The Custom Infrared Sauna Buying Guide: What I’ve Learned After Building 3,000+ Saunas

 

After eleven years of designing and manufacturing custom infrared saunas—and watching both my clients and competitors—I’ve learned that buying an infrared sauna is one of the most confusing purchases you can make. The market is flooded with companies making bold claims, slick marketing campaigns, and promises that don’t hold up once the sauna is delivered.

This custom infrared sauna buying guide is different. I’m not here to sell you on features you don’t need or hide the truth about what actually matters. I’m here to give you the unfiltered perspective I wish someone had given buyers before they walked into this market—because I’ve seen too many people spend $15,000 on beautiful cabins that don’t work, or cheap saunas that fall apart within three years.

Whether you’re researching your first sauna or replacing one that disappointed you, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: how to vet companies, what questions reveal the truth about quality, which heater technologies actually work, and what red flags should send you running. By the end, you’ll know exactly what separates a wise investment from an expensive mistake.

For a comprehensive resource covering every aspect of custom sauna selection, also see our detailed page: The Only Custom Infrared Sauna Buying Guide You’ll Ever Need.

Why Buying a Custom Infrared Sauna Is More Complex Than You Think

Let me start with a reality check: the infrared sauna industry is filled with companies that aren’t what they seem to be. Some are drop-shippers marking up Chinese imports by 300%. Others are furniture companies that decided to add “wellness products” to their catalog. Many are aggressive sales operations that disappear when you need warranty service.

Buying a custom infrared sauna is a serious investment in your long-term health—and in the quality of your daily life. It’s not just about warmth and relaxation; it’s about cellular regeneration, pain relief, immunity, and deep restorative sleep. But with dozens of companies competing for your attention (and your wallet), it’s become more complex than ever to separate quality from marketing.

I started SaunaCloud in 2014 because I got tired of watching this happen. My business partner (a mechanical engineer with a medical device background) and I decided to build saunas the right way: in-house manufacturing, engineered heating systems, lifetime warranties, and transparent documentation. After 3,000+ custom installations, I’ve learned exactly what questions buyers should ask—and which answers reveal whether a company is trustworthy.

This guide will show you how to think like an engineer when evaluating custom infrared saunas so that you can make a decision you’ll feel confident about for the next 15-20 years.

Chapter 1: Questions That Reveal Company Integrity

Before you even look at models, materials, or price points, you need to vet the company selling to you. The most expensive mistake buyers make is assuming all sauna companies are honest. They’re not.

Here are the critical questions to ask—and what the answers reveal:

How Long Has the Company Been in Business?

Why this matters: Sauna companies with less than 5 years in business may be testing the market or planning to exit once they’ve made quick money. If they disappear in three years, who honors your warranty?

What to look for:

• 10+ years in business (shows staying power)
• Same ownership and name (not rebrands to escape bad reputation)
• Verifiable history with actual installations

At SaunaCloud, we’ve been manufacturing custom saunas since 2014: the same ownership, the same commitment, and the same California workshop. When you call in 2035 with a question, we’ll still be here to help.

What Is Their Online Reputation?

Why this matters: Fake positive reviews are easy to generate. Consistent negative reviews with unresolved complaints tell the truth.

Where to check:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and complaint history
• Google reviews (look for patterns, not just ratings)
• Trustpilot or other third-party review sites
• Industry forums and Reddit discussions

Red flags:

• Companies with mostly 5-star reviews but nothing in between (fake)
• BBB complaints mentioning warranty denial, shipping damage, or ghosting
• Reviews that mention “bait and switch” pricing
• Companies that threaten or pay customers to remove negative reviews

SaunaCloud has a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot with over 850 reviews. We’ve received exactly one BBB complaint in 11 years—and we resolved it within 48 hours. That’s the transparency standard you should demand.

Do They Have Proof of Custom Work?

Why this matters: Anyone can claim to build “custom” saunas. Real custom builders have portfolios of actual installations with varying designs, not just catalog models.

