On the bright side, the finishes are quite attractive. The overall feel exudes durability, and there’s a delightful, faint cedar aroma that wafts through the air upon entering. My daughter, along with the neighborhood kids, can attest to the fact that it makes for a charming and snug little retreat, perfect for curling up with a book, especially if you’re a chilly child of someone who’s always cold.
For my part, it’s significantly more convenient to fire up the Sun Home app, let the sauna preheat for 30 minutes, and simply step into my backyard, rather than trek three blocks to my gym. At the gym, I’d first have to rationalize my sauna session by incorporating a workout beforehand.
Screenshots provided by Adrienne So
You can pair your phone via Bluetooth or USB to enjoy music or podcasts through the Sun Home’s ceiling-mounted speakers, which deliver a respectable sound depth, although the plosives can be quite noticeable during podcast listening. Additionally, you can activate party lights with a simple button press on the control panel, perfect for your intimate gathering.
Moreover, there’s a chromotherapy panel on the ceiling that transforms the sauna into a lovely purplish pink hue. Some preliminary studies suggest that chromotherapy may alleviate anxiety. I tried it several times, but found that sitting beneath a pink light panel didn’t help me forget the possible dread of a Freddy Krueger encounter in my own backyard. There’s also an option for an infrared therapy panel on the door.
Given the price point, you expect the sauna experience to be smooth and completely fulfilling. Extra inconveniences like assembly or delivery hitches are not ideal. You don’t want to wait an hour or more to reach optimal heat, and once inside, you want to avoid awkwardly perching on the bench, carefully ensuring your back isn’t burning. You also want peace of mind against potential glass shattering or worry about a curious 5-year-old getting accidentally trapped inside.
There are many other saunas out there allowing you to kick back without anxiety and without any fears of the door breaking. For example, this model from Plunge also offers Bluetooth connectivity, comfortable leaning seats, and features a sturdy wooden door! For a mere $4,000, a traditional home sauna is available from Costco. However, in my household, there is one individual who frequently hosts sauna parties, and I imagine my 10-year-old prefers the Sun Home more than I do. A steaming, sweaty room filled with naked adults is not quite the inviting reading corner I’d choose.
