Best Barrel Sauna to Enjoy Rustic-Style Luxury at Home

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An outdoor sauna that you can use to relax from the comfort of your own home? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with a barrel sauna, you can easily make this possible! Learn how it works as well as the benefits of incorporating one in your home with this article!

Benefits of Using a Barrel Sauna

A barrel sauna is a type of outdoor sauna that, as its name implies, looks like a barrel. Hence, this kind of sauna is typically built in a cylindrical shape with wooden planks and two circular walls at each end. It also maintains its position on the ground by using two or more wooden supporting feet. Thanks to the lack of corners in a barrel’s shape and construction, these saunas can heat up quickly.

Just like with a portable steam sauna at home, using a barrel sauna comes with several benefits that you can count on whether you’re a longtime sauna enthusiast or not. Here are some examples that make it a worthwhile investment:

Relaxation and Reduced Stress Level

Spending time in a barrel sauna will increase your skin temperature. Your body responds to this change with the help of the hypothalamus, or the body thermostat, which signals the body to cool down. With that, your entire nervous system becomes more active: your heart rate rises, blood vessels widen, and you begin to sweat profusely. All of this results in a sense of joy or elation. Similarly, this experience will keep you alert but less sensitive to pain.

Due to its therapeutic nature, an outdoor barrel sauna is a great place to meditate or simply spend time alone! It will help you clear your mind and relieve your everyday stress and anxiety.

Pain Relief

A sauna can help with not only stress reduction but also pain relief. This is due to the increased blood flow in the body which soothes sore muscles and relieves joint tension. Therefore, using it is ideal for everyone, especially athletes and people suffering from arthritis and chronic body pains.

Improved Quality Sleep

Do you notice how much better you sleep after you exercise? It’s the same when you use a barrel sauna! As your body worked hard to regulate your temperature while relaxing in the sauna, this will eventually cause you to feel tired. Thus, sleep comes easily to allow your body to rest and re-energize.

Healthier Heart

Spending time in a sauna can also help to improve the condition of your heart. As previously stated, it causes an increase in heart rate, which is comparable to the effect of moderate exercise. It lowers blood pressure while also reducing artery stiffness. As a result, using a sauna significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Stylish Home Addition

Aside from the numerous health benefits that an outdoor barrel sauna can provide, it has also become a popular home addition in recent years. Installing one is practical because you and any member of your family can relax in it whenever you want.

Its appealing wooden construction and design will undoubtedly complement your home’s rustic theme. It is also simple to install and assemble. As such, it is a great addition to your backyard, lawn, garage, and recreational room.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Barrel Sauna

A barrel sauna is an undoubtedly worthwhile investment with its many benefits. But before you get one, you’ll need to consider some things to ensure that you’re getting the one that is perfect for you.

Size

Size does matter when it comes to choosing a barrel sauna. You need to determine the size that you need based both on how many people it can accommodate and the space that you have. In general, barrel saunas can accommodate two to eight people, which is spacious enough for both small and large families.

Heater Type

Another thing to consider is the type of heater. Which of the following is the best for a barrel sauna: wood, electric, or infrared?

A wood-burning heater is a good choice since it provides low humidity and dry heat to the sauna, making it ideal for larger units. This traditional heating system works by generating embers from the woods to heat the sauna rocks. It is also generally easy to use and install by yourself. Barrel saunas with this kind of heating system typically come with a chimney to allow the smoke to exit.

However, it is important to note that the heat coming from a wood-burning stove won’t be sufficient without proper ventilation, insulation, and high-quality wood. Burning stoves also cause emissions that may be dangerous to one’s health and the environment.

Another traditional heating mechanism with a high heating capacity is the electric heater. It is available in a variety of sizes and power levels, making it a versatile choice for both small and large barrel saunas. It can also be linked to a mobile app for ease of use. The only drawback of using one is that it must be installed by an electrician and may increase the cost of your electricity bill.

Infrared, on the other hand, works differently. Instead of heating the air in a sauna, it focuses on heating the body with the use of infrared light. This kind of modern heating approach can also be found in other products, such as an infrared sauna blanket, which works in the same way.

Wood Type

Knowing the type of wood used for a barrel sauna is important as it contributes to its durability and aesthetic quality. Softwood, or wood from coniferous trees, is the best kind to use because it has better heat absorption than hardwood. Cedar, pine, and spruce are three ideal softwood varieties for sauna construction.

Cedar is the most popular of these options. This aromatic wood repels insects and has a natural resistance to rot and temperature changes, making it perfect to use outdoors. Add this with a great satin finishing and cedar can surely give your backyard a rustic look.

Another durable wood to use is pine. Similar to cedar, pine is also resistant to extreme weather conditions. It also produces a sweet aroma that makes the barrel sauna more pleasant to use. When it comes to color though, pinewood’s options are limited. You can find this material in either reddish-yellow or reddish-white (depending on their species). Ultimately, this material is better if you want a sauna with a more subdued look.

Spruce, particularly Nordic spruce, shares lots of similarities with pine. This softwood is also light in color and has a natural look. Take note though that it is less durable compared to pine and cedar as sap tends to seep out from its wooden panels. Nevertheless, it is elastic and also resistant to rot.

Features

The features of a barrel sauna can also make or break your decision to buy one. As a rule of thumb, it is best to choose a barrel sauna with high-quality features. This includes the other basic components such as benches and doors, as well as the optional changing room, front porch, and window.

Bench type, for example, comes in a variety. You can choose from either long or short wooden slats based on the size of the sauna room. Go for benches that have two tiers as well so that it is spacious enough for many people to occupy at once.

