Best outdoor infrared saunas
Modern life can be busy and hectic, with little chance to just unwind and take some time to look after your health and general wellbeing. Most of us rarely have time to visit the gym anymore, let alone relax in a sauna afterwards!
Saunas are disregarded as being an unnecessary luxury, but this could not be further from the truth. More and more people are investing in outdoor saunas for their home due to the amazing benefits they can bring.
The best outdoor infrared saunas are used for a whole multitude of reasons; perhaps you just want a bit of personal time to destress after a long day of work, maybe you’re looking to lose weight at the same time as relaxing, or needing relief from a particular health condition.
An outdoor model is an ideal choice because it will not take up any precious space in your home, and it is durable enough to withstand any weather. This means that even in howling winds or snow, you can pop into your toasty sauna for a quick session.
Interested in finding out more about outdoor infrared saunas and how they could benefit you? Keep reading for a handy guide to buying and our pick of the best outdoor saunas on the market!
What is an outdoor infrared sauna?
An outdoor far infrared sauna is different from an indoor sauna because it uses lightwave technology as its heat source.
Some infrared saunas are only intended for indoor use, so it is essential that you find the type which has been designed for the outdoors. Typically, outdoor saunas will be made with particular wood types such as cedar or hemlock wood. They should also come with a roof kit as opposed to a cover, proper insulation, and efficient power so that they don’t take too much time to heat up in cold temperatures.
Don’t be fooled by certain companies who try to pass off indoor saunas as being appropriate for outside. Outdoor saunas will be able to withstand any weather condition, whereas others will crack, become damaged, and eventually unusable.
An outdoor sauna with infrared heaters is not only efficient, low-maintenance, and easy to use, but boasts a whole range of amazing health benefits.
What are the benefits of using outdoor infrared saunas?
There are so many amazing health benefits to using an outdoor infrared sauna, from the increased metabolism to the symptomatic relief of aches and pains.
It has been shown that regularly using an infrared outdoor sauna can lead to improved cardiovascular health, a reduction in toxins in the body and stress levels, boosted blood circulation, and increased vitality, amongst other things. This is thanks to the power of infrared light therapy and the benefits that sweating can bring to the body.
One of the main reasons some people invest in an infrared outdoor sauna is to reap the benefits they can bring in terms of weight loss. The heat that comes from most saunas, even indoor sauna models, works to speed up the metabolism, which can mean you burn calories faster.
Additionally, using a sauna a few times a week for 20-30 minutes per session can help you to lose water weight. Water weight can make us up to 5 pounds heavier than our actual weight, so losing this can make a big difference and bring you closer to achieving your target weight faster. So, if you’re looking to tone up and get healthier, investing in an outdoor sauna is one of the best ways you can do this!
Best UK outdoor infrared saunas
1. Maxxus Saunus Seattle
First up is the Maxxus Saunus Seattle 2-person outdoor infrared sauna. Made with reforested Canadian hemlock wood, this product has been designed with quality and the environment in mind.
The sauna walls are double-panelled for maximum insulation and durability, as well as clear tempered glass for the door and windows. Everything about the Maxxus is a clear indicator that it is premium and one of the best outdoor saunas on the market.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Operates at a safe temperature
- Soft-touch control panel
- LED lights and MP3 aux connection
Cons:
- Only fits 2 people
2. Dynamic Saunus Barcelona Infrared Sauna
The Dynamic Saunus Barcelona comes with 6 heated panels and is made with Canadian hemlock, making it the perfect luxury choice if you want to enjoy a relaxing sauna session. This sauna also comes with a whole host of additional features, from an FM/CD radio to an interior ceiling reading light.
If you are environmentally conscious, then this is a great option, as each of its heating panels use low EMF infrared carbon energy and retain heat more efficiently, meaning less energy is wasted.
