Thermory Barrel Sauna Alternatives: 5 Barrels Built to Last

We used to carry Thermory barrel saunas, and we still get asked about them. We no longer sell Thermory, so below we cover what sets them apart, and then five barrel saunas we sell that are built to the same standard.

Thermory, A Scandinavian Mainstay

While it's almost a household name in Scandinavia, Thermory is relatively new to the U.S. market, and to saunas in general. Primarily focusing on extremely high quality thermally modified wood, and based out of Estonia, Thermory originally focused on siding and decks for high end luxury homes. Turning their attention to barrel saunas, Thermory has taken the same wood and thermal modification process and applied it to the thousands year old tradition of sauna bathing. Hey, if it's good enough for the side of a high end home or deck, it's gotta be good enough for a sauna, right? Built to stand up to the frigid Scandinavian winters, Thermory's thermal modification process has proved to be a perfect match for outdoor barrel saunas.

So what is thermally modified wood, anyways?

Barrel Saunas Made From Thermally Modified Wood

Thermory starts with high quality knotty Nordic Spruce that's been sustainably harvested and produced, and is specifically suited for the rigors of regular sauna use. They then heat and steam the wood up to over four hundred degrees fahrenheit. That's basically like putting it into an oven with a batch of cookies! The heat completely modifies the wood by reducing the impurities and leaves a much denser board free of pores or weak spots. This process significantly reduces the chance of mold, rot or bowing. The steam that accompanies the heat during the modification process also gives Thermory complete control over the shape of the board and creates a board far stronger than one that has not been thermally modified. Isn't it sounding more and more like thermally modified wood and barrel saunas are a match made in heaven? Yep!

The thermal modification process on these barrel saunas also leaves a deeper, richer, more beautiful board that highlights the knots in the wood and looks much more luxurious and high end.

The type of wood used in the thermal modification process makes a massive difference as well. Instead of using cedar or hemlock, which can become rough and less attractive over time, Thermory uses Nordic Spruce, which holds together and keeps its color and touch throughout the life of the barrel sauna.

Thermory Barrel Saunas Last Longer

Over time and lots of use all barrel saunas will eventually need to be fixed or replaced. With their thermally modified Nordic Spruce, Thermory rates its barrel saunas to last 25+ years with regular use. Water resistant (although we advise you use the provided rain jacket), rot and mold resistant and more durable than standard cedar or hemlock used in barrel saunas, Thermory barrel saunas give your sauna and your dollars a much longer lifespan.

A Luxurious Barrel Sauna

Barrel saunas have grown in popularity over the last few years, and with that many different versions have popped up. Some are more affordable, made from hemlock and use an inexpensive heater. But some have the overwhelming sensation of stepping into a luxury spa. With its distinctive knotty Nordic Spruce, panoramic window to look out and reflect during your sauna, and Huum Drop heater with WiFi controls, the Thermory Barrel Sauna is a true luxury sauna.

Built For The Huum Drop Electric Sauna Heater

Thermory designed their barrel saunas with the 9kW Huum Drop Electric Sauna Heater with WiFi control in mind. The Huum Drop sauna heater fits perfectly below the panoramic window and can heat the barrel sauna up to 200 degrees! With its gorgeous "basket of stones" aesthetic, the Huum Drop heater adds to the luxurious feel of the barrel sauna.

Use the Huum App on your phone to turn your sauna heater on or off, or adjust the temperature. You can be anywhere in the world to control your barrel sauna.

4 Person Or 6 Person Barrel Sauna

Thermory Barrel Saunas come in a few different sizes, and with a couple of options. You can choose the larger barrel sauna with or without a panoramic window and a porch. The addition of the porch takes the barrel sauna from a 6 person down to a four person, but adds on a couple of seats on the outside porch. This is perfect for taking breaks during long sauna sessions. You can still have 6 people in a sauna session, but you would need to rotate who's out on the porch and who's in the sauna. If you skip the porch then the barrel sauna fits up to 6 people very comfortably.

The large barrel saunas have a diameter of 7'3", or about a foot larger than your standard barrel sauna, and are great for stretching or yoga.

The Thermory 50 Series barrel saunas are a smaller version and comfortably hold 2-4 people. With a diameter of 6'3" the 50 Series comes in three different lengths: 7'3", 5'10" or 4'9". Each comes with the option of a panoramic window, but the 50 Series barrel sauna does not come with an optional porch.

5 Thermory Alternatives We Sell

If thermally modified wood is what drew you to Thermory, start with the SaunaLife E-Series. If you're open to cedar, there are good options at every size.

1. Closest Match: SaunaLife E-Series

The SaunaLife E-Series is built from thermally modified Nordic spruce, the same type of wood that made Thermory's name, with ergonomic benches made from thermally modified aspen. The E8 holds six people in a 6'5" diameter barrel, the E7 holds four, and the E6 holds two. Prefer more glass? Look at the E8W, E8G, E7W, E7G and E6W. See all SaunaLife barrel saunas.

2. Thermally Modified + Infrared: Finnmark FD-7 Thermo-Aspen

The Finnmark FD-7 is built from thermally modified aspen and heats with five full spectrum infrared panels that plug into a standard outlet, reaching 170°F. A traditional heater can be added.

3. If You Wanted the Porch: Dundalk Tranquility 6-Person

Thermory's porch model was a favorite. The Dundalk Tranquility has the same idea: a six-person barrel with a small two-seat porch for cool-down breaks. It's built in Canada from solid Eastern white cedar.

4. Made in Idaho: Baldy Barrel Sauna

The Baldy Barrel Sauna is built in Idaho from regionally sourced Western red cedar and comes with a Harvia Kip heater. A HUUM heater upgrade is available.

5. Best Value Cedar: Golden Designs Klosters 6-Person

The Golden Designs Klosters is a six-person Pacific cedar barrel with an 8kW Harvia heater included, at $6,999.

Browse all barrel saunas.

FAQs

Does Sun Valley Saunas still sell Thermory?

No. We no longer carry Thermory barrel saunas. The SaunaLife E-Series is the closest match we sell.

Is thermally modified wood better than cedar?

They solve the same problem in different ways. Thermal modification makes wood denser and more resistant to rot and warping. Cedar resists rot naturally and has the classic sauna aroma. Both hold up well outdoors.

Can I use a HUUM Drop heater in these saunas?

Many traditional barrels can take a HUUM Drop. Heater size depends on the sauna's interior volume, so check our heater size calculator or call us before you order.

What does a barrel sauna cost all in?

Most barrels we sell run $5,000 to $10,000 before installation. Our home sauna cost guide covers heaters, electrical and installation.

Which Thermory alternative is best for a big family?

The SaunaLife E8 and the Dundalk Tranquility both seat six. Choose the E8 for thermally modified wood, or the Tranquility if you want a porch.

Deciding which sauna to get is a tough decision so feel free to give us a call and talk to one of our sauna experts. We're happy to help!

Wes, Founder, Sun Valley Saunas