Are sauna barrels worth the investment? Your complete guide

What is a sauna barrel?

Sauna barrels are a circular, barrel-shaped structure built from untreated timber and a sauna section inside.

Learn more about sauna barrels and the differences between sauna houses in our blog: What is a sauna barrel? A complete guide.

Benefits of a sauna barrel

Sauna barrels provide both benefits to your health and wellbeing (you can find out more about these benefits in our guide: Sauna and hot tub benefits: 7 reasons to sweat your way to better health) as well as structural and cost benefits.

1. Heats up faster than other sauna styles

The rounded shape of a sauna barrel means there is less unused space to heat which means it heats up far more quickly than any other sauna designs. This saves time heating the sauna up when you want to use it and reduces ongoing heating costs.

2. More even distribution of heat within the sauna

In addition to heating up more quickly, sauna barrels are more energy efficient to run because the heat is distributed more evenly within the sauna. Heat rises to the top of the sauna which means it’s always hotter than the bottom. In a square sauna, the heat becomes trapped at the top which means you experience less heat from where you’re sitting. In a barrel sauna, the rounded curves allow the heat at the top of the room to be pushed down the sides and back to the bottom of the sauna as new heat from the heater risers. This brings the higher temperatures lower in the sauna and allows heat to flow more evenly. Not only does the heat have more chance to spread round the room, it’s also more efficient because the heater has less work to do.

3. Space saving design

Sauna barrels are much smaller than traditional sauna houses so are perfect if you want something a little more compact with the same benefits. If it’s only you or your family using the sauna, a barrel sauna is the perfect option for a corner of your garden.

4. Aesthetic appeal

The natural timber construction and Scandinavian style of sauna barrels create a beautiful feature for your outside space. Turn your sauna into the focal point of your garden or choose something to match your log cabin, gazebo or other garden buildings perfectly.

5. Authentic experience

A barrel sauna is one of the closest experiences to a traditional Finnish wood sauna. So, if you want a sauna experience that feels authentic, this is the perfect option. Unlike plastic or some indoor saunas, a wooden outdoor sauna surrounds you with natural materials and in nature so you can feel more connected to the outdoors. For many, this provides a chance to unwind and enjoy the same therapeutic benefits people in Nordic countries have valued for generations.

How much does it cost to run a sauna barrel?

One of the biggest questions when investing in a sauna is the running cost. The good news is that, for most households, it’s far more affordable than people expect.

A typical small sauna (2-4 people) in the UK uses an electric heater between 4.5–9 kW. A common session looks like this:

• Heat-up: 30–45 minutes near full power

• Maintain temperature: 45–75 minutes cycling on and off

This usually works out at around 6–10 kWh per session (roughly a 60–90 minute sauna).

Cost with an electric sauna heater (UK)

Using Ofgem’s capped electricity unit rate (around 28p per kWh):

• 6 kWh ≈ £1.70 per session

• 10 kWh ≈ £2.80 per session

So, for most people, an electric sauna session costs roughly £1.70–£2.80.

Rule of thumb: Cost per session ≈ kWh used × £0.28

Cost with a wood-fired sauna

If you choose a wood-burning stove, the cost depends on the price of your logs and the efficiency of the stove. In real-world use, a small sauna typically uses around 2–4 kg of dry logs per session.

With average UK log prices, this usually works out at approximately:

• £1.70–£3.00 per session

If you buy logs in bulk, it can be cheaper; if you buy small convenience bags, it can be more.

What does this mean in practice?

For most households, whether electric or wood-fired, a typical sauna session costs around the same as making a couple of cups of coffee at home or running a tumble dryer for a short cycle — making a sauna barrel surprisingly affordable to enjoy regularly.

Is a sauna barrel worth it?

If you’re looking for more than just a garden feature, a sauna barrel is worth the investment. In addition to an investment in your outdoor space and its usability, it’s also a long-term investment in your health, wellbeing and lifestyle. 

The durable timber construction and efficient curved design mean that a high-quality outdoor sauna barrel can last for years to come with minimal upkeep (treatment will be required to the outside of the sauna once a year), making it a more cost-effective option if you’re a regular spa user. 

The daily benefits such as stress relief, better sleep, improved recovery and a private retreat you can enjoy year-round make this a worthwhile investment and allow you to create your own Nordic experience from the comfort of your own home.

Sauna Barrels from Tuin

At Tuin, we supply a range of outdoor saunas, hot tubs, log cabins and other garden buildings. So, whether you’re just looking to create your own spa-like experience from home or you want to add additional accommodation, we’ve got the solution to fit your needs. 

When you choose from Tuin, you benefit from: 

• 50 years’ industry experience 

• Consistent and reliable product quality (no mixed timber species)

• 10-year product guarantee 

• Hands-on, experience-driven advice and guidance 

Explore our full range of sauna barrels today and take the first steps towards creating your own garden retreat.