Heat-up and winter (model, 6 kW heater, 80 °C target)
| Sauna | +5 °C (41 °F) outside | −10 °C (14 °F) outside |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel, 1.8 m (6 ft) diameter × 1.8 m | ≈ 40 min | ≈ 50 min |
| Barrel, 1.8 m × 2.4 m (8 ft) | ≈ 50 min | ≈ 70 min |
A barrel's solid 40–45 mm staves have no insulation, so winter costs it more heat-up time and energy (about a third more at −10 °C than at +5 °C in the model). An insulated cabin of the same air volume loses less heat in winter.
Space and comfort
- Barrels: the curve cuts headroom at the sides; benches are lower, so feet often sit in cooler air near the floor. A 6 ft barrel seats about 4 people tightly.
- Cabins and cubes: straight walls give full-length benches at the right height (bench height guide) and room for a changing area or porch.
Upkeep
Barrels are held together by steel bands: the wood swells and shrinks with the seasons, so bands may need tightening and staves can open small gaps at first. Cabins have conventional roofs (shingles, membrane) and walls.
Price
Barrels are usually the cheaper way into an outdoor sauna; insulated cabins and cubes cost more but are often the better winter choice in cold climates.