A 3-person sauna hits that sweet spot—big enough to stretch out or share, but still space and energy efficient. Select Saunas brings you this curated selection of the best 3 person saunas, each one hand-crafted from solid wood, ergonomically designed for comfort, and tested for durability and performance.
3-Person Sauna
Types of 3-Person Saunas
Three person saunas are built for flexibility. Whether you're a couple wanting space to stretch out, a solo user who likes to lie down, or someone who hosts the occasional post-workout sweat session with a friend, a 3-person sauna is a great compromise.
As you choose the right 3-person capacity sauna for your home, you’ll have to decide what type of heating you want. You’ll also have the option of choosing an indoor or outdoor sauna, as well as the particular design you wish.
The type of sauna you choose is not just a matter of aesthetics. For instance, barrel saunas have exceptionally good convective airflow due to their curved walls while also being economical. Let’s see the main types of three-person models available.
3-Person Sauna Comparison Table
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Indoor |
Outdoor |
Infrared |
Traditional |
Hybrid |
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What to Consider When Buying a 3-Person Sauna
There’s more to good sauna design than just about looks. Airflow, heater placement, layout, materials, and proper sizing all play a role in how well a sauna actually performs.
Below are the key features to watch for, with insights from years of experience in using and testing saunas of all kinds, so you don’t have to.
Wood Type Matters (A Lot)
Look for Canadian Hemlock or Western Red Cedar. These are the gold standard for saunas. They resist warping, don’t splinter easily, and hold up well to heat cycles.
Cedar smells incredible, and naturally resists mold and mildew. If you can’t afford cedar, then pine and spruce also work so long as the sauna is built and maintained properly. Avoid plywood or “mixed wood blends” at all costs—they're cheaper, but they won’t age well.
Heating for a 3-Person Sauna
Like one and two-person capacity saunas, three-person saunas simply don’t have the same volume or airflow as larger cabins. This means clearances can get tight, so special considerations for safety and airflow must be made if you choose a traditional wood-burning or electric sauna heater.
If the heater’s too powerful or placed too close to seating, you risk hot spots, poor air circulation, and uneven convective heat flow. That’s why it’s important to buy properly engineered kits. Our three-person saunas meet sauna quality standards, with features such as:
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Reflective heat shields to enhance heat distribution and efficiency, ensuring consistent warmth throughout the sauna.
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Tempered glass doors to provide durability and safety, while allowing natural light to create an open, inviting atmosphere.
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Stainless steel fixtures that offer corrosion resistance and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
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Precision-fit wood paneling that ensures optimal insulation and structural integrity, maintaining consistent temperatures and energy efficiency.
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Ergonomic bench design with contoured seating to support proper posture and enhance relaxation during sessions.
Wall Thickness & Insulation
Thicker panels = better heat retention and less power draw. Look for natural, solid lumber construction as opposed to engineered wood to keep your sauna efficient and quiet. Poor insulation means more heat loss, longer warm-up times, and higher electric bills.
Bench Design: Ergonomics Count
You’ll thank yourself for choosing a sauna with contoured backrests or removable ergonomic supports. Some 3-person kits come with multi-level seating or footrests, which are super handy if you’re sharing the space or want varied heat exposure.
Setup & Power Requirements
Most infrared 3-person saunas plug into a standard 110–120V outlet, but always double-check. Most traditional saunas that use electric heaters will need a dedicated 15 or 20-amp circuit, which means a hardwired 220–240V connection that usually requires a professional electrician to install.
You should also consider door clearance, ventilation, and overall room layout. Make sure there’s enough space for the door to swing fully open without hitting walls or furniture.
Ventilation is key (especially for traditional saunas) to help regulate humidity and maintain good airflow. Even for infrared models, passive airflow keeps things feeling fresh after multiple sessions.
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Tip: Plan for at least 5–6 inches of clearance around the unit and don’t forget overhead space if you’re adding it to a lower-ceiling room like a basement. |
Added Features Worth Having in a 3-Person Sauna
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Chromotherapy lighting: some people find it helps with mood and relaxation.
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Bluetooth or aux audio: optional, but great if you like to zone out with music or guided meditations.
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Digital controls with timers: non-negotiable. Set-it-and-forget-it controls make daily use way more convenient.
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Glass doors: tempered glass adds a premium look and makes smaller rooms feel more open.
Sauna Financing for Flexible Payment Options
At Select Saunas, we make sauna ownership easier with flexible financing options, including 0% APR plans and eligibility for HSA/FSA wellness funds to purchase your sauna.
When you finance your sauna over time with Bread Pay™, you can split your purchase into predictable monthly installments, with clear terms and no hidden fees. Approval is quick, and the process is entirely online.
Alternatively, choose TruMed at checkout to purchase your sauna with your HSA or FSA fund. If you’re a veteran, first responder, or healthcare worker, be sure to check out our exclusive discounts—it’s our way of saying thank you for what you do.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to our sauna specialists for honest guides and tips. With a 30-day return policy, you can shop with confidence, and we can even help with installation if you need it.
