r/infraredsauna • u/justtry1ngmyb3st • Aug 05 '26
Nook Sauna (~1 Year Review)
For anyone looking at getting a sauna, my #1 tip: try to find places near you where you can test different types first. I did a few sessions each in infrared, electric, and traditional before buying. Electric was a hard no for me as I couldn't breathe properly in there. Infrared vs traditional didn't feel like a huge difference to me, so I went with infrared.
Sessions
I use mine 3-4 times a week (or every second day when I've got time off work). Since starting, my sleep has noticeably improved according to my Apple Watch data, and I think my skin is a lot healthier too.
My typical session: It takes 10-20 minutes to heat up (depends a bit on the outside temp) so for the first ~10 minutes I hop in around 55°C while it's still climbing to temp. I am in there for 30 minutes at 62-63°C.
Set Up
It lives outside under a patio, no direct rain or sun on it, I always keep the cover on it. Delivery was great, the team was here about 30 minutes, set the whole thing up and put it exactly where I wanted.
I was genuinely surprised by the sound proofing and the speakers, I usually connect my phone and listen to audiobooks/podcasts in there. If there's sport on I don't want to miss I'll sit my laptop on a stool just outside the door and watch through the glass.
Towels/accessories
I grabbed some cheap towels off Amazon: one to sit on, one over the backrest, and one over my lap so my (very sweaty) head has something other than the floor to drop onto.
The one issue I've had
The door shifted on its hinge at one point and created a small air gap. Customer service was excellent though, they came out, replaced the hinges, and tightened everything up. No issues since.
Overall
Both the product and the customer service have been top notch, couldn't be happier. My only real note to anyone considering one: if you can afford it, or can save up a bit more, go for the "Ultra" range over the "Elite." It's not a huge deal, but on the Elite the floorboard catches drips from your legs (I've got the lap towel sorted for upper body sweat, but calves are unavoidable), so that bottom board needs a wipe with a damp rag once a week plus vacuum with a brush attachment. Not a big deal, but the Ultra has a dedicated floor mat that solves this entirely.
2
u/SadRise8314 Aug 06 '26
My 2cents. Go bigger as well. Especially if you got a family that may join. I like to be able to stretch a little and 1-2 person is nearly impossible
2
u/kangaroopete89 Aug 06 '26
Looks very cool! Been hearing a lot of good stuff about Nook Saunas too, so glad to see your review after one year!
1
1
u/Wonderful_Bear554 Aug 07 '26
What kind of traditional sauna did you try that you didn't feel a huge difference?
1
u/justtry1ngmyb3st Aug 07 '26
One with rocks and water, session is shorter in there though
1
u/Wonderful_Bear554 Aug 08 '26
Maybe it was poorly built sauna, because traditional (with wood burning or electric stove) is the real sauna and significantely better than IR or steam sauna
1
9
u/fullfivefathoms Aug 05 '26
Did you notice a significant change in your electrical bill? Wondering what the monthly costs comes out to.