Barrel Sauna Guide: The 6 Best & What to Know Before You Buy in 2025

Once again, 2025 is the year of the sauna. We’ve been tracking the rise of sauna culture for a decade now here at Field Mag HQ, and we’re reaching peak sauna in mainstream culture. And for good reason. Heat bathing harnesses nature’s essential elements to create a rejuvenating experience with proven health benefits for the body and mind in minutes. While there are many different types of outdoor sauna available on the market, with the more unique being sauna tents and infrared saunas, barrel saunas are definitely the most photogenic.

The barrel sauna's organic aesthetic and unique shape make it look as if it belongs in nature. Beyond visuals, the form is hyper-efficient in circulating heat, and in terms of setup, it's a beginner-friendly DIY project because almost every outdoor barrel sauna will come as a kit to be assembled at the location.

Readers of Field Mag will know that we’re endlessly fascinated by the art of heat bathing, along with wood fired hot tubs, as a way of being immersed in nature through a timeless restorative practice that’s relaxing and healthful. In this article we'll dive into the world of barrel saunas and share practical advice, smart buying strategies, and our top picks to help you find the perfect sauna for all your future sweat sessions.

Field Mag's Top Picks for the Best Barrel Saunas:

• Our Choice | Best Barrel Sauna: Nootka Saunas Hand-Crafted Barrel Sauna
• Most Unique Barrel Sauna: Dundalk Leisurecraft Panoramic Sauna
• Best Premium Barrel Sauna: Forest Cooperage Western Red Cedar Sauna
• Best Small Panoramic Barrel Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Pano Sauna
• Best Budget Barrel Sauna: Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna
• Best 4-6 Person Barrel Sauna: Backcountry Recreation Classic 6 Ft Red Cedar Barrel Sauna

What are the Health Benefits of Saunas?

Different types of saunas deliver a range of physical and mental health benefits, including improved circulation and reduced inflammation, and lowered blood pressure. A deep, cleansing sweat that comes from heat therapy also hydrates the skin and supports natural body detoxification.

Interestingly, studies done on occasional and regular sauna users, show that a sauna session has a similar effect on the body as moderate to intense exercise. So, if you’re struggling with an injury or condition that prevents you from moving in that way, relaxing in a sauna helps to speed up the healing process both physiologically and mentally!

What Are the Design Benefits of the Barrel Sauna Design?

Reminiscent of a large wine barrel, the barrel sauna’s cylindrical shape encourages natural air circulation from top to bottom, which makes it more efficient to heat than a square-shaped or cabin-style home sauna where hot air may get trapped in unoccupied corners. "When you’re in a sauna, you want the most equal heat distribution possible, so your head isn’t sweating while your toes are cold," says Stewart Jensen, Director of Product Design at Redwood Outdoors, the Washington State-based manufacturer of saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge tubs.

With strong heat stratification and have all the benefits of a traditional sauna, the barrel shape is a great choice for a unique sauna at an accessible price point. Plus, the rounded shape sits on a "cradle" and not flat on the ground, which allows for ventilation underneath that helps keep the sauna dry.

What Is Included In a Barrel Sauna Kit?

Most barrel saunas come as easy-to-assemble kits, delivered flat packed to your home. Unlike building a DIY sauna like our friend Andrew Szeto did, assembling a sauna kit doesn't require much DIY experience. Even a couple amateurs can build a backyard sauna kit in half a day. Most kits only require a few basic tools most homes already have, too. Check out this step-by-step video of assembling the barrel sauna kit pictured atop this article. Alternatively, some sauna dealers do offer on-site assembly for an additional fee.

