Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna ($10,700, originally $11,499)
If you’re looking to invest in an outdoor sauna, the Sun Home Lunimar Outdoor Infrared Sauna is the luxurious option approved by celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter. The price point is much higher than the other saunas on this list due to a few key qualities. Its robust heating includes two full spectrum heaters and seven far infrared heaters that allow for a temperature range of up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this sauna is enclosed, it seals the heat intensely and I found it most comfortable around the 160-degree range. As with the other infrared saunas on this list, it uses direct radiant heat to deliver a deep and effective sweat. Despite this sauna being large enough for two people, it heats up quickly in about 15 minutes.
The Sun Home Luminar is the only infrared sauna engineered with an aerospace-grade aluminum exterior to withstand all seasons and weather, including rain and snow. While testing it over a few months, there were several torrential rainstorms. I used the protective cover and the sauna weathered these elements without any leaks or damage. The interior is made from non-toxic materials including a cedar wood interior, which is naturally antimicrobial. It is ultra low EMF (electromagnetic field) for safe exposure, and includes an oxygen ionizer to purify the air.
I used this sauna during a three-month period when I was running two marathons. I credit the Luminar for allowing me to make it through training without injury or burnout. This full-spectrum infrared sauna includes all three infrared wavelengths: near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared. I noticed during the times that I used the Luminar after a long run I had decreased soreness (or DOMS) the next day.
The Luminar was the most relaxing of the saunas I tried. As a mom of two young children who works from home, my time inside tends to send me spiraling down my never-ending to-do list. Since the Luminar is outdoors, the standalone space made me feel like I had been transported to a spa, far away from life and responsibility. The sauna offers a full range of vibes thanks to its bluetooth audio system and chromotherapy. A red light and energizing playlist would have me ready to take on the day, or a particularly chaotic bedtime.
There are a few elements to keep in mind with the Sun Home Luminar. First, you’ll need space. While the other saunas listed have a fairly small footprint and could work in most apartments or homes, the Luminar requires an outdoor area. The width is 57 inches, with an 82.7-inch height and 51.5-inch depth. The brand recommends leaving four to six inches of space around the sauna and 20 to 24 inches above the roof. It also requires 240 volts and 20amps, which may require an electrician. Sun Home offers palletized curbside drop-off where it can be assembled by at least two people, or from the company’s network of contractors with Pure Install. The sauna can be controlled by an interior control panel or through the Sun Home Sauna app, which also offers guided breathwork sessions. With 10,000-hour lifetime heaters, its a sauna with longevity.
