Best Barrel Sauna

Factors to Think About When Buying a Barrel Sauna

So, we’ve looked at the benefits of a sauna and the basics of barrel models.

By this point, you might be eager to own one! But, rather than rushing in and buying a wood barrel sauna that’s not quite right for you, it’s better to take your time and choose with care.

Let’s look at some key factors to consider in your quest for the ideal barrel sauna.

Size and Capacity

When it comes to picking the perfect personal sauna, size does matter.

You have to think carefully about how and who will use your sauna. Is it just for you? You and your partner? The whole family? Maybe even some friends and neighbors from time to time?

At the same time, of course, you’ve got to think about how much spare space you’ve got available. Saunas can get pretty big, so you need to ensure your chosen model will fit in your yard.

Whatever your needs, there are options to suit them.

Small Saunas

For those with smaller yards or those who simply plan to use their saunas solo or with a partner, a 2-person barrel sauna works best. They’re the most compact and affordable options.

You can also opt for a 3 or 4-person model, should you need a little extra room. These barrel saunas tend to be the cheapest, but can still come with luxury features and fancy designs.

Medium Saunas

Next up, medium saunas. These are aimed at groups of four to six people, so they’re just right for the average family, letting moms, dads, and the kids share the fun.

Due to the extra materials required to make them, these models will usually cost more than their smaller counterparts.

Large Saunas

At the top end of the size spectrum, we have the large saunas. These are aimed at big groups of six to eight people, or even more in some cases.

You should only opt for a 6-person barrel sauna or larger if you truly intend to share it with numerous users, as the prices are high and such saunas take up a lot of room, too.

Material and Construction

To pick the perfect barrel sauna, you also have to consider its materials and construction.

Naturally, superior materials cost more, but they also ensure that your barrel sauna is better equipped to handle the elements and last for years of use.

Types of Wood

A traditional barrel Finnish sauna can be made of various varieties of wood, like Cedar, Pine, and Aspen.

Of the trio, Cedar is arguably the top option and most highly-prized among canopy barrel sauna buyers. It’s long-lasting, resistant to rot, and one of the best for insulating heat. It’s also the priciest option.

Pine is a cheaper variety, but may not last quite as long. Then, there’s Aspen, which has a bold and distinctive appearance, but can splinter more quickly and frequently compared to cedar.

Insulation and Durability

As stated earlier, a typical barrel sauna has a single layer of wood staves that make up its body and walls. That’s not the most efficient design, and a lot of heat can seep through the gaps and escape.

So, to make your sauna more efficient, you may opt for additional layers of wood or insulation. This produces a more luxurious barrel sauna experience, at a higher price.

Note, however, that an insulated, durable sauna will last longer than a simpler model. So, even though it might cost more up-front, you could save in the long run.

Heating Options

Buyers can select from several different heating sources to warm their saunas, with some cheaper and simpler and others more elaborate and expensive.

Electric Heaters

Electric sauna heaters are by far the most common. They’re affordable, especially in terms of running costs, and work well to produce radiant heat that fills the whole sauna space.

On the downside, it may require electrical repairs from time to time.

Wood-burning Stoves

A wood-burning stove is a traditional option to get your barrel sauna nice and toasty. It involves burning real firewood to warm the room.

Those who crave the pure and simple sauna experience should shop wood burning barrel saunas. However, the cost of all that wood will add up.

Infrared Heaters

Last up, there are IR heaters. These have the power to effectively heat the body from within using IR rays that penetrate deep into the skin to help with muscle soreness and tension.

If you work out a lot or have bodily aches and pains, this is the heater for you. However, costs of IR heaters can be quite high, and they don’t get as hot as other sauna heaters.

Additional Features

If you want to save money, you can pick a barebones sauna with no frills attached. But, for a deeper and more engaging experience, you could opt for one with a few bonus features. Just remember – the cost of barrel saunas with extra features will naturally be higher than those without.

Windows and Lighting

Windows offer a view of the outside while letting natural light into your sauna space. Interior lighting also helps to illuminate the sauna and create a cozy or even romantic mood.

Seating Arrangements

Some saunas feature unique seating arrangements, like multi-layered benches that let you sit and stretch out in total comfort.

Custom Features

Got something specific in mind for your sauna? Like a panoramic barrel sauna porch or built-in aromatherapy system for even more comfort? If so, a custom sauna build might be right, but you’ll have to pay much more for this.

The Top 5 Best Barrel Saunas

We’ve seen what’s involved in picking the best barrel sauna. Now, let’s look at a few examples to help you get the ball rolling in your own personal search.

LeisureCraft Eastern Cedar Serenity Barrel Sauna

We’ll kick off with this beautiful 4-person sauna from LeisureCraft, a Canadian company using home-grown cedar for its constructions.

Lovely to look at, LeisureCraft Eastern Cedar Serenity is the perfect embodiment of what a barrel sauna should be, with a sleek and almost minimalistic design outside and total comfort inside. It features a 5mm bronze tempered glass door, a small front porch area, marine-grade metal bands, and long benches inside, all for $5,540.