Inside your barrel sauna kit of parts you should find:

• A front and back wall
• Wooden staves that fit together in a tongue-and-groove style to create the barrel shape
• Stainless steel or aluminum bands that hold the staves together and prevent the wood from expanding too much
• Support cradles for a stable base
• Tempered glass or wood door
• A sauna heater and rocks
• Any add-ons like lighting, shingles to protect the roof, windows, or a porch with a covered canopy

If you opt for an electric sauna heater, it’s important to remember that a licensed electrician will need to be hired to connect your dry sauna to your home's power grid. The cost to hook up electrical, which often requires installing a 220V outlet or running a direct power cable to your sauna, will likely be between $1,000-$,2000 USD, depending on the size of the sauna, heater type, and the distance it is placed from your electrical panel. For reference, a local electrician here in Maine charged me $1,700 to run electrical to my two-person backyard saunaa last fall. Since this isn’t included in the price of the sauna kit, it’s important to factor that into your total cost.

Wood Fired vs Electric Sauna Heaters

Wood burning sauna heaters and electric heaters work just about the same, with the most obvious difference being the heat source. By many accounts, an electric heater will be faster and easier to operate (many even come with wifi so you can preheat your sauna without even going outside), plus it gives you more accurate temperature control. BUT, as mentioned above, you'll need to hire a licensed electrician to hook it up to power, which is an expense you should factor in before making your sauna purchase. Thankfully many electricians will provide a consultation free of charge without commitment, so you know the full cost of installation.

The most popular types of electric stoves include the Tylo, HUUM Drop, Virta, and Harvia KIP models—which run the gamut of 4 to 10.5 kW and 30 to 50 amps, depending on the heater size. On the other hand, wood fired sauna heaters allow for off-grid enjoyment and more freedom of sauna placement. Though of course you'll need to be proficient at fire making. From experience, I can say a four-person sauna can get rip roaring hot in under two hours. Though you'll need to stoke and feed the fire during this heating period. Like a wood burning hot tub, this process is part of the immersive experience. And the smell is incredible.

How Hot Does a Barrel Sauna Get?

A barrel sauna is a traditional sauna, meaning it uses a stove to generate a very high temperature of 160 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit along with water poured over hot stones from a bucket and ladle to create steam that encourages a deep, detoxifying sweat. You can control the level of heat through the electric or wood burning stove, and the humidity through how much water is sprinkled over the sauna rocks.

Red Flags When Shopping for a Sauna Kit

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a personal sauna is that this is a tool for improving your health and wellbeing—and therefore you shouldn’t just buy the cheapest model available. Some inexpensive sauna kits are made overseas in unregulated workshops with low grade wood using glues and chemicals that can become dangerous when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods (i.e. the exact sauna environment).

Sauna experts consulted for this story agree that the best wood for a sauna is western red cedar, due to its natural resistance to water and rot, and inherent antimicrobial properties. Many cheaper kits really on pine, spruce, hemlock, or fir, which each have their pros and cons, but in general will not likely last as long as cedar. Plus, cedar simply smells amazing in a spa environment.

The 6 Best Barrel Saunas of 2025

Our Choice | Best Barrel Sauna: Nootka Saunas Hand-Crafted Barrel Sauna

• Capacity: 4 people (8ft sauna) to 6+ (10ft sauna)
• Heat source: Electric heater or Harvia M3 wood-burning stove -__ Wood type:__ Western Red Cedar
• Dimensions: 94” L x 82” H x 80” W
• Weight: 1,450 lbs
• Price: $8,475 to $9,125
• Manufactured in: Canada
• Available in: USA and Canada

Crafted in the Coastal Mountains of the Pacific Northwest and co-founded by a mechanical engineer and a carpenter, Nootka Saunas are known for being both high quality and extremely durable. Both their traditional cube sauna and barrel sauna designs are engineered for harsh climates and able to hold up under heavy snow loads and high winds, with both electric and wood-burning heating options.

Their barrel sauna is offered in two sizes, 8 foot and 10 foot options, with both made entirely of naturally hydrophobic western red cedar—and without glues or chemicals. Other stand-out features include the proprietary 24 gauge galvanized aluminum roof, which is more hardy than options like tin or asphalt, and a system that allows users to preheat their sauna using their smartphone and a sleek touchscreen. With help from their metal roofing system, Nootka reports the fastest heat up times, too, with just 10-15 mins on average needed to bring their electric sauna up to temperature.

