Costco Sauna: Is It Worth Buying One There?

Costco's sauna category covers both infrared and traditional saunas. The selection is a few listings at a time and changes through the year.

The sticker price is only part of the cost. You also pay for the electrical work and the base, and neither changes with the store.

What to check on a Costco sauna listing

• Whether the heater is included, and its size. Put the inside dimensions into the heater size calculator and confirm the listed heater is in range.
• 120V or 240V. A traditional heater in the 6 to 8 kW range runs on 240V. One Harvia 6 kW package lists a 30-amp breaker and #10 copper wire; the 8 kW lists 40 amps and #8 wire. If you have no 240V circuit where the sauna goes, you need an electrician. See the electrical guide.
• Who makes it. Search the model name on the maker's own site for the full spec sheet and warranty terms, which a retail listing can leave out.
• The base. A barrel sauna needs a flat, level surface that drains: a concrete pad, pavers on compacted gravel, or a strong deck.
• Returns. Read the listing's terms for large delivered items before you assume the usual Costco return policy covers a kit you have already assembled.

What the same money buys direct

These are entry prices on the makers' own stores on the day I checked. The Almost Heaven price includes a heater. The Redwood Outdoors price is the cabin only; you choose a heater on top.

Costco barrel saunas

For a Costco barrel sauna, check three things on the listing: whether a heater is included and its kW, the number of people, and whether a floor kit comes with it. Then compare with the makers direct. Almost Heaven's 2 person Salem is $4,485 with a 6 kW Harvia heater; Redwood Outdoors' 6 person barrel is $5,299 for the cabin, or $6,494 with Redwood's KIP 6 kW package. If the Costco price is not clearly below those once the heater is counted, buy direct. More in the barrel sauna guide and the Almost Heaven review.

Costco infrared saunas

Small indoor infrared cabins are the one type where buying mostly on price makes sense. Many run on a regular 120V circuit. The Sun Home Solstice 2, for example, lists 120V and 2,006 watts on its own 20-amp circuit with a NEMA 5-20 outlet, so there is no 240V run and no slab. If a Costco infrared unit has a similar spec and you have a dedicated 20-amp circuit in the room, most of the extra costs go away. See infrared vs traditional for what you give up.

For a Costco infrared sauna, compare it with the major brands' 2 person cabins on their own stores: Sunlighten Signature II at $5,499, Sun Home Solstice 2 at $6,199. Check that the listing states the circuit it needs. The best infrared sauna list has more.