Key Takeaways
- Infrared dominates – Major Australian platforms report that infrared saunas are the most sought‑after home units because they warm the body directly, operate at lower temperatures and offer energy‑efficient detox. Retailers note that these models are loved for comfort, stress relief, better sleep and quicker recovery.
- Compact cabins are trending – Portable and 1‑ to 2‑person cabins and other low‑EMF models use carbon heaters, hemlock or cedar timbers and plug‑and‑play wiring. Their manageable size and built‑in speakers/chromotherapy make them popular with apartment dwellers and beginners.
- Larger family cabins sell well too – Four‑person units with Canadian red cedar construction, nine carbon heating panels, tempered glass and Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth controls offer full‑feature spa experiences at home.
- Barrel saunas are the premium outdoor pick – Barrel kits with panoramic windows, thermally modified Nordic spruce and included heaters provide spacious six‑person retreats. These handcrafted outdoor units are often sold as complete kits through high‑end e‑commerce specialists.
Why Australians Are Obsessed With Home Saunas

Saunas have moved from gyms and spas to backyards and spare rooms. One reason is the growing body of research showing that regular heat bathing supports longevity and cardiovascular health.
A Finnish study of over 2,000 men found that those who used a sauna two to three times per week had a 27% reduction in cardiovascular‑disease mortality, and those using a sauna four to five times per week saw the risk cut by half. Frequent users also had a 40% lower risk of death from all causes. For many people these findings make a home sauna a worthwhile investment.
Another factor is comfort and convenience. Unlike traditional steam rooms that heat the air to around 90°C and may feel intense for some users, infrared saunas use infrared light to warm the body directly. This allows the air temperature to stay lower, making sessions more comfortable while still promoting a deep sweat.
Infrared units typically emit low electromagnetic fields (EMF) and are designed with fine‑grain woods like hemlock or red cedar, ensuring durability and a modern aesthetic. Having a sauna at home also means no appointments or shared facilities—just a quiet space to unwind when it suits you.
Also Read: Infrared sauna vs Traditional sauna
What Makes a Sauna a Best‑Seller?

Major e‑commerce platforms use sales data and customer reviews to rank products. Examining the top listings reveals common features:
- Quality timber and craftsmanship – Buyers gravitate to saunas built from durable, kiln‑dried woods. Premium models use Canadian red cedar or hemlock which resist warping and deliver a classic aroma. Barrel saunas often utilise thermally modified Nordic spruce that is rot‑ and moisture‑resistant.
- Low‑EMF infrared heaters – The best‑selling infrared cabins typically include six to nine carbon‑fiber heating panels that emit far‑infrared radiation and keep EMF levels low between 5–10 mG. This technology allows even, gentle heating while consuming less power than rock‑and‑water saunas.
- Integrated wellness features – Chromotherapy lighting, red‑light therapy and Bluetooth or MP3 audio systems are standard in many top‑rated cabins. Users appreciate being able to relax with music and coloured lights while they sweat.
- Easy installation – Popular models include clasp‑together construction and plug‑and‑play electrical requirements (often 120 V). Larger barrel kits ship pre‑cut and pre‑milled so DIY owners can assemble them without specialist tools.
- Health‑led marketing – Retailers emphasise that saunas promote detoxification, improved blood flow, muscle recovery and better sleep. Steam saunas are also marketed for skin cleansing, sinus relief and stress reduction.
Also Read: How to Use a Sauna Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide
4 Main Categories of Best‑Selling Saunas in Australia