What to ask for:

• Photos of past custom installations (multiple projects)
• Client references or testimonials with specifics
• Case studies showing design challenges they solved
• Evidence of commercial installations (hotels, gyms, spas)

Red flags:

• Only stock photos or 3D renders (no real installations)
• Can’t provide client references
• All saunas look identical (not actually custom)
• No commercial work (suggests they can’t handle complexity)

We’ve installed custom saunas for Tony Robbins, Westin Hotels, Cavallo Point Resort, and hundreds of residential clients. I can show you our work because it exists—and it’s still functioning perfectly years later.

How Aggressive Is Their Sales Team?

Why this matters: High-pressure sales tactics indicate a company that prioritizes closing deals over customer satisfaction. If they’re pushy before the sale, imagine how they’ll act when you need warranty service.

Warning signs:

• “Sale ends tonight” urgency tactics
• Pressure to “decide now or lose this price”
• Unwillingness to provide detailed specs without commitment
• Multiple follow-up calls/emails after you’ve asked for space
• Comparing competitors by name (professional companies don’t do this)

What good companies do instead:

• Give you time and space to research
• Provide comprehensive information upfront
• Answer technical questions thoroughly
• Respect your decision timeline
• Follow up once or twice, then wait for you to reach out

I give every client my direct phone number. Please call me with questions; take your time and compare options. I’m not interested in pressuring anyone—I’m interested in building saunas for people who will actually use and love them.

I am calling out one company that relentlessly pressures you to make a purchase. If their product is so good, why do they have to pressure you into buying it?

What Does Their Warranty Actually Cover?

Why this matters: The warranty length indicates a company’s confidence in its product. Short warranties mean they expect failures.

Decode warranty language:

• 1-year warranty = 1-year expected lifespan (avoid)
• 3-year warranty = 3-year expected lifespan (below average)
• 5-year warranty = Decent quality, but not exceptional
• 7-10 year warranty = High confidence in engineering
• Lifetime warranty = Ultimate confidence (what we offer)

Critical questions:

• Does the warranty cover parts only, or does it also cover labor and shipping?
• Who pays for an electrician’s service calls if components fail?
• Is the warranty transferable if you sell your home?
• Are power supplies and control boards covered? (where most failures occur)
• What’s the process for claiming warranty service?

At SaunaCloud, we offer a lifetime warranty on every indoor sauna component. Parts, labor, shipping—all covered. We’ve engineered our saunas to last 20 years or more, and we back that up with a genuine guarantee, not just marketing language.

For more on why warranties matter, see our article on why 99% of infrared saunas are the same (and the 1% that aren’t).

Chapter 2: The Heater Decision That Makes or Breaks Your Sauna

After vetting the company, the next most important decision is the heater technology. This is where most buyers get confused by marketing claims—and where most manufacturers cut corners.

Heater style is the most critical factor in whether your sauna delivers therapeutic benefits or makes you sweat from hot air.

The Four Main Heater Types (And Why Three Don’t Work Well)

1. Carbon Panel Heaters (Most Common, Least Effective)

• Surface temperature: 120-140°F
• Wavelength: Longer (7-14 microns)
• Coverage: Usually back wall only
• Problem: Don’t get hot enough to produce strong infrared output

Why to avoid: Most “carbon panel” saunas don’t actually raise your core temperature from infrared radiation—you’re just sweating from warm air. This is the most common heater type because it’s the cheapest to manufacture, not because it works best.

2. Ceramic Rod Heaters (Too Hot, Uncomfortable)

• Surface temperature: 350-400°F
• Wavelength: Shorter (4-7 microns)
• Coverage: Point sources, not even heat
• Problem: Extremely hot spots, uncomfortable concentrated heat

Why to avoid: You’ll feel like you’re sitting too close to a campfire. The heat is intense and unpleasant rather than therapeutic and relaxing.

