Choosing the right outdoor sauna is crucial to creating a memorable sauna experience at your home. The best outdoor sauna can help you meet your goals, from relaxing to socializing.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 7 best outdoor saunas, along with my top choices for each category so that you can get the best one.
To help make this decision easier, I ranked and reviewed the best outdoor saunas for your home or backyard this year.
- Best Outdoor Infrared: Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor 5
- Best 2-Person: Almost Heaven Salem 2-person Barrel Sauna
- Best Kit: Dundalk Leisure Gorogian Cabin Sauna
- Best Barrel: Almost Heaven Charleston 4-person Canopy Barrel Sauna
- Best 4-Person: Thermory Barrel Sauna No. 60
- Best Wood-fired: BZB Outdoor POD Sauna Igloo Kit 40
- Best Finnish Style: Almost Heaven Legend Sauna
What is The Best Outdoor Sauna?
Here are my picks for the best outdoor saunas this year:
Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor 5
Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Clearlight is well known for making some of the best infrared saunas. Their true wave full spectrum heaters are some of the most powerful infrared heaters, with 25x the power of the nearest leading competitors.
This large, Italian-inspired 5-person outdoor infrared sauna has four true wave full spectrum heaters on the front glass wall and carbon ceramic far infrared heaters on the remaining walls that deliver relaxing infrared heat accompanied by lots of natural light.
The bench also transforms into a comfortable lye-down recliner seat, which is great for kicking back comfortably. The interior is finished in beautiful Candian mahogany, but although the exterior is made from durable CedarTech, this sauna is not made for use in very cold temperatures.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 4-5 Adults
- Base Size: 82” x 52”
- Max Temp: 125°F
- Heater Type: 2,000 Watt Full Spectrum Infrared
- Power: 240V / 16A
- Climate: Not suitable for outdoor use below 40°F
Key Features:
- Powerful TrueWave full spectrum heaters
- EMF and ELF shielding
- iOS/Android smartphone control app
- Built-in Bluetooth surround sound system
- Cedartec exterior finish with 8mm thick glass door & double pane windows
- 5-year warranty on the cabin, Lifetime Warranty on components
Pricing:
Pricing for the Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor 5 is $9,199, with free shipping to the curb included. Clearlight also offers great in-house financing options.
You can also pick up various Clearlight Sanctuary Corner accessories, such as a Red Light Therapy device for $1799, Clearlight Halotherapy for $1399, or Vibrational Resonance Therapy for $650.
What I Like/Dislike About the Clearlight Sanctuary Outdoor 5:
Like:
- The design looks great in the backyard and gets a lot of compliments
- Smartphone app makes preheating quick and easy
- The Speaker system sounds great
- Solid construction
- Chromotherapy lights look great at night
- Low EMF
- 5-Year Warranty on the cabin, Lifetime on components
Dislike:
- Has to be connected to electricity
- Only fits 4-adults
- Not made for cold temperatures
Almost Heaven Salem 2-person Barrel Sauna
Best 2-Person Outdoor Sauna
Almost Heaven Saunas believes in providing our customers with the highest quality saunas that offer an unparalleled relaxation experience.
The Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna is the perfect example of this, offering exceptional features and superior craftsmanship that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Crafted from premium-grade materials, the Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna is designed to withstand even the harshest outdoor conditions, ensuring a long lasting and durable product that will provide you with years of enjoyment.
The barrel design looks beautiful and provides a unique sauna experience that is not available in traditional square or rectangular saunas.
One of the most outstanding features of our Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna is its innovative heating system.
The saunas is equipped with powerful and efficient electric heaters that offer fast and reliable heating, allowing you to enjoy your sauna session without any delay.
The heating system is also designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on your electricity bills while still enjoying a luxurious sauna experience.
The sauna is designed with your comfort in mind, and the interior is spacious enough to accommodate two people comfortably, and the benches are made from high-quality materials that are both comfortable and durable.
The sauna also features large windows allowing natural light to enter the space, providing a relaxing and calming atmosphere.
Features & Specifications:
Pricing:
The Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Sauna starts at $4236 and goes up from there with options.
Dundalk Leisure Craft: Georgian Cabin Sauna
Best Outdoor Sauna Kit
The Dundalk Leisure Craft Canadian Timber Georgian Cabin Sauna Kit is the pinnacle of their Sauna Kit collection, offering a luxurious and immersive sauna experience unmatched by competitors.
Crafted from the finest Canadian hemlock, the Canadian Timber Georgian Cabin Sauna is built to last.
The hemlock is a highly durable and resilient wood that resists warping, cracking, and shrinking, making it the perfect choice for sauna construction.
The sauna is also treated with a non-toxic finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it from moisture and heat.
The Canadian Timber Georgian Cabin Sauna is designed to comfortably accommodate up to four people, making it the perfect choice for families or small groups.
The spacious interior features comfortable bench seating and ample room to move around, ensuring you can enjoy your sauna session in complete relaxation.
One of the critical features of our Canadian Timber Georgian Cabin Sauna is the advanced heating system.
It uses a powerful Harvia electric heater specifically designed for use in saunas. The heater is highly efficient, ensuring that your sauna heats up quickly and stays hot for the duration of your session.
