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Saunas provide so much more than just a place to enjoy some warmth before or after a workout. The intense heat also provides a feeling of relaxation, as your heart rate and blood flow to the skin increases, and sweat glands activate. The good news is that nowadays, you won’t need to even go to a local health club to find one, as multiple portable forms of saunas have popped up in the past few years. Before you crank up the heat, we’ve broken down the most important factors to consider when shopping for a portable sauna, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect product for your home.
Portable Home Sauna Buying Guide
Consider the sauna’s size, material, and these other important features when shopping for one.
Size: Portable saunas come in a range of sizes, from small, one-person options to larger models that can accommodate multiple people. If you’re looking for a sauna that you can use on your own, a smaller size will likely suffice. However, if you plan on sharing the sauna with others, or if you have a larger space to work with, one of the standup (and wider) models may be a better fit.
Material: Home saunas are typically made from either wood, fabric, or PVC. Wooden saunas are generally more durable and can provide a traditionally authentic sauna experience, but they’re heavier and difficult to set up, not to mention way more expensive and not really portable. Fabric saunas are lightweight and easy to get started, but they may not be as durable or provide as authentic of an experience as the gym you’re used to. A sauna blanket is the most space-saving and simplest way to go, just be sure the material is sweat-proof and odor-proof since it’ll be right up against your skin.
Heat: When it comes to heating, there are two main options: infrared saunas and traditional saunas. The first uses infrared heaters to raise the temperature inside, while traditional saunas use heat from a stove or various other heaters to warm the air. Infrared saunas tend to be more energy-efficient and can heat up more quickly than traditional saunas, and still get you sweating, but they won’t provide the exact same experience you’re used to from going to the spa. Traditional saunas may take longer to heat up, but they can provide a more authentic experience.
Controls and Temperature: Some saunas come with built-in control panels, while others require you to use a separate controller. A built-in control panel can be more convenient, particularly one within reach while you’re having a sweat, but it may also be more expensive. It’s also important to consider the temperature range of the sauna. Some saunas can only heat to a certain temperature, while others can heat to much higher temperatures – and while you should never go above the range of safety (around 175 degrees Fahrenheit or so), some like it hot, so make sure the sauna product you’re eyeing can match your preferred setting.
Portable saunas can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget. However, keep in mind that a more expensive sauna may have more features or be made from higher-quality materials, and safety should never be compromised with a product like this.
The Best Portable Saunas
With the above shopping advice in mind, these are the best portable saunas to buy for your home.