1. Portable and single‑user infrared saunas
Platforms like Amazon and independent retailers report brisk sales of portable infrared saunas and compact 1‑ to 2‑person cabins. These units fold up or occupy minimal space yet provide therapeutic heat.
A popular example is the “Barcelona” 1–2 person low‑EMF cabin. It uses six carbon heating panels housed in natural Canadian hemlock, has a clear tempered‑glass door and includes chromotherapy lighting, red‑light therapy and Bluetooth/MP3 speakers. The plug‑and‑play 120 V connection and clasp‑together assembly let homeowners install it without an electrician. Temperatures range from 48–56 °C (118–132 °F), making sessions comfortable yet effective.
Shym Suggestion: For a similar compact experience without sacrificing craftsmanship, consider Shym’s Union 125 sauna. This 2–4 person cube uses Canadian hardwood and energy‑efficient heaters; its minimalist design fits neatly into small patios or urban gardens.
2. Multi‑person infrared cabins
Best‑selling family cabins seat four or more people and provide a full spa experience. The Maxxus 4‑person low‑EMF sauna illustrates why these models sell well: it offers nine carbon heating panels that keep EMF exposure low, natural reforested red‑cedar construction, bronze‑tinted tempered glass and oversized chromotherapy lighting.
An interior touchscreen control panel, FM/Bluetooth audio and a comfortable temperature range (around 50–56 °C) make it feel like a boutique spa at home. Assembly is straightforward thanks to clasp‑together construction.
Shym Suggestion: Shym’s Patio L and Patio L Plus saunas also cater to families, offering wide seating and panoramic glass fronts. Built in Europe from thermotreated Nordic spruce, they include split‑level benches and efficient heaters for quick warm‑up—perfect for gathering everyone together.
3. Barrel saunas
Barrel saunas stand out in marketplace rankings because they combine rustic charm with efficient heating. Thermory’s Barrel Sauna No. 51 is a best‑seller on high‑end platforms. The kit seats six people and features a panoramic window, giving bathers views of the garden or night sky.
It is supplied with a 7.5 kW HUUM Drop heater and Wi‑Fi control kit for precise temperature management. Thermally modified Nordic spruce provides excellent insulation and resists shrinkage and rot; pre‑cut staves and cradles allow DIY installation in a day.
Shym suggestion: Shym’s square barrel and round barrel saunas offer a similar experience closer to home. Models like the Western Red Cedar Barrel Sauna with Panoramic Glass Window provide full‑glass back panels for immersive views, while the Outdoor/Indoor Spruce or Cedar Barrel Sauna Unity also offers a full glass front (doors and window panes).
4. Traditional steam saunas and outdoor cabins
Although infrared saunas dominate online sales, there is steady demand for traditional steam saunas. Steam saunas create intense heat and high humidity that promote deep sweating, detoxification and skin cleansing. Their moist heat can also clear blocked airways and relieve stress.
The simplest “sauna tents” pair a steam generator with a fold‑out enclosure, while premium outdoor cabins such as Shym’s Patio S or Serenity Round Cube series marry thermowood panels with large glass walls to let nature into your wellness routine. Steam models are particularly appealing to people who want a traditional sauna feel with hissing rocks and aromatic cedar.
Also Read: How Much Do Log Homes Cost to Build?
Considerations When Choosing a Sauna

Before ordering a sauna online, look for the following qualities:
- Durable timber and craftsmanship – Opt for kiln‑dried hemlock, red cedar or thermally modified spruce; avoid cheaply assembled plywood. Well‑built saunas use premium timber, tempered glass and quality heaters.
- Low EMF and safety certifications – Verify that heating panels have been independently tested for low electromagnetic fields and that electrical parts meet safety standards. A timer with automatic shut‑down is a useful safety feature.
- Effective heating system – Look for even heat distribution from carbon‑fiber or full‑spectrum heaters and a wide temperature range to suit different users.
- Features and warranty – Chromotherapy, red‑light therapy, Bluetooth audio and digital controls enhance the wellness experience. Reputable brands offer lifetime warranties on the sauna cabin and at least two years on electrical components.
Top Saunas on Australian E‑Commerce Platforms
| Model & platform* | Type & capacity | Notable features (with sources) | Indicative price (AUD)** |
| Shym Patio XS (shymsaunas.com.au)** | Compact outdoor sauna (4–7 people) | L‑shaped bench, full glass walls and efficient heat; thermowood or Nordic spruce; compact footprint for urban wellness (product literature) | Custom quote |
| Dynamic “Barcelona” 1–2‑person (available via speciality retailers and Amazon sellers) | Compact infrared cabin | Six low‑EMF carbon heaters; Canadian hemlock construction; tempered glass door; chromotherapy and red‑light therapy; Bluetooth/MP3 speakers; plug‑and‑play 120 V power; roof vent | ~$2,000–$3,500 (often on sale) |
| Maxxus 4‑person Low‑EMF Cabin (e‑commerce wellness stores) | Family‑size infrared cabin | Nine carbon heating panels (EMF 5–10 mG); red cedar construction; tinted tempered glass; touchscreen controls; chromotherapy lighting; FM/Bluetooth audio; clasp‑together assembly | ~$4,500–$8,000 |
| Thermory Barrel Sauna No. 51 (high‑end retailers & eBay) | Outdoor barrel sauna kit, 6‑person | DIY kit with panoramic window; thermally modified Nordic spruce; 7.5 kW HUUM heater and Wi‑Fi control; pre‑cut staves for one‑day installation; chemical‑free wood with excellent insulation | ~$10,000–$12,000 |
| Portable steam sauna tent (Amazon/eBay best‑sellers) | Single‑person steam sauna | Lightweight fold‑out tent with 2‑3 L steam generator; zip‑up enclosure; foldable chair and foot massager; ideal for apartments; helps with detox and skin cleansing | ~$150–$500 |
*Platforms include Amazon.com.au, eBay.com.au, Catch.com.au and specialised sauna retailers; availability and ranking can change quickly.
**Prices are indicative based on online listings at the time of research and may vary with sales and currency fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
Australians are investing in home saunas more than ever, and the best‑selling models on major platforms share common traits: quality timber, low‑EMF infrared technology, easy assembly and wellness‑focused extras like chromotherapy.
Compact cabins cater to urban lifestyles, while larger cedar and spruce units bring the spa experience home for families. Outdoor barrel kits appeal to those wanting a garden retreat with superior durability and panoramic views. Whatever size or style you choose, a home sauna supports relaxation, recovery and time together—values at the core of Shym Saunas’ mission to create spaces for real connections.




