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Choosing a home infrared sauna: size, power and running costs

Work out which size fits your room and your electrics, see the published specs side by side, and estimate what a home sauna will add to your power bill.

Last updated 29 October 2026. Specs and prices are taken from manufacturer pages and change often. We research specs, prices and owner reviews; we don't run our own lab tests.

Sizing and running-cost calculator

Running cost

The cost figure assumes the heaters draw full rated power the whole time, so treat it as an upper estimate. Find your rate per kWh on your electricity bill. The 17 cent default is only a starting point.

Spec comparison: Peak Saunas indoor cabins

Rows that fit the people, space and power you entered above are highlighted. All six are full spectrum infrared cabins with a published maximum of 150°F. Prices are the selling prices shown on peaksaunas.com on 29 October 2026; Peak runs frequent promotions, so check before you buy.

ModelPeopleExterior (W x D x H)InteriorElectricalRated powerWoodPrice
Peak Mini131.5" W x 31.8" D x 67.1" H27.5" W x 26.6" D x 62.6" H120V / 10A, plugs into a standard outlet (NEMA 5-15P)1,200WCanadian Hemlock$5,550
Peak Shasta142" W x 40" D x 75" H38" W x 36" D x 67" H120V / 15A, standard outlet (NEMA 5-15P)1,800WCanadian Hemlock$7,250
Peak Crown248" W x 44" D x 79" H42" W x 38" D x 71" H120V / 15A, about 1,800W, on its own dedicated breaker (NEMA 5-15P)1,800WCanadian Hemlock$5,950
Peak Everest253" W x 44" D x 75" H49" W x 40" D x 67" H120V / 20A, dedicated 20A circuit required (NEMA 5-20P)2,050WCanadian Hemlock$8,250
Peak Fuji253" W x 44" D x 75" H49" W x 40" D x 67" H120V / 20A, dedicated 20A circuit required (NEMA 5-20P)2,050WCanadian Red Cedar$8,950
Peak Denali361" W x 44" D x 75" H57" W x 40" D x 67" H240V / 20A, dedicated 240V circuit (NEMA 6-20P, electrician needed)2,850WCanadian Hemlock$9,950

Featured retailer: Peak Saunas

Peak Saunas sells indoor full spectrum infrared cabins direct in the lower 48 states. Its product pages list exterior and interior dimensions, the exact outlet or circuit each model needs and the assembly time (Peak says about 2 hours for two adults). Peak also says some models are HSA/FSA eligible if you qualify, so check with your plan administrator.

See Peak Saunas indoor models

Home sauna buying guide

1. Size it for real use, not the label

Count how many people will use it at the same time on a normal day. A 1-person cabin suits one adult sitting upright. For two people side by side, look at interior width: in the table above it runs from 42 inches on the Crown to 49 inches on the Everest and Fuji. Measure your room, then allow space for the door to swing open and for the clearance the manual asks for around the cabin.

2. Check your power before anything else

This is where most installs go wrong. There are three common set-ups:

Don't run a sauna from an extension cord, and get a licensed electrician to check the circuit if you're not sure what you have.

3. Infrared, full spectrum or traditional

Far infrared panels are the most common type. "Full spectrum" means the cabin adds near and mid infrared emitters too; Peak lists 700 to 25,000nm across carbon far infrared and halogen/quartz emitters. Traditional saunas heat the air with a stove and rocks, run hotter and usually need more power or a 240V supply. If you want steam from water on hot rocks, an infrared cabin won't give you that.

4. Wood and build

Canadian Hemlock and Canadian Red Cedar are the two woods on this list. Cedar has a stronger smell and is usually more expensive; hemlock is lighter in colour and has little scent. Cabins weigh 300 to 400 lbs, so check your delivery route, doorway widths and that the floor is level.

5. EMF figures and extras

Many brands advertise low or near-zero EMF. These figures come from the manufacturer, so ask for the test report if it matters to you. Extras like red light panels, Bluetooth speakers, app control and chromotherapy lights add cost. Decide which ones you'll actually use.

6. Warranty, delivery and returns

Read the warranty terms for the cabin and for the heaters separately, check who pays for return freight on a large crated item, and confirm the delivery area. Peak ships to the lower 48 states.

Health note: We don't make health claims about saunas. If you're pregnant, have a heart condition, have low blood pressure or take medication that affects how you handle heat, talk to your doctor before using one.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a home infrared sauna cost to run?

Multiply the heater wattage by the hours you run it, then by your electricity rate. A 2,050W cabin running for 45 minutes including warm-up uses at most about 1.5 kWh, so at 17 cents per kWh that is roughly 26 cents a session. Heaters often cycle once the cabin is up to temperature, so the real figure is usually lower. Use the calculator on this page with the rate from your own bill.

Do I need an electrician to install a home sauna?

It depends on the model. Some 1-person and 2-person cabins plug into a standard 120V 15A outlet. Others need a dedicated 120V 20A circuit or a 240V circuit, which means a licensed electrician and possibly a permit under your local code. Check the electrical line in the spec table and the owner's manual before you order.

What size home sauna should I buy?

Buy for the number of people who will use it at the same time, then check the exterior footprint against your room with space left for the door to open and for airflow. Interior width matters more than the headline person count if you want to sit comfortably side by side.

What is the difference between an infrared and a traditional sauna?

A traditional sauna heats the air, usually with an electric or wood stove and rocks, and runs hotter. An infrared sauna uses heating panels that warm your body more directly, and the published maximum air temperatures are lower. The Peak cabins on this page list a maximum of 150°F. Which one you prefer is personal; infrared cabins tend to be easier to install indoors.

Is a home sauna safe for everyone?

Not always. Heat exposure isn't suitable for everyone, for example during pregnancy, with some heart conditions or with medication that affects how you handle heat. Talk to your doctor first if any of that applies to you. We don't make health claims about saunas.

Can I put a home sauna in a basement or garage?

Many indoor cabins can go in a dry basement or an insulated garage with a level floor and the right power supply. Damp, unheated or very cold spaces can affect the wood and the warm-up time. Follow the manufacturer's placement and clearance guidance in the manual.

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