3. Halogen Heaters (Marketed as “Full Spectrum,” Often Ineffective)

• Surface temperature: 500-775°F
• Wavelength: Very short (near-infrared)
• Coverage: Requires proximity (6-12 inches)
• Problem: Most are mounted too far from the body to deliver a therapeutic dosage

Why to be cautious: The “full spectrum” marketing sounds impressive, but if the halogen bulbs are mounted on the back wall 18-24 inches from your body, you’re getting minimal near-infrared benefit. The intensity drops exponentially with distance.

4. Combination Heaters (What Actually Works)

• Surface temperature: 180-200°F
• Wavelength: Optimized for deep tissue penetration
• Coverage: 360-degree surrounding heat
• Advantage: Balanced radiant heat that’s comfortable and effective

Why this works: Higher surface temperature means stronger infrared output. Graphite-ceramic composite construction distributes current evenly for consistent performance. Strategic placement ensures full-body coverage.

The VantaWave™ Difference

Our exclusive VantaWave heating system utilizes a graphite-ceramic composite that operates at a surface temperature of 200°F—60-80°F hotter than standard carbon panels. This isn’t just a minor technical detail—it’s the difference between an infrared sauna that actually raises your core temperature and one that warms the air.

VantaWave® advantages:

• Full 360-degree coverage (heaters on all walls, floor, ceiling, and bench)
• Ultra-low EMF (<0.5 mG at seated positions)
• Lifetime warranty (we’ve never had a heater failure in 11 years)
• Independently tested for emissivity (99% efficient)

For technical comparison of different heater types, see our comprehensive guide: Infrared Sauna Heater Comparison.

Questions to Ask About Heaters

Don’t just accept marketing claims. Demand specifics:

1. What is the actual surface temperature of your heaters? (Below 150°F is insufficient)
2. What is the emissivity rating? (Should be 95%+ for effectiveness)
3. Where are the heaters positioned? (Should surround body, not just back wall)
4. What are the actual EMF levels at seated positions? (Should be <3 mG, ideally <1 mG)
5. Can I see independent third-party testing results? (Not just internal claims)
6. What’s the warranty on heaters specifically? (Lifetime is ideal)

If a company can’t or won’t answer these questions with specific numbers, that tells you everything you need to know about their engineering priorities.

Chapter 3: Materials and Craftsmanship (What You’ll Live With for 20 Years)

The sauna cabin is more than just a matter of aesthetics. Materials determine how your sauna ages, whether it develops problems, and how comfortable it actually is to use.

The Wood Species That Matter (And the Ones to Avoid)

Most companies use cheap woods because they’re what’s available in bulk from overseas suppliers:

Hemlock (Common, Inferior)

• Source: Usually China
• Characteristics: Soft, prone to warping, no natural antimicrobial properties
• Why it’s used: Cheap and readily available
• Problems: Splinters, warping, absorbs odors

Eucalyptus (Marketing Spin)

• Source: Africa or South America
• Characteristics: Hard, aromatic when new
• Why it’s used: “Exotic” marketing appeal
• Problems: Strong smell that many find overwhelming, inconsistent quality

Basswood (Mass Market Standard)

• Source: North America or China
• Characteristics: Light color, soft
• Why it’s used: Photographs well, cheap
• Problems: No natural antimicrobial properties, stains easily

Mahogany (Luxury Appearance)

• Source: Various
• Characteristics: Dark, rich appearance
• Why it’s used: Looks expensive
• Problems: Can be too dark (absorbs light), not traditionally used in saunas

Why We Use Western Red Cedar (And Why It Costs More)

Western Red Canadian Cedar is the premium choice for infrared saunas, and there’s a reason traditional sauna manufacturers have used it for decades:

Natural antimicrobial properties:

• Contains plicatic acid that resists bacteria, mold, and fungi
• Requires zero chemical treatments or preservatives
• Maintains antibacterial properties through repeated heating cycles

Thermal stability:

• Withstands temperature fluctuations without warping
• Doesn’t expand and contract excessively
• Remains dimensionally stable for decades

Aromatic benefits:

• Pleasant, subtle cedar scent (not overwhelming)
• Aromatherapy benefits are naturally built in
• Smell persists gently for years

Durability:

• Naturally rot-resistant
• Handles moisture without degrading
• Ages beautifully rather than showing wear

Why it costs more: Western Red Cedar is harvested in limited regions, properly kiln-dried, and graded for quality. We use only clear-grade cedar (free from knots and imperfections), which costs three to five times more than hemlock or basswood. But it’s worth it—your sauna will look and function perfectly 15-20 years from now.

