Choosing a Home Sauna: 7 Steps to Better Health and Wellness

Home Sauna Buying Guide

You’ve finally realized that daily stress and long work hours are taking a toll on your mind and body. You need a way to relax — something that helps you unwind, recover, and feel good again. So, you decide to invest in yourself and improve your health and well-being by getting a home sauna.

You start browsing online, and suddenly you find yourself surrounded by dozens of options — infrared, traditional, steam, hybrid, barrel… It’s exciting, but also confusing. Which one is really right for you? Don’t worry — we’ll break it down clearly and help you make a confident, informed choice. 

At Empire Saunas, we believe that choosing the right sauna isn’t just about picking equipment — it’s about finding the perfect match for your lifestyle, space, and wellness goals. Let’s dig into it. Explore our compact 1–2 person indoor saunas for effortless home wellness.

Step One: Reasons Why You Want to Buy a Home Sauna

Before you choose the size, design, or features, start with your why.
Understanding your personal goals will help you find the best home sauna for your needs and turn your purchase into a meaningful, long-term investment in your health and well-being.

Here are the most common goals people have when deciding to buy a home sauna:

BODY DETOX — Heat and sweat activate your body’s natural cleansing system. A sauna helps flush out toxins, heavy metals, and impurities while renewing skin and supporting healthy organ function. You’ll feel lighter, cleaner, and refreshed from the inside out.

STRESS RELIEF — The soothing warmth of a home sauna melts away tension, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and promotes emotional calm. Even a short daily session can restore balance and reduce anxiety.

MUSCLE RECOVERY — Deep, penetrating heat improves blood flow and reduces soreness after workouts or long workdays. It’s your personal physiotherapy space — always ready when you need it.

JOINT PAIN & STIFFNESS — Gentle heat increases flexibility, lubricates joints, and eases chronic pain, making movement feel easier and more natural.

WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY — Sauna heat raises your heart rate and metabolism, helping your body burn calories more efficiently while improving circulation. It supports a healthy lifestyle without stress or strain.

SKIN HEALTH — Steam and heat open pores, clear impurities, and promote collagen production. The result is smoother, clearer, and naturally radiant skin.

SLEEP IMPROVEMENT — Warming your body before bed helps muscles relax and mind unwind, promoting deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

CIRCULATION & HEART HEALTH — Regular heat exposure strengthens cardiovascular function, improves oxygen flow, and promotes long-term heart wellness.

RESPIRATORY RELIEF — A steam sauna can ease sinus pressure, open airways, and support healthy breathing — perfect for those with allergies or congestion.

IMMUNE BOOST — Heat therapy stimulates white blood cell production, supporting your immune system and helping you stay resilient year-round.

ENERGY & VITALITY — Regular sauna sessions leave you feeling recharged and clear-headed. Many users notice improved focus, energy, and motivation.

MENTAL CLARITY — A sauna offers quiet time to disconnect from noise, center your thoughts, and experience deep mental stillness.

LUXURY & HOME VALUE — A home sauna is both a wellness investment and a design statement. It enhances daily living while increasing the value and appeal of your home.

Step Two: Choose the Type of Heat for Your Home Sauna — Specifically for Your Goals

Once you understand why you want a sauna, the next step is to choose how it will work for you.

The type of heat defines your experience — it determines whether your sauna focuses on detox, relaxation, pain relief, beauty, or recovery.
Each type has unique benefits, and selecting the right one ensures your home sauna supports your personal goals every time you step inside.

Here’s how to match each sauna type to your wellness goals:

For BODY DETOX and DEEP CLEANSING → Choose a Traditional Finnish Sauna.
If your goal is to eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation, and experience a powerful sweat, the traditional dry-heat sauna is your best choice.
Temperatures reach 170–190°F, creating an intense, full-body detox that helps cleanse pores, support liver and kidney function, and leave you feeling lighter and renewed.

For STRESS RELIEF and DAILY RELAXATION → Choose an Infrared Sauna.
Infrared saunas use gentle radiant heat that warms your body directly instead of heating the air.
This type is perfect if your main goal is to calm your nervous system, relieve tension, and recover from daily pressure.
The lower temperature (110–140°F) allows you to relax longer, restore balance, and feel emotionally centered — even after a busy day.

For MUSCLE RECOVERY, JOINT PAIN, and FLEXIBILITY → Choose an Infrared or Hybrid Sauna.
If you experience sore muscles, stiffness, or chronic pain, infrared and hybrid saunas provide deep tissue warmth that improves circulation and eases inflammation.
They’re excellent for athletes, active professionals, and anyone managing arthritis or physical fatigue.

For WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY and METABOLISM SUPPORT → Choose a Traditional or Infrared Sauna.
Sauna sessions slightly raise your heart rate, simulating light exercise and helping burn calories.
Traditional saunas intensify sweat and detox, while infrared heat gently boosts metabolism and circulation — making both effective companions in your weight management plan.

For SKIN HEALTH and BEAUTY → Choose a Steam Sauna.
A steam sauna fills the space with moist heat, opening pores, removing impurities, and improving elasticity.
If your goal is smoother, clearer, and naturally radiant skin, steam is your perfect match — it also supports hydration and collagen renewal.

For RESPIRATORY RELIEF and EASIER BREATHING → Choose a Steam Sauna.
Steam heat clears congestion, soothes airways, and improves breathing comfort.
It’s a great option for people with seasonal allergies, asthma, or chronic sinus issues.

For FLEXIBILITY and FAMILY USE → Choose a Hybrid Sauna.
Hybrid models combine both infrared and traditional heating systems, giving you complete control over the intensity and style of your sauna sessions.
It’s ideal for families or couples with different preferences — and for those who like to alternate between deep detox and gentle recovery.

When you align the type of heat with your personal goals, your sauna becomes more than a relaxation tool — it becomes a daily therapy space designed for your body’s specific needs.

At Empire Saunas, we help you find that perfect match. Whether your goal is detox, weight loss, better sleep, or glowing skin, our experts will guide you to the model that truly fits your vision of health and balance.

Step Three: Understanding Your Type of Home Sauna

Now that you’ve matched your goals to the right type of heat, it’s time to understand what makes each sauna unique.
While all saunas promote relaxation and well-being, the experience, installation, and maintenance can differ greatly.
Here’s what defines each of the four main types of home saunas — their feel, function, and purpose.

Traditional Finnish Sauna — The Classic Heat Ritual

The traditional sauna is the foundation of sauna culture.
It uses an electric or wood-burning heater filled with stones that radiate dry, intense heat — usually between 170 °F and 190 °F. You can pour water over the stones to create short bursts of steam, known as löyly in Finnish tradition.

What’s special:

• Delivers the most authentic “spa-like” experience.
• Encourages deep sweating for powerful detox.
• Strengthens heart health and circulation.
• Often built from cedar or hemlock wood for a warm, natural aroma.

Best for: those who love traditional rituals, high heat, and total body cleansing.

Steam Sauna — The Humid Spa Experience

The steam sauna, sometimes called a steam room, fills the air with moist heat produced by a steam generator.
The temperature is lower (around 110 °F), but humidity reaches nearly 100%, creating a soft, tropical environment.

What’s special:

• Moist heat deeply hydrates the skin and opens pores.
• Excellent for sinus comfort, breathing, and relaxation.
• Requires waterproof materials and good ventilation.
• Ideal for bathrooms, wellness corners, or spa rooms.

Best for: people focused on skincare, hydration, and respiratory support.

Infrared Sauna — The Modern, Gentle Heat

An infrared sauna uses light waves to warm your body directly instead of heating the surrounding air.
Because of this, the temperature stays between 110 °F and 140 °F — easier to tolerate yet deeply therapeutic.

What’s special:

• Heat penetrates muscles and joints for pain and tension relief.
• Energy-efficient and quick to heat up.
• Plug-and-play models are easy to install — perfect for small spaces.
• Can be used daily for relaxation and recovery.

Best for: stress relief, muscle recovery, gentle detox, and everyday wellness.

Hybrid Sauna — Two Worlds in One

The hybrid sauna combines traditional and infrared heating systems, giving you the freedom to choose your experience each time.
You can enjoy the strong, dry heat of a Finnish sauna or switch to soothing infrared warmth for low-intensity relaxation.

What’s special:

• Total control over intensity and temperature.
• Offers both detox and recovery benefits.
• Great for families or couples with different heat preferences.
• Usually requires more power and space, but gives unmatched flexibility.

Best for: those who want a personalized, all-in-one wellness solution.

Each home sauna type has its own personality — traditional for ritual, steam for moisture, infrared for modern comfort, and hybrid for versatility.
Understanding these differences helps you choose not just a product, but an experience that fits your body, your space, and your rhythm of life.

At Empire Saunas, we’ll help you explore each option in detail so you can find the one that feels like home from the very first session.

Step Four: Choose the Location and Size of Your Home Sauna — Creating Balance Between Space and Comfort

Once you’ve chosen your sauna type, the next step is to decide where it belongs and how large it should be.
The right placement turns your sauna from a simple addition into a natural part of your daily life.
It’s not just about fitting the space — it’s about creating a flow between functionality, comfort, and peace.

