Infrared Saunas... what to buy?

[kal]

Hi guys!

We're thinking as part of our new basement renot to include a small 2-3 person sauna in the bathroom. Likely an infrared sauna. Probably recessed into the wall of the bathroom to make it appear built in.



There are many types of IR saunas including ceramic and carbon and something called 'low EMF' carbon, each manufacturer claiming that there's is the 'best'.

The problem is that looking around the 'net there seems to be a million vendors selling these and the price points are all about the same - starting at about $1000 for simple 2-person one (flat packed/you assemble). They seem more alike than different. Trying to get real information is hard as many of the sites seem really spammy and sell all sorts of other holistic massage 'junk' gadgets. Hard to separate fact from marketing/hype.

I can't even find a good sauna forum where people talk about this stuff.

What I'm trying to find out is which vendors make good units with good parts. I don't need an MP3 player or disco/LED lights. I don't want to buy junk and am willing to pay more for something that uses good components from a good company. Over the last few years one of the things I've been forcing myself to do is never buy anything (especially frivolous things) unless I can afford to buy a quality product. I don't want it to end up broken/in the trash in 2-3 years.

While I'd love one, a standard steam sauna isn't going to work. Too long to heat up/etc. Because of my Estonian heritage, I've grown up with saunas: My parents have one now (indoor/electric), my grandparents had then at their cottages (both were wood fired in a separate building - lots of fun as a kid hanging around naked with grandma smacking ourselves with branches).



Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone own one?

Kal

[kal]

Hi guys!

We're thinking as part of our new basement renot to include a small 2-3 person sauna in the bathroom. Likely an infrared sauna. Probably recessed into the wall of the bathroom to make it appear built in.



There are many types of IR saunas including ceramic and carbon and something called 'low EMF' carbon, each manufacturer claiming that there's is the 'best'.

The problem is that looking around the 'net there seems to be a million vendors selling these and the price points are all about the same - starting at about $1000 for simple 2-person one (flat packed/you assemble). They seem more alike than different. Trying to get real information is hard as many of the sites seem really spammy and sell all sorts of other holistic massage 'junk' gadgets. Hard to separate fact from marketing/hype.

I can't even find a good sauna forum where people talk about this stuff.

What I'm trying to find out is which vendors make good units with good parts. I don't need an MP3 player or disco/LED lights. I don't want to buy junk and am willing to pay more for something that uses good components from a good company. Over the last few years one of the things I've been forcing myself to do is never buy anything (especially frivolous things) unless I can afford to buy a quality product. I don't want it to end up broken/in the trash in 2-3 years.

While I'd love one, a standard steam sauna isn't going to work. Too long to heat up/etc. Because of my Estonian heritage, I've grown up with saunas: My parents have one now (indoor/electric), my grandparents had then at their cottages (both were wood fired in a separate building - lots of fun as a kid hanging around naked with grandma smacking ourselves with branches).



Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone own one?

Kal