Allwood Barrel Sauna Kits Review: Relaxing Steamy Delight

Originating in Canada, barrel saunas have been used for over 30 years as an alternative to the traditional Finnish sauna.

Celebrities like author Tim Ferriss, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, and the multiple world record holder for extreme temperatures, Wim Hof, really like them.

Saunas are incredible tools that can be easily used as a passive natural health therapy at the comfort of your home. They have been used as a natural relaxation method and stress-reliever for thousands of years.

However, saunas have also been known to provide a myriad of other health benefits including:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Lowered risk of high blood pressure
• Reduced risk of neurocognitive diseases
• Reduced risk of mortality
• Aid in the relief of arthritis
• Aids in the relief of headaches
• Aid in the relief of flu
• Increased circulation
• Increase immune function

A barrel sauna, also known as a Tynnyrisauana, is a cozy, minimalistic sauna that can be used almost anywhere in the outdoors.

Allwood Barrel Saunas are some of the best barrel saunas on the market. Their barrel saunas come shipped as a kit that can be easily assembled from two circular walls and wooden staves that are strapped together.

In this article, we’ll review 10 different Allwood sauna barrel models to help you determine the right barrel for you based on your needs.

We’ve also included a barrel sauna buyer’s guide to give you a few tips before picking out the right one.

Why You Should Use an Allwood Barrel Sauna

If you struggle with any cardiovascular issues, stress, or headaches, and you’re wanting to be able to get relief and relax right at home every day, then you should consider using an Allwood Barrel Sauna.

Allwood Indoor and Outdoor Barrel Saunas are designed with 23% less space than traditional Finnish saunas, which means they can heat up much quicker, providing quick relief.

Since they heat up quicker, you’ll also be able to save on energy costs since you won’t have to wait as long to jump in while it’s heating up.

The cylinder shape also allows for continuous air circulation since the air can flow easier on the round walls, making it easier to breathe.

Investing in a barrel sauna isn’t a small investment. Unlike most competitors, Allwood Barrel Saunas come equipped with bitumen roof shingles to extend the lifespan of your barrel sauna.

Who Benefits Most From Using Wood Barrel Saunas?

An Allwood Barrel Sauna won’t be the right sauna for everyone. However, Allwood Barrel outdoor saunas hold a number of impressive benefits to help you get relief right at home.

An Allwood Barrel Saunas may be right for you if:

• You don’t have the time to design and build your own sauna. Allwood Barrel Saunas are already designed, with every part included in a quick assembly kit.

If you’re the type of person who would rather go to IKEA for easy-to-assemble furniture over putting in a few months to a year to design and build your own, then Allwood Outdoor Barrel Saunas are a good fit. They can be set up in 1-3 days.

• You don’t want to wait long for your sauna to heat up. Traditional Finnish saunas are shaped like homes with sharp, 90-degree edges, making them 23% larger than barrel saunas, adding to the preheat time.

They’re great if you want to spend more time relaxing inside your sauna over waiting for it to heat up.

• You want your sauna to last a lifetime. Allwood saunas are made with longevity in mind. When you’re spending a few thousand dollars, it’s important that your money will go a long way.

Allwood saunas are made from slow grown Nordic Spruce wood and feature a bitumen roof shingles to ensure they last for decades.

Allwood Barrel Sauna Specifications

Picking out a barrel sauna isn’t an easy task. There are a number of factors you’ll need to consider, including size, heat source, and of course, budget.

Many barrel sauna companies offer a one-size-fits-all model that may or may not be suitable for every buyer. Thankfully, Allwood has 10 different barrel sauna models to choose from to match your preferences.

This wide range of Allwood Barrel Saunas ensures that everyone can get a sauna that perfectly matches their taste and their budget.

Allwood Barrel Sauna Reviews

While the Allwood Barrel Saunas vary in a number of ways, they all share a few common build specifications.

Every Allwood Barrel Sauna comes as an easy-assembly kit that can be set up in 1-3 days. The frames are made from 1.66” thick, slow grown Nordic Spruce wood.

They all include a front entry glass door, two 70” support cradles that elevate the sauna from the ground, and bitumen roof shingles for long-lasting durability. Both electric and wood fire saunas also include Harvia sauna stones for heat retention.