Understanding Sauna Categories: From Barrel to Cabin, Cube, Pod & Beyond

Before finalizing your sauna’s location and size, it’s helpful to understand the different styles of home saunas available today. Each category offers its own balance of design, heat distribution, and comfort — helping you match the perfect model to your home layout, aesthetic, and wellness goals.

• 🪵 Barrel Saunas: Iconic rounded design for efficient heat circulation and quick warm-up times — ideal for outdoor setups or smaller yards.
• 🏡 Cabin Saunas: Classic rectangular shape with more interior space, perfect for families or those who prefer traditional indoor layouts.
• ⬛ Cube Saunas: Modern, minimalist designs with straight lines and panoramic glass — combining luxury appeal with energy-efficient performance.
• 🌿 Pod Saunas: Curved roofline adds charm and improved rain runoff, making them a stylish, weather-ready option for outdoor environments.
• ✨ Saunas with Porch: Provide extra space for cooling off between sessions, storing towels, or simply enjoying a moment of fresh air post-sauna.
• 🚪 Saunas with Change Room: Offer convenience and privacy, turning your sauna setup into a full spa experience — ideal for larger outdoor installations.

Whether you’re optimizing a compact backyard or designing a full wellness retreat, understanding these sauna categories ensures you choose the structure that perfectly fits your space, lifestyle, and comfort needs.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose your sauna style based on climate, available space, and desired experience. Barrel and pod saunas excel outdoors, while cabin and cube saunas adapt beautifully indoors or outdoors. Models with porches or change rooms add comfort and functionality — perfect for year-round spa living.

Indoor Saunas — Convenience and Privacy

An indoor sauna offers the comfort of easy access and year-round usability.
You can install it in a bathroom, basement, home gym, or even a dedicated wellness room.

Advantages:

• Always available, no matter the weather.
• Greater privacy and convenience.
• Easier to connect to electricity and maintain stable temperatures.

Ideal for: smaller infrared saunas, steam rooms, or traditional 1–2 person models.

Things to remember:

• Keep the area dry and level to prevent moisture damage.
• Ensure proper ventilation to maintain air quality.
• Choose a location near a power source and, for steam saunas, a water connection.

Outdoor Saunas — Nature and Freedom

An outdoor sauna transforms your backyard, terrace, or garden into a personal spa retreat.
You can step into warmth surrounded by cool air, trees, or open sky — a truly rejuvenating experience.

Advantages:

• Strong connection with nature; perfect for relaxation.
• Beautiful design element for your home’s exterior.
• Barrel and cabin saunas often require minimal indoor space.

Ideal for: traditional Finnish and hybrid saunas, which handle high heat best in open environments.

Things to remember:

• Choose a flat surface such as concrete, stone, or treated wood.
• Ensure the sauna is protected from rain and wind.
• Check if you’ll need electrical extension or waterproof cabling.

Choosing the Right Size

The best sauna size depends on how you plan to use it — solo relaxation, couple sessions, or family wellness time.

Pro Tip: The more frequently you plan to use your sauna, the closer it should be to your daily living space.
If it’s easy to reach, you’ll use it more — and it will become a true part of your lifestyle.

Choosing the right location and size balances practicality with pleasure.
Whether you want the cozy privacy of an indoor infrared cabin or the rustic charm of an outdoor barrel sauna, your decision should reflect how you live and how you want to feel.

At Empire Saunas, we help you visualize, plan, and install your sauna space safely and beautifully — so it feels like it has always belonged there.

Step Five: Design, Aesthetic, and Integration — Making Your Sauna a Natural Part of Your Home

A home sauna is more than a wellness feature — it’s part of your home’s identity.
The way it looks and feels should match your surroundings and reflect your personality. When design and purpose meet, your sauna becomes not just a tool for relaxation, but a piece of art within your daily space.

Find a Style That Reflects You

Every sauna has its own atmosphere.
Choosing the right design is about creating harmony between function and feeling — the moment you step inside, it should feel like you.

• Scandinavian Minimalism: clean lines, light wood tones, and a peaceful, natural look.
• Modern Luxury: darker finishes, glass panels, LED accents, and integrated technology.
• Rustic Warmth: barrel or cabin saunas made of cedar or hemlock for a cozy, timeless feel.
• Wellness Retreat Aesthetic: combine your sauna with plants, soft lighting, and aromatherapy for a full sensory experience.

