-efficient than traditional saunas. You’ll find two different styles:
- Far Infrared Saunas: The far infrared light penetrates deeply into the body, promoting detoxification and relaxation at lower temperatures (around 120-150°F).
- Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas: These incorporate near, mid, and far infrared light for a wider range of benefits like improved circulation, detoxing, skin health, and pain relief.
You may be wondering, are infrared saunas safe? Absolutely.As long as you invest in a high-quality sauna from a trusted brand, like ours here at Nordica Sauna. Here are some popular sizes:
- 1 person infrared sauna
- 2 person infrared sauna
- 3 person infrared sauna
- 4 person infrared sauna
- 5 person infrared sauna
- 6 person infrared sauna
- 8 person infrared sauna
Barrel Saunas
When most people think of saunas, they envision a beautiful traditional barrel sauna. These classic styles are designed primarily for outdoor use and are recognizable by their cylindrical shape.
The design maximizes interior space while minimizing the footprint, making them space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The rustic, unique style is unlike any other.
But, that curved wall design also leads to better heat circulation within the sauna. It ensures temperature consistency too. We have a variety of options for you at Nordica Sauna:
- 1 person barrel sauna
- 2 person barrel sauna
- 3 person barrel sauna
- 4 person barrel sauna
- 5 person barrel sauna
- 6 person barrel sauna
Hybrid Saunas
Hybrid saunas combine both traditional and infrared heating methods for the best of both worlds. You can switch between the two depending on your preference.
This flexibility allows users to enjoy the high-heat experience of a traditional sauna or the deep-penetrating heat of an infrared sauna.
These models also typically come with advanced control systems to easily switch between heating methods and customize your experience in other ways. Browse our popular sizes below:
- 2 person hybrid sauna
- 3 person hybrid sauna
- 4 person hybrid sauna
- 5 person hybrid sauna
- 6 person hybrid sauna
Now, there are other styles out there too - like steam saunas and portable saunas. But these styles above are the most popular, and we highly suggest sticking with one of these. Let’s move on to the next step in our sauna guide.
Used vs New Saunas
We’ll get to budgeting for the cost of a sauna later on in our sauna buying guide, but it’s perfectly normal to look for ways to make this purchase as affordable as possible.
This may lead you down the path of considering a used sauna. It sounds great, after all - you can get a high-quality sauna at a fraction of the price! But, this is rarely a good idea. Used saunas might come with wear and tear, outdated technology, and a lack of warranty.
In contrast, new saunas offer a level of assurance that makes it easier to actually buy a sauna. This includes a warranty and when shopping here at Nordica Sauna, a satisfaction guarantee.
You also benefit from professional customer support, whether it’s for help choosing a sauna or troubleshooting an issue after the fact.
Plus, a sauna is not something you should cut corners on. This is an investment in your health and by purchasing new you’re getting access to the latest features and advancements - modern heating systems, energy-efficient designs, and smart controls that enhance the experience.
How Big Should Your Sauna Be?
Next up in our sauna buying guide is picking the perfect size. There’s a balance to be struck here between maximizing space inside the sauna to stretch out or enjoy the experience with friends and ensuring it actually fits in your home:
- Personal Use: A small 1-2 person sauna (around 4’ x 4’) will be sufficient if you're planning to use the sauna alone or with a partner.
- Family Use: A 3-4 person sauna (about 6’ x 5’) provides more space and comfort for families or small groups.
- Group Use: Larger saunas for 5 or more people (at least 8’ x 6’) are ideal for social gatherings or commercial use.
Think about how many people you envision using the sauna simultaneously most of the time. You shouldn’t make the decision based on how many people you could have in at once, as you’ll likely pay more than you need to for a size you never use.
Still, there has to be enough room for you to sit or lie down comfortably. You may want additional space to enhance the experience by stretching or doing yoga, too. Here are some common sizes so you can get a better expectation:
- 1 person sauna for sale
- 2 person sauna for sale
- 3 person sauna for sale
- 4 person sauna for sale
- 5 person sauna for sale
- 6 person sauna for sale
- 8 person sauna for sale
Will You Install it Indoors or Outdoors?