The sauna reviews are split up into two main categories below: electric heaters and wood fire heaters.

Let’s dive in.

Allwood Barrel Saunas with Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are known for being quick, clean, and efficient. They can reach top temperatures of 194 F which can take about 10 minutes.

1. Allwood Barrel Sauna 160-EHC Electric Heater

This model includes an FLB 30 3.0 kW electric heater and can quickly heat up the sauna in about 10 minutes.

• Fits: 3 People
• Diameter: 80.75”
• Length: 55”
• Heater: FLB 30 3.0 kW Electric
• Outside Seating: No
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict:

While it’s quite small compared to the other saunas, it’s also the most affordable overall.

2. Allwood Barrel Sauna 220-EHC Electric Heater

It has a diameter of 80 inches and a length of 67 inches (5 feet 7 inches). With one size up on the smallest Allwood model, it is big enough to fit 4 adults comfortably.

This model includes a slightly more powerful FLB 45 4.5 kW electric heater and can quickly heat up the sauna in about 10 minutes.

• Fits: 4 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 67”
• Heater: FLB 45 4.5 kW Electric
• Outside Seating: No
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict

While it’s still relatively small compared to the other saunas, it’s a foot longer than the smallest model and can fit 4 adults comfortably. It’s also still quite affordable in comparison.

3. Allwood Barrel Sauna 250-EHP Electric Heater

This model includes a powerful FLB 60 6.0 kW electric heater and can quickly heat up the sauna in under 10 minutes.

This model also comes with outdoor seating, making it easy to take breaks and cool down in between sauna time. It also includes 2 windows on the front, and 2 windows on the back for better viewing.

• Fits: 4 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 74.8”
• Heater: FLB 60 6.0 kW Electric
• Outside Seating: Yes
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict

The Allwood Barrel Sauna 250-EHP Electric Heater is slightly bigger than the previous model, but with the edition of the outdoor seating, it’s a bit more user-friendly.

4. Allwood Barrel Sauna 300-EHP Electric Heater

This model includes a powerful FLB 60 6.0 kW electric heater and can quickly heat up the sauna in under 10 minutes.

It also includes outdoor seating, 2 windows on the front, and 2 windows on the back for better viewing like the previous 250-EHP.

• Fits: 6 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 90”
• Heater: FLB 60 6.0 kW Electric
• Outside Seating: Yes
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict

This upper-tier electric model is perfect for those who want a better viewing experience with 4 windows and for those who want to be able to stretch out and lay down.

5. Allwood Barrel Sauna 330-EHC Electric Heater

This model includes an FLB 60 6.0 kW electric heater and can quickly heat up the sauna in under 10 minutes.

Even though it doesn’t include outdoor seating or windows, this model includes a dressing room section. This makes it convenient for when it’s cold out and much better for heat retention in the sauna section.

• Fits: 6 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 75” (sauna section)
• Heater: FLB 60 6.0 kW Electric
• Outside Seating: No
• Dressing Room: Yes

Verdict

If you don’t mind skipping out on the outdoor seating and windows, and prefer to have a dressing room section for convenient changing and better heat retention, this might be your best pick.

6. Allwood Barrel Sauna 400-EHP Electric Heater

It features outdoor seating and a dressing room. Plus it fits the most people of any electric Allwood sauna with a total of 8 spots.

This top electric model includes an FLB 60 6.0 kW electric heater and can quickly heat up the sauna in under 10 minutes.

• Fits: 8 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 78.7” (sauna section)
• Heater: FLB 60 6.0 kW Electric
• Outside Seating: Yes
• Dressing Room: Yes

Verdict

If you have a large family or plan on having friends over often to enjoy your sauna with you, this is the best electric Allwood model available. Includes 4 windows and a tinted glass interior door.

Since this has an electric heater and can hold 8 people comfortably, the electric usage will be increased, but everyone will enjoy this sauna.

There are a total of 6 different optional configurations shown in the images, but this is only available in the package as described.

Allwood Outdoor Barrel Saunas with Wood Fire Heaters

Wood fire-heated saunas are the original sauna style that’s been used for thousands of years. They offer an incredible aroma from the smell of burning wood, which creates a unique, pleasing ambiance.