For more on wood safety, read: Is Cedar Wood Safe for Infrared Saunas?

Ergonomics: The Difference Between Using Your Sauna and Ignoring It

Here’s something most companies don’t talk about: if your sauna is uncomfortable, you won’t use it. And a $15,000 sauna you don’t use is just expensive garage furniture.

What makes a sauna comfortable:

Contoured benches:

• Curved to support your body naturally
• Wide enough to lie down entirely (most people prefer this)
• Positioned at optimal height (typically 18-20 inches)

Supportive backrests:

• Angled for proper spinal alignment (not flat against the wall)
• Wide enough for shoulder support
• Cushioned or contoured (not just a flat board)

Proper interior height:

• Tall enough to sit upright comfortably (6’6″+ interior height minimum)
• Ceiling heaters positioned to avoid head heat concentration
• Adequate air volume to avoid a claustrophobic feeling

Strategic ventilation:

• Fresh air intake at floor level
• Exhaust vents near the ceiling
• Adjustable to control air flow

What cheap saunas have:

• Flat benches (uncomfortable after 15 minutes)
• Thin backrest boards (cause back pain)
• Low ceilings (feels cramped)
• Poor ventilation (stuffy, hard to breathe)

At SaunaCloud, we spend extra engineering time on ergonomics because comfort drives compliance. If you love being in your sauna, you’ll use it four to five times per week. If it’s uncomfortable, it becomes a chore.

Chapter 4: Electrical Systems and Safety (What Nobody Wants to Talk About)

Here’s the truth most sauna companies avoid: the leading cause of sauna failures isn’t the heaters—it’s the power supply and electrical control systems.

Why Cheap Power Supplies Are a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Most manufacturers import generic power supplies from overseas. These components:

• Use the cheapest available parts
• Have minimal safety testing
• Lacks proper thermal shutoffs
• Fail within 3-5 years (sometimes catastrophically)

When a power supply fails, the best case is that your sauna stops working. Worst-case scenario: an electrical fire in your home.

The SaunaCloud Approach (Why We Engineer Our Own)

We design and manufacture our own power supplies, printed circuit boards, and Wi-Fi control systems in California. Every component is:

NEC-compliant:

• Meets the National Electrical Code for residential and commercial use
• Designed for licensed electrician installation
• Includes detailed electrical drawings and specifications

Multi-level safety systems:

• Thermal cutoffs (auto-shutdown if components overheat)
• Ground fault protection (detects electrical leaks)
• Overvoltage protection (prevents surge damage)
• Current limiting (stops excessive draw)

Medical-grade components:

• Same quality standards used in medical devices
• Costs 3-5x more than generic alternatives
• Designed for 20+ years of daily operation

The result: Zero power supply failures in 11 years and 3,000 installations.

UL Listing: What You Actually Need to Know

Here’s what sauna companies won’t tell you: UL listing isn’t legally required for residential infrared saunas. But that doesn’t mean electrical safety doesn’t matter.

What matters more than UL:

• Can the equipment pass a field inspection? (All SaunaCloud saunas can)
• Does the company provide documentation for electricians? (We do)
• Can you obtain the necessary electrical permits? (Always, with our saunas)
• Will they support your installer with proper diagrams? (We provide complete schematics)

Questions to ask:

1. Do you provide electrical documentation for my electrician?
2. Have your saunas passed electrical inspections in other cities?
3. What happens if my electrician has questions during installation?
4. Are your control boards and power supplies manufactured in-house or imported from outside sources?

If a company can’t answer these questions confidently, its “professional-grade” sauna may not be as professional as it claims.

