Barrel saunas are a hot commodity (sorry… pun) these days. Seriously, they have a ton of appeal. Whether you’re looking to add a sauna to your home, backyard, or your cottage in the woods (or anywhere else for that matter) there is very likely a barrel sauna out there just for you.
However, just like when we covered infrared saunas, there are a lot of barrel sauna options out there. Some good, some bad. And indoor or outdoor? So many things to consider.
In this guide, we’ll legitimately go through EVERYTHING you need to know about barrel saunas, including what they are, why you might want one, the best models on the market, pros and cons, frequently asked questions & much more.
Buckle up, because this is a long one. For your convenience, we’ve added a table of contents so you can hop to whichever section is most relevant to you.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
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Why would you want to buy a barrel sauna?
You might want to buy a barrel sauna because they’re chic and beautifully designed. They also fit into most backyards and around homes, oh and there’s the DIY appeal of them, too. So in our expert opinion, they’re a beautiful addition to any home for the general aesthetic alone.
Barrel saunas also provide an authentic, traditional sauna experience because of the dry heat they produce. You can have a Finnish-style löyly (steam) in most barrel saunas by throwing water onto the hot rocks the electric heaters or wood stoves heat up.
This is especially appealing in cold climates (like us in Canada) where you can enjoy some abrasively lovely contrast therapy during the winter months. Diving into a snow bank and then back into a scorching hot sauna is intense but can be totally worth it!
Lastly, barrel saunas offer a more private and intimate setting than a sauna at your local gym or public sauna. They’re ideal for individuals or families to relax and unplug from reality for awhile.
5 best barrel saunas on the market in 2024
There is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right barrel sauna for you. A few things you may want to think about include: size, price, materials (like wood type) and the sauna’s features.
Based on the factors above, here are five of the best barrel saunas on the market today:
1. Almost Heaven Grandview Barrel Sauna
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
The Almost Heaven Grandview Barrel Sauna is a work of art. It’s a top-of-the-line sauna that’s handcrafted in the United States from high-quality, sustainably-sourced cedar. The sauna is designed to comfortably fit up to 6 people, making it a great choice for families or groups of friends.
Let’s jump into some of the specifics about the Grandview:
Design and Construction – 5/5:
The Almost Heaven Grandview Barrel Sauna is a beautifully crafted sauna manufactured in the US of A. The sauna is made of rustic Western Canadian red cedar that has been specially treated to resist warping & decay. As we’ve mentioned elsewhere, cedar is the gold standard for wood used in sauna construction.
The interior of the sauna features comfortable cedar benches that can accommodate up to 6 people, which is awesome for entertaining guests. It’s also equipped with a tempered glass door & 2 full-sized windows so you’ll get plenty of natural light.
Heating System – 4/5:
This unit comes available with either an electric or wood-fired heating system. The wood-fire stove is definitely tempting for that traditional sauna experience, but the electric heater is much more practical. It’s totally dependent on your preferences.
Ease of Assembly – 5/5:
This unit is designed to easily be assembled. It comes with all the necessary hardware & instructions to get it done quickly. Most people should be able to assemble the sauna in a few hours especially if you enlist the help of a friend or two.
But if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects or don’t have the time or inclination to put the sauna together yourself, not to worry at all. Almost Heaven offers professional installation services for an additional fee.
Customer Support – 5/5:
Almost Heaven is known for its excellent customer support. And obviously, when you purchase the Grandview Barrel Sauna you can expect the same. The company is available to answer any questions you may have about the sauna. They’re also willing to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Oh! And the sauna comes with a limited warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship.
Price – 2/5:
At $14,947 MSRP, the Almost Heaven Grandview Barrel Sauna is on the high end of the spectrum. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, what has already been mentioned (craftsmanship, customer service, etc.) make it well worth the investment.
Conclusion:
There’s a reason this sauna is at the top our list. It’s a winner in every sense of the word. You absolutely will not go wrong buying the Grandview.
2. Dundalk LeisureCraft Barrel Sauna
The Dundalk LeisureCraft Barrel Sauna is another high-quality option on the market in 2024. These units are made from 100% Canadian red cedar.
Like the Grandview, the Dundalk comfortably seats up to 6 people, making it a great choice for larger families or groups of friends. It also comes with a variety of accessories, including a built-in thermometer, a wooden bucket and ladle, and a backrest.
Design and Construction – 4/5:
These units are made from high-quality Canadian red cedar, which is known for its durability as well as resistance to rot & decay.
