Although many people have different opinions about barrel shaped saunas, as a sauna manufacturer, Alphasauna has found through customer feedback and market data that outdoor barrel saunas are the most popular choice, not cube saunas!
This phenomenon is not surprising. While you might think it's simply a matter of personal aesthetics, the truth is that the differences between these two sauna shapes go beyond just looks. There are significant functional and design distinctions. I hope this introduction helps you gain a deeper understanding of both barrel and cube saunas.
The barrel sauna first appeared in the 1970s. While it deviates from traditional designs, it still draws inspiration from them. This unique design style gained popularity in Northern Europe, Finland, and other countries during that time. Not only was the barrel shape aesthetically pleasing, but it also offered significant practical advantages. To this day, outdoor barrel saunas remain a favorite among dealers and customers alike. Below are some of the key advantages of barrel saunas, compiled by Alphasauna, a leading sauna manufacturer.
Uniform and Efficient Thermal Circulation
At its core, the barrel sauna operates on a simple principle based on thermodynamics: hot air is lighter than cold air. When the sauna is in use, the heat naturally rises to the upper area of the sauna. You might wonder, how does this relate to the barrel sauna? Doesn’t all the heat just rise to the top? Unlike cube-shaped saunas, the barrel sauna’s circular design is built for optimal air circulation. When heat rises to the top, it flows evenly to the left and right, ensuring that heat is distributed throughout the sauna. This creates a consistent temperature, meaning you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable experience no matter where you sit.
Cost Savings
Barrel saunas are compact by design. Unlike cube-shaped saunas, which require more materials to enclose the space, barrel saunas are more affordable to manufacture. Additionally, their compact structure means they take up less space, allowing the internal environment to heat up faster and maintain a consistent temperature. Whether you use a wood-burning stove or an electric sauna stove, this efficient design helps save both energy and money in the long run.
Aesthetic Advantages
Traditional cube saunas can often feel visually monotonous. In contrast, the outdoor barrel sauna breaks this visual calm with its soft curves and traditional wooden structure. It can be used both at home and in outdoor settings, adding a touch of rustic charm to any environment. The barrel sauna brings a refreshing visual impact while enhancing the aesthetic of the space.
The Benefits of an Outdoor Cube Sauna
Compared to the emerging outdoor barrel saunas, cube saunas have retained their traditional design, showcasing a strong sauna culture. These saunas are also among the most common in Nordic countries, including Finland. Below are the advantages of cube saunas, compiled by Alphasauna, a leading sauna manufacturer.
Space Use
Cube saunas are more spacious than barrel saunas. First, they offer a large interior, ensuring that users don’t feel cramped, which makes them especially suitable for families or groups. Additionally, cube saunas are known for their efficient space use. Their design allows them to fit perfectly into corners or against walls, reducing wasted space. This makes them a great choice for smaller yards or gyms!
More Functional Areas
Another notable feature of the cube sauna is its ability to create distinct functional areas inside, such as separate zones for sitting, lying down, or even storage. This flexibility allows users to relax in the most comfortable posture, whether they want to sit or lie down while enjoying the soothing effects of the sauna. (Tip: Due to the larger space, the heating efficiency and heat distribution may not be as effective as in a barrel sauna.)
Design Aesthetics
Although the cube sauna has strong traditional roots, it is often enhanced by modern design elements. With the introduction of multi-faceted glass panels, LED lighting, and electric sauna stoves, the cube sauna has evolved, blending traditional sauna culture with contemporary design concepts. This creates a sauna experience that is both visually appealing and functional.
Conclusion
Beyond aesthetics, the differences highlighted above are why so many people love barrel saunas. But, whether you choose a barrel sauna or a cube sauna, their primary purpose is to bring health benefits. As long as you use the sauna regularly, it can be very beneficial to your well-being. If you only take a sauna 3-4 times a month, I recommend visiting a nearby gym or spa to enjoy the experience, as this can help you save costs while still reaping the benefits of sauna therapy.
If you're interested in investing in a sauna for yourself, feel free to send us an email. Alphasauna manufactures a variety of indoor and outdoor saunas, including barrel saunas, cube saunas, and infrared saunas. Our professional team will work with you to customize the sauna according to your needs, whether it's size, logo, or specific design details.
