Guide

Choosing a sauna or cold plunge you can get in and out of easily

What to check if steps, low doors or high tub sides are a concern: door height, benches, plug-in power and installation.

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Look for a level threshold, a door you can walk through upright, benches at sitting height and, for a cold plunge, a tub with a low side or a step. A plug-in infrared cabin avoids an electrician's visit altogether.

Door and step: barrel saunas often have a raised threshold. Cabins and cubes usually have a flat entrance. Ask the seller for the door height and threshold.
Benches: higher benches are hotter. A lower bench at chair height is easier to sit on and stand up from.
Temperature: infrared cabins run at about 60°C, traditional saunas 80°C or more.
Installation: some sellers publish a fitting price, which we show on the sauna page. kits need two people for one or two days.
Cold plunge: tall rigid tubs and barrels are hard to climb into. Inflatable tubs are lower, and a sturdy step helps. Never plunge alone.
Controls: a control panel at the door, or an app, saves a walk down the garden to check the heat.

If you have a medical condition, ask your GP before using a sauna or cold plunge.

Common worries

"Is it safe for the family?"

Supervise children, keep a timer on the wall, and follow the heater maker's advice on age and how long to stay in. If anyone has a heart or blood-pressure condition, or is pregnant, ask your GP first. We don't give health advice. Garden sauna safety →

"I'm not a DIY person."

kits take two people one to two days. 3 saunas we list come with a published installation price, shown on each page, and some arrive built. Base, delivery and building →

All ten sauna worries