You don’t have to be a member of an exclusive gym or go to an expensive spa to experience a sauna. Heat therapy can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own barrel sauna, if you have the outdoor space and skill to assemble it yourself.
These barrel-shaped structures transform your backyard into a spa experience and offer both relaxation and health benefits. Our buying guide can tell you what you need to know before purchasing a barrel sauna. We’ve also included our top recommendations, like the BZBCabinsandOutdoors.com Barrel Sauna Igloo Kit, an attractive, well-designed sauna that can fit up to eight people.
Considerations when choosing barrel saunas
Heat source
Wood: Traditional saunas are heated by a wood-burning stove. This creates a low-humidity heat and a pleasant, authentic aroma. However, the temperature of this heating method is unregulated and burning wood can be expensive, though sauna purists feel it’s worth it.
Electric: Electric heaters offer low humidity and high temperatures. This type of heat source is easy to operate, and some electric heaters can even be synced with your smart devices. The downside is that it raises your energy bill.
Gas: Gas heating for barrel saunas is less common because the cost of installation, operation, and upkeep is prohibitively expensive, not to mention complicated. However, if you’re passionate about having a gas-operated heating source, this is an option.
Infrared: A newer heating technology, infrared heat doesn’t warm the air in your barrel sauna but rather emits wavelengths in the infrared spectrum that penetrate your body and heat you up from the inside out. Though this sounds strange, infrared radiation is safe and works at lower temperatures.
Size
Barrel saunas are defined by their barrel-turned-on-its-side shape. They come in different sizes that can fit anywhere from two to eight people. Consider your household size before buying, as well as if you plan to lay down in your sauna, which takes up extra space.
Features
Bench type
All barrel saunas come with a bench inside for you to sit or recline on. The simplest designs consist of horizontal slats of wood; others offer more ergonomic designs with back support. If you plan on laying down in your sauna, be sure the bench can accommodate that position.
Door
To get into the sauna, you enter through a door at one end of the barrel. Doors can be wooden or glass. Consider what level of privacy you desire when selecting a door — solid wood offers the most, where glass offers the least but allows for a view.
Window
A window in a sauna is a nice way to enjoy an outdoor view while staying toasty and warm on the inside. Windows can also help mitigate claustrophobia. Be aware that if your sauna features a window, it’s less private, if you’re sweating in the buff.
Accessories
Many barrel saunas come with accessories like a water bucket and ladle for steam, sauna rocks, foot rests, and a thermometer. Not all saunas include these perks, so check before you make a purchase or you may have to buy them separately.
Front porch
Some saunas feature a “front porch,” which is a platform extending out from the front of the sauna where you can sit and enjoy the fresh air after your heat therapy. Some of these are canopied and have built-in benches.
Price
For a small barrel sauna that fits between two and four people, expect to pay between $5,000 and $6,000. Larger saunas that fit up to eight people cost between $6,000 and $9,000, with high-end models reaching $15,000.
FAQ
Q. What are the advantages of having a barrel-shaped versus a rectangular sauna?
A. The barrel shape is intentional to eliminate unused air space, which can collect in the corners of rectangular saunas. The rounded ceiling also helps push hot air that has risen to the top back down into the lower realms of the sauna where you’re sitting.
Q. How hot does it get in a barrel sauna?
A. Temperatures in a barrel sauna generally reach up to 170 degrees F. As your skin temperature rises, your body begins to sweat, which has detoxifying and mood enhancing qualities. However, there are many risks associated with saunas, like dehydration, so check with your healthcare practitioner before using a sauna.
Barrel saunas we recommend
Best of the best: BZBCabinsandOutdoors.com Barrel Sauna Igloo Kit
Our take: With its unique cabin-like design, you’ll feel right at home in this luxury sauna.
What we like: Features two rooms: a changing room and sauna. Almost seven feet tall at its peak and can fit eight people. Includes Harvia heater and plenty of accessories.
What we dislike: While shipping is free, it can take three to five weeks for the sauna to arrive.
Best bang for your buck: SymbolicSpas Canadian Redwood Cedar Wet/Dry Traditional Barrel Sauna
Our take: A cozy, reasonably priced barrel sauna in a classic design with lots of accessories.
What we like: Includes bucket, ladle, sauna rocks, and two sets of footrests and backrests. High-quality redwood cedar construction. Fits up to six people.
What we dislike: Quarters may feel tight if you’re tall due to the six-foot diameter.
Choice 3: ALEKO Outdoor White Pine Barrel Steam Sauna
Our take: A sleek, modern barrel sauna featuring a canopied front porch.
What we like: White pine gives off a modern, Scandanavian aesthetic. Includes basic accessories, plus extras like a sand timer and sauna lamp. ETL certified heater can reach up to 194 degrees F.
What we dislike: The glass door and two windows don’t offer much privacy but are ideal if you’re claustrophobic.
Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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