Infrared Saunas and Cardiovascular Health
A question many customers ask before buying their first infrared sauna is straightforward: what does regular use actually do for the heart? Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air to...
What Is a Single Sauna?
A single sauna, sometimes called a 1 person sauna or solo sauna, is a self-contained cabin sized around one user rather than a couple or family group. This makes it one of the most space-efficient ways to add a sauna to a home, whether the intended spot is a spare room, garage corner, or a small patch of garden.
Indoor and Outdoor Single Sauna Formats
Indoor single saunas are built for spare rooms, home gyms, and dedicated wellness corners, using compact panel systems that are generally quicker to install than an outdoor cabin. Outdoor single saunas, such as a compact thermowood cabin, are designed to sit on a patio or in a garden, with weather-resistant construction built to perform through UK winters as well as summers. Both formats can be finished to a similarly high standard, so the decision usually comes down to available space rather than a compromise on quality.
Traditional, Infrared, and Hybrid Heat
A traditional single sauna uses an electric heater and sauna stones to build ambient heat, typically reaching 65°C to 90°C, delivering the classic steam-based experience associated with a Finnish or Estonian sauna. An infrared single sauna warms the body directly at lower temperatures, generally 45°C to 60°C, and tends to suit those who want a gentler session or find higher ambient heat uncomfortable. Some models combine both systems in one cabin, allowing the heating style to be switched depending on preference from one session to the next.
Choosing a Single Sauna for Your Space
Selecting the right single sauna comes down to matching the cabin's footprint and heater to the room or garden space available.
Footprint and Room Requirements
Compact indoor and infrared single saunas typically need a floor area of around 90cm to 130cm wide, while outdoor thermowood cabins built for one to two people usually require a base of roughly 1.7m x 1.2m or similar, plus clearance for the door to open and for routine maintenance access. Checking both the external footprint and the internal height against the intended space avoids ordering a cabin that technically fits but feels cramped in daily use.
Examples of Compact Single Sauna Footprints
A compact outdoor traditional cabin built for one to two people typically has an external footprint of around 1.67m wide by 1.2m deep, with an internal volume of roughly 3m³, making it suitable for patios and smaller gardens where a larger cabin would not fit. At the more premium end, a compact Estonian-made outdoor single sauna can offer a footprint as small as 1.6m² of coverage area, with a slatted timber exterior and glazed door designed specifically for urban gardens, patios, and roof terraces. Comparing footprint figures like these against the actual space available is a more reliable way to choose a single sauna than relying on capacity labels alone.
Heater Power for a 1 Person Sauna
A single sauna generally needs a heater in the 3kW to 4.5kW range, since a smaller interior volume requires less power to reach and hold temperature than a multi-person cabin. Compact outdoor models paired with a heater in this range typically reach 70°C to 80°C within 20 to 45 minutes of switching on, depending on the specific heater and cabin size. All electric heaters, regardless of size, should be connected by a qualified electrician using a dedicated circuit sized to the heater's power rating.
Materials and Build Quality
Build quality has a direct effect on how efficiently a single sauna heats up and how long it continues to perform well.
ThermoWood and Nordic Timber for Outdoor Models
Compact outdoor single saunas in this collection are generally built from thermowood or premium Nordic timber, both of which are heat-treated or selected specifically for dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, warping, and decay in outdoor conditions. Wall thickness matters even in a small cabin, since thicker boards retain heat more efficiently once the sauna has reached temperature, reducing the time and energy needed to maintain it during a session.
Nordic Spruce and Canadian Hemlock for Indoor and Infrared Models
Indoor and infrared single saunas are more commonly built from Nordic spruce or Canadian hemlock, both of which are naturally resistant to moisture and hold up well in the more controlled environment of an indoor room. These materials also tend to keep the overall cabin lighter than an outdoor-rated thermowood structure, which suits indoor installation where the sauna does not need to withstand direct weather exposure.
Installation and Electrical Requirements
Every single sauna needs a suitable base or floor area and a correctly specified electrical connection, regardless of whether it is sited indoors or outdoors.
Assembly
Most single saunas, indoor or outdoor, are supplied as a flat-pack kit with comprehensive assembly instructions, and a compact one-person cabin is generally quicker to build than a larger multi-person model given its smaller scale. Professional installation is available for those who would prefer the build handled by an experienced team, which is particularly useful for outdoor models needing a prepared base.