Pros:
- LCD monitor and DVD player
- Easy to use
- Energy-efficient heating panels
Cons:
- Larger options available
3. Far Infrared Relax Sauna
Most suited to single person use, the Far Infrared Relax Sauna is well-known for its amazing health benefits and has been known to help relieve the symptoms of joint and muscle pain, inflammation, and much more.
In addition, this sauna can strengthen your immune system and aid with detoxification. If you are looking for an easy way to improve general health or need help with a specific issue, then invest in the Far Infrared Relax Sauna today and see what it can do for you!
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and use
- Promotes better health and wellbeing
- Ideal for people wanting to relieve painful symptoms
- Promotes weight loss
Cons:
- Can only be used by 1 person
- More premium options available
4. Maxxus 3 Per Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna
Similar to the Maxxus Seattle, the Maxxus 3-person sauna is able to accommodate a larger number of people, making it perfect for families or people who love to entertain.
It comes with 9 heating panels, making it more than adept at keeping you sweating for as long as you need. What’s more, it is made with high-quality materials and tempered glass, so you never have to worry about its durability in the great outdoors.
Pros:
- Made with natural reforested wood
- Comes with many additional features
- Low EMF heating panels
Cons:
- Some assembly required
5. Dynamic Saunus Lugano 3 -Person Sauna
If you’re after an outdoor sauna equipped with all the latest technology, then look no further than the Dynamic Saunus Lugano 3-person sauna.
It comes kitted out with a chromotherapy system which has the full spectrum of colours available, interior and exterior LED control panel, a Bluetooth and MP3 aux connection, and 2 premium speakers. All of these amenities make it perfect for entertaining, or if you just like a feeling of luxury during your sauna sessions!
Pros:
- 9 low EMF FAR infrared carbon heating panels
- Durable and high-quality wood planks
- Spacious
- Bronze privacy glass
Cons:
- Best suited to those who prioritise amenities
6. JNH Lifestyles Joyous 2-Person Infrared Sauna
The JNH Lifestyles Joyous infrared sauna is perfect for those who are looking for a simple, easy to use, accessible model. It is ideal for couples or 1 person who wants the extra room.
Made with only the highest quality materials, this sauna guarantees to provide you with comfort, durability, and the perfect level of heat thanks to its advanced infrared carbon fibre heating panels.
The whole experience from start to finish with the JNH Lifestyles sauna is smooth and enjoyable: see for yourself!
Pros:
- Tongue and groove construction
- Easy to assemble
- Tempered glass door
- Dual-wall insulation
Cons:
- Only fits 2 people
7. Radiant Saunas 2-Person Infrared Sauna
Bringing the spa to you, the Radiant Saunas 2-person model is the bottom line in luxury and relaxation.
This 2-person outdoor sauna comes with chromotherapy lights to help you unwind even from your home and EZ-touch controls so that you can customise your sauna session to fit your mood at the touch of a button.
Pros:
- Comes with an oxygen ionizer
- Infrared heaters provide up to 141 degrees of warmth
- Seven-year warranty
Cons:
- Some assembly required
8. Dynamic “Alicante” Bio-Ceramic Far Infrared Sauna
Lastly is the Dynamic “Alicante” outdoor infrared sauna, which uses 4 bio-ceramic heaters strategically spaced around the sauna for maximum warmth and comfort. It also uses double-panelled walls of 6mm thickness, which makes it much more durable than other sauna models.
As a 1-2 person outdoor sauna, it can comfortably fit couples or a single person wanting the luxury of extra space. It is hard to find a fault with this product, as every aspect of it has been designed with longevity and luxury in mind.
Pros:
- Canadian hemlock construction
- Interior and exterior LED control panel
- Door and window glass is tempered for safety
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Only fits 1-2 people
Buyer’s guide
Material
Because your new sauna will be outside, you need to make sure that it is strong enough to withstand adverse weather conditions. This means finding a model which is made from premium-quality materials and constructed to a high standard.
The preferred wood type for an outdoor sauna is usually cedar wood or hemlock wood. Either hemlock or cedarwood construction is optimal because they are naturally very strong and weather-resistant, meaning they will not stain or gather mildew.
