What You Should Know Before Buying Costco's Stylish Outdoor Sauna

There is nothing more relaxing than unwinding in a hot outdoor sauna. Simply step outside in your robe, open the wooden structure in your backyard, and let the tension of the day melt away as the hot air helps you relax. It's quite the luxury to be able to do this in your own backyard rather than driving to the health club, and luckily, Costco offers a prefabbed one so you won't have to DIY an outdoor sauna on your own. Called the Almost Heaven Duet Outdoor Sauna, it clocks in at $3,300, and that's with delivery included. However, before you whip out your credit card, there are some things you should know before making it a staple in your backyard.

This luxury addition has its pros and cons, just like any other major purchase. The benefits include its well-constructed use of real cedar and stainless steel framing, and it's attractive to boot. This will only enhance the look of your backyard rather than detract from it, and its health benefits will help you craft your very own wellness yard. However, some reviewers mention that it might be a tad smaller than expected. Here is a closer look at whether this mini sauna is worth buying.

This two-person steam sauna is as aesthetic as it is useful. The circular room is constructed out of premium red cedar, adding a rustic touch to your garden space. Not only is it beautiful, but it's also practical since cedar is the chosen wood for outdoor construction as it resists mold and repels insects. It will also release the cozy smell of cedar every time you take a steam, adding an extra element to your spa experience. Its circular shape isn't just for aesthetics either — it helps keep rain and snow off its surface, minimizing weather damage. It also allows the heat to circulate better, since it doesn't get trapped atop a traditional ceiling, making it more efficient. It's also a wet and dry sauna, allowing you to experiment with both heat conditions depending on your mood. You can create dry heat by simply heating the sauna stones in the room, and if you want to add some steam, simply ladle water on top of them, changing the conditions.

With 4.8 stars out of 53 reviews, there aren't many drawbacks to this purchase, but there is one thing in particular that could be improved, and that's the size. Some reviewers noted that the two-person version is too small and that it's best to upgrade to the four-person version. With the smaller version, you are forced to sit right next to the heater, which doesn't allow you the option to lie down on the bench, and if you want to stretch out your legs, you have to be careful not to burn yourself on the heater. The Almost Heaven Saunas Morgan 4-person Barrel Steam Sauna is $3,999.99, so $700 more.