Electrical Supply
Single sauna heaters typically run on a standard single-phase 230V domestic supply, with smaller 3kW to 4.5kW heaters drawing considerably less current than the larger heaters fitted to multi-person cabins. A dedicated circuit and, at minimum, an isolator switch are required in every case, and confirming the exact specification of the chosen heater with an electrician before ordering allows the electrical work to be planned ahead of delivery.
Running Costs and Heat-Up Time
A single sauna is generally the most economical sauna format to run, since a smaller heater and smaller air volume both reduce the electricity used per session. Running a compact 1 person sauna typically costs a modest amount per hour at current UK electricity rates, with infrared models usually costing less to run than traditional electric heaters given their lower operating temperature. Heat-up time follows a similar pattern, with infrared cabins generally reaching their operating temperature in 10 to 20 minutes, while traditional single saunas take a little longer, typically 20 to 45 minutes, to reach a comparable steam-based session temperature.
Health Benefits of a Personal Sauna Routine
Beyond the practical considerations of space and heater choice, regular use of a single sauna is associated with a range of wellness benefits that make the investment worthwhile for many individuals.
Circulation, Recovery, and Stress Relief
Repeated heat exposure raises the heart rate in a way that mimics mild aerobic activity, supporting circulation over time with consistent use. Increased blood flow to muscle tissue during a session can also support recovery after exercise, which is one reason a personal sauna is popular among individuals with an active lifestyle. Beyond the physical effects, having a dedicated, private space to step away from daily demands offers a mental reset that many regular users value as much as the physical benefits themselves. Because a single sauna is used solo, sessions can be scheduled flexibly around one person's routine without needing to coordinate with others.
Who Chooses a Single Sauna
A single sauna suits individuals living alone, households where only one person uses the sauna regularly, and anyone working with a genuinely limited footprint, whether that is a small garden, a spare room, or a corner of a home gym. It is also a sensible starting point for first-time sauna owners, since a smaller cabin is quicker to heat, less demanding on the electrical supply, and more affordable than a multi-person model. Those who expect to share sessions with a partner or use the sauna socially are usually better served by a two-person or larger cabin instead.
Comparing Single Sauna Formats
Not every buyer will settle on the same format, and it is worth comparing options before making a final decision. Those prioritising a garden installation can compare the wider outdoor saunas range, which includes compact one and two-person cabins alongside larger multi-person models. Anyone without outdoor space at all may prefer to browse the indoor saunas collection, built specifically for spare rooms and interior wellness areas. Buyers drawn to radiant heat rather than traditional steam can compare the dedicated infrared home saunas range, which spans both indoor and outdoor formats. For finishing touches, the sauna accessories collection covers everything from stone care products to lighting upgrades, and the sauna heaters range sets out heater options suited to smaller cabin volumes specifically.
Finding the Right Single Sauna
A single sauna does not need to compromise on the core wellness experience. Whether the priority is a compact outdoor thermowood cabin or an indoor infrared unit for a spare room, matching footprint, heater power, and material to the space available is the most reliable way to get a sauna that performs well for years of regular use. Visit Heracles Wellness to browse the full range and get guidance on the right single sauna for a specific space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size heater do I need for a single sauna?
A heater in the 3kW to 4.5kW range is typically suitable for a single sauna, efficiently heating a smaller cabin volume without unnecessary energy use.
How much space do I need for a 1 person sauna?
Indoor and infrared single saunas generally need a floor area of around 90cm to 130cm wide, while compact outdoor cabins typically require a base of roughly 1.7m x 1.2m, plus clearance for the door and maintenance access.
Is an infrared or traditional single sauna better?
This depends on preference. Infrared single saunas heat the body directly at lower temperatures and tend to be more energy-efficient, while traditional single saunas use higher ambient heat for a more intense, steam-based session.
Can I install a single sauna myself?
Many single saunas are designed for straightforward flat-pack assembly. The final electrical connection must always be completed by a qualified electrician, regardless of whether the cabin itself is self-assembled.
How much does it cost to run a single sauna in the UK?
Running costs depend on heater type and session length, but a compact single sauna is generally the cheapest format to run, since a smaller heater and smaller air volume both reduce the electricity used per session compared with a multi-person cabin.
Let customers speak for us
Natalie Allison
So pleased with our Camille cube sauna
Really pleased with my Camille cube sauna. I did lots of research before purchasing and Heracles came out top. Evem our beach sauna guy sang their praises. Keith and team were great, moving delivery date when I wasn't ready and with lots of advice during our build. Though I had my own joiner I would recommend using their installation team as they have the expertise. We are so happy with the purchase and look forward to enjoying the benefits for many years to come.