The heater also includes a digital control panel that adjusts the temperature to your desired level.
Features & Specifications:
Pricing:
The Dundal Leisure Craft Georgian Cabin Sauna currently starts at $7,999
BZB: Outdoor Pod Sauna Igloo 40
Best Wood Fired Outdoor Sauna:
The Outdoor POD Sauna Igloo Kit 40 kit provides everything you need to assemble a top-of-the-line sauna in your own backyard, just steps from your door.
With its sleek and modern curved igloo design, this two-room sauna can comfortably accommodate up to eight adults, making it perfect for hosting a relaxing evening with friends and family.
Crafted with quality materials and designed to blend harmoniously into any garden or property, the Outdoor POD Sauna Igloo Kit 40 is the ultimate backyard relaxation.
With its unique design, the POD Sauna Igloo Kit is perfect for colder climates as it has impressive insulation that can maintain heat even in harsh environments.
If you plan on using your sauna in a frigid environment, the POD Sauna Igloo Kit 40 from BZB is an excellent choice.
Specifications & Features:
- The sauna has two rooms with a hot room capacity of 4-6 persons.
- Wall thickness is 1-5/8″ (42 mm).
- The heater can be a Harvia FLB 8KW electric or a Stoveman 13 LS wood-burning stove.
- There is also a 1′ terrace included, which is covered.
- The sauna is made of Nordic spruce and has two windows and roofing shingles.
- Assembly is required, and it should be noted that all saunas are delivered unfinished.
- The sauna weighs 2500 lbs, and foundation materials are included.
Pricing:
The BZB Outdoor POD Sauna Igloo currently starts at $9450, including the heater.
Dundalk CT Serenity 4 Person Barrel Sauna | CTC2245W
Best Barrel Sauna
This sauna is perfect for those who want a unique design, high-quality materials, and a spacious interior, making it the perfect addition to any home or backyard.
The Dundalk Serenity Barrel Sauna is made from high-quality Canadian hemlock wood, known for its durability and resistance to warping.
The sauna is also equipped with stainless steel bands and hinges, which provide added stability and strength.
One unique feature of this sauna is its canopy design.
The canopy provides additional shade and protection from the elements, making it perfect for outdoor use.
It also helps retain heat, ensuring you get the most out of each session.
This Barrel Sauna is spacious enough to comfortably seat up to four people, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
The sauna also features an interior light and a built-in sound system, allowing you to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
In addition to its spacious interior, this Barrel Sauna also features a glass door and windows, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you relax.
Key Features:
Pricing:
The Dundalk Serenity 4-Person Barrel Sauna currently starts at $6291, inclusing the heater.
Termory 4-Person Barrel Sauna
Best 4-Person Outdoor Barrel Sauna
Indulge in the ultimate sauna experience with Thermory’s stunning DIY Barrel Sauna Kit for 4 people.
This kit has everything you need for a luxurious sauna session in the comfort of your own home. The spacious interior boasts a remarkable height of 7’3″, providing ample room to stretch and relax.
Moreover, the all-glass door at the front and panoramic window at the back allow natural light to pour in, enhancing your sauna experience.
The kit includes a covered front porch with comfortable benches, perfect for lounging before or after your sauna session.
This Thermory sauna kit features a stylish design and is also crafted with thermally modified Nordic Spruce, ensuring longevity and durability.
Moreover, it has a selection of top-quality HUUM heater options to suit your needs.
With an easy-to-assemble design, this sauna kit can be ready for use within a day and is available for shipping tomorrow.
Features
- Thermory Wood: The sauna is constructed with Thermory wood, a sustainably sourced, chemical-free material that is incredibly durable and resistant to moisture.
- Large Size: The sauna can comfortably seat up to six people, making it perfect for hosting friends and family.
- Efficient Heating: The sauna is heated by an electric heater, which is both energy-efficient and easy to operate.
- Stunning Design: The Thermory No.60 Barrel Sauna boasts a sleek, modern design that will complement any home or backyard.
- Easy Assembly: The sauna comes with detailed instructions and can be assembled in just a few hours, making it easy to enjoy its benefits immediately.
Pricing:
The Termory 4-Person Barrel Sauna currently starts at $6390.
Almost Heaven Legend Sauna
Best Finnish Style Outdoor Sauna
The Harvia Legend sauna perfectly represents the age-old Finnish traditions of sauna-bathing.
It encompasses all the vital elements that make the sauna experience incredibly relaxing and magical.
The dark interior of the Harvia Legend sauna creates a cozy ambiance where one can bask in silence while the gentle steam nourishes their skin.
The large panoramic window of the sauna provides a breathtaking view of the surroundings, adding to the overall sauna experience.
Master carpenter Mika Pitkänen has designed this sauna to exhibit exceptional craftsmanship and top-notch quality.
The Harvia Legend sauna is a complete on-site module with plug-and-play electricity connections, which make it easy to install.
The sauna also includes pre-installed atmospheric LED lights and liftable benches, simplifying the cleaning process.
Thanks to its insulation, the Legend sauna is energy-efficient and suitable for even colder areas. Insulation not only speeds up heating but also contributes to the retention of heat in the sauna.
