Choosing a sauna for your home starts with a few practical questions: where will it go, how many people will use it, and what installation does it require? This guide compares infrared and Finnish saunas, with examples from the Crystal Bathroom range to help you narrow down your options.
1. Choose your sauna type
Infrared saunas use infrared emitters inside the cabin. When comparing models, check the heater type, seating layout, controls and electrical requirements. Compact models such as the JAMAICA Mini can be an option when indoor space is limited.
Finnish saunas use a sauna heater and stones to create a traditional heated cabin. The PACIFIC, for example, includes a Harvia Vega BC60 6 kW electric heater. Its installation requirements differ from those of a plug-in infrared cabin.
Combination saunas offer both infrared and Finnish heating in one cabin. Check the operating instructions for the specific model, including whether the heating systems may be used together.
Outdoor and garden saunas describe where a cabin is designed to be installed, rather than a separate heating method. Choose a model intended for outdoor use and check its base, access, weather protection and installation requirements.
Browse our infrared saunas, Finnish saunas and garden saunas to compare the available formats.
2. Measure the space and delivery route
Start with the cabin’s external width, depth and height. These dimensions describe the product itself, not the total installation space required.
- Measure your room and ceiling height.
- Allow for the door opening and comfortable access.
- Check the model’s required ventilation, assembly space and clearances.
- Measure doorways, corridors, stairs and any tight turns along the delivery route.
- Confirm the size and weight of the delivered sections or packages.
For an outdoor sauna, also confirm the required base and how the cabin will reach its final position. Follow the instructions for the chosen model rather than applying one clearance allowance to every sauna.
3. Match the seating to how you will use it
Choose capacity according to the number of people who will normally use the sauna together. Check the internal seating layout as well as the stated capacity, especially if legroom or the ability to recline matters to you.
The JAMAICA Mini is a one-person cabin. Cossy provides a two-person option, while PACIFIC is listed for three people. Their external dimensions help you compare the space needed, but do not replace checking the bench layout.
4. Compare three home sauna options
| Model | People | Dimensions | Heating |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMAICA Mini | 1 | 900 × 900 × 1900 | Five quartz infrared heaters |
| Cossy | 2 | 1200 × 1000 × 1900 | Quartz and carbon infrared heaters |
| PACIFIC | 3 | 1940 × 1440 × 1990 | Harvia Vega BC60 6 kW electric heater |
Use the product pages to check current prices, availability, included equipment and delivery estimates before ordering.
5. Check the electrical requirements
Electrical requirements vary by model. The JAMAICA Mini is supplied for connection to a standard Irish 13 A socket, as confirmed for this model by our supplier. Follow its installation instructions and check that the intended location meets those requirements.
The PACIFIC’s Harvia Vega BC60 6 kW heater requires connection by a qualified electrician. The supplied heater manual determines the connection configuration and installation requirements.
Do not assume that every infrared sauna plugs into a standard socket or that all Finnish heaters use the same electrical connection. Confirm the requirements for the exact model before arranging installation.
6. Check what is included in the price
Compare the complete specification, not just the cabin price. Check whether the heater, controls, lighting, headrests, floor platform and accessories are included or optional.
For example, PACIFIC includes a Harvia Vega BC60 heater with built-in manual controls. Alternative heaters and external or Wi-Fi control options must be agreed separately; they are not standard features of the included BC60.
Also confirm delivery arrangements, assembly responsibilities and any installation costs. A delivery estimate and a made-to-order lead time describe different stages, so ask when your chosen sauna is expected to arrive.
7. Your checklist before ordering
- I have chosen a sauna suitable for its intended indoor or outdoor location.
- I have checked the seating capacity and layout.
- I have measured the installation space and delivery route.
- I have read the model’s preparation and installation instructions.
- I have confirmed the electrical requirements.
- I know which equipment and accessories are included.
- I have confirmed delivery, assembly and any optional extras.
Need help choosing a sauna?
Explore our sauna range or contact Crystal Bathroom with your available space, preferred sauna type and the number of people who will use it. We can help you compare suitable models and confirm the specification before you order.