With the increase in working from home encouraging home gyms, the home sauna has become a more popular household item. People purchase them for various reasons, but you can’t beat the ability to relax after a long day in your sauna without needing to drive to a gym or share the space with “gym-acquaintances.”
Saunas offer various benefits, but most importantly, it’s a great place to relax. In this article, we’ll spend some time walking through how to choose a smaller home sauna, particularly the 2 person sauna.
If you are considering buying a home sauna, then you’ve probably researched and been inspired by all its health and wellness-boosting capabilities.
These recreational and therapeutic machines are available in different sizes, meaning you can easily create space for one in your home, both within and outside the house.
They include the 1 person outdoor sauna, 2 person indoor sauna, and higher capacity options, all according to specifications that match your needs.
There are public saunas and steam rooms where you could visit for these experiences.
However, having your own has more advantages as you can enjoy longer sessions, privacy, convenience, and managing the temperatures however you like.
For a home sauna, most people prefer a sauna for at least two users, intelligently designed to give them the enjoyment and comfort they desire, with the option of sharing the space if wanted.
With so many sauna types, specs, and sizes at your disposal, you may easily be overwhelmed or even confused about choosing a two person sauna.
By the end of this article, you should know some of the crucial features to look for in your search.
Important Questions to Consider
An indoor 2 person sauna typically provides a high heat and low humidity environment for body and mind relaxation without excessive energy use. Structurally, most of them feature soft close-grain woods on the inside with a wooden bench for reclining or seating.
Before looking for one, you may want to consider the following questions to be sure that you are investing in the right equipment.
- How much do you want to spend? Normally, more custom = more pricey
- What finish would you prefer to use?
- Do you plan to install it indoors or outdoors?
- Do you want a pre-built kit or a custom build?
- What is your preferred size?
- How much space do you have?
- Do you need a custom design to fit your space?
What are the Different Types of 2 Person Saunas Available?
Before we explore the available types of saunas, you are probably curious to know how much they cost. It is hard to pinpoint any specific figures because the cost of saunas varies according to the complexity of the design, brand, and add-on features.
For example, a decked-out infrared sauna may go for up to $10,000, while a traditional Finish sauna may be as low as $2000. If you are not interested in a permanent unit, you can get a collapsible, 2 person portable sauna for less than $100.
The portable saunas are usually a pop-up style tent
For specific health needs and targeted outcomes, you should settle for your preferred type of sauna, fully aware of its features, pros, and cons. If you are focusing on the health benefits, rather than comfort, then you can definitely find an affordable option that will get the job done.
Electric Sauna
Electric saunas work like an oven or kettle. The saunas use heating elements covered with vulcanite, olivine, Peridotite, and other recommended rocks. Sprinkling, or pouring, water over the rocks generates a temporary rush of steam, which can help with sinus congestion.
Modern heaters have digital controls, lighted controls, heater fences, and much more. Indeed, most people would prefer digital models for the convenience they offer. Some have a feature that allows you to set a precise temperature. Comparably, electric sauna heaters are also cleaner and environmentally friendly.
Other drivers for this sauna’s growing popularity include;
- Energy efficiency owing to the available pre-heat settings
- Electric two person saunas take a shorter time to heat up
- Requires no chimney
- Has various sauna 2 person models to choose from
Electric sauna heaters come in various sizes, but on average, they range between $3000-$5000.
Pros:
- It offers faster heating time given the temperature controls
- You can install it in or outdoors
- Plenty of options to choose from
Cons:
- Wholly dependent on electricity
Infrared Sauna
Instead of traditional heat or steam, infrared saunas use light to generate heat. The main difference between the traditional and infrared saunas is their heating approaches.
Typically, lamps mounted within the 2 person infrared sauna enclosure penetrate light directly to your skin to warm you up without necessarily heating the air around you. On their part, conventional methods heat air or steam to raise the entire room’s temperature.
Temperature readings between the two mechanisms differ with infrared saunas ranging between 110 °F and 135°F (43.3°C -57.22°C). Traditional saunas usually fall between 150°F and 195°F (65.55°C-90.55°C).
People who don’t like, or can’t, exercise opt for saunas because they (sauna) cause an increased heart rate and levels of sweating one would experience under moderate exercise. An infrared 2 person sauna delivers these results at lower temperatures than ordinary saunas, which makes it a favorite option for people who cannot tolerate sweltering heat.