There is also a large selection of doors to choose from. You can choose between transparent glass doors and wooden doors that are both elegant. However, if you want more privacy, the latter is the better option.

Opt for a barrel sauna with rare and optional features as well. This includes a convenient changing room which is more often found on large models. A front porch also provides a place to relax if you need to get away from the heat. Additionally, you will not regret choosing one with a window if you want to bask in your backyard’s beautiful scenery while relaxing in the sauna.

Sauna Accessories

To further ensure that a barrel sauna is worth buying, you’ll need to consider the accessories that come with it too. This way, you can save yourself the trouble of buying all of them separately. Some of these accessories include water buckets and matching ladles, hooks, shelves, backrests, leg lifts, LED lamps, and thermometers. These accessories may seem simple, but they will make your stay in the sauna more convenient and enjoyable.

Cost

Looking for a budget-friendly barrel sauna? Fret not because this awesome product comes at various prices to match your budget!

Get a small and affordable model at a price range of $5,000 to $6,000. If you want a medium to a large sauna that is perfect for a family of six, you can also get one from $6,000 to $9,000. Of course, you can always upgrade to a high-end and luxurious barrel sauna for an estimated $10,000 up to $20,000 in total.

10 Best Barrel Saunas to Buy

Now that you know all the benefits and the essential factors to consider when buying a barrel sauna, here are some of the best ones that can elevate your home relaxation experience:

1. MCP Sauna 4-Person Barrel Sauna

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This barrel sauna from MCP works like a charm with its ingenious design and construction. It is made of sturdy Canadian pinewood that provides great insulation and is perfect for the 9-kilowatt electric heater. This 6-foot sauna can accommodate up to four people, making it ideal for a small family. Plus, you’ll get lots of accessories such as a bucket, a ladle, and a thermometer.

Want a small barrel sauna made of attractive and durable Nordic spruce? This one from Allwood is a perfect choice. It has a thick construction that ensures sufficient heat inside the room with the help of a 3-kilowatt electric heater.

In addition to that, this sauna comes with roof shingles which effectively protect the sauna from the rain. The muted color of the wood also adds a calming ambiance to your backyard, which is a great contrast to your colorful perennials!

While a small barrel sauna is great, it may not be the best idea if you have a large family. With that, why not buy another great product from Allwood? Also constructed with Nordic spruce, it has a seating capacity of eight, which is spacious enough for the whole family. A changing room is also available, where robes, as well as bath sheets and towels, can be conveniently hung on hooks. In addition to these features, this sauna has roof shingles, a 6-kilowatt electric heater, and a tinted glass door.

If you have yet to incorporate an outdoor sauna in your home, this 4-person barrel sauna is another incredible starting tool. It makes use of Nordic spruce, which is less expensive than any other type of softwood. This 7.3-inch-tall sauna has undergone thermal modification as well, which improves its durability and performance.

But what makes this product even more appealing to use is that it includes a front porch! This means you’ll have a convenient place to stay after a relaxing sauna bath. Even so, keep in mind that this sauna does not include a heater, so you will need to customize it with an electric heater of your choice.

Like its 4-person counterpart, this 6-person barrel sauna from Thermory is also smartly designed. Made of treated wood, this sauna is durable enough to withstand the heat and changing weather. Despite the lack of a front porch, this spacious sauna is ideal for relaxing with your friends! Its rich brown color will undoubtedly make it a stunning addition to your home.

When it comes to quality, this sauna kit from SDI Factory Direct will not disappoint. Having high-grade wood and a seating capacity of six, this sauna is an amazing relaxation spot after an exhausting day. It has a 9-kilowatt electric heater that heats the room sufficiently. Additionally, this sauna uses the popular red cedar which has a long lifespan due to its naturally durable properties.

Unlike the typical barrel sauna though, this one has a bright, red-toned roof. This feature does not only make it look extra striking but also protects it from precipitation. Plus, the sauna’s convenient accessories will make your relaxation time more worthwhile!

When searching for a state-of-the-art barrel sauna, BZBCabins.com is surely one of the brands that you’ll encounter. Its products are all built with an innovative design that makes them well worth your money.

Take this 4-person sauna as an example. It can accommodate both wood-burning heaters and electric ones and has a chimney kit that will dispel smoke during wood burning. It also has a convenient front porch where you can place a non-slip bath mat for added safety.

If you want a larger sauna with a customizable heating system, this kit is worth a try! It is also made with Nordic spruce and has a sturdy chimney that aids in wood-burning. Compared to its 4-person counterpart, this barrel sauna has a changing room where you can store all your sauna essentials on easy-to-install wall shelves. Its roof has a longer build as well, adding a dramatic look to the sauna while keeping it safe from heat, rain, and snow.

Who says that barrel saunas are only available in cylindrical shapes? Not with this 8-person oval sauna! Unique in its shape and design, this sauna has two-level steam room seats where you and your loved ones can comfortably sit and lie down. Not only that, but this sauna has a large round window so you can feast your eyes on the picturesque view in your backyard.

10. ALEKO 4-Person Barrel Sauna

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Reap the benefits of using a sauna with the help of this rustic barrel sauna from ALEKO. It uses red cedar wood that is naturally strong against pests, extreme heat, and moisture. With its supply of dry heat, its 4.5-kilowatt electric heater will set your senses ablaze in no time!

Space-wise, this barrel sauna kit fits a maximum of four people. Thus, it is ideal for both couples and people who are just starting a family. This product comes with lots of awesome accessories too, so you won’t have to go out and buy them separately.

A barrel sauna is indeed an amazing tool for convenient relaxation at home. It will not only spruce up your home but will also be beneficial to your overall health. So, consider buying one today for a more refreshing way to relax and to begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle!