Are budget saunas really worth it? Let's take a look at the cheapest sauna options on the Norwegian market and explore what you can get for between NOK 30,000 to 40,000, or even less. If you are considering buying a budget sauna and wondering if it is worth it, or if your budget is under NOK 50,000 for the whole sauna project, you should read on. Here's a review of the cheapest saunas we found, why they're cheap, and whether they're really worth it.
1. Almost Heaven Bluestone 3-Person Steam Sauna
First up is the Almost Heaven Bluestone 3-person steam sauna, which is a small indoor sauna at a price of NOK 30,000. This is extremely cheap for a sauna, but why is it so cheap? First of all, you have to sit very close to the sauna stove, which emits a lot of radiant heat. Radiant heat is not the most comfortable, and the heat is distributed in several ways in a sauna.
The sauna heat is first distributed through the sauna stones, which have a high thermal capacity and slowly release the heat. The heat is then distributed through the materials in the sauna, which absorb the heat and release it during the sauna session, and finally through the heating elements as radiant heat. In this sauna, you have to sit very close to the stove, which means that you are exposed to a lot of radiant heat. In addition, the sauna stove has a low stone capacity, which means that each stone can get very hot, up to 370°C or more, which produces a sharper steam.
Another disadvantage is that the air that circulates in the sauna is not fresh air from the outside, but from the room where the sauna is located. This is not optimal, as fresh air from outside is preferable. It is also not clear whether the sauna has ventilation at all, which can lead to poor air quality and unpleasant temperature differences between the head and feet.
2. Morgan 4-Person Barrel Sauna
Next on the list is the Morgan 4-person barrel sauna. A challenge with this type of sauna, and especially this model, is that you have to sit close to the stove. If you want to lie down, either your head or your feet get very hot because the air is warmest near the sauna stove. This does not create the most optimal sauna experience. Again, the ventilation can be a problem, but this can be solved by making some ventilation holes yourself.
The customer reviews show that many are satisfied, but there are also some complaints, especially about customer service and problems with the oven. Some have also reported water leaks through the roof, which means the roof needs to be properly sealed.
3. Almost Heaven Princeton 6-Person Steam Sauna
Last on the list is the Almost Heaven Princeton 6 Person Steam Sauna. This is a larger version of the Bluestone model, which means you can sit a little further away from the stove. The ventilation is still uncertain, but this model probably provides a better sauna experience. Many users are relatively satisfied, although some complain about minor issues such as flexible benches.
If the budget is tight, a cheap sauna such as the Morgan barrel or a model for NOK 30,000 to 40,000 can be a good choice. However, if you are not limited by your budget, we recommend investing in a better sauna with multiple levels of benches and a quality oven for a better experience.
Conclusion
Budget saunas can be a good start for those who want to start sweating and enjoy the sauna experience without spending too much money. Even if they don't meet all the best principles of sauna design, they can still get the job done. For those who want a more optimal sauna experience, it is recommended to invest in a better sauna with proper ventilation and high quality materials and heaters.
For more information on how you can build the perfect sauna, visit us at badstugutta.no. We are here to help you find the best solutions for your sauna.
Badstugutta.no - Your partner for the perfect sauna experience.