Choose the Right Materials

High-quality materials define both beauty and longevity.

• Cedar and Hemlock: classic choices known for aroma, durability, and heat resistance.
• Tempered Glass: adds elegance, creates openness, and visually enlarges small spaces.
• Thermowood or Aspen: sustainable woods that resist warping and bring a soft, modern touch.
• Metal Accents and LED Lights: elevate the design with subtle luxury and mood control.

Pro Tip: Keep consistency with your home’s color palette and texture — your sauna should look like it was always meant to be there.

Blend Function with Ambience

Your home sauna experience goes beyond heat.
Consider how light, sound, and scent influence your relaxation:

• Lighting: warm, dimmable LEDs or chromotherapy lights create a calming atmosphere.
• Sound: built-in Bluetooth or quiet background music can turn sessions into meditation.
• Aromatherapy: essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or pine enhance both relaxation and breathing.
• Temperature Control: digital panels let you fine-tune your session precisely.

This combination of design and sensory detail transforms your sauna from a routine into a ritual.

Integrate It Seamlessly Into Your Home

Placement and design go hand-in-hand.
Your sauna should flow with the rest of your home, not interrupt it.

• In small homes, choose compact infrared models that blend into a corner or wellness nook.
• In larger homes, pair your sauna with a shower, gym, or spa zone for a full experience.
• For outdoor spaces, frame your barrel sauna with greenery, stone paths, or soft lighting.

When your sauna complements your architecture, it enhances both your home’s design and your quality of life.

Design as a Statement of Well-Being

A beautifully integrated home sauna says something about your priorities:
that you value balance, comfort, and self-care as part of your environment.
It’s a sanctuary — a physical expression of calm within the world you’ve built.

At Empire Saunas, we believe design should always serve both function and feeling.
Our models are crafted not just to perform, but to belong — seamlessly, beautifully, and naturally in your home.

Step Six: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability — Building a Sauna That Cares for You and the PlanetA truly modern home sauna should care not only for your body but also for the world around you.
When you choose energy-efficient materials, smart heating systems, and responsible craftsmanship, your sauna becomes part of a lifestyle that supports both personal health and environmental balance.

At Empire Saunas, we believe relaxation should come with responsibility — comfort and conscience can coexist beautifully.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Energy efficiency is about more than saving on electricity bills — it’s about optimizing heat use so every session feels intentional, powerful, and eco-friendly.
A well-built sauna uses insulation and smart temperature control to retain heat longer, warm faster, and waste less.

Benefits of energy-efficient saunas:

• Lower running costs: Use less electricity for the same level of comfort.
• Faster heat-up time: Reach optimal temperature in minutes, not hours.
• Even heat distribution: Enjoy consistent warmth with minimal fluctuations.
• Reduced environmental impact: Lower energy consumption means fewer emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Infrared Saunas — The Energy Champions

If sustainability is one of your goals, an infrared sauna is the most energy-efficient option available.
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air first, infrared models heat your body directly — requiring far less power to create a deep, soothing warmth.

Why it’s eco-smart:

• Uses about the same energy as a hair dryer or small appliance.
• Heats up in 10–15 minutes instead of 30+.
• Operates efficiently at lower temperatures (110–140°F).
• Perfect for frequent, short sessions without guilt or waste.

Traditional and Hybrid Saunas — Sustainable When Built Right

Even traditional and hybrid saunas can be eco-friendly when designed with responsible materials and efficient heaters.
Choosing modern electric stoves with timers, automatic shut-off, and temperature control prevents energy waste while maintaining optimal performance.

Pro Tip: Always turn off your sauna after each session and let residual heat dry the interior naturally — this saves energy and preserves wood quality.

Sustainable Materials Make the Difference

Your choice of materials matters as much as your heater.
Natural, responsibly sourced wood keeps your sauna beautiful and durable without harming forests.

Eco-conscious wood options:

• Canadian Hemlock: sustainable, heat-resistant, and naturally antibacterial.
• Cedar: renewable, aromatic, and long-lasting.
• Thermowood: treated using heat and steam instead of chemicals — perfect for outdoor models.

Avoid plastics and synthetic materials that release toxins or degrade under heat.

Designing for Longevity

A truly sustainable sauna is one that lasts.
Durability and timeless design reduce replacement cycles, save resources, and keep your wellness investment alive for decades.

At Empire Saunas, we focus on craftsmanship that endures — using eco-certified materials, efficient heaters, and thoughtful design that maximizes both performance and life span.

