How to Buy a Sauna: What to Look For, What to Avoid, and How to Choose the Right Sauna

2026 Jan 30th

Buying a sauna can be extremely overwhelming, with so many variables to consider and decisions to make. With such a high-ticket item, this article helps you focus on what matters most, so you can find the best sauna to fit your needs.

Summary

Buying a sauna is a long-term wellness investment, not a casual purchase. This guide walks through the most important factors to consider: sauna type, heating technology, safety design, materials, space, electrical needs, and ownership experience. This ensures you can make a confident, informed decision that fits your lifestyle and priorities.

Why Buying a Sauna Is Different From Buying Other Wellness Products

A sauna isn’t a gadget you replace every few years. It’s a structural, electrical, and environmental system that becomes part of your home and your routine. The right choice can support years of consistent use. The wrong one can become an expensive, underused investment.

Approaching the purchase thoughtfully, before comparing brands or prices, helps ensure the sauna you choose aligns with how you actually want to use it.

Step 1: Decide What Type of Sauna Fits Your Goals

There are several main categories of home saunas, each with different characteristics.

Traditional (Dry or Steam) Saunas

Heat the air to high temperatures
Typically operate between 170–200°F
Often require higher electrical capacity or plumbing

Infrared Saunas

Use infrared heaters to warm the body directly
Operate at lower air temperatures (often 115–150°F)
Tend to have simpler installation requirements

Far-Infrared (FIR) Saunas

A subset of infrared saunas that focus on longer infrared wavelengths
Often chosen by people who prefer gentler heat and longer sessions

The “best” type depends less on trends and more on comfort, heat tolerance, and how often you realistically plan to use it.

Step 2: Understand Heating Technology (Not Just Temperature)

Not all sauna heat feels the same.

Key questions to ask:

How evenly does the sauna heat the body?
Are there hot or cold spots?
Does the heat feel harsh or comfortable over time?

Infrared saunas vary widely based on heater design, placement, and power management. Even heat distribution often matters more than maximum temperature when it comes to comfort and consistency.

Step 3: Look Beyond “Low EMF” Labels and Ask Better Questions

Many buyers now encounter terms like low EMF or ultra-low EMF. Rather than focusing on labels alone, consider asking:

Is there third-party testing readily available to download?
Are both electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electric fields (EF) addressed?
Where are measurements taken, at points of body contact or at a distance?
Are electrical components positioned near where people sit?
Is the electrical layout designed with exposure reduction in mind?

Thoughtful design choices matter more than marketing language.

Step 4: Pay Attention to Materials and Interior Environment

A sauna is a closed, heated space, so what it’s made of matters.

Consider:

Type of wood used and how it’s finished
Use of glues, stains, or adhesives
Whether materials are designed for heated environments
Low or zero VOC claims that can be validated by third-party testing

Many buyers prioritize saunas built with minimal chemical treatments and materials intended to remain stable under repeated heat exposure.

Step 5: Choose the Right Size for Real Use (Not Aspirations)

It’s easy to overestimate how many people will use a sauna at once.

Ask yourself:

Will this mostly be a solo routine or shared occasionally?
Do you want to sit upright, recline, or stretch?
Will the sauna feel comfortable if you use it frequently?

A slightly smaller sauna that gets used daily is often more valuable than a larger one that’s rarely used.

Step 6: Understand Electrical Requirements Before You Buy

Many purchasing frustrations come from overlooked electrical details.

Important considerations include:

Voltage and amperage requirements
Dedicated circuit needs
Location of power cords and outlets
Compatibility with existing home wiring

Clarifying these details upfront helps avoid delays, extra costs, or installation surprises. Make sure you can download detailed specification sheets from whatever company you’re purchasing the sauna from.

Step 7: Evaluate Assembly, Service, and Long-Term Support

A sauna purchase doesn’t end at delivery.

Ask:

How complex is assembly?
Are instructions clear and complete?
Are replacement parts available years later?
Is customer support accessible and knowledgeable?
How do reviews talk about the ease of assembly and quality of service?

Long-term ownership experience often matters more than small upfront price differences.

Step 8: Price vs. Value: What Are You Actually Paying For?

Two saunas may look similar on the surface but differ significantly in:

Electrical design quality
Heater performance consistency
Material sourcing
Testing and verification
Support infrastructure
Features inside the sauna

Instead of asking “Is this expensive?”, ask “What am I getting for this price over 10–15 years?”

A Simple Sauna Buying Checklist

Before you commit, make sure you can answer:

What type of sauna fits my comfort and routine?
How is heat delivered and distributed?
How is the electrical system designed?
What materials are used inside the heated space?
Does the size fit how I’ll actually use it?
Are installation and electrical needs clear?
What support exists after the sale?

If any of these answers are vague or unclear, pause and ask more questions.

FAQs

Is a higher temperature always better in a sauna?
No. Comfort and consistency often matter more than peak temperature.

Do I need a large sauna for good results?
Not necessarily. Many people use smaller saunas more consistently.

Should I prioritize features or fundamentals?
Fundamentals—heat quality, materials, electrical design—tend to matter most long term.

Is installation complicated?
It depends on the sauna type and your home’s electrical setup. Clarify this before purchasing.

How long should a quality sauna last?
With proper design and materials, many home saunas are used for well over a decade.