What Sauna Is Better? A Guide to Choosing the Right Sauna
At Ember and Ice Wellness, we know that investing in a sauna is about more than just purchasing equipment. It’s about creating a dedicated space for longevity, recovery, and everyday renewal.
But with the sauna market expanding rapidly, how do you know which option is right for your home, garden, or commercial wellness project? The answer starts with understanding the three tiers of the market — and why Auroom’s Nordic saunas, supplied exclusively in the UK by Ember and Ice, set the gold standard.
The Three Tiers of the Sauna Market
1. Budget Saunas
Budget saunas prioritise affordability but often compromise on quality:
Built from untreated spruce or pine
Minimal insulation, leading to poor heat retention
Limited durability, with wear, warping, and mechanical issues appearing within a few years
They may suit first-time buyers, but rarely deliver true thermal benefits or long-term value.
2. Mid-Level Saunas
A step above entry-level, mid-market saunas feature:
More stable woods
Better insulation and heating systems
Improved design and finish
However, performance and lifespan vary significantly depending on the brand. They can offer a balance between cost and quality, but may still fall short when it comes to serious daily use.
3. Luxury Saunas
Luxury saunas represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, and performance. They deliver:
Generational craftsmanship refined by modern technology
Superior materials such as thermo-treated timber
Full insulated construction for efficiency and comfort
Longevity of 20+ years when cared for properly
This is the category where Nordic and Estonian brands like Auroom truly stand apart.
Why Auroom Sets the Standard
At Ember and Ice, we are proud to be the UK partner for Auroom Saunas, one of the most respected Estonian sauna manufacturers. Their range combines Scandinavian tradition with modern design precision.
Thermo-Treated Timber
Auroom uses thermally modified aspen and alder, which enhances durability, moisture resistance, and dimensional stability. The process gives each sauna a rich, natural finish without chemicals.Modular, Insulated Construction
Every Auroom sauna is fully insulated, ensuring quick heat-up times, reduced energy consumption, and a stable climate for optimal sauna therapy.Design for Every Space
From the compact Cala Mini to statement pieces like the Vulcana or Libera, Auroom saunas are designed for both residential and commercial settings, blending timeless aesthetics with modern wellness technology.Longevity and Performance
With premium construction, an Auroom sauna becomes a long-term investment in health and wellbeing, lasting decades rather than years.
Investment Guide: What to Expect
Budget Saunas: £2,000 – £6,000
Mid-Level Saunas: £6,000 – £12,000
Luxury Saunas (Auroom, Nordic & Estonian craftsmanship): £12,000 – £25,000+ depending on size, features, and customisation
Why Paying More Matters
Choosing a premium sauna from Auroom and Ember and Ice means:
Lower running costs through superior insulation
Reduced maintenance and fewer replacements
Materials that age beautifully, instead of degrading
A safe, effective thermal environment for authentic sauna benefits
Investing more upfront gives you 20+ years of daily sanctuary, whereas cheaper models risk early replacement and ongoing frustration.
Choosing the Right Sauna With Ember and Ice
At Ember and Ice Wellness, we guide you through every step of the journey — from design consultation to delivery and installation. As the UK partner for Auroom Saunas, we ensure your sauna is not only a wellness tool but a centrepiece for renewal and connection.
Crafted for longevity. Built for connection.
Discover Ember and Ice × Auroom Sauna today and let us help you select a sauna that elevates your lifestyle for decades to come.
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A fantastic breakdown — the section on thermally modified wood and long-term performance really helped us understand why some sauna builds justify the higher investment. We’re currently planning a boutique wellness retreat and quality is non-negotiable.
We’ve been looking into adding a sauna to our physiotherapy clinic and were unsure how to distinguish between the different build tiers. This article clarified a lot. We’ll definitely be exploring Nordic craftsmanship after reading this.
Really appreciate the practical insights here — too often the market is driven by aesthetic or budget alone. The point about energy efficiency and performance longevity is especially relevant for any business considering long-term operating costs.