Best Outdoor Saunas for Your Home and Backyard
Saunas have been a symbol of relaxation and rejuvenation for centuries. Today, the options for outdoor saunas are more diverse and accessible than ever. Whether you’re seeking the best outdoor traditional sauna for your backyard, like the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna, a traditional wood-fired sauna, or the convenience of an infrared sauna, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top outdoor sauna models, their features, and how they can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat.
What Are Outdoor Saunas?
Outdoor saunas are specially designed for outdoor use, offering a serene and private space for relaxation while being built to withstand various weather conditions. Popular models include cabin saunas, barrel saunas, and outdoor infrared saunas, each catering to different preferences and styles. Traditional dry saunas are the most common type, known for their ability to reach high temperatures of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit and their numerous health benefits, such as enhancing well-being and cognitive functions. The right outdoor sauna provides the perfect balance of relaxation and durability. An outdoor home sauna not only enhances the luxurious appeal of your property but also requires careful consideration of installation requirements to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Why Choose an Outdoor Sauna?
There’s nothing quite like the refreshing blend of nature and heat therapy. An outdoor sauna lets you enjoy the benefits of a sauna session in your own backyard, creating a tranquil environment. Traditional dry saunas are known for their durability in outdoor conditions and their ability to enhance well-being and cognitive functions. Many enthusiasts believe that the best outdoor saunas offer the most authentic traditional sauna experience, especially those equipped with wood-burning stoves or infrared heaters. However, an indoor sauna can be a versatile option for those with limited outdoor space, providing customizable heating experiences and fitting seamlessly into the home environment.
Types of Outdoor Saunas
Outdoor saunas come in various styles, each catering to different preferences. Here's a breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Traditional Outdoor Saunas
Traditional outdoor saunas use sauna stones and sauna heaters, often powered by wood-burning stoves or electric heaters. An outdoor traditional sauna offers high temperatures and dry heat, making it ideal for those seeking a traditional sauna experience.
2. Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas utilize far infrared heaters to offer lower temperature heat but with deeper penetration into muscles and tissues. This makes them popular for those looking for health benefits like improved blood flow, detoxification, and muscle recovery.
3. Barrel Saunas
Barrel saunas are shaped like a barrel, providing even heat distribution and quicker heating times. Their unique design also makes them a stylish and space-efficient option for most outdoor settings.
4. Cabin Saunas
Cabin saunas resemble small log cabins and are perfect for groups. While they offer a traditional dry sauna experience with the possibility of adding various sauna accessories like LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, and ergonomic benches, traditional dry saunas can reach higher temperatures and provide a more intense heat experience.
5. Outdoor Sauna Kits
For DIY enthusiasts, an outdoor sauna kit allows you to build your own backyard sauna. These kits typically come with everything needed for assembly and installation, giving you the freedom to customize your sauna.
Top Features to Consider in Outdoor Saunas
Choosing the best outdoor sauna for your home involves several factors. Whether you're opting for a traditional sauna or an outdoor infrared sauna, here are the top features to consider:
1. Heating Source
The heating source is one of the most critical features to consider. Traditional dry saunas can reach high temperatures of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, providing an authentic sauna experience. Wood-burning stoves also offer high temperatures, while electric and infrared heaters are more convenient and offer therapeutic benefits. The choice of heating method significantly impacts the sauna room, as wood-burning heaters create a traditional ambiance, electric heaters offer precise temperature control, and gas heaters provide a balance between efficiency and heat distribution.
2. Material Quality
Choose saunas made from high-quality materials like Canadian red cedar or carbonized wood, as these are durable and offer excellent weather resistance. Materials like cedar are naturally resistant to decay and have a pleasant aroma that enhances the sauna experience.
3. Size and Capacity
Consider the size of the sauna and how many people it can accommodate. From two-person saunas to large cabin saunas that can hold up to eight people, choose a size that suits your family’s needs and available space.
4. Design
Barrel saunas are compact and efficient, perfect for smaller spaces, while cabin saunas offer more room for customization and group use. Your choice should depend on your space, desired aesthetic, and budget.
5. Additional Features
Look for saunas with added features like LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and wifi control for temperature regulation. These extras can make your sauna sessions more enjoyable and convenient.
Top 10 Outdoor Saunas Based on Features
To help you choose the best sauna for your outdoor space, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 saunas based on features, material quality, and customer reviews:
Dundalk Georgian Cabin Sauna CTC88W
This cabin sauna offers a luxurious experience with ample space, made from durable Canadian Red Cedar and powered by a wood-burning stove.
2-Person Outdoor Sauna w/Ceramic Heaters - HL200D Burlington
Perfect for small spaces, this infrared sauna heats up quickly with five ceramic heaters and offers modern features like LED lighting and an MP3 system.
Enlighten Diamond 5-Person Hybrid Sauna
A hybrid sauna offering both traditional and infrared heating, made from beautiful Western Canadian Red Cedar.
SunRay HL400D Hudson Bay Outdoor Sauna
This 4-person infrared sauna offers an easy-to-assemble design and oxygen ionization system for clean air during your sauna sessions.
Enlighten Sauna 3-Person Rustic Outdoor Sauna
Combining infrared heaters with traditional electric heat, this sauna offers a tranquil environment for a truly relaxing experience.
TheraSauna Bridgeport 2-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Featuring full-spectrum infrared heaters, chromotherapy lighting, and ozone purification, this is an ideal choice for small outdoor spaces.
Dundalk LeisureCraft Canopy Barrel Sauna
With its wood-burning stove and barrel shape, this sauna heats up quickly and efficiently, perfect for cold winter days.
SunRay Saunas Grandby 4-Person Outdoor Sauna
This infrared outdoor sauna is great for families, offering spacious seating and LED lighting.
Dundalk Luna Sauna
This crescent-shaped sauna is made from thermally modified wood and offers a compact, stylish design with wood-fired heating.
Thermory Outdoor Sauna
With its Nordic Spruce construction and wood-burning stove, this traditional sauna offers a modern aesthetic and natural warmth.
Benefits of Outdoor Saunas
Regular use of outdoor saunas comes with numerous health benefits, from improving blood flow to reducing muscle soreness and promoting relaxation. Here’s why regular sauna use can boost your health:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief
The intense heat in an outdoor sauna relaxes muscles and relieves tension, making it perfect for unwinding after a long day. The peaceful, natural surroundings also enhance the sauna experience.
2. Improved Circulation
Both traditional and infrared saunas improve circulation by increasing heart rate and dilating blood vessels, which can improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Traditional saunas, with their unique heating methods such as wood-burning and electric heat sources, also offer higher humidity levels when steam is introduced, enhancing the authentic sauna experience and providing additional health benefits.
3. Muscle Recovery
For athletes or anyone with sore muscles, a sauna session can speed up recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. The heat penetrates deep into the muscles, alleviating pain and stiffness.
4. Detoxification
Sweating helps remove toxins from the body, and infrared saunas are especially effective in this process. Regular use helps cleanse the skin and eliminate harmful substances, promoting overall health.
In Summary
When it comes to finding the best outdoor sauna, it’s all about choosing the right model that fits your needs, space, and lifestyle. From the efficient design of a barrel sauna to the luxury of a cabin sauna, there are endless options to explore. Whether you're after a traditional wood-fired sauna or a modern infrared sauna, you can transform your backyard into a personal retreat.
Find the Best Sauna from SupremeSaunas
Ready to elevate your relaxation experience? Explore our top picks for the best outdoor saunas and choose the perfect fit for your home sauna today! With our wide range of sauna kits and customization options, you can create a space that brings wellness.