Barrel saunas have gained popularity in recent years due to their simplicity in manufacturing, high profit margins and ability to be mass produced. Not to mention the overwhelming marketing and advertising spent to promote them. Since the industry has promoted the barrel sauna so heavily, the unsuspecting North American customer has started to think that a barrel sauna is ‘the true’ sauna. Unfortunately for those that have bought a barrel sauna, they have quickly come to realize that it is not ‘a true’ sauna as it was promised to be. The design of the barrel sauna is probably as close to a fake sauna as you can get.

Customers have been drawn to them because of their rustic design, easy installation, and relatively affordable price points. However, while they offer certain advantages, they also come with a number of drawbacks that potential buyers should carefully consider. If you're thinking about investing in a barrel sauna, it’s worth looking beyond the attractive aesthetics and considering some practical issues that might make them less than ideal for long-term use. Here’s why barrel saunas might not be the best choice for everyone.

1. Feet are WAY WAY too low!

In an ideal truly Finnish sauna, you want your whole body to be above the level of the rocks.This is how it is in all larger Finnish saunas.  In smaller saunas though, this is more difficult to achieve because it is hard to fit in three levels of benches, but it should still be the goal of the design. We have carefully designed our sauna so that your feet are only 3-4 inches below the rocks. In a  barrel sauna though, your feet are on the floor and the rocks are usually 26-30” from the floor! To a true Finn, a barrel sauna is basically a fake sauna! Take a look at images on the internet of sauna kits and you will see that most of them have your feet way way too low! You will end up having cold feet while your upper body is sweating. This is not how a sauna should be. 

2. Heat Efficiency Issues

One of the primary concerns with barrel saunas is their heat efficiency. Unlike square or rectangular saunas, barrel saunas have a rounded shape that can make it harder to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the interior. The curved walls cause heat to rise to the top more quickly, potentially making the top half much warmer than the lower portion of the sauna. This uneven heat distribution can lead to uncomfortable sauna experiences, where one part of the body may feel too hot while the lower body remains cold.

Additionally, because barrel saunas often have no insulation and so the heat tends to escape very easily. This can make it harder to sustain the high temperatures necessary for a truly effective sauna session, especially in colder climates where heat loss is more pronounced.

Plus, many manufacturers are adding full glass walls into their designs which have an insulating value of R1 (basically nothing). This is crazy. The barrel already leaks air, has no insulation and now they are adding in lots of glass! Good luck in having a hot sauna on a cold winter night.

3. Limited Space and Comfort

While barrel saunas come in various sizes, their design inherently limits the amount of usable space. The curved walls reduce headroom and make it difficult to sit comfortably and lean back, especially for taller individuals. In smaller barrel saunas, users may feel cramped, with limited legroom and restricted movement.

The shape also restricts how benches and seating are arranged. Most barrel saunas come with benches along the walls, but because of the curvature, the seating may not provide the support or comfort needed for long sauna sessions. Unlike rectangular saunas, which allow for a more customizable layout, the barrel design limits how you can arrange seating or accessories, making it less adaptable to individual preferences.

Another issue with the benches is that they face each other. Most people in a sauna do not want people staring straight at them. That is awkward. A Finnish sauna has one long bench or benches in the shape of an L.

4. Poor Insulation in Cold Weather

Barrel saunas are typically made from solid wood, which can look beautiful but doesn't offer the same insulation as other sauna designs. This lack of insulation can be particularly problematic in colder climates, where heat loss becomes a significant issue. If you're using a barrel sauna during winter, you might find that it takes much longer to reach the desired temperature, or that the sauna simply doesn’t get as hot as you would like.

Because of the thinner walls and the lack of an insulating layer, you may need to use more energy or firewood to keep a barrel sauna warm, which can drive up operating costs. In regions with long winters or frequent cold snaps, a barrel sauna’s inefficiency can become frustrating and expensive.

5. Shorter Lifespan Due to Exposure to Elements

Most barrel saunas are installed outdoors, and while they may be treated for weather resistance, their design leaves them vulnerable to wear and tear. The curved roof of the sauna often does not have enough overhang to adequately protect against rain leaking in or snow buildup. Over time, this exposure to the elements can lead to water damage, warping, or rotting wood, significantly reducing the lifespan of the sauna.

If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, you may find yourself needing to perform more frequent maintenance or repairs. The tight-fitting staves that hold the barrel together can also shift due to temperature and moisture fluctuations, causing gaps where heat escapes or allowing moisture to enter.

If you look into the user manuals of some larger barrel sauna manufacturers, you will find that they say things like “don’t worry about water staining from the water leaking in…” and “if the staining bothers you, sand it every once in a while”... A sauna should be built like a house - keep the heat in and the water out! At Ryt Saunas we have built ours to keep the elements out.

6. Limited Customization Options

Barrel saunas have a fixed design that limits customization. Unlike traditional saunas, where you can modify the layout, size, or add features like extra windows and ventilation systems, barrel saunas offer little flexibility. This can be a drawback if you’re looking for a sauna that can be tailored to your specific needs or if you want a more luxurious experience.

For example, some people prefer saunas with larger windows to enjoy the view while relaxing. However, the curved walls of a barrel sauna make it difficult to add windows without compromising the structural integrity. Similarly, the design restricts the addition of accessories such as speakers, lighting systems, or cooling vents, which might limit the overall experience.

7. Aesthetic Limits

While barrel saunas have a rustic charm, their design doesn’t always blend well with all types of home architecture or landscaping. If you prefer a modern or sleek look for your outdoor spaces, a barrel sauna may appear out of place. Some people also find the aesthetic too casual or "log cabin-like" for their tastes, especially if they want their sauna to match a more contemporary outdoor setup.

Conclusion

Barrel saunas can be appealing at first glance due to their affordability and unique design. However, their limitations—especially in terms of heat efficiency, space, insulation, and durability—might make them less than ideal for serious sauna users or those in colder climates. If you’re looking for a more versatile, comfortable, and long-lasting sauna experience, it might be worth considering alternative designs that offer better heat retention, customization, and longevity.

Buying a barrel sauna is like falling for a car ad that shows a beautiful vehicle, only to discover when you pick it up that it has no engine!

When choosing a sauna, your top priority should be its functionality. Aesthetics and cost come after that. If the sauna doesn’t function well, you’ll likely stop using it altogether. For a truly enjoyable sauna experience, it needs to function the Finnish way—your feet elevated, proper ventilation, and the ability to fully use water for steam. Without these essential elements, the sauna won’t live up to its potential.