Nootka barrel saunas also feature a convenient covered porch with seating for comfortable outdoor cool-downs but we also find them great for holding your robes and drinks while you’re in the sauna. These saunas come flat-packed in wood crates and designed to be self-assembled—the company offers delivery across North America and also offers an extensive network of installers that can handle the on-site assembly in several cities. Nootka has earned the Field Mag top pick for producing reliable, well-made, and great-looking barrel saunas at an accessible price.

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Best Panoramic Barrel Sauna: Dundalk Leisurecraft Panoramic Sauna

• Seating capacity: Six people
• Heat source: Electric or wood burning stove
• Wood type: Red cedar
• Dimensions: 84″W x 71″D x 84″H
• Weight: 1,065 pounds
• Price: $11,849
• Manufactured in: Canada
• Available in: USA and Canada

A highly respected maker of high-quality saunas, Canada's Dundalk made the perfect sauna to take the beauty of nature in while you sweat it out. The traditional sauna has a not-so traditional acrylic bubble rear window and a half-moon shaped bench that sits inside the dome, so you can have the hottest seat in the house. Made from high-quality cedar, there are plenty of ways to upgrade this sauna, with add-ons that include a porch, change room, and clear Eastern cedar wood. Assembly is required.

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Best Premium Red Cedar Barrel: Forest Cooperage Red Cedar Barrel Sauna

• Seating capacity: Three options: 2, 2-4, and 4-6 people
• Heat source: Electric, WiFi option or wood stove
• Wood type: Western red cedar
• Dimensions: 6.5′ x 5′; 6.5′ x 6′; 6.5′ x 7′
• Weight: 677 pounds; 770 pounds; 959 pounds
• Price: $12,200 - $22,800
• Manufactured in: Canada
• Available in: USA and Canada

What makes Forest Cooperage’s barrel saunas unique are the customizations that allow buyers to choose a two, four, or six-person sauna all built with the same high-quality Western red cedar and craftsmanship. The Minimalist barrel sauna keeps things simple with a two-person design and Harvia stove, while buyers can kit out their six-person barrel sauna with a clear acrylic dome, front porch, and WiFi-controlled Harvia heater. Assembly required.

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Best Small Panorama Sauna Kit: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Pano Sauna

• Seating capacity: 4-6 people
• Heat source: Harvia wood burning or electric stove heater packages
• Wood type: Scandinavian Thermowood
• Dimensions: 71” L x 72 ¾” W x 76 ½” H
• Weight: 900 pounds
• Price: $6,599
• Manufactured in: Asia
• Available in: USA

If you're lucky enough to have a view from your yard, this may be be a great option for you. The exclusive design—also pictured atop this article at our friend Devon's epic rental cabin, Cedar Hollow—is crafted with rot-resistant, eco-friendly thermowood and most importantly, features a full glass front wall for panoramic views. Option to use a Harvia electric sauna heater or wood burning heater ensures efficient heating either on or off grid. The sauna kit includes everything for easy assembly. An ideal choice for nature lovers seeking relaxation.

While Redwood Outdoors doesn’t have the pedigree as some of the PNW manufacturers on this list, I have first hand experience with the company, having assembled their mini-cube sauna kit in my backyard in Maine. Working with my husband, we were able to assemble the sauna kit in half a day using a handful of common tools we already owned. While their pano sauna is quite a bit bigger, I’m confident it could be built in a similar timeframe—and work just as well as my mini sauna, too.

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Best Budget Barrel Sauna Kit: Almost Heaven Salem Barrel Sauna

• Seating capacity: 2 people
• Heat source: Harvia or HUUM electric stove
• Wood type: Red Cedar
• Dimensions: 72″W x 47″D x 75 -3/8″H
• Weight: 540 pounds
• Price: $9,057 $4,935
• Manufactured in: USA
• Available in: USA and Canada

The West Virginia-made Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna lets you keep it small and compact with their 6x4’ sauna. Thanks to its compact size, it doesn’t take up a lot of room and heats up fast, making it a great option for anyone who wants to get a quick sweat in under an hour. There are also plenty of add-ons to customize your tiny but mighty sauna, including a rear window, light fixtures, and all-wood, clear, or opaque tempered glass door, plus, it's on major sale. Assembly is required, as with all sauna kits.