SaunaLife Cube Luxury 6-Person Sauna

Moving on, a sauna for those with bigger families or groups of friends: the 6-person “Cube” sauna from SaunaLife, a traditional Estonian manufacturer.

Luxury is the name of the game with this sauna. It simply oozes class from top to bottom with its beautiful Thermo-Spruce exterior, ergonomic design, and full-glass frontage, which lets in lots of natural light while you use it. It’s priced at $7,990.

SaunaLife Model E6

Next, another entry from SaunaLife. The E6 sauna features a Thermo-Spruce build and cozy design, with sufficient space for three users.

One of the more affordable options on the market today, this sauna costs just $3,790. But don’t let the price tag fool you – it’s far from a budget buy! In fact, it has many awesome features, like its comfy seating with built-in backrests, large 82 diameter to prevent that claustrophobic feeling that comes with smaller saunas, and gentle arc design for your comfort.

Scandia Electric Barrel Sauna Kit

Next, an entry from Scandia, a U.S. brand that uses American cedar in its electric sauna creations.

This complete barrel sauna kit comes with all you need to get started, including a smart sauna Wi-Fi control system, stainless steel electric heater, and grade-A cedar construction. It’s easy to put together as a DIY sauna kit and great value too, starting at $9,450.

LeisureCraft White Cedar Harmony Barrel Sauna

Last up, the Harmony barrel sauna from LeisureCraft, featuring a beautiful white cedar design that brings beauty and elegance to any backyard.

Crafted from Canadian Cedar, this kit comes with strong steel hardware, quality cradles, and all the instructions you need to piece it together yourself (or get a pro to do it for you). It supports up to four people at a time and does a wonderful job of retaining heat for extended sauna sessions.

Comparing the Top 5 Best Barrel Saunas

Next, let’s take a quick look at how our five favorite barrel saunas stack up, side-by-side.

Pros and Cons

Recommendations

Next, let’s see which sauna to pick based on different customer situations and desires.

Budget-Friendly

If you want a budget-friendly pick, we recommend the SaunaLife E6. It offers amazing value for money at under $4,000.

Luxury Features

For a luxurious experience, SaunaLife’s Cube is the way to go. It’s one of the most comfortable and impressive saunas on the market.

Best for Small Spaces

If you don’t have too much room, consider a LeisureCraft sauna, like the Serenity or the Harmony. They’re surprisingly spacious inside without actually taking up all that much room.

Tips for Maintaining Your Barrel Sauna

Let’s finish up with a quick look at how to look after your barrel sauna and get the most out of it.

Cleaning and Upkeep

• Carry out routine cleaning after every usage to prevent dirt or marks building up.
• Do a deep clean every month or so to prevent rot, mold, and deep-set stains.
• Remember to regularly wipe down all glass surfaces, along with the benches and floors.
• Disinfect all ventilation areas regularly, too.

Proper Usage and Safety Precautions

• When starting out, stick to short sauna sessions at lower temperatures.
• Build up to longer and hotter sessions as your body gets used to it.
• Consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions that could be aggravated by sauna use.
• Keep a close eye on the sauna’s temperature at all times to prevent overheating.

Conclusion: Find the Best Barrel Sauna for You

Overall, it’s not hard to see why so many people want a barrel sauna of their own. They’re not just lovely to look at – these saunas are also amazingly efficient, effective, and enjoyable to use. They offer a whole host of both short and long-term health benefits, like stress relief and healthier circulation.

But to get the best out of a barrel sauna, you need to choose the right one. Consider your needs and our listed favorites to make the right choice as you explore Finnish sauna range. Here are a few final recommendations to help you narrow down the selection and pick your best barrel sauna:

•         Best Overall: LeisureCraft Serenity
•         Best Value: LeisureCraft Harmony
•         Personal Favorite: SaunaLife Cube

FAQs

Q: What is an outdoor barrel sauna?

A: An outdoor barrel sauna is a type of sauna that is shaped like a barrel. It is typically designed to be placed outside and offers a unique sauna experience.

Q: What are the benefits of using an outdoor barrel sauna?

A: Using an outdoor barrel sauna can provide various health benefits, such as promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and detoxifying the body through sweating.

Q: How can I customize my outdoor barrel sauna?

A: You can customize your outdoor barrel sauna by choosing options such as different wood types, sizes, accessories, and heating sources to suit your preferences.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a 2-person barrel sauna?

A: When selecting a 2-person barrel sauna, consider factors like the material used, size, heating method, and additional features like sauna accessories for a personalized experience.

Q: Are there any specific health benefits associated with using a sauna?

A: Yes, using a sauna can offer health benefits such as stress relief, improved cardiovascular health, relaxation of muscles, and cleansing of the skin through sweating.

Q: How can I create my backyard oasis with a barrel sauna?

A: You can create a backyard oasis with a barrel sauna by incorporating it into your outdoor space, adding landscaping, comfortable seating, and perhaps a cold plunge or relaxation area nearby.