One of the trademarks of Dundalk saunas is how well-constructed they are. They feature sturdy walls and a thick tempered glass door that provides a clear view inside.
Heating System – 4/5:
The Dundalk features a powerful 9kW electric heater that can heat the sauna up to 195°F (90°C) within an hour.
The heater is designed to be energy-efficient. It’s equipped with a digital control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and timer settings. The heater is also ETL listed for safety and reliability.
Ease of Assembly – 4.5/5:
While barrel saunas aren’t as easily constructed as an infrared sauna, most manufacturers, including Dundalk, try to make it easier by providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions. However, some customers have reported that assembly can take several hours, so we recommend enlisting a friend or family member to help you put it together.
Maybe you can bribe them with some sauna time? Seems like a good trade off.
Customer Support – 5/5:
Dundalk has excellent customer support. They have customer service reps ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your sauna. They also offer a one-year limited warranty on their products.
Price – 5/5:
$7,298 MSRP. The Dundalk LeisureCraft Barrel Sauna has a much lower price point as compared to some other barrel saunas on the market. And considering its quality construction and powerful heating system, it’s well worth the investment.
Conclusion:
The Dundalk LeisureCraft is a solid option for a reasonable price. While not quite as high end as the Grandview, it’s an excellent unit for those looking to upgrade their at-home relaxation experience.
3. Aleko SB5PINE Indoor Outdoor Barrel Sauna
The Aleko SB5PINE Indoor Outdoor Barrel Sauna is an economical, versatile option that can be used both indoors and outdoors. This sauna is made from high-quality white Finland pine, which is naturally resistant to moisture and rot.
While not as high end as many of its counterparts, the price point and standard features more than make up for it.
Design and Construction – 4.5/5
The Aleko SB5PINE features an aesthetic, almost perfectly round barrel design. It has a beautiful look and also provides excellent heat distribution and retention. It is made from high-grade white Finland pine wood, which is known for its strength, durability & resistance to warping & cracking.
The sauna is also equipped with tempered glass windows & a sturdy door that provides excellent insulation while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery outside.
Heating System – 3.5/5
This unit comes with a 4.5 kW electric heater that can heat up the sauna relatively quickly to your desired temperature. The heater is also equipped with an intuitive digital control panel that makes it easy to adjust the temperature and set a timer.
Additionally, the sauna comes with volcanic stones that can be used to create a more traditional Finnish sauna experience.
Ease of Assembly – 3/5
The Aleko SB5PINE assembly isn’t quite as intuitive as some of the other saunas on this list. While it’s designed to be easy and quick to assemble, many of the complaints against these units have to do with the confusing, vague instructions.
However, this sauna is modular, which means it can be easily disassembled and moved to a new location if needed rather easily.
Customer Support – 5/5
Aleko is known for its excellent customer support. The company offers a comprehensive warranty on all its products, as well as a knowledgeable and responsive customer service team that can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Price – 5/5
Of all the saunas on this list, the Aleko has the most reasonable price-point. This unit can be had for approximately the price of an indoor infrared sauna. While it may have a budget model price, it offers excellent value for money given its sturdy construction, efficient heating system, and versatile design.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sauna that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Conclusion:
It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sauna that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
4. Northern Lights 7’x7’ Outdoor Barrel Sauna
The Northern Lights Saunas 7′ x 7′ outdoor barrel sauna is built with the utmost quality. While its price point is a substantially more than many other saunas on this list, those looking for a truly authentic sauna experience should look no further.
Here’s what makes this unit so unique:
Design and Construction – 5/5:
The Northern Lights Barrel Sauna is a beautifully designed unit manufactured in the Great White North (Canada). It has a traditional barrel shape, which maximizes interior space and provides an authentic & timeless look. The sauna also features a tempered glass door with a sturdy wooden frame, as well as stainless steel hardware & fittings that add to the sauna’s overall durability & longevity.
The construction of the sauna is solid and sturdy, ensuring that it will last for years to come. Of all the saunas on this list, this Northern Lights sauna is certainly one of the best constructed.
Heating System – 5/5:
The sauna is equipped with an efficient electric heating system. The heater is located at the back of the sauna & comes equipped with a digital thermostat so you can remotely adjust the temperature.
It also includes a heat shield, which can help prevent the wood planks from getting too hot. This also helps to extend the life of the sauna.
Ease of Assembly – 5/5:
The Northern Lights Saunas 7′ x 7′ outdoor barrel sauna is relatively easy to assemble even for the below-average DIYer. The sauna is shipped with detailed instructions & all the necessary hardware and fittings.
The sauna can be assembled in a few hours with the help of a friend or loved one. And other than elbow grease, you won’t need any special tools or equipment to do it.
Customer Support – 5/5:
Northern Lights Saunas has excellent customer support. Situated in Canada, they offer phone or email support and are available as needed during regular business hours. The sauna itself also comes with a hassle free 3 year warranty, which is considered an industry leader.
The best part though? Northern Lights also offer lifetime customer support. This means that if anything goes wrong, chances are Northern Lights has your back.
Price – 2/5:
The $16,820 USD MSRP pricetag makes this sauna is a little pricey. However, that’s the price you pay for quality. It’s an investment in a beautiful, durable sauna that will last for years to come.
The sauna’s construction, heating system & on-demand customer support all justi, and it’s an excellent choice for those who are serious about their sauna experience.
Conclusion:
Overall, this guy is a solid choice for those who want a well-built, mid-level sauna. Again, it’s easy to assemble and provides a comfortable & authentic sauna experience. Overall a quality product from a reputable brand.
The Scandinavian Solstice Barrel Sauna is another beautifully-designed outdoor sauna option. Let’s be honest, all of the saunas on this list are. But what we really like about this unit is that it’s manufactured in Canada from Scandinavian Thermowood, which is known for its durability & natural beauty.
It features a powerful 8 kW electric heater with upgradeable options, which heats the sauna quickly and evenly. This sauna also comes with a variety of accessories, including a wooden bucket and ladle, a backrest, and a built-in thermometer. It’s designed to comfortably fit up to 6 people.
Design and Construction – 5/5:
This sauna is beautifully crafted in the footprint of a traditional Scandinavian design with modern construction techniques. The large tempered glass windows and door give it a sleek modern look combined with the rustic traditional sauna design.
The sauna is made of high-quality Scandinavian Thermowood, which is known for its durability and natural resistance to rot and decay. The sauna is also equipped with stainless steel bands, hinges & hardware, which add to its overall durability & longevity.
Heating System – 4.5/5:
The Scandinavian Solstice comes equipped with an 8 kW heater by default but can be upgraded to a powerful 9 kW Saaku electric heater or wood burning stove. Either way, you’ll get a consistent and reliable heating experience.
Both heating options allow the cabin to reach temperatures up to 194°F (90°C).
Ease of Assembly – 4.5/5:
This unit is relatively easy to assemble, even for those without any prior DIY experience. The sauna comes with detailed instructions, which makes the assembly process straightforward & hassle-free.
The sauna can be assembled in a few hours with the help of a friend or your spouse, especially if they are handy. An added bonus is that you don’t need any special tools or equipment to assemble it.
Customer Support – 5/5:
Northern Saunas is known for their excellent customer support and dedication to customer satisfaction. They offer a limited lifetime warranty, which is an industry-leading policy.
Price – 4/5:
At $11,999, the Scandinavian Solstice has a higher end price-point but it delivers for the price. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, it is a great investment for those looking for a long-lasting & luxurious sauna experience.
Conclusion:
Overall, this sauna is a fantastic choice for those who want a high-quality & durable sauna. The Scandinavian Solstice is particularly aesthetically pleasing, combining traditional design with modern construction techniques.
Plus the Canadian construction (O CANADA!) & a limited lifetime warranty can’t be beat.
When to consider an indoor sauna vs. outdoor barrel sauna
Deciding whether to install an indoor or outdoor sauna depends on the available space. Not everyone has the room in their home or office space to set up a barrel sauna indoors. I know we definitely don’t (hence why we bought an infrared sauna instead). However, an indoor sauna can be a lot more convenient option than an outdoor sauna, which is exposed to the elements year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
However, as many sauna purists would say a sauna needs to be outdoors for a true sauna experience. Plus they can be a beautiful, functional addition to a backyard or outdoor space. Last thing to keep in mind about outdoor saunas: keep in mind that outdoor saunas may require additional insulation or heating in colder climates, like here in Canada where it seems to be perpetual winter.
Article wrap up
Alright, so this article has gone on long enough. Let’s wrap it up shall we?
Barrel saunas are awesome. There I said it. They offer a unique, authentic way to relax and reap the benefits of sauna use. You can have a “traditional” Finnish sauna experience from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you choose a pre-made sauna or decide to build one yourself, there are many factors to consider, including the type of wood, features, assembly, and location.
My hope is that with this guide, you can make an informed decision and choose the barrel sauna that’s right for you. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to hit us up on social or shoot us an email on our contact page.
Until next time, friends!
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