Chapter 5: Red Flags That Should Send You Running

After reviewing thousands of competitor saunas and speaking with disappointed buyers, I’ve learned to spot red flags instantly. Here’s what should make you walk away:

Red Flag #1: Aggressive, Pushy Sales Tactics

What it looks like:

• “This price expires tonight.”
• “I can only hold this discount for 30 minutes.”
• Multiple phone calls/emails when you’ve asked for space
• Pressure to “decide now before inventory runs out”

What it means: The company prioritizes closing sales over customer satisfaction. If they’re pushy before you buy, imagine how responsive they’ll be when you need warranty service.

What good companies do: Give you space, provide comprehensive information, respect your timeline, and follow up once or twice before waiting for you to reach out.

Red Flag #2: Carbon Panels Running Floor to Ceiling

What it looks like: Large carbon panel heaters covering entire walls from floor to ceiling.

What it means: Inefficient heat distribution. Most of the infrared is being wasted on areas far from your body. These panels typically operate at low surface temperatures (120-140°F), resulting in a weak infrared output.

What to look for instead: Strategic heater placement at torso level, leg level, and foot level—where infrared actually reaches your body.

Red Flag #3: Emphasis on “Add-On” Features Over Core Performance

What it looks like:

• Marketing focuses on oxygen ionizers, chromotherapy lights, and Bluetooth speakers
• Little discussion of actual heater performance
• Fancy touchscreen controls, but vague about EMF levels

What it means: The company is selling furniture with gadgets, not therapeutic wellness equipment. Core performance (heater quality, EMF levels, temperature range) should be the primary focus.

What actually matters: Heater technology, EMF/ELF levels, material quality, ergonomics, and warranty coverage.

Red Flag #4: No Customization Options

What it looks like:

• Only catalog models are available
• Can’t adjust dimensions or layout
• No ability to modify bench height or door placement
• “Custom” means choosing from 3-4 pre-designed models

What it means: Not actually a custom sauna company—they’re selling modular units in fixed configurations.

What true customization means: We start with your space, your goals, and your preferences, then design a sauna specifically tailored to you. Every SaunaCloud sauna is engineered individually.

Red Flag #5: Flat Benches and Flimsy Backrests

What it looks like:

• Benches are just flat boards
• Backrest is a thin, vertical board against the wall
• No ergonomic contouring or support

What it means: Cost-cutting on comfort. You’ll find the sauna uncomfortable after 15-20 minutes, which means you won’t use it consistently.

What to demand: Contoured benches, angled backrests, and proper lumbar support.

Red Flag #6: Lack of Documentation or Specifications

What it looks like:

• Won’t provide electrical schematics
• Vague about wood sourcing (“premium cedar”)
• No EMF test results available
• Can’t specify heater surface temperatures

What it means: Either they don’t know their own product specs (bad), or they’re hiding inferior components (worse).

What you deserve: Complete transparency. At SaunaCloud, we provide detailed specs, electrical drawings, material safety data sheets, and EMF test results for every sauna.

For more on identifying quality vs. cheap saunas, see: How to Spot a Cheap Infrared Sauna.

Chapter 6: The Custom Infrared Sauna Buying Guide Checklist

Use this checklist when evaluating any custom infrared sauna company:

Company Vetting

☐ In business 10+ years under same name/ownership ☐ BBB rating A- or better with few complaints ☐ Real customer reviews (not just 5-stars) ☐ Portfolio of actual custom installations ☐ Responsive, non-aggressive sales approach ☐ Transparent about manufacturing location

Heater Quality

☐ Surface temperature 180°F+ (preferably 190-200°F) ☐ 360-degree coverage (not just back wall) ☐ EMF levels <3 mG at seated positions (preferably <1 mG) ☐ ELF levels <1000 mV (preferably <500 mV) ☐ Independent third-party testing results available ☐ Lifetime warranty on heaters

Materials & Construction

☐ Clear-grade Western Red Cedar (or equivalent premium wood) ☐ No chemical treatments, stains, or varnishes ☐ Stainless steel hardware throughout ☐ No plywood or engineered wood products ☐ Contoured benches and angled backrests ☐ 6’6″+ interior height

