Building the perfect backyard requires consideration of all seasons, and while winter outdoor play can be a lot of fun there is also room for relaxation. Covering the pool is necessary when summer ends, but a small hot tub or sauna can keep you going outdoors all year long. When adding a sauna to your indoor or outdoor spaces it is always worth considering a barrel sauna. The best barrel saunas produce a lot of heat but don’t take up a lot of room. They are also attractive, easy to construct, and relatively inexpensive.
The barrel shape of these saunas means almost 20% less heat is needed to warm it comparable to similar sized rooms that are shaped differently. The shape also promotes natural continuous air circulation as the air is pushed back on the round walls. Finish a long day snowblowing, shoveling or sledding out in the snow by heating up and relaxing in a sauna.
Best Barrel Sauna
The best barrel sauna to add in your backyard is the BZBCabins W29 Barrel Sauna Kit. This sauna has a nice steam room measuring about 6 ½ feet in diameter and length, so it can comfortably accommodate a couple of adults. Homeowners especially liked the front porch with seating so that entering the sauna and exiting it is clean and easy. The sauna has a great look with shingles covering the top and sides for durability.
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Barrel Sauna
Homeowners like the Allwood Barrel Sauna #220-WHC and it is the runner up in our search for the best barrel sauna. This sauna is a bit smaller than some of the competitors but it boasts high quality construction and material throughout. Top quality nordic spruce wood and solid shingles covering the roof make for a durable outdoor sauna that can withstand the test of time.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Choice: Barrel Sauna
The most budget friendly out of the bunch is ALEKO SB5PINE Barrel Sauna. An extremely simple designed sauna without any complexity or frills added to it makes this the most affordable one out of the bunch. A pine sauna is not as naturally conducive to a sauna as spruce or redwood, but it is more readily available and easier to work with.
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Barrel Sauna Buyer’s Guide
A barrel sauna, as the name implies, is an outdoor sauna shaped like a barrel on its side. Long staves (lengths of wood with beveled or notched edges) fit together to ring the curving front and back walls that are used in these saunas.
Straps placed securely around the circumference keep the staves in place for a sturdy, snug fit after they’ve been constructed. Sort of like a wine barrel! Some barrel saunas have straight sides to form a cylinder shape, while others are “coopered,” with sides that bulge somewhat in the middle, similar to a traditional wooden barrel.
Almost all barrel saunas wil ship flat and require self-assembly. It is not a one man job, since some of the pieces are heavy and other pieces require careful alignment. The structure is key, but also pay attention to the stove, windows and door, and even accessories like a water bucket and ladle, lava rocks, wooden foot- and headrests, and garment hooks. These may all be ordered in one click with an all-inclusive barrel sauna package.
Before shopping for a barrel sauna take some time to consider where you will place it and subsequently how big it can be. Imagine walking to and from the sauna, making sure that you have a comfortable and unobstructed path to follow. Consider how many people you want to host at your sauna, as that will determine the size of the sauna to target.
Heating the sauna is usually done by a wood fired or electrical sauna heater. Pouring water over sauna stones creates a pleasant hot steam environment, but read reviews carefully as not all kits include the accessories you need.
Barrel Sauna Reviews
Adding a barrel sauna to your backyard creates a new and exciting space that provides warmth and relaxation over long winter months. Below, we look at some of our favorite barrel saunas and review their dimensions, specs, and key points.
Allwood Barrel Sauna #220-WHC Wood Fired Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- Very compact for easy backyard placement.
- Elegant look with a futuristic vibe.
- Wood-fired heater designed in Finland.
- Slown grown Nordic Spruce.
Dimensions and Specs
- Dimensions: 1-5/8″
- Diameter: 6′ 8″
- Capacity: 5 persons
- Weight: 1500 lbs
- Assembly required
The Details
This great looking sauna is a very popular option for backyard sauna warmth in winter weather. It has a simplistic design and general compactness that plays a big role in it being one of the best options on this list. The sauna is built to last with 1 ⅝” thick Nordic Spruce wood covering it. The weather-resistant spruce walls don’t bleed resin like pine at high temperatures. Covering the top are bitumen shingles for added durability.
Assembly is required but everything homeowners need is included. There are two 70” support cradles to elevate the structure off the ground and two industrial grade stainless steel bands for fastening it tight.
Homeowners like that cleaning the Sauna is not a hard task at all. Due to its simplicity, one can just use wet wipes to clean most of it. The only difficult areas to reach are under the ledge and the top and the bottom of the Sauna from outside. Other than that, the task is fairly straightforward.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a great looking Sauna that is built to last then this is a solid option for you. It is well designed and assembles easily thanks to a range of quality components included in the package. The Finland made Harvia M3 wood fired sauna heater combines with the sauna stones for a warming experience. Separate intake and outflow air vents keeps the environment just right.
- Diameter 6' 8" - Sauna section length 67"
- Frame material 1-5/8" slow grown Nordic Spruce - WE DO NOT USE PINE...
- Will comfortably seat 4 adults
- M3 wood fired heater
- Assembly required
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Barrel Sauna Kit W29 by BZBCabins
Key Points at a Glance
- 4 Person Outdoor Sauna
- Super smart and compact design
- Magnificent looking with outdoor seats
- Includes the Harvia M3 Wood Fired Sauna Heater or 8KW Electric
Dimensions and Specs
- Diameter: 6’6″
- Length: 6’7″
- Construction: 1-5/8″ Nordic Spruce
- Capacity: 4 persons
The Details
This sauna is a good option for homeowners that value a quality experience and good looks. This is the most beautiful option on the list and makes a striking impression on your property. The entryway has an attractive glass door flanked by outdoor seats for taking off and storing shoes as necessary.