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
Steve Daniel
Honest Review…..and its Big Yes from me
The only way to truly rate a product is by considering the whole process start to finish and I will say with all honesty, that I found the information before hand and the purchasing process very satisfying. It certainly helped that the web page was extremely thorough so there was no doubt about what you were receiving.
The delivery was seamless on a date of my choice, and the team of fitters who turned up shortly afterwards, were very polite and friendly. I had concerns over freshly laid grass but I need not have worried. They laid a ground sheet and worked precisely and efficiently to a finish about 4hrs later. Although they left the waste, it was left tidily and made disposing of it a simple task. A real pleasure to deal with tradesmen who clearly enjoyed their work and did it with an old fashioned ethic.
I’ve since treated the outside of the sauna but not the inside so I’m yet to use it but it blends wonderfully in with my garden.
On a final note, I reviewed and researched garden saunas for a long time before deciding that Herecles ticked all my boxes. The materials used plus the extras made it stand out from the crowd and I can honestly say that the reality certainly matched the hype.
Camilla Mini 2 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
Calum Smith
New Garden Sauna
Our Camilla 3-4 person suana does exactly as stated on the box. It heats up quickly and you can get in after about 20 min although 30 allows it to reach the temperature we like. I built it myself and found that it went together relatively easily. You have to be a bit careful with the thermowood as it is very brittle and when interlocking the ends can sometimes split away but this is not a real issue if you are careful with it.
I had my local electrician wire up the heater and again that was a relatively simple job.
We have only had two people in it to date but more than enough room for 3 or 4.
Bought a cheap and cheerful cold water plunge pool and works well with the sauna.
Overall very pleased and would recommend one if you are looking at a simple set up for your garden.
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
Neil Martin
Superb in every way!
They say ‘happy wife, happy life’. Well I can vouch for that, we are both extremely happy with our latest addition to home set-up.
From the beginning the sauna was easy to purchase and get delivered (with in a couple of weeks due to stock levels). I had to hand ball off the lorry as the pallet it comes in was too big for the tail lift but that’s about the most difficult part of the whole process.
Instructions were fairly straightforward though I am a builder so have experience in this sort of thing. But most handy DIYers will find this easy enough to build.
If you plan in the time to paint various woods at different stages of the build it will help. i.e paint interior wall and benches prior to fitting the benches makes its easier to reach those otherwise hard to reach places.
The guys sent a really great link with electrical details needed for your electrician so you can prep ahead of time and get materials in place for their arrival. Think it took my guy about three hours to hook it up.
Quality of the thermo wood is excellent keeps the heat in really well. The Heater is easy to operate and within 20mins it’s ready to jump in. Max heat will in time reach 90+degrees which is too hot for me.
Already have friends and family asking about it.
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
Dean Wilde
Amazing product, exceptional service
The quality of the black cube sauna really is top notch, from the roof shingles to the heater every component is quality.
Delivery was perfect, on time and professional. The driver contacted me on route with an ETA and went out of his way to help me get the large pallet into my garage.
I chose to build the sauna myself which was relatively straightforward and quite enjoyable. The construction guide was comprehensive and easy to follow.
We use our new sausa almost every day and couldn't be happier.
Would certainly recommend Heracles and the black cube to anyone considering an outdoor sauna.
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
Jemma
Fabulous Sauna
We are delighted with our sauna. Ordering was easy and we opted for the install option too. Make sure you use electricians willing to ask for advice from the Heracles team if needed as that supports a smooth installation. Really happy that we chose Heracles. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality product that does the job beautifully.
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
CSB
Superb!
We have now had our Leil 5 Person Sauna with Changing Room running for a few weeks - and absolutely love it. If you want very good quality and excellent service, then absolutely use Heracles. Friendly, efficient & helpful advice all the way through the process. And they ARE right about using one of their recommended electricians unless yours has done saunas before!! We used the install service - which was also perfect - and all the recommended oils (which by the way is not a quick job!). Even had some left over wood which we have used to make the outdoor shower. HUUM heater; good tip from installers - wash stones before put in basket as they have black 'dust'. And HUUM have just released a new app thank goodness as old one rubbish. Thank you Keith and team; very happy customers.
Leil® Patio M 5 Person Outdoor Sauna with Changing Room
Robin
Our sauna cabin sanctuary: quality & contentment!
For years I have enjoyed the health benefits of a regular sauna - choosing to install a glazed steam shower in our urban apartment more than a decade ago.
Frequent and extensive travels into Finland, exploring the Arctic north, confirmed our dedication to therapeutic steam (and ice plunges)!
Having relocated to a rural setting, it was time - at last - for a sauna cabin in the garden.
