All three will give you a warm, quiet place to unwind. The differences are in how they heat, how they fit your garden and what they need from your electrics.
At a glance
| Feature | Barrel | Cabin | Infrared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | Traditional stove heater; hot air and steam from water on the stones | Same as barrel | Infrared panels warm you directly; air stays cooler |
| Shape | Round section; distinctive look | Straight walls; fits corners and boundaries | Usually cabin-shaped; indoor and outdoor versions |
| Power | Typically hard-wired, dedicated circuit | Typically hard-wired, dedicated circuit | Some models run from a 13 A supply |
| Example heater rating | 6–8 kW | 4.5–6 kW | 2.2–2.8 kW |
Example ratings are taken from one UK retailer’s published specifications for SaunaPlunge models (see sources).
Barrel saunas
The barrel is the shape most people picture. The curved roof means there’s less space above head height to heat, which manufacturers present as a benefit for warm-up. Barrels suit open gardens where the shape can be seen; they’re less easy to tuck against a fence.
Cabin saunas
Cabins use the same kind of heater as a barrel but in a square-built room. Straight walls make better use of bench space and are easier to fit into corners. Check the overall height if you’re near a boundary.
Infrared saunas
Infrared saunas don’t try to heat the air to traditional sauna temperatures. Instead, panels warm your body directly. People who find a hot sauna overpowering often prefer it. You don’t get steam from water on stones, which for some is the whole point of a sauna. The lower power rating also means some models can run from an ordinary 13 A supply.
Running costs: a worked example
The cost of a session depends on the heater’s power, how long it draws full power and what you pay for electricity. The simple formula is:
Power (kW) × hours at full power × unit rate (£ per kWh) = cost
Using the Ofgem price cap average for electricity paid by Direct Debit from 1 October to 31 December 2026, which is 26.32p per kWh:
| Heater rating | Energy for one hour at full power | Cost for that hour at 26.32p/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 8 kW (traditional) | 8 kWh | £2.11 |
| 6 kW (traditional) | 6 kWh | £1.58 |
| 4.5 kW (traditional) | 4.5 kWh | £1.18 |
| 2.82 kW (infrared) | 2.82 kWh | £0.74 |
| 2.22 kW (infrared) | 2.22 kWh | £0.58 |
Treat these as a ceiling for each hour the heater runs flat out, not as the cost of a session. Once a sauna reaches temperature its thermostat switches the heater on and off, so real use depends on the warm-up time, the weather, the insulation and how long you stay in. Your own unit rate will also differ by region, tariff and payment method; it’s shown on your bill. Standing charges are paid whether or not you use the sauna, so they aren’t included.
So which one?
- Want traditional heat and steam, and have space for a statement shape? Barrel.
- Want traditional heat in a corner or against a boundary? Cabin.
- Prefer gentler heat, want it indoors, or need simpler electrics? Infrared (see our indoor or outdoor infrared guide).
- Ofgem, “Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges”, 1 October to 31 December 2026: electricity 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit, average across England, Scotland and Wales, no VAT on electricity in this period, ofgem.gov.uk (read 3 November 2026).
- Heater ratings from a UK retailer’s published specifications for SaunaPlunge’s Pennine Barrel (6 kW and 8 kW), Brontë (4.5 kW and 6 kW) and Yorkshire Cabin (2,220 W and 2,820 W), outdoorliving365.co.uk (read 3 November 2026).
- Water density, approximately 1 kg per litre at room temperature (standard physical constant).
Rules quoted apply to England unless stated. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own planning and building regulations. This guide is general information, not professional advice; check your own circumstances with your local authority and a qualified electrician.