Are portable saunas worth the hype?
As more of us lean in to the wellness world, sauna use is on the rise.
The popularity of saunas has soared in recent years, with users seeking relaxation, detoxification and a multitude of other health benefits. As many of us look to create a complete lifestyle haven at home, portable saunas are seen as an appealing and achievable option.
They come in a range of formats – with the pricetags to match – so we’ve outlned a few differences including space considerations, energy requirements and other associated costs to help you make sense of what’s on offer.
Types of portable saunas
Before you dig in and start researching, think about some basic factors including your available space, who will be using the sauna and how often. It’s probably worth having a vague budget in mind as well.
Pop-up infrared saunas
Pop up saunas utilise infrared heating elements that rely on electromagnetic radiation to heat, which provides an efficient and targeted experience.
They’re affordable – you can pick one up for as little as a couple of hundred bucks – and are easy to set-up and dismantle. They usually consist of a collapsible frame with strategically placed panels which emit non-harmful infrared light that penetrates the skin and generates a deep detoxifying sweat. The lack of steam gives you a clean and dry sauna experience – except the sweat, that is.
Pop-ups take up very little space, so they can be used in small rooms, apartments and outdoor spaces and then quickly and easily packed away when not in use. Their smaller size also means they have a lower energy consumption than some other styles.
On the downside, they are usually only built for one person (two at most) and may not provide the same heat distribution as more spacious options.
Portable cabin infrared saunas
Portable cabins use the same infrared heating technology as pop-ups, though the panels tend to be larger and they also cover a greater surface area, which ensures a more even distribution of heat.
The cabin-style design offers a more spacious and comfortable experience and is suitable for multiple users, depending on the size selected. Some models incorporate additional features like chromotherapy (colour light therapy) and built-in audio for an enhanced relaxation experience. These saunas are ideal for anyone looking for a more immersive and customisable sauna session.
Portable cabins will use more energy than pop-up styles or infrared blankets, but accurate costs will depend entirely on your usage and your local kilowatt-hour energy pricing. Check the kilowatt rating of the heater (energy efficient heating elements will lower running costs) to do some quick calculations.
You’ll probably be less inclined to pack them down and put them away between uses, so they are less ‘portable’ than other choices. They require more space than a pop-up but are still more compact than a traditional sauna. If you’ve got room in a suitable covered outdoor or indoor space and are likely to be a regular users, this could be the option for you.
Pricing starts at about AUD 2000.00 and increases with size and capacity.
Infrared blankets
Definitely a one-man option, infrared blankets are extremely portable, versatile and space-efficient. They use flexible heating elements woven into the blanket fabric and are designed to envelope the user, creating a cocoon-like environment that promotes sweating and relaxation.
While not as roomy as other options, they offer unrivalled portability and convenience, allowing the user to enjoy a sauna session while lying down or sitting. Running costs are minimal compared with other uints, so these are generally the most energy-efficient choice.
They’re available in a range of makes and models, with price starting at around AUD 200.00 and topping out in the range of AUD 600-700.
Portable steam saunas
Not so different from the pop-up infrared saunas, these designs tend to favour a single occupant. They utilise the more traditional steam heating method – an element is used to generate steam by heating water, creating a humid and warm environment, which opens pores and promotes sweating. They take a little more time to heat up and generally produce a lower overall temperature than infrared varieties.
These come in all shapes and sizes, with prices ranging from just over AUD 100 to just under AUD 1000, depending on the construction and the steam generation technology used.
Whatever your choice, make sure it aligns with your wellness goals and lifestyle. With so many styles and formats available, it’s now easy to embrace the soothing warmth of a sauna at home, elevating your workout experience in the pursuit of a healthier, happier you.