Each of the wood fire saunas includes 2 boxes of 32 fire starters so you can quickly start the sauna up.

It’s important to note that Allwood’s Wood Fire Heaters also include a chimney even though some of the sauna photos may not display one.

7. Allwood Barrel Sauna 220-WHC Wood Fired Heater

• Fits: 4 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 67”
• Heater: Harvia M3 Wood Fire Heater
• Outside Seating: No
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict

If you prefer a smaller wood fire heater sauna, then the Allwood Barrel Sauna 220-WHC Wood Fired Heater might be your best pick.

However, while it is the smallest and most affordable Allwood fire wood heater available, it is a bit more expensive than the electric version of the same size.

8. Allwood Barrel Sauna 250-WHP Wood Heater

Like the electric versions, 250-EHP and 300-EHP, it includes outdoor seating, 2 windows on the front, and 2 windows on the back for better viewing.

• Fits: 4 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 70.9”
• Heater: Harvia M3 Wood Fire Heater
• Outside Seating: Yes
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict

If you are okay with a maximum of 4 people in your wood fire heater sauna, but prefer to have some outdoor seating and windows to view the outside world, this is your best bet.

9. Allwood Barrel Sauna 300-WHP Wood Heater

This is essentially the wood fire heater version of the 300-EHP electric counterpart. It doesn’t have a dressing room, but it is long enough to allow you to fully lay down to rest.

Like the 300-EHP, it has outdoor seating, 2 windows on the front, and 2 windows on the back for better viewing.

• Fits: 6 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 90”
• Heater: Harvia M3 Wood Fire Heater
• Outside Seating: Yes
• Dressing Room: No

Verdict

If you prefer a sauna with a wood fire heater, and want room to lay down, then this is your best pick.

10. Allwood Barrel Sauna 400-WHP Wood Heater

It has a diameter of 80 inches and a sauna section length of 78.7”. It can fit 8 people comfortably.

The Allwood barrel sauna 400-WHP has all the bells and whistles of the 400-EHP Electric Heater, except with a wood heater rather than electric.

• Fits: 8 People
• Diameter: 80”
• Length: 78.7” (sauna section)
• Heater: Harvia M3 Wood Fire Heater
• Outside Seating: Yes
• Dressing Room: Yes

Verdict

If you want the biggest, top of the line wood heater sauna by Allwood, the Allwood barrel sauna 400-WHP is it. Like the 400-EHP Electric Heater, it has a wooden exterior door and a tinted glass interior door. As well as 4 windows.

It is pricey compared to the smaller models, but it includes a dressing room and can fit in 8 people.

What Buyers Love Most About These Outdoor Barrel Saunas

• Easy to Set Up. Allwood Barrel Saunas make it easy to get your own fully functioning home sauna without having to take the time to come up with a design or make sure it fits together. Saving you the trouble of months of work, you simply put the pieces together similar to IKEA in 1-3 days.

• Several Models to Choose from. Many barrel sauna companies will only offer a single sauna barrel. However, many people will be left wishing, because they didn’t quite get what they were looking for. Allwood provides 10 different models to choose from in a number of sizes and functions and even offers electric and wood fire heating options to match your exact needs.

• Great Minimalistic Design. Apart from the fact that you get to have a sauna delivered to your home, this barrel sauna makes a gorgeous addition to any home. It has a beautiful, minimalistic design that adds a great touch to any yard.

• Bitumen Roof Shingles. Allwood saunas come equipped with bitumen roof shingles which provide an added layer of durability and protection. Thus allowing the barrel sauna to last for decades.

• Fast heat up times. Allwood’s barrel saunas require 23% less space than traditional outdoor Finnish saunas. This means that heat up time is much quicker, so you can start to get relief faster.

• Rounded Roof Prevents Snow Build-Up. If you live in a climate that gets below freezing and you get big snowfalls, you won’t have to worry about snow building up on the roof. The rounded roof allows the snow to easily slide off the roof, which helps protect the roof and keep more heat in.

• The Dressing Room Keeps the Heat In. Models 330-EHC, 400-EHP, and 400-WHP come equipped with a dressing room which doesn’t just allow for a smooth changing of your outfit. It also prevents heat loss from the outside climate, allowing the sauna to constantly perform at its best.