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Best Large Barrel Sauna: Backcountry Recreation Classic 6 Ft Red Cedar Barrel Sauna

• Seating capacity: 4-6 people
• Heat source: HUUM electric sauna heater
• Wood type: 100% clear Canadian western red cedar
• Dimensions: 71” L x 72 ¾” W x 76 ½” H
• Weight: 900 lbs
• Price: $5,832
• Manufactured in: Asia
• Available in: USA and Canada

Designed to work off-grid with a wood fired sauna heater or connected to a power source with an electric heater, this sizable barrel sauna is made entirely of clear western red cedar wood for a finished product that's beautiful, functional, and incredible smelling. This is the true, authentic sauna experience. Other highlights include a flat floor—a surprisingly helpful upgrade—and glass sauna door, and the kit includes a bucket, ladle, and ergonomic backrests. Assembly takes two people just 3-4 hours, and shipping is flat across the US and Canada.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of wood are barrel saunas made of?

Most all barrel saunas are made of cedar, spruce, or pine wood. Cedar is the most popular wood choice for its inherent weather and rot-resistant properties, beautiful appearance, and when using Western red cedar (the most high-quality option), it releases a lovely woody aroma that smells great and even repels bugs!

Knotty wood, which has more noticeable wood grain and variations, is often a cheaper option, though it's largely an aesthetic preference over "clear" wood.

Though popular manufacturer Redwood Outdoors uses a material called Thermowood, which is created by heat treating Scandinavian softwood to temperatures ranging from 180 – 230° in special chamber kilns for up to 96 hours. This process causes chemical and structural changes to occur within the timber, which makes it dimensionally stable and rot resistant.

How much is a barrel sauna?

Barrel sauna pricing can vary considerably depending on the size, material and add-ons. At entry level, expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000 for smaller saunas with no frills and around $6,000 for mid-range. High-end and larger saunas can cost up to $10,000 or more, so we opted for selections that are a bit more affordable, but reliable.

How long does a barrel sauna last?

A barrel sauna typically lasts from 15-25 years, depending on maintenance, quality of build and materials. Some may even last for 30 years or more, depending on the care. A sauna exposed to elements will not last as long as one under cover or entirely sheltered. Roofing, be it metal cladding or asphalt shingles, will prevent leaking and increase its useful lifespan.

How do you protect a barrel sauna?

Many barrel sauna kits come with shingles to aid in weather protection. While not the most visually appealing, shingles or another type of roof is highly recommended for those in wet and cold climates. Regardless, many manufacturers suggest staining the exterior only to maintain the appearance of the wood and improve weather-resistance.

Avoid using any cleaning solution or chemical treatment in the sauna room that you wouldn’t want to breathe in. Cedar barrel saunas don’t need to be treated because the wood is naturally durable, but you can use a non-toxic cleaning solution on the benches and backrests, like a water and vinegar solution, if you prefer.

How much does a barrel sauna weigh?

The weight of a barrel sauna will depend on its size and materials, but they typically weigh around 550 lbs to 1600 lbs. Typically a sauna kit will be shipped flat packed in a crate on a flatbed truck, and may require a lift or other equipment for curbside delivery. Keep this in mind if you live in an area that a large truck may have difficulty reaching.

How do you move a barrel sauna?

Barrel saunas can be moved in a variety of ways. At first, they are most likely delivered in flat-pack form off a truck and require assembly. If you need to move the barrel once it's in its final form, disassembly and reassembly are recommended, although it may be possible to move it with large equipment, such as a forklift.

What are the origins of the barrel sauna?

Despite having no clear origin story, the barrel sauna is said to have come from Finnish water tower builders who realized that the barrel design could also function well as an outdoor sauna (they were right!). As such, the outdoor barrel sauna is most closely tied to Finland and Finnish culture. It’s not hard to understand why people who live in one of the coldest places on earth would be drawn to the inviting heat and relaxation of a sauna session (ideally paired with a cold plunge).