Key Features:
- Constructed with softwood plywood that has been painted black, and waned softwood, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The window and door are made of smoke gray tempered heat glass, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the sauna.
- The door is equipped with a magnetic lock, ensuring it can only be locked when the sauna is not used. This feature also prevents the door from opening during harsh weather conditions and prevents children from entering the sauna without adult supervision.
- The sauna is delivered fully assembled, with the heater and chimney installed on-site, making it easy to set up and use. It can accommodate up to 4-6 people comfortably.
- The ceiling beams of the sauna measure 45 x 95 mm, the sidewalls are 122 mm thick, and the back wall is 137 mm thick.
- The insulation is made of 30 mm Segmented Polyether Polyurethane (SPU), ensuring the sauna is well-insulated and energy-efficient.
- The roof of the sauna is made of tin with a thickness of 187 mm, while the windows are made of double-glazed glass with a thickness of 22 mm. The glass comprises two layers of 8 mm and 6 mm tempered glass, with an 8 mm space between them filled with Argon gas, ensuring maximum insulation.
Pricing:
The HArvia Legend Sauna starts at $33,528.
What is an Outdoor Sauna?
An outdoor sauna is a small, enclosed structure designed to produce heat and steam. It is typically made of wood and features a heater, benches, and a door. The sauna can be heated with a wood-fired stove or an electric heater, and the temperature inside can range from 70 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Types of Outdoor Saunas
There are two main types of outdoor saunas: traditional and infrared. Traditional saunas use a wood-fired stove or an electric heater to heat rocks, which then radiate heat throughout the sauna. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared heaters to emit light that is absorbed by the body to produce heat.
Health Benefits of Using an Outdoor Sauna
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Regular use of an outdoor sauna has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. The heat from the sauna causes the blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow and helps to lower blood pressure. Additionally, using a sauna can improve the elasticity of the blood vessels, making them more flexible and less prone to damage.
Boost Immune System
Using an outdoor sauna regularly can also help to boost the immune system. The heat from the sauna causes the body to produce more white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. Additionally, the sauna can help to increase the production of antibodies, which can help to protect against illness.
Promote Relaxation and Reduce Stress
One of the most well-known benefits of using an outdoor sauna is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The heat from the sauna can help to relax the muscles and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that also produce a feeling of well-being. Additionally, the sauna can help reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
Improve Skin Health
Using an outdoor sauna can also improve skin health. The sauna’s heat helps open the pores, allowing the skin to breathe and release toxins. Additionally, the sauna can help increase blood flow to the skin, which can promote the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for healthy skin.
Enhance Athletic Performance and Speed Recovery
Using an outdoor sauna can also help to enhance athletic performance and speed recovery. The heat from the sauna can help to increase blood flow to the muscles, which can help to improve their flexibility and reduce soreness. Additionally, using a sauna after exercise can help flush out lactic acid, a waste product that can cause muscle soreness and fatigue.
Aid in Weight Loss
Using an outdoor sauna can also aid in weight loss. When exposed to high temperatures, the body produces sweat, which is made up of water, salt, and toxins. This process can help burn calories and increase metabolism, leading to weight loss over time.
Detoxify the Body
Another benefit of using an outdoor sauna is that it can help to detoxify the body. The heat from the sauna causes the body to sweat, which can help to release toxins and impurities from the skin. Additionally, the sauna can help to stimulate the liver, which is responsible for filtering out toxins from the body.
Other Benefits of Using an Outdoor Sauna
Aside from the health benefits mentioned above, using an outdoor sauna can also have other benefits, such as:
- Increased relaxation and improved sleep quality
- Improved socialization with friends and family
- Increased property value and attractiveness
- Reduced pain and stiffness in joints and muscles
Tips for Using an Outdoor Sauna Safely
While using an outdoor sauna can provide numerous health benefits, it is important to use it safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Always consult a healthcare provider before using a sauna, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medication.
Start with a lower temperature and shorter session time, gradually increasing.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after using the sauna.
Avoid alcohol and drugs before and during sauna use.
Avoid using the sauna if you are pregnant, have low blood pressure, or have a heart condition.
Outdoor Sauna FAQ
Can I use an outdoor sauna if I have a heart condition?
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using an outdoor sauna if you have a heart condition.
How often should I use an outdoor sauna?
Using an outdoor sauna 2-3 times per week is recommended for optimal health benefits.
Can using an outdoor sauna help with weight loss?
Yes, using an outdoor sauna can aid in weight loss by burning calories and increasing metabolism.
Is it safe to use an outdoor sauna during pregnancy?
It is not recommended to use an outdoor sauna during pregnancy.
What is the optimal temperature for an outdoor sauna?
The optimal temperature for an outdoor sauna is typically between 160-190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
An outdoor sauna can provide numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, boosted immune system, reduced stress, improved skin health, enhanced athletic performance, weight loss, and detoxification.
In addition to these benefits, using an outdoor sauna can also promote relaxation and socialization, increase property value, and reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles.
However, it is important to use the sauna safely and consult a healthcare provider before using it if you have any medical conditions or take medication.