The barrel body shape of the Sauna makes it simple to construct. The three support cradles elevate it up off the ground and three steel band fasteners keep it tight. The steam room on this barrel sauna has approximate dimensions of 6’6” diameter and 6’7” length.
The Bottom Line
This is a good looking barrel sauna with solid supports, smart design, and strong function. The nordic spruce wood is superior to pine wood that you might find in other models, and the steam room is surprisingly spacious. This barrel sauna also has a nice shingled roof that extends down over the sides for added durability.
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ALEKO 5 Person White Pine Barrel Sauna
Key Points at a Glance
- Beautiful look and feel
- Surprisingly robust
- Attractive glass front door
- Includes ETL approved 4.5 kW electrical heater
- Includes 44 pounds (20 kg) of sauna stones
Dimensions and Specs
- 71 x 72 x 75.5 inch package dimensions
- Made from solid, 1.5 in. (3.85 cm) thick Finnish White Pine
- 5 Person capacity
The Details
ALEKO’s Barrel Sauna brings all the luxury and comfort of a traditional barrel sauna at a more accessible price point. The barrel shape design is both stylish and highly functional, providing maximum usable space while promoting airflow.
This attractive sauna works well by your front porch and back deck. Assembly is easy and can be accomplished in just a few hours, but it is recommended you have two people working together to lift heavy parts. This sauna comes with an electrical 4.5 kW heater and stainless steel components that won’t rust or harm the sauna. An optional bitumen shingle roof, sold separately, is highly recommended as it offers upgraded protection for your sauna from the rain and UV damage.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a nice barrel sauna that doesn’t take up a lot of outdoor space, then this is worth considering. It is a bit smaller than other options on our list, but can still fit five adults. It produces great heat thanks to the included 4.5kw electrical heater.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SymbolicSpas 8′ Canadian Redwood Cedar Steam Barrel Sauna
Key Points at a Glance
- Extra-long length.
- Front porch is added.
- Unique look.
- Full Packaged with 6KW Heater.
- Waterproof design.
Dimensions and Specs
- Measures 6′ Diameter x 8′ Long. Inside bench is 6′ long
- Made of Canadian Red Cedar + Stainless Steel Bands
The Details
This great looking sauna is nearly 8’ long for extra room inside. It produces very comfortable heat and homeowners enjoy spending lots of time in it. A helpful porch on the front gives users a chance to catch their breath or put on their shoes without having to step out onto the lawn. This barrel sauna is made of canadian redwood cedar.
The porch on the front side of this sauna is an added advantage, as is the redwood cedar construction. The kit includes a strong flat floor and three stainless steel bands along with two solid leg supports. Additional accessories that are thoughtfully included in this kit includes rocks, bucket, ladle, thermometer, hygrometer, and towel hook.
The Bottom Line
If you’re in the market for a comfortable yet extremely sleek looking Sauna with some extra supports and accessories to enjoy, then this is a great one to consider. The 6kw heater works well and makes hot temperatures up to 200F degrees for your comfort and enjoyment.
- Canadian Redwood Cedar
- Porch Option Added
- Full Packaged with 6KW Heater, Rocks, Water Bucket, Ladle,...
- 3 x Stainless Steel Bands and 2 Solid Leg Supports
- Gets Hot! Up to 200F or more degrees
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Canadian Pine Wood 6′ Foot Outdoor Barrel Sauna
Key Points at a Glance
- Old-fashioned design
- Extremely simple with no frills
- Comes with 9KW Wet or Dry Heater and lava rocks
- Canadian Pine wood construction
Dimensions and Specs
- Length: 6 feet
- Diameter: 6 feet
- Power: 220v, 9,000 Watts. Recommended 50A breaker
- Assembly required, ships ‘flat packed’ to reduce freight cost
The Details
Measuring 6 feet long and made of Canadian Pine Wood, this sauna has a good balance between price and features. It can fit four adults comfortably or two adults laying down, and it has a diameter of 6 feet. It makes nice heat thanks to the included 9kw wet or dry heater.
The design and construction process of this sauna is a bit simplistic and old fashioned, with included metal bands and clamps that aren’t quite as aesthetically pleasing as some of the competitors. Since it ships as a flat pack, assembly is required.
The Bottom Line
This is a simple sauna with a straightforward design. It doesnt have some of the woodwork, frills, and accompaniments of others on this list but still makes a lot of sense at the right price. The sparse entryway makes coming and going a bit difficult so most homeowners opt to build a bit of a landing for it. Two support feet are included and elevate it off the ground.
- Grade A Canadian Pine, 6' Foot Size, 4 + Person Capacity, 9KW Sauna...
- Includes: 2 Support Feet, 3 Metal Bands/Clamps, Water Bucket and...
- For Outdoor usage, though can be used Indoors, Overall Assembled Size:...
- Power: 220v, 9,000 Watts(No Power Plug). (3 wire 220v, 40 Amps), we...
- Assembly Required, this will ship "Flat Packed" to reduce freight...
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Barrels saunas, whether outdoor or indoor, are a wonderful addition to any home. It’s not only an attractive addition to your backyard, it is also extremely beneficial to your health. Saunas are a fantastic way to unwind after a long day at work and placing a barrel sauna in your backyard space can be surprisingly inexpensive. Saunas are also used by some people for skin advantages and even weight loss.
In this review we have examined a couple of the best barrel saunas in the market. Determining which sauna is best for you will require careful consideration of the space you have available and the capacity you desire. No matter which option you choose, a barrel sauna can add an exciting, refreshing, and healthy new feature to your backyard.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looks cute and probably great “up north”, but here in LaFlorida we just WALK OUTSIDE and we are IN A SAUNA — a “natural sauna” !!!!! It’s NOT THE HEAT, it’s the HUMIDITY that’s so TERRIBLE !!!!!!! 🤪🥴😓😡