Thorough research confirmed the quality of the Leil range and the perfect option, for us, of the "round cube double" - an elegant, robust, thermowood construction with ample space as you enter through the separate changing room onwards into the beautifully benched and glazed interior.
The Leil "round cube double" is offered with a range of upgrades, sauna heaters and lights. We chose to keep it simple: just the glazed cabin, to suit our rural setting. However, we did opt for the larger 2.6m size, so that the benches are sufficient for those over 6' to enjoy a full horizontal stretch!
From start to finish, the Heracles Wellness team offered reliable expert advice and communication, as well as very helpful liaison during the delivery and construction phase. I wanted a quality product, but I also needed quality customer care for a complex delivery and technical installation.
The installation - organised by Heracles Wellness - was completed to schedule with real attention to detail: the team of carpenters had extensive experience with sauna construction, including the Leil range.
It was very clear what was included 'in the price' and what we needed to complete ourselves after installation: the electrical connection, interior wall and bench treatments must be completed before first use.
As we await those final stages - and the first sauna in the new cabin - the Leil "round cube double" has already become an exceptional sauna cabin sanctuary: quality and contentment!
Leil® Round Cube Double Outdoor Sauna with Changing Room 5-6 Person
Vin
Amazing service from a wonderful team, awesome product
Couldn't be happier with our experience with the entire Heracles Wellness team, specially Abdullah and Keith. They were available to answer any queries and give advice all along the way, and their installers did a fabulous job too. The product itself is amazing, and we have been really enjoying it. Highly recommended!
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
George Gray
Exceptional service and awesome sauna
From initial inquiry to delivery everything was taken care of, late evening what’s app to solve a problem our end with electrics. I can highly recommend
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
Julie K.
We are thrilled with our sauna
We couldn’t be more pleased with our Camilla Traditional sauna kit. From start to finish Keith & Abdullah have been so helpful. The sauna has exceeded our expectations. The wood is beautiful quality. The Harvia heater heats the sauna really quickly. The installation was hassle free - we paid the additional fee for installation & Heracles arranged this for us. Communication has been excellent throughout. We shopped around before choosing Heracles. Heracles were cheaper than any of the other companies that we looked at & we consider the Camilla kit to be great value for such a high quality product. We are completely satisfied.
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
Aditi
Amazing sauna accompanied by a brilliant service
I had done a lot of research before purchasing that sauna, looking for one that offer the right health benefits by having the right wood a sauna should have to conserve heat along with the best heater (Harvia) whilst still being value for money. The reviews gave me confidence after knowing the specifications aligned with what I wanted and I couldn’t be happier with having made the purchase. The service was brilliant, all my questions answered imminently , Abdullah was very patient and accommodating especially when getting the sauna installed and the electrics arranged by our own electrician. We paid extra for the sauna to be built and treated and the team were so professional and hard working doing an excellent job. Worth the money spent once again and would definitely recommend !
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
Tom Firmin
Amazing bit of kit alongside great customer service
Really pleased with the build quality of my Camilla sauna unit, it looks great particularly after applying necessary external and internal oil. Keith and team customer service and communication could not have been better, and Keith helped explain I could put heater on the left hand side of the sauna (as I enter) to help the electrician wire up to adjacent shed unit. Highly recommend.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna 3-4 Person
Fred Blunden
So happy with my sauna!
After researching several different companies selling saunas, I was very happy to come across Heracles Wellness. I phoned them to ask some questions and they were very helpful in answering all my queries. I then decided to purchase the Insignia Hybrid Sauna.
A delivery date was set and the sauna was delivered as arranged with no problems.
With the help of a friend, we built the sauna and our electrician connected all the electrics up.
I have used the sauna a few times since it’s been up and running and I am very pleased with it as I have Parkinson’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis so hoping it helps alleviate pain and aching.
I would thoroughly recommend the company if you are looking for an excellent quality product and very good customer service.
Insignia Hybrid Infrared and Traditional 2 Person Outdoor Sauna
Charlie Mitchell
Fantastic sauna backed up by second to none customer service
We couldn't be more happy with this purchase! Recommended by another happy customer we know, customer service has been great from start to finish. Easy to contact someone and arrange delivery as well as a couple of questions during installation and optimising how we use it. The quality of the product is also great and gives a great sauna experience.
Camilla 3–4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit
What customers think about the store
Store specializes in premium saunas and hot tubs with exceptional customer service throughout purchasing, delivery, and installation. Customers praise responsive support from Keith and team, professional installers, competitive pricing, high-quality materials,...
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