ISO Barrel Sauna - Do they work here?

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Santa Claus
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu May 09, 2019 9:16 am

ISO Barrel Sauna - Do they work here?

Post by Santa Claus » Tue Dec 02, 2025 2:18 pm

Howdy, anybody have a barrel sauna you're ready to part with?

Anybody have experience with these here? Do they get warm enough considering they have no insulation? What does one need to know before making a big purchase and getting one's hopes up for a cozy winter escape ritual?

Christian 4-2-5 / 508 - forty 91

gracias!

tcannistra
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2022 2:53 pm

Re: ISO Barrel Sauna - Do they work here?

Post by tcannistra » Wed Dec 03, 2025 3:08 pm

not quite what you asked, but I've been doing a lot (too much) sauna research as I'm preparing to build one so i've looked into this.

it seems like the consensus among "purists" is that barrels keep your feet too cold, especially in cold climates like we have. that's because of a combination of the seats being too low and the ceiling being too close to the top of the heater.

but on the other hand, they're cool and easy to assemble.

The SaunaTimes website has been helpful in my research. Look for the article "10 things you may want to know about barrel saunas" for some good info.
Tony Cannistra

maxjmclaughlin
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2021 3:56 pm

Re: ISO Barrel Sauna - Do they work here?

Post by maxjmclaughlin » Wed Dec 03, 2025 5:54 pm

Hey there, I don’t have too much feedback on barrel saunas and their efficacy in our climate nor am I here to talk you out of something, but i’m a local sauna builder specializing in cabin-style saunas (insulated wall systems, proper ventilation, taller ceilings/bench heights, etc) and Id be happy to offer what insights I can.

The fact that you’re excited about a sauna in the first place is a great start; be it a barrel, tent, infrared, or cabin sauna; if you go down the sauna road, you wont regret it!

Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss anything sauna-related i’d be happy to help in any way.

Max
max@sundogsauna.com
734-320-4738

EmCee
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2024 5:29 pm

Re: ISO Barrel Sauna - Do they work here?

Post by EmCee » Tue Dec 09, 2025 6:31 pm

we have a barrel sauna and haven't installed the insulation tiles on it (yet). been using it like that for a few years now and it works just fine. it will hold heat better once we get around to installing those though. the sauna is on a covered deck in the woods with horizontal wood slats on two sides to cut down on wind hitting the sauna.

folks have touched on some of the cons and i have to agree. if it's only a couple people max in the barrel then you can just lay out on the benches keeping your feet off the floor and get plenty hot & sweaty. feet on the floor is a no go in the barrel. but it's just me mostly and sometimes my lady so plenty of room to lay on the benches.

we got a sweet deal on our barrel sauna and it has one of those big bubble windows at one end. it's set in the woods and we have it so when in the sauna you're facing the woods. it's most definitely serene.

in hindsight, i'd build a rectangular / box type sauna so we could have upper and lower benches. if somewhat secluded i highly recommend as much window as you can do and still ensure it's efficient.

have fun!

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