For centuries, the sauna has been a go-to tool for wellness and relaxation. Even today, the traditional sauna experience is valued in cultures around the world. However, people today have an advantage since they can purchase a lightweight portable sauna. That means you no longer have to install a traditional sauna or go to gyms and spas for every session.
However, that still leaves you with a problem of choosing the right model. This can be challenging due to the variety of available options.
- Decide Which Type of Portable Sauna Fits Your Needs Best
- Things To Consider When Choosing a Portable Sauna
- How to Choose a Portable Sauna By Comparing Features
- FAQ
- How do I choose the right portable sauna?
- Is a steam or infrared portable sauna better?
- What size portable sauna should I buy?
- Are expensive portable saunas worth it?
- Final Checklist Before You Buy
While portable saunas are not nearly as expensive as traditional ones, you still don’t want to waste money by buying the wrong type. This is where knowing how to choose a portable sauna comes into play.
Saunas differ by type, size, heating performance, budget, and many other factors. All of these things influence your decision, and so all of them need to be considered.
This guide will walk you through the process of making the most important considerations. By the end of it, you will know what to look for and how to buy the best portable saunas for your needs.
Decide Which Type of Portable Sauna Fits Your Needs Best
The first thing you need to decide is the type of sauna you want to buy. There are three main types to consider: a steam sauna, an infrared sauna, and a sauna blanket.
Portable steam saunas are the closest you can get to a traditional sauna. They are not as hot or as big, but they let you fill the tent with steam.
The steam comes from an external heater, which you fill with water. It then heats up the water, producing vapor which is led into the tent through a hose. After a brief period – typically 10-20 minutes – the sauna will preheat, and you will be able to enter the sauna tent.
Infrared sauna use is a bit different, as they use infrared panels to heat the body directly. With steam saunas, steam heats up the air around the user’s body.
Infrared panels emit heat that targets the user’s body, and as such, it penetrates the skin and muscles. This allows it to go deeper into the body and help muscles and joints recover from exhaustion.
Infrared saunas also often operate at slightly higher temperatures than steam models. But, since they use dry heat, the experience is usually gentler and easier on the user.
Finally, infrared sauna blankets are different from portable saunas. The biggest difference is that they don’t come in the form of a tent.
Steam and infrared sauna tents allow the user to enter and exit, and sit inside during the session. Blankets behave more like sleeping bags, where the user has to lie inside for the duration of the session.
As such, blankets provide the least amount of room, but they also take up the least amount of space. They exclusively use infrared technology as a heat source – there are no steam blankets. This is the type of sauna that is ideal for those who have very little free space.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Portable Sauna
In terms of experience, a steam model is the closest you can get to a Finnish sauna. But, while traditional saunas often go up to 200°F, portable models do not.
This is by design, for the user’s own safety. Steam sauna temperatures typically only go up to 110-125°F. Infrared dry sauna can get hotter, from 130-170°F, and sauna blankets from 100-165°F.
There is also a portable outdoor sauna that you can consider. These get hotter and are often better insulated. However, they are also more expensive and significantly larger than indoor models.
For inside use, the three main types described above are the best and most affordable option. As mentioned, they don’t get as hot as traditional models or a wooden sauna, but they will do the job.
Their purpose is to make you sweat and, with regular sauna use, achieve the benefits of sauna therapy.
If you’re mainly concerned about available space, it’s also worth considering a portable sauna tent before choosing a specific model.
How to Choose a Portable Sauna By Comparing Features
Previously, we explained that both infrared and steam portable at-home saunas do the same. That is still true, and when it comes to the type, you should make your choice based on preference.
But, when faced with a choice between multiple saunas of the same type, things get a bit complicated.
You see, not all steam or infrared sauna offers are the same. They differ in heating power, temperature range, timer controls, and more. Differences can lie in anything, from basic features to the number of accessories.
That is why it’s important to compare the models to one another and see which one offers a better deal. Sometimes, you can find a very basic setup with little to no accessories, but its price might be higher due to better material quality.
Other times, saunas that have many accessories have poor fabric that can’t keep the heat in. These are the things that buyers have to consider before choosing the model.
If you are not on a tight budget, aim for better material quality and as many accessories as you can find. However, if your funds are limited, it is always better to get a basic setup that will last longer and do the job right.
The best-case scenario, of course, is to find a model with good quality and at least a few accessories. Think folding chair, remote controls, safety features, timer, strong steam generator, and the like.
FAQ
How do I choose the right portable sauna?
Choosing the right portable sauna depends on your preferences and circumstances. It depends on whether you prefer a portable infrared sauna or a steam-based option. Also consider whether you have enough room for a larger tent sauna or a blanket.
Is a steam or infrared portable sauna better?
This depends on the user’s preference. Both provide the same benefits, only through different means. Steam models offer heat and humidity, while IR saunas use high-end infrared panels that emit heat that targets the body directly. Both are great for home recovery, can reduce blood pressure, and provide other benefits. So, the choice depends on which approach you like better. For a more detailed comparison, see our guide to portable steam sauna vs infrared sauna.
What size portable sauna should I buy?
This depends on how much room you have available. Users with a large home who have free space can get larger, 2-person tent sauna. Those in small homes or apartments will likely prefer smaller models due to the lack of space. And, those with little to no room to spare may consider sauna blankets. All three provide the same benefits, while the size depends on whether you can accommodate the size of the model or not.
Are expensive portable saunas worth it?
In some cases, they can be. More expensive models often mean additional features, longer warranties, and high-quality fabric, sturdier frames, and the like. However, this differs from model to model. You have to study what the offer includes and make up your own mind whether you are willing to pay a higher price for what is included.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
Learning how to choose a portable sauna is the most important part of the process of getting a sauna for your home. The right sauna for you is not necessarily what is right for somebody else.
So, don’t buy based on other people’s suggestions or just the first one you come across.
Do your research, and make important considerations. Which type do you prefer? How much free space do you have? What other features do you want as part of your experience? What is your budget? These and similar frequently asked questions will help you get the right model for you.
With that said, everyone needs to start somewhere. If you need help finding the right model, consider our guide on the best portable sauna for home use.
It may already have the best model for you, or it might get you on the right path to finding one.
