When buying a home sauna in the UK, the key things to check are size and capacity, the power supply it needs (a standard 13A plug or a hardwired circuit), the type of heater, the wood it is built from, where it can go in your home, ventilation and clearance, and how it is assembled. Getting the power and space questions right first will save you the most hassle later.
This guide works through each point in turn, with a quick comparison of our three far-infrared cabins at the end. For more on choosing and using a sauna, see our home sauna guide.
1. Size and capacity
Start with how many people will realistically use it at once, then measure the space you have. Remember to allow for clearance around the cabin, room to open the door and a clear route to carry flat-packed panels into the room.
- One person: a compact cabin suits a spare corner, a home gym or a large bathroom.
- Two people: a common choice for couples, or for one person who wants room to stretch out a little.
- Three or more: worth it if you plan to share sessions regularly, but check the footprint carefully.
Height matters too. Our cabins are 1.9 metres tall and many others are similar, so check ceilings in lofts and basements, and allow headroom for assembly.
2. Power: 13A plug or hardwired?
This is the single most important question for UK buyers. A standard 13A socket can supply roughly 3kW. Many home infrared cabins are designed to work within that, so they plug straight into a normal socket. Traditional electric sauna stoves are commonly more powerful and usually need their own dedicated circuit installed by an electrician. Rooms containing a sauna heater are treated as a special location under the UK wiring regulations (BS 7671), and this kind of electrical work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, so factor in the cost and time of a qualified electrician if you choose a hardwired model.
Even with a plug-in cabin, it is sensible not to run other high-draw appliances, such as a kettle, heater or tumble dryer, on the same circuit while the sauna is on. Avoid extension leads and multi-way adaptors for any high-power appliance.
3. Heater type
There are two broad approaches:
- Traditional (Finnish) stoves heat the air and a bed of stones, typically to around 80 to 100°C, and let you pour water on the stones for steam.
- Infrared panels warm you more directly with radiant heat at lower air temperatures, commonly around 40 to 65°C, with no steam.
Within infrared, far-infrared panels are the most common in home cabins. Carbon panels are typically broad, flat panels that spread gentle heat across a wide surface. We compare the two approaches in detail in infrared vs traditional sauna.
4. Wood type
Sauna timber needs to be stable in heat, comfortable to touch when warm and free of resin that could weep. Common choices include:
- Canadian hemlock: pale, even-grained and low in resin. Widely used in infrared cabins.
- Red cedar: aromatic and naturally rot resistant, often more expensive.
- Spruce and pine: traditional in Finnish saunas, though knots and resin can be more of a factor.
Whatever the wood, avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Wiping benches and panels with a soft, dry cloth after each use is usually enough.
5. Indoor placement
Most plug-in infrared cabins are designed for indoor use only. Good spots include a spare room, a home gym or a large bathroom away from direct water. Look for:
- A flat, level, solid floor
- A dry room, away from showers, baths and other direct moisture sources
- A suitable socket within reach of the cabin's power lead
- Enough space to open the door fully and step out comfortably
6. Ventilation and clearance
Every cabin needs space around it so air can circulate and heat can dissipate. For our saunas we specify at least 10cm clearance on all sides. The room itself should be reasonably ventilated, so that warmth and moisture from sweating do not build up, especially in smaller rooms. Always follow the manufacturer's clearance instructions for the model you buy.
7. Assembly
Home cabins are usually delivered flat-packed in large, heavy panels. Check that your doorways, stairs and hallways can take them, and plan for two people to carry and assemble. Our cabins come with the heating panels pre-fitted, and assembly takes approximately 1 to 2 hours for the Mini and 2 to 3 hours for the OG and Max, with no tools needed beyond a screwdriver.
8. Controls and features
A clear digital control panel for temperature and session time makes everyday use much easier. A built-in timer is useful for keeping sessions to a sensible length. Lighting, a backrest and somewhere to put a drink are small details that make a difference over hundreds of sessions.
Comparing the ThermoX range
All three of our saunas are built from Canadian hemlock with carbon crystal far-infrared panels, an 18 to 65°C temperature range, a 0 to 99 minute timer, and they plug into a standard UK 13A socket for indoor use.
| Model | Capacity | Power | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sauna Mini | 1 person | 1600W | 900 x 900 x 1900mm | £1,795 |
| OG Sauna | 2 people | 1700W | 1200 x 1000 x 1900mm | £1,995 |
| Sauna Max | 2 to 3 people | 2200W | 1500 x 1100 x 1900mm | £2,795 |
Every order includes free UK delivery, a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns on unused items in their original condition. If you have questions about your space, our UK-based team is happy to help at hello@thermoxrecovery.com. You can also browse the full sauna collection.
Running costs and safety
Power rating has a direct effect on what a sauna costs to run. Our guide to home sauna running costs in the UK works through examples using the current Ofgem price cap.
Before using any sauna, speak to your GP if you have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, are pregnant, or have any other medical condition. Avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and start cooler and shorter. Our sauna safety guide covers this in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can a home sauna plug into a normal UK socket?
Many infrared cabins can, including all three ThermoX models, which run from a standard UK 13A socket. Traditional electric sauna stoves usually need a dedicated circuit fitted by a qualified electrician.
How much space do I need for a home sauna?
Measure the cabin's footprint, then add clearance on every side (we specify at least 10cm), room for the door to open and space to step in and out. Check ceiling height too: our cabins are 1.9 metres tall.
Can I put an infrared sauna outside?
Our cabins are designed for indoor use only. Outdoor saunas need to be specifically built and rated for weather and moisture, so always check the manufacturer's guidance.
How long does a home sauna take to assemble?
It depends on the model. Our Sauna Mini takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, and the OG and Max approximately 2 to 3 hours, with two people and a screwdriver.