What Some Buyers Didn’t Like

• A bit pricey. You can find other traditional outdoor saunas at lower cost than these Allwood barrel saunas. However, you’re investing in a higher quality build, quicker heating, and extra durability with the bitumen roof shingles.

• Only 1.66” of Insulation. One downside to these saunas is that there is really only 1.66 inches of insulation from a single slab of wood. This means that during colder months, if you decide to jump into the sauna before it’s fully heated, you’ll be quite cold.

• No lights. Another downside to these outdoor saunas is that there aren’t any lights included in the kit. It would have been nice to see at least 1 light that could be used at night. Most people will be using the sauna after work when it starts getting dark. It’s recommended to purchase LED lights to install inside.

Our Verdict

If you deal with cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, or you struggle with arthritis pain, then Allwood Barrel Saunas are a great way to help get some relief. While you could choose to get a traditional sauna, their barrel saunas are quite impressive.

The barrel design allows for quick heating which is helpful if you’re short on time. Plus, the barrel design also allows for extra protection from the elements, along with the added durability from the roof shingles.

On the downside, the barrel saunas are quite expensive. Plus, there isn’t much insulation which makes any waiting time a bit uncomfortable when it’s cold out. You’ll also need to install your own lights for nighttime sauna use.

However, the Allwood saunas offer a great range of diversity in their models. Plus, aside from the fact that these barrel saunas perform well, practically speaking, the saunas just look amazing.

You’ll be sure to impress any neighbors, friends, or family who come over and see one set up in your yard.

Indoor & Outdoor Barrel Sauna Buyer’s Guide

Before you go ahead and purchase your sauna, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration. Here are some tips you’ll need to remember when buying a sauna.

Accommodation Size

Before you go ahead and click buy, you’ll need to make sure you’re getting a sauna that’s big enough for your specific needs.

Are you wanting a sauna for personal use? Do you want one for you and your spouse? Maybe you have 2 kids? Or do you want to have a bunch of your friends or family come over to enjoy it together?

Before you select your sauna, be sure that you’re getting one that’s big enough. Think of these as a long-term investment in your health and wellness. Your sauna should last a few decades, so even if you might just want it for yourself now, will you want to enjoy it with your kids or grandkids in the future?

It’s important to note that the accommodation size is a bit tighter than people expect. If you want to really make sure you have enough room for 4 people, you should probably get the 6 person sauna. Likewise, if you need 6, you’ll be more comfortable with the 8 person sauna. 

Heat Source

You can choose between two heat sources: electric or wood fire. They both have pros and cons that you’ll want to consider.

Electric Saunas Can Be Enjoyed Indoors

One of the main benefits of using an electric sauna is that it is quicker to heat up. They can often reach top temperatures of 194 F in less than 10 minutes. You can also very easily set your temperature to get accurate heating.

Plus, electric saunas are cleaner, and won’t require as much maintenance.

Their main downside is the fact that they’re electric. If you don’t have a reliable power supply at your home, it could be difficult to run it. Plus, if there are ever power outages, you’ll be out of luck unless you have a backup generator.

Outdoor Wood Fire Saunas

The wood fire sauna is the traditional style of sauna. The main benefit of wood saunas is the aroma. When you’re in a wood sauna, there’s something about the ambience that’s created. It really adds to the relaxation experience.

Plus, if it’s hard to get power to your preferred sauna location or if there is a power outage, you’ll still be able to run it.

However, one drawback of the wood fire saunas is that they take much longer to heat up than electrical and are harder to maintain temperature.

Inside Changing Room

One of the main considerations to take when buying a sauna is the changing room. If you use public saunas ever, you may remember the first time you walked slowly into a sauna, only to have one of the people inside shout, “Close the door!” There’s a reason for it.

Saunas are able to offer incredible relaxation and health benefits because they create a stable, high temperature environment. Every second the door is left open to the outside world, the temperature immediately begins to plummet, diminishing the health benefits.

Having a middle room, otherwise known as a changing room or dressing room, in between the initial entry door provides a great transition area, allowing minimal heat to escape from the sauna section, ensuring better relief overall.

Need more indoor/outdoor electric heated barrel sauna choices? Read about the Aleko saunas.

Interested in indoor far infrared sauna kits? Read this.

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