Electrical Safety

☐ NEC-compliant electrical systems ☐ Multiple safety shutoffs (thermal, ground fault, overvoltage) ☐ Detailed electrical drawings provided ☐ Can pass local electrical inspection ☐ Power supply warranty 5+ years

Warranty & Support

☐ Lifetime warranty on structure and heaters ☐ 5+ years on electrical components ☐ Covers parts, labor, AND shipping ☐ Responsive customer service (test with questions) ☐ Direct access to technical support

Customization & Features

☐ True custom dimensions available ☐ Can modify bench heights and door placement ☐ Optional red light therapy integration ☐ Wi-Fi or app control (optional but nice) ☐ Ergonomic design prioritized over gadgets

If a company checks most of these boxes, you’re likely looking at a quality manufacturer. If they fail multiple categories, keep looking.

Chapter 7: Understanding the Investment (What You’re Really Buying)

Let’s talk about money. Custom infrared saunas range from $8,000 to $ 25,000 or more, depending on size, features, and quality. Here’s what you’re actually paying for:

Budget Saunas ($3,000-$8,000)

What you get:

• Overseas manufacturing (usually China)
• Generic power supplies
• Carbon panel heaters (low surface temp)
• Hemlock or basswood construction
• 1-3 year warranties
• Minimal customization

Who this works for: Someone wanting to “try” infrared therapy without significant investment, knowing they may need to replace it within 5 years.

Mid-Range Saunas ($8,000-$15,000)

What you get:

• Mix of imported and domestic components
• Better heater quality (ceramic or combination)
• Cedar construction (grade varies)
• 3-7 year warranties
• Some customization options

Who this works for: Serious users who want quality but have budget constraints. Take a close look at the warranty and EMF levels in this range.

Premium Saunas ($15,000-$25,000+)

What you get:

• Domestic manufacturing with quality control
• Engineered heating systems (like VantaWave®)
• Clear-grade premium wood
• Lifetime warranties
• Full customization
• Ultra-low EMF engineering
• Direct manufacturer support

Who this works for: Anyone planning to use their sauna 4-7 times per week for the next 15-20 years. The cost-per-use drops dramatically over time.

The Math That Matters

Premium sauna: $18,000

• Expected lifespan: 20 years
• Usage: 4 times per week = 4,160 sessions
• Cost per session: $4.33

Budget sauna: $6,000

• Expected lifespan: 5 years
• Replacement cost: $6,000 (twice over 20 years)
• Total: $12,000 over 20 years
• Usage: Same 4 times per week = 4,160 sessions
• Cost per session: $2.88

But wait—that doesn’t account for:

• Inferior therapeutic benefit (carbon panels don’t work as well)
• Warranty service costs and shipping
• Inconvenience of replacement
• Risk of the company disappearing

When you factor in quality of experience and actual lifetime cost, premium saunas often provide better value.

For more on the health benefits that justify the investment, see: The Ultimate Guide to Far Infrared Sauna Health Benefits.

Chapter 8: The SaunaCloud Difference (Why We Built This Company)

I founded SaunaCloud in 2014 because I was frustrated with the state of the infrared sauna industry. I saw beautiful marketing and subpar engineering. I saw companies making health claims without understanding the principles of thermodynamics. I saw warranties that were worthless when customers actually needed service.

My business partner and I decided to do it differently:

What Makes Us Different

1. In-House Engineering & Manufacturing

• We design our own heating systems (VantaWave®)
• We manufacture our own power supplies
• We write our own control software
• We handcraft cabins in California
• Everything is engineered to work together seamlessly

2. Lifetime Warranty (And We Mean It)

• Every component is covered for life
• Parts, labor, AND shipping included
• No fine print or exclusions
• Direct manufacturer support
• Zero power supply or heater failures in 11 years

3. Transparent, Pressure-Free Sales

• I give every client my direct phone number (800-370-0820)
• Take all the time you need to research
• We provide complete specs and documentation upfront
• No aggressive follow-ups or fake urgency

4. Proven Track Record

• 3,000+ installations since 2014
• One BBB complaint in 11 years (resolved in 48 hours)
• 4.9★ rating on Trustpilot (850+ reviews)
• Installations for Tony Robbins, Westin Hotels, Cavallo Point Resort

5. True Custom Design

• Every sauna is engineered individually
• Accommodate unusual spaces
• Modify for specific health goals
• Include red light therapy integration
• Design for your exact needs, not catalog constraints

For more on our custom approach, visit our custom infrared sauna page.

