If your work responsibilities mean that you spend more time in the boardroom than the gym, you might want to consider a sauna. Research shows that the “heat stress” from sauna usage prompts a biological response that helps protect the body from damage, much like what happens after you exercise. That, in turn, has numerous health benefits, including possibly counteracting the effects of aging, not to mention more obvious benefits like relaxation and stress relief.
We’re not saying you should use a sauna instead of going to the gym. We’re just pointing out that there are other ways for busy folks to get health benefits—and right from the convenience of their own home.
There are tons of options for home saunas available today, from infrared options to more traditional cabin-like versions that rely on steam. We asked our testing team to try one of the latter type for our Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna Review. It’s a compact, outdoor sauna that uses convective dry heat. Here’s what Ryan, our tester, said about the experience, including what he loved, what could have been improved, and how it compared to more expensive saunas he’d tried.
Redwood Outdoors Duo Outdoor Sauna
Dimensions
Sauna Type
Capacity
- Our thoughts: Our tester was pleased with this sauna, despite the lack of features that some higher-priced saunas offer
- Who it’s for: People who want a stylish sauna at a lower price point
- What makes it different: Compact sauna that still comfortably fits two people
- Rustic aesthetic
- Smaller footprint than some saunas
- Comfortably fits two people while still being compact
- Temperature wasn’t consistent
- Fewer features than more expensive models
- Controls could have been slightly more intuitive
Redwood Outdoors Duo Outdoor Sauna
Our Experience with Redwood Outdoors Duo Outdoor Sauna
Redwood Outdoors says its Duo Sauna offers a “true Scandinavian sauna experience.” This model is the company’s most compact outdoor sauna, well-suited for smaller spaces, yet it still fits two people. The sauna was designed with a modern, minimalist design, and it requires assembly (which the company describes as “easy”). Redwood Outdoors notes that sauna benefits include relaxation, improved circulation, and muscle recovery.
Ryan, a member of our testing team, tried Redwood Outdoors Duo Outdoor Sauna and shared his experience. Here’s what he had to say.
What We Liked
Ryan rated this sauna highly in three key areas.
- Appearance (4 out of 5): According to Ryan, “The aesthetic of this sauna is nice; it has a vintage if not rustic cabin look to its exterior.” He also liked the glass doors and slotted windows, calling this model “an attractive product that I can see people having in their homes, and showing to their guests.” Ryan observed that even the heater looked sleek and attractive.
- Seating (5 out of 5): The sauna fit two people “very comfortably.”
- Overall experience (4 out of 5): Ryan said, “I had a great experience with this sauna. For the price point, this sauna offered fewer options, but ultimately did the same job as some of its more expensive competitors. I really like the heat exposure and found it very comfortable and beneficial.”
What We Would Change
Here’s what Ryan thought could be improved.
- Controls (3 out of 5): “The controls were very easy to use and intuitive,” said Ryan, calling them “reminiscent of those on high-end grills, and indicated the level of heat.” However, he added, “The second knob was not very clear, and took a few minutes to figure out it was a timer.” For that reason, he only gave the controls an average rating, as he would have preferred them to be a little more intuitive.
- Heat consistency (3 out of 5): While Ryan really liked the Redwood Outdoors Duo Outdoor Sauna overall, he did note that in comparison to other (more expensive) saunas, this one didn’t maintain a consistent temperature over time. Ryan explained, “The Redwood sauna differed in heat depending on the seating of the user, and temperature varied 10 degrees by the end of the session.”
Our tester also noted that compared to other saunas he’d tried, this model didn’t have as many features. For example, other models had more heat lamps and better back support. But it’s worth noting that those saunas are also more expensive.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Saunas aren’t suitable for everyone, but here’s who may benefit—and who should avoid sauna usage.
Who this sauna may be good for:
People who have cleared it with a healthcare provider
We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before beginning a sauna routine, including disclosing medications you’re currently taking. A healthcare provider can review your health history, wellness goals, and current medications and help determine whether sauna usage would be advisable.
Those seeking the benefits from regular sauna usage
Research shows that sauna bathing is linked with many health benefits, including cardiovascular health, cognitive health, physical fitness, and muscle maintenance. While it’s generally considered safe for healthy adults, we still recommend consulting with a healthcare provider first.
Who should avoid sauna usage:
As mentioned before, sauna use won’t always be right for everyone. If you fall into one of the following categories, you should probably skip the sauna experience:
- Pregnant women
- Anyone who’s been consuming alcohol
- Those with a medical condition or taking certain medications who haven’t consulted with a healthcare provider
Comparing Redwood Outdoors Duo Sauna to Other Products
Frequently asked questions
Are Redwood Outdoor Saunas good?
Our testing team didn’t test every option offered by Redwood Outdoor, so our ratings are specific to this model. But our tester rated the Due Outdoor Sauna a 4 out of 5 for overall experience, indicating a positive impression. He appreciated the sauna’s stylish design, ability to comfortably fit two people, and general heat exposure.
What’s the best outdoor sauna on the market?
Our testing team previously tried four different outdoor saunas and determined that the best outdoor sauna overall for our lineup was the Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Infrared Sauna, which costs $14,599 and fits five people. However, the best sauna for your budget, lifestyle, and space may be different. Our testing team has found a number of solid options that you can choose from, including Redwood Outdoors Duo Outdoor Sauna—a lower-priced, compact pick.
Do Redwood Outdoor Saunas hold up in weather?
The company website says its Duo Outdoor Sauna is made using heat-treated hemlock, which is “naturally durable and made to withstand the outdoors with minimal maintenance.”