Comfort
Comfort has to be one of the priorities when choosing a new outdoor sauna because if you don’t feel good when using it, you simply won’t use it.
Space and roominess play a large role in determining the comfort of a sauna, as does the materials used to construct it.
In addition to this is the design of the sauna. If it is an awkward shape or causes discomfort to sit down or stand up in, then you should look to other models to find one that accommodates you the best.
Space
One of the most important things to think about before purchasing an outdoor infrared sauna is how much space you have for it, and how much space you need inside it.
If your back garden is on the smaller side, you don’t want a sauna leaving you unable to hang up your washing or unwind on a sunny day because it is taking up all available space! In terms of space inside the sauna, the amount you need will depend on the number of people that will be using it.
However, even if you’ll be using it by yourself or just with one other person, it is advisable to make sure the sauna is spacious anyway in order to make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed.
The best spots to position a sauna include a patio, outdoor decking, or in a cosy corner of your back garden if you have the room.
Heat source
An infrared sauna differs from a traditional one because of its heat source. Unlike other saunas which use a steam generator to make a room moist and humid, an infrared uses light waves from carbon or ceramic heaters which are able to produce dry heat.
It is important to keep in mind the number of infrared heaters that your sauna will use. An outdoor model is typically bigger, and so could have anywhere between 6 and 10 heaters, depending on the number of people that your sauna can fit.
Amenities
If you are thinking of investing in an outdoor infrared sauna, you want to make sure that you get your money’s worth. Many options come with additional features which can increase your enjoyment of the sauna as well as make it easier to use.
Most outdoor saunas come equipped with chromotherapy, otherwise known as colour therapy, which is the use of (usually LED) lighting to relax the body. Research has shown that different colours have different effects on the body, each of which can have specific health benefits. For example, blue light can help to combat acne, whereas red and pink lights can improve blood, circulation, and breathing.
Another desirable amenity is a sound system, which usually comes with charging outputs as well so you can enjoy music and make your sauna experience even more relaxing. Certain saunas include timers, adjustable vents, or unique wood finishes, meaning that you can customise it as much as you want.
Thanks to the wide range of features that you can add on to your sauna, there’s no need to compromise on anything – take a look through our list and you’ll see that all of your requirements can be met.
FAQs
Can infrared saunas be used outdoors?
Infrared saunas are some of the best outdoor sauna models, as long as they are definitely suitable for outside.
A lot of companies market an indoor sauna as being appropriate for the outdoors as well, but this is not always the case. An outdoor sauna will be made with specific materials, such as red cedar wood, which ensure durability and longevity even in adverse weather conditions.
An indoor sauna, by contrast, will not have the features required for it to last outside. For example, it will likely come with only a sauna cover, rather than a full roof kit, which is what an outdoor sauna uses.
What is the best outdoor sauna?
Whittling down our list to just a single outdoor sauna would not be possible, as the best type will depend on personal preference and what it is that certain people prioritise in a sauna.
Generally speaking, the best outdoor sauna should be large enough to accommodate your needs. If you are a family or expect multiple people to use it at any one time, then a 4-person sauna is preferable. It should come with any features you need, such as an oxygen ionizer, sound system, or chromotherapy.
Most importantly, it should be made to last outside and be constructed with premium-quality materials, from the roof to the type of glass!
How much are outdoor infrared saunas?
The price of an outdoor infrared sauna depends on its size, the amenities it comes with, the materials used, and a whole range of other factors.
If you are looking to purchase a sauna but need to stick to a budget, then there are options which will work for you. For example, if you need an outdoor sauna which fits 1-2 people and doesn’t need add-ons like LCD monitors, then this will be considerably cheaper than other alternatives.
A 4-person outdoor sauna, or more, will be more expensive, but these models usually come with complementary features that make the extra cost well worth it! An outdoor sauna is a solid investment, and one which you will not regret making.