Figuring out whether you want an indoor vs outdoor sauna influences your installation process, the styles you have access to, and the experience you have using the sauna.
Indoor saunas are great because they offer convenience, easy access, and protection from weather elements. They can be installed in basements, bathrooms, or home gyms.
However, they do need proper ventilation to handle the heat and moisture, which can complicate the installation process. You also have to be more measured in choosing your sauna size to avoid the headaches of getting it to fit.
In contrast, outdoor saunas allow you to experience the sauna as it was intended, outside surrounded by nature. They are perfect for gardens, patios, or near pools.
Just be aware that they need weather-resistant materials, which can cost a bit more, and the sauna will inevitably wear out faster. You also need stronger heaters which can add to upfront and ongoing costs.
You should consider your specific climate in making this decision. If you live in a temperate region, the choice is up to you.
That being said, those who experience harsh winters will find outdoor saunas take forever to heat up, cost more to run, and don’t get used as much because they don’t want to go outside in freezing temperatures.
But either way, you can find an outdoor sauna for sale or indoor sauna for sale at Nordica Sauna that aligns with your budget.
Additional Features to Look for in a Sauna
Maybe you just want the bare necessities in your sauna to save money and force yourself to focus on meditation and being present. That’s perfectly fine! But, you also have access to some really awesome features that can elevate the sauna experience. These include:
- Chromotherapy Lighting: Different colors of light for therapeutic benefits.
- Built-in Sound Systems: Enjoy music or nature sounds during your sauna session, sometimes via bluetooth!
- Digital Controls: Easily adjust temperature and timer settings with digital panels or remote control options. You can heat the sauna while you’re headed home so it’s ready.
Above all else, you should ensure the sauna is built from high-quality materials and equipped with a dependable heating system, whether it's infrared panels or traditional heaters. Take note of insulation as well as this influences temperature consistency along with safety.
Budgeting for the Investment
Let’s get down to the financial side of things in our sauna guide. How much is a sauna going to cost you? Much of it depends on decisions you’ve made so far - like the type of sauna you want, the size you choose, installation, advanced features, etc.
At the low end, expect to pay around $3-5k for a smaller, less sophisticated infrared sauna. At mid-ranged options can get up to $7-10K while massive, custom-built saunas can easily cost $15-30k.
The best way to get a better sense of what you can expect to pay for a sauna is to browse our options here at Nordica Sauna and see what fits your budget. Better yet, get in touch with our team and we can help you find the best option in your budget.
Beyond the sauna cost itself, be sure to account for installation costs, as professional assistance may be required for electrical work and assembling large or complex units. DIY kits are a good choice for those who have some level of handyman experience and the right tools.
Similarly, you should budget for ongoing costs as saunas need energy to run. Like we said earlier, infrared saunas are more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts.
Finding a Retailer
The last thing we want to discuss in our sauna buying guide is the specific brand you should buy and where you should purchase your sauna.
We touched on this already, but this will influence the level of support you get before, during, and after the purchase, so it can’t be taken lightly. Fortunately, your search for the #1 online sauna retailer ends right here at Nordica Sauna.
We’re passionate about bringing the benefits of sauna to the comfort and convenience of your home. In order to do that, we’ve used our extensive experience in this field to source the industry’s best brands and most sought-after models. This means no matter which sauna you buy on our site, you can trust that you’re getting a reliable, high-quality solution. Here are our most popular brands:
You’re not just getting the best sauna, though. You’re also getting world-class customer service every step of the way, from this intuitive sauna guide to one-on-one assistance when you need it.
With free shipping, the lowest prices online, and a satisfaction guarantee, what more could you ask for? Take a look around and see what we have in store for you that aligns with your needs. Or, get in touch for more help today!
Wrapping Up Our Sauna Buying Guide
That does it for our sauna buying guide. We hope you have a thorough understanding of how to choose a sauna and feel confident in your next steps. If you’re still on the fence, though, our quiz below will ask you a few questions and guide you towards the perfect pick.
Don’t wait to experience the benefits of having a sauna right in your home or yard. Take the next steps today and invest in your health, home, and happiness at Nordica Sauna!
