Best Portable Saunas of 2021 – Infrared Saunas, Wooden Saunas, and Steam – The Definitive Guide
Saunas are a great way form of therapy for the body. They provide phenomenal benefits including detoxification, pain relief, increased circulation, improved mood and more.
Benefits of portable home sauna
The major benefit of using a home portable sauna is the convenience that comes with using one. Instead of traveling all the way to a gym to sit in a sweaty room with a bunch of half-naked strangers, you sit in a small fabric chamber not much bigger than the size of your body – about a 4 foot by 4 foot square, by yourself in the comfort of your own home – or anywhere you’d like.
An advantage to a sauna this size is it heats up quickly – usually only a few minutes, and since it is a small space, it doesn’t need to get as hot as a typical, larger sauna room.
Difference between portable sauna, regular sauna, and a steam room
A portable sauna is made for 1 individual and uses infrared light or steam. Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the space and your body.
Steam rooms work by filling the air with steam to 100% humidity and forcing the body to heat and sweat that way.
Traditional saunas use sauna rocks or an electric heater to produce heat and fill a wooded room that typical seats 5-10 people.
Types of portable saunas
Some portable saunas use infrared light and some are heated by steam.
Difference between a portable infrared sauna and portable steam sauna.
A portable infrared sauna uses an infrared heater to emit infrared light experienced by your body as radiant heat that is absorbed by your skin.
Near-infrared vs Far infrared
There are two different types of infrared saunas: near and far.
Near-infrared saunas use near infrared light which is found in the spectrum of natural sunlight. Our bodies crave this type of energy from near-infrared light and we use it to rejuvenate our skin, raise core body temperature, relieve pain, and improve blood circulation. (sources)
Far infrared saunas use far infrared light which is the longest wavelength in the infrared spectrum, compared to near which is the shortest. Studies on far infrared sauna use have shown to produce significant health benefits.
Portable saunas that use infrared light use near-infrared light as it is cheaper to produce than a far infrared light source.
How portable infrared saunas work
Portable infrared saunas work by utilizing carbon fiber infrared heaters that emit near-infrared light, detoxifying and rejuvenating your body.
A portable steam sauna, on the other hand, is heated by a mini steam generator that heats the space by heating water and releasing steam into the air around your body.
Health benefits of portable saunas
While there is some debate as to what degree each sauna type benefits you, the health benefits of portable saunas include increased endurance, increased muscle mass, increased circulation, reduced risk of stroke; the list goes on.
Here is a complete breakdown of the health benefits of sauna use.
Things to consider when buying a portable sauna
There are several things to consider when purchasing a portable sauna including type, heating element, accessories, size and more.
Types of portable saunas
Fabric enclosed portable sauna
You can buy a fabric enclosed portable sauna. They are designed for one person, and they’re efficient because of the small space they occupy.
Wooden cabin saunas
Wooden saunas are not typically portable, but are very popular options if you have the space for them in your home. They are typically more expensive than a portable fabric sauna, but they are bigger and can be used by multiple people at once. Some typical features include bench seating, ceramic heaters or sauna rocks and/or an electric heater to heat the room, tempered glass doors and windows, towel racks, temperature gauges, and a sauna bucket and ladle for water.
Sauna dome
Sauna domes are typically made for one person to lay or stand in and utilize far or near-infrared light to heat the body. They can be made of fabric or more durable materials like ceramic. Because of this, they may or may not be portable. The construction materials and weight are things to consider when buying a sauna dome.
Difference in heating elements
Portable saunas made of fabric typically use infrared light or a steam generator to heat the chambers.
Wooden cabin sauna heaters
Wooden cabin saunas typically use electric or wood-burning heaters, or hot sauna rocks that generate steam when water is poured on them. Thus, there are dry and wet saunas.
Steam room heaters
Steam rooms work by boiling water and generating steam that fills the room to 100% humidity, raising your body temperature and causing you to sweat.
Check the max temperature of sauna
You will want to make sure the max temperature of the sauna is appropriate. Typically, saunas don’t heat past 230 degrees fahrenheit, and oftentimes don’t need to get that hot. Either way, you’ll want to make sure your sauna is able to reach your desired temperature before purchasing.
Find the right size sauna
Depending on whether you want a single or multi person sauna unit will determine which type of sauna you buy. Most portable saunas and sauna domes fit only one person while wooden cabin saunas and steam rooms fit multiple people at once.
Sauna accessories
Depending on which sauna option you go with, you may need to buy some additional accessories. For example, a wooden sauna may require a bucket, ladle, temperature gauge or other accessories to use properly.
Most portable saunas don’t require additional accessories.
Best portable saunas to consider
Sauna accessories
Ergonomic seat support
Wooden bucket & ladle
Essential oils
Tips for sauna use
Stay Hydrated
It’s extremely important to stay hydrated when using a sauna. If you feel yourself getting weak or lightheaded, exit immediately, rest, and drink water.
Don’t Overheat
Similarly, don’t let your body overheat. Watch for the thermostat in the sauna and make sure it’s in a comfortable temperature range.
Use in 5-15 Minute Cycles
Only use the sauna for 5-15 minutes at a time. You’ll want to stick to shorter times when first starting out. Let your body acclimate to the new environment. Take note, and become self-aware for future use. If you’re ever feeling uncomfortable in the sauna, make sure you exit immediately.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to consider when buying a portable sauna. You want to check for features such as size, type, heating element, cost, and portability.