Outdoor saunas come in three shapes: barrels, square cabins or "cubes," and a small number of weatherproof infrared cabins. Barrels are the best value. Cubes cost more but give you more headroom and flat walls. Outdoor infrared is the priciest way to get infrared heat outside.
The options
| Type | Example | Price | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | Almost Heaven Pinnacle, Dundalk Luna | $6,945–$9,083 list | 240V electric or wood |
| Cube or cabin | Almost Heaven Blackwater (4 person) | $14,085 list | 240V electric |
| Mini cube | Almost Heaven Blackwater Mini (1–2 person) | $8,397 list | 240V electric |
| Outdoor infrared | Sun Home Luminar 2 | $11,599 | 240V, 20A GFCI |
Our picks
- Best overallAlmost Heaven Pinnacle$7,575 list
- Best compactDundalk Canadian Timber Luna$6,945 list
- Best for groupsAlmost Heaven Lewisburg$9,083 list
Almost Heaven Pinnacle
- Price
- $7,575 list
- Size
- 4 person
- Heat
- Traditional, Harvia electric heater
- Power
- 240V dedicated circuit
- Warranty
- See Almost Heaven
The four-person Pinnacle balances size, price and heat. Watch for Almost Heaven's sales, which often take 30% off.
What we like
- Great value on sale
What to know
- 240V needed
Dundalk Canadian Timber Luna
- Price
- $6,945 list
- Size
- 2–3 person
- Heat
- Traditional, Harvia Kip 6 kW heater
- Power
- 240V, 30A breaker
- Warranty
- 3 years, parts only
At 6.5 by 6.5 feet, the Luna fits where larger barrels won't.
What we like
- Small footprint
What to know
- Electric only
Almost Heaven Lewisburg
- Price
- $9,083 list
- Size
- 6–8 person
- Heat
- Traditional, Harvia electric heater
- Power
- 240V dedicated circuit
- Warranty
- See Almost Heaven
Six to eight seats for the price of a smaller cube.
What we like
- Big capacity
What to know
- Big footprint
When a cube is worth it
Cubes like Almost Heaven's Blackwater cost more, $14,085 list for four people, but have flat walls, full standing height and a modern look. If headroom matters or the sauna is a design centerpiece, they're worth considering.
Outdoor infrared
Sun Home's Luminar 2 brings full-spectrum infrared outside for $11,599. It needs a dedicated 240V, 20A GFCI circuit. Clearlight sells outdoor Sanctuary models too; its warranty on those depends on keeping the sauna covered.
Questions
Does an outdoor sauna need a foundation?
It needs a level, well-drained base, such as a concrete pad, pavers or compacted gravel with supports. See our placement guide.
Can I use an outdoor sauna in winter?
Yes. Barrels in particular heat well in cold weather, though warm-up takes longer when it's freezing.