So far, numerous studies have explored the possibility of using 2 person sauna infrared to treat chronic illnesses and found some tangible proof. The studies involved high blood pressure, weight problems, heart failure, fatigue, osteoarthritis, and type 2 diabetes.
Research has also been conducted on conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, and arthritis, with positive outcomes. However, researchers recommend more detailed studies to prove the current results.
Some typical features on a standard 2 person infrared sauna include;
- Low EMF: According to a report in spaworld.co.nz, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s EMF guidelines cap the frequency levels at 0 to 3mG
- Hemlock construction
- Commonly includes Multi-colored, high-intensity light therapy
- Digital timer and temperature control
- Heating panels designed for maximum heat delivery
- Triple-layer carbon fiber heating panels
Pros:
- A two person infrared sauna heats up quickly
- Smaller infrared saunas are affordable
- It offers a comfortable user experience
Cons:
- The larger infrared saunas are pricey
And how much would this two man sauna cost? As already stated, the price largely depends on the equipment quality, but they range between $2000 – $12000.
Wood-Burning Sauna
Traditional wood-burning saunas remain at the core of the pure sauna experience owing to their enduring history that cuts across cultures. It boasts two defining features: heating by fire and its low humidity.
Due to its smoky nature, the wood-burning sauna is recommended mainly for outdoor installations.
You stoke the fire in the wood stove to speed up the heating process. Next, the fire will heat the stones, designed to distribute heat and determine the temperature within that space. You may also create steam by sprinkling light showers of water upon the heated rocks.
Unfortunately, it is tricky to achieve precise temperature regulation due to its poor control mechanisms.
Wood-burning sauna heaters are available in many designs with different features and materials. For example, you may find a typical sauna for two with the following features.
- Rigid steel material (heavy-duty steel interior, exterior heat shield made of stainless steel and 2-toned baked enamel)
- Detachable ash pan
- Coiled steel handles
- Enclosed water tank
- Robust cast iron fire grate
- Glassdoor
- Chimney pipe
- Firewood
- Stove pipe
- Stone heating trough
Using a wood-burning sauna requires a regular supply of wood and the discipline to clean the coals when necessary.
Pros:
- It’s a low-cost option
- Requires no electricity
- Accommodates a larger group of users
Cons:
- Not ideal for indoor installations
- Requires regular upkeep
- It takes longer to heat up
These heaters may cost anywhere between $150-$500
Frequently Asked Questions
#1 How big is a two person infrared sauna?
A 2 person infrared sauna is generally 4 feet by 4 feet and 6 feet tall for two adults to fit semi-comfortably. Space can get cramped pretty quickly, so choose the largest size you can afford for the available space.
#2 Can you have a sauna every day?
Enthusiasts consider it a social event, especially those using the 2 person far infrared sauna. However, it would be best if you didn’t overdo it because the longer you lounge in the sauna, the more you dehydrate. To be safe, limit your time to 15-20 minutes, 3 -4 days per week.
#3 How much is a 2 person sauna?
It depends on the complexity of the design but on average; a 2 person home sauna goes for around $3000. Models vary in price due to build materials and heater quality. A 2 person cedar sauna is one of the most common types.
#4 Is a home sauna worth it?
Most people recline in a sauna for relaxation after an exhaustive workout. However, research has shown that saunas indeed have some general health benefits regardless of whether its paired with exercise. For example, putting your body under a high sauna temperature relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
#5 Is the steam room or sauna better?
Boiling water heats steam rooms, while a sauna uses dry heat, mostly from hot rocks. A sauna helps relax and loosen muscles, but its benefits are inferior to the health benefits of a steam room. Humidity is the basis of all the steam room’s additional health benefits.
However, some people cannot stand sitting in a steam room long enough to experience the full benefits. In this case, we recommend a dry sauna.
Final Thoughts
Before making a move to purchase your two person sauna kit, first establish which is your personal preference. Is it the electric, infrared sauna two person kit or the wood-burning sauna? You could consider more types, including the steam sauna, sauna-shower combination, sauna dome, etc.
Also, consider the place where you plan to install it and establish if there are any size restrictions concerning the location. Last, consider the number of people using your 2-person sauna kit at any given time.