Chapter 9: Next Steps (How to Move Forward Confidently)

If you’ve read this far, you’re serious about finding the right custom infrared sauna. Here’s how to proceed:

Step 1: Determine Your Non-Negotiables

Write down what matters most to you:

• Size requirements (1-4 people?)
• Location (indoor/outdoor, available space dimensions)
• Primary health goals (pain relief, detox, recovery, relaxation)
• Budget range (be realistic)
• Must-have features (red light therapy, app control, etc.)

Step 2: Research 3-5 Companies Thoroughly

Don’t just visit websites—dig deeper:

• Check BBB ratings and complaint history
• Read reviews on multiple platforms
• Look for a portfolio of actual installations
• Test responsiveness with detailed questions
• Compare warranties side-by-side

Step 3: Ask the Hard Questions

Use the questions throughout this guide to vet each company:

• Request EMF/ELF test results
• Ask for electrical documentation
• Demand specifics on heater surface temperatures
• Get warranty terms in writing
• Request client references

Step 4: Compare Total Cost of Ownership

Don’t just look at purchase price:

• Factor in warranty coverage (or lack thereof)
• Estimate replacement timeline
• Consider service call costs
• Account for the quality of experience
• Calculate 20-year cost-per-use

Step 5: Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off—such as aggressive sales tactics, evasive answers, or pressure tactics—walk away. There are honest companies in this industry (we’re one of them). You don’t have to settle for anything less than complete transparency.

Final Thoughts: This Custom Infrared Sauna Buying Guide Is Just the Beginning

Buying a custom infrared sauna isn’t something you should rush. This is an investment in your health that you’ll use nearly every day for the next 15 to 20 years. Take your time, ask the right questions, and work with a company that’s transparent, proven, and genuinely obsessed with quality.

After building over 3,000 custom saunas, I’ve learned that the happiest clients are those who conduct thorough research, ask tough questions, and choose a manufacturer they can trust for the long term. That’s what this custom infrared sauna buying guide is designed to help you do.

At SaunaCloud, we’ve built our entire company on transparency, engineering excellence, and lifetime support. We don’t have the most significant marketing budget or the slickest website. We have 11 years of experience, zero heater failures, and over 3,000 clients who trust us with their wellness.

If you’re ready to explore what a truly custom, properly engineered infrared sauna looks like, start your design consultation here. We’ll discuss your space, goals, and concerns—and I’ll show you exactly how we engineer every aspect of our saunas to deliver results that last decades.

Because when something goes into your home—where you and your family will use it to restore, recover, and regenerate—it better be built right.

Have questions about anything in this guide? Want to discuss your specific situation?

📞 Call me directly: 800-370-0820 💬 Email: hello@saunacloud.com

I review every design personally before it goes into production. Your custom sauna will get my direct attention from concept through delivery and beyond.

For continued learning:

• Complete Custom Infrared Sauna Buying Guide (full resource page)
• Are Infrared Saunas Safe? Engineering Perspective
• Red Light Infrared Sauna Integration
• Start Your Custom Design Process

About the Author: Chris Kiggins is the founder and lead designer of SaunaCloud, based in Diamond Springs, California. Since 2014, he has designed and manufactured over 3,000 custom infrared saunas for residential and commercial clients, including installations for Tony Robbins, Westin Hotels, and Cavallo Point Resort. Chris specializes in ultra-low EMF heating system engineering, red light therapy integration, and medical-grade electrical design for wellness applications.