Balance Between Wellness and Responsibility

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice — it means alignment.
A well-designed sauna supports your body’s healing while respecting the planet that sustains you.
When you step into your sauna, you should feel both comfort and clarity — knowing your choice reflects care, inside and out.

At Empire Saunas, we’re proud to offer energy-efficient models that combine luxury, wellness, and environmental mindfulness — because the best warmth is the kind you can feel good about. 

Step Seven: Cost, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value — Investing Wisely in Your Home Sauna

Buying a home sauna is more than a purchase — it’s a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and property.
When chosen well and cared for properly, a sauna can serve you for decades, providing consistent wellness benefits and adding beauty and value to your home.

At Empire Saunas, we help our clients make informed decisions — balancing cost, quality, and sustainability for the best long-term experience.

Understanding the Cost of a Home Sauna

Prices vary depending on the sauna’s type, size, material, and features.
Here’s a general guide to help you set expectations:

Pro Tip:
Invest in quality once — it’s more cost-effective than replacing a cheap, short-lived model later.

Maintenance — Simple, Consistent Care

A well-maintained sauna stays beautiful and performs safely for years.
Luckily, keeping it clean and fresh is easy when done regularly.

Basic care routine:

• After each session: Wipe benches and walls with a dry towel to remove moisture.
• Weekly: Vacuum or sweep the floor; check heater stones and air vents.
• Monthly: Clean surfaces with a mild, natural solution (no harsh chemicals).
• Annually: Inspect wiring, door seals, and wood condition.

For steam saunas: Drain and wipe the water tank regularly to prevent mineral buildup.

For infrared saunas: Keep heating panels dust-free to maintain even performance.

With simple upkeep, your sauna will age gracefully — gaining character instead of wear.

Long-Term Value — More Than Comfort

A home sauna enhances your life in two major ways:

1. Health dividends: Consistent use supports stress reduction, better sleep, muscle recovery, and overall wellness — benefits that compound over time.
2. Property value: A professionally installed sauna adds a premium, wellness-oriented feature that appeals to modern buyers.

When paired with good design, a sauna becomes both a personal retreat and a selling point — a space that elevates your home’s aesthetic and market appeal.

Making a Smart Investment

Here’s how to think about your home sauna financially and emotionally:

• Initial Cost: A one-time investment in wellness and property enhancement.
• Monthly Operation: Generally low — most saunas cost only $10–$25 per month in electricity.
• Maintenance Cost: Minimal, mostly cleaning supplies and occasional part replacements.
• Longevity: With proper care, quality saunas last 15–25 years or more.

Compared to ongoing spa memberships, a home sauna quickly pays for itself — offering daily relaxation with zero scheduling, travel, or recurring fees.

The True Value — Health, Home, and Harmony

The real return on investment isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s in how your life feels.
A sauna gives you space to unwind, heal, and restore balance whenever you need it.
It’s a lifelong partner in your well-being, quietly working behind the scenes to improve your mood, your body, and your peace of mind.

At Empire Saunas, we believe that value is found where craftsmanship meets consistency — a product built to last, designed to care, and chosen with purpose.

Your Home Sauna, Your Daily Sanctuary

Bringing a home sauna into your life is more than a lifestyle upgrade — it’s a promise to care for yourself every day.
Each session becomes a quiet retreat where heat softens tension, breath deepens, and time slows down. It’s not just about sweating; it’s about clearing space inside yourself — for rest, for healing, and for peace.

Whether you choose a traditional, infrared, steam, or hybrid sauna, the purpose is the same: to bring balance back into your body and mind.
A sauna meets you where you are — helping with detox, stress, pain, recovery, or simply the need to breathe freely again.

And when that sanctuary stands in your own home, comfort becomes effortless. No appointments, no waiting, no travel — just you and the warmth that restores everything a busy day takes away.

At Empire Saunas, we believe wellness should be personal, beautiful, and lasting.
Our mission is to help you find not just a sauna, but your sauna — the one that fits your goals, your space, and your vision of daily harmony.

Transform your home. Restore your balance.
Empire Saunas — where luxury meets wellness, and every day feels like a spa day.

Shop with Confidence at Empire Saunas

At Empire Saunas, you can explore a complete range of home sauna models — including:

• Traditional Finnish wood-burning and electric saunas.
• Energy-efficient infrared saunas.
• Space-saving barrel and hybrid designs.
• Custom-built outdoor sauna cabins crafted to fit your home and landscape.

Each model is designed for comfort, performance, and beauty, helping you create a personal wellness retreat right at home.

Visit: EmpireSaunas.com
Contact: 📞 +1 (800) 949-9904 | ✉️ support@empiresaunas.com

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