Sauna

Sauna: a quick buyer's checklist

1. Electrical requirement. Read the maker's stated voltage and amperage. Many cabin heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit, which can add an electrician's bill to the purchase.
2. Safety listing. Look for a UL, ETL or CSA listing in the product documents. Where a listing covers only the heater, the page should say so.
3. Rated size and seating. Compare the maker's interior dimensions with your room, ceiling height and doorway, not just the person count in the title.
4. Heater type and rated output. Traditional, infrared and steam units work differently. Regard wattage and heat range as manufacturer-rated figures.
5. Warranty terms. Note the stated length, what it covers and who pays return freight on bulky items.

Running cost follows from rated wattage and session length, so we show the basis for any figure. Heat exposure is not right for everyone, so read our medical disclaimer before you use one. We report every figure as the maker states it, because we do not run our own product trials or take measurements. Where a brand leaves out a warranty term or a safety listing, we say so instead of filling the gap, so a missing detail counts against a product rather than being ignored.

Where to begin

• Infrared Sauna Blankets
• Outdoor Sauna Cabins
• Portable and Steam Saunas
• Best 2 Person Home Saunas
• Best Traditional Indoor Saunas