Plunge Sauna Review

I’m a true believer in the health benefits of regular sauna bathing, and I’ve owned, tested and reviewed sauna cabins across a wide range of types, sizes and price points. The Plunge Sauna is different from any other sauna I’ve set foot in, and it offers some notable advantages compared to other options on the market.

Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to note that one of the most critical aspects of any sauna is its ability to transfer heat into your body, either via convection (traditional saunas) or by using radiation (infrared saunas). For traditional saunas, that means the air inside the cabin has to reach at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective — which is something most traditional saunas on the market can accomplish. 

However, maximum temperature isn’t the only factor you should consider when shopping for a sauna. In fact, I’d argue that the ergonomics inside the sauna can mean the difference between making sauna bathing a regular part of your wellness routine and using it for a few weeks and then never again. 

Ergonomics is where the Plunge Sauna shines, among a few other key attributes: 

• The angled backrest ensures unparalleled comfort and feels so much better than the vertical or rounded backrests found in most other sauna cabins and barrel saunas.
• The Plunge Sauna is available in several sizes so you can find the right one based on your space and requirements.
• The two benches at different heights make it easy for both experienced and less-experienced sauna bathers (who might be less heat tolerant) to enjoy a session together. (The higher bench is hotter.)
• The lower bench of foldable, and folding it up creates enough space for yoga or light exercise. The largest model of the Plunge Sauna can even accommodate a stationary bike for exercising.
• The high-quality HUUM heater with external controls and mobile app integration ensure the sauna is ready on demand.
• I love the premium materials Plunge used for this sauna, including clear cedar on the interior and Japanese cedar on the exterior, which ensures the cabin can withstand the elements if you choose to use it outdoors.

Starting at just under $10,000, the Plunge Sauna is relatively expensive. And let’s be clear: you don’t have to spend that much money to get a sauna system that will deliver the health benefits of heat therapy. But it’s one of the best saunas I’ve tested, and I think it’s worth the investment for those who are serious about heat therapy and who have the necessary space.

Why the Plunge Sauna Stands Out

I’ve been a Plunge customer and fan since 2021, when I purchased my first-generation Plunge tub. Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to their high-quality products. So I was thrilled when I learned that Plunge was working on a sauna, and I was offered the opportunity to visit the company’s headquarters to try it out. 

We have several saunas on our homestead, including a full-spectrum infrared sauna from Sunlighten, a traditional barrel sauna from Redwood Outdoors, a wood-fired Sweat Tent and various one-person saunas from Sunlighten and SaunaBox. 

It didn’t take long to realize that the Plunge Sauna is better in certain areas than any other sauna I’ve set foot in.

The Angled Backrest Redefines Sauna Comfort

Arguably the biggest selling point of the Plunge Sauna is its angled backrest, which enables you to maintain a natural and relaxing position during your session. Our Sunlighten mPulse full-spectrum infrared sauna has a straight backrest, our Redwood Outdoors barrel sauna has a curved backrest, and our Sweat Tent has just a bench with no backrest at all.

While none of those saunas are uncomfortable to sit in for 20-45 minutes, the Plunge sauna is noticeably more comfortable, facilitating full relaxation.

The Foldable Dual Bench Allows for Personalized Heat Exposure

Everyone’s heat sensitivity is different, and if you want to enjoy a sauna session with your spouse or with friends, finding an appropriate temperature that works for everyone can be challenging.

Plunge solved that problem by adding two benches at different heights. So, if you’re a seasoned sauna bather and can handle temperatures in excess of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, use the upper bench. Otherwise, stay on the lower bench. 

Based on my experience and testing in various saunas, the temp difference between the air close to the ceiling vs. the lower abdomen/leg area can be 20-40 Fahrenheit.

One advantage of the lower bench in the two larger sauna models (see below) is that you can fold it up when not in use. That way, you can create additional space for stretching, hot yoga or, if you go with the larger sauna, even kettlebell swings or an Assault Bike session.

The HUUM Heater Provides Superior Heat Control

To achieve the desired health benefits of sauna bathing, introducing your body to the required level of heat stress is crucial. In other words, when using a traditional sauna (as opposed to an infrared sauna, like the mPulse) you need a heater that’s capable of raising the temperature inside the sauna cabin to at least 180° F.

Plunge leverages premium HUUM heaters that can be dialed up to between 200 and 230° F, depending on the model you choose. That’s plenty hot enough to trigger an appropriate heat stress response in even the most seasoned sauna enthusiasts.

It’s worth noting that the HUUM heater comes with enough sauna rocks (for pouring water over) to dramatically crank up the humidity inside the sauna.

Hot steam increases the perceived temperature and reduces the ability of your sweat to help you cool down, thus making it feel more intense. The moist air also increases heat transfer on the skin. Coincidentally, the same heat transfer must affect the thermometer, because every time we pour water over the sauna rocks, the temp on the thermometer increases a bit.

Not all the saunas I’ve tested give you this level of humidity control. The Sweat Tent, for example, has a much smaller volume of rocks, so you’re never able to get the humidity to the same level as with the Plunge Sauna.

It Has Quality Craftsmanship and Aesthetic Appeal

I consider a sauna an investment in my health, and I expect that investment to last for many years. That’s why it’s important to choose the appropriate building materials, depending on where you want to set up your sauna.

If you want to use your sauna outdoors, it should be made from wood that’s not prone to rotting. Arguably the best type of wood for outdoor use is cedar, thanks to its natural rot resistance. 

The Plunge Sauna features aromatic Japanese cedar on the exterior, prized for its natural weather resistance and rich, rustic appearance, making it perfect for outdoor use. Inside, the clear cedar offers a smooth, knot-free finish that resists cracking under high heat, creating a comfortable and luxurious sauna experience.

Of course, if you plan on using your sauna inside a building, you can get away with a sauna made from cheaper and less rot-resistant woods.

From an aesthetic perspective, the Plunge Sauna looks sleek, in part due to the high quality wood but also the angled backrest. As a result, I think it fits nicely into any environment.

Controlling the Sauna Is Easy

I don’t believe you need WiFi connectivity to get the most out of your sauna session, but I should mention that the HUUM heaters are WiFi enabled and come with a mobile app you can use to control them. For example, you can schedule sauna sessions or preheat the sauna from the comfort of your living room.

If you don’t want to use your phone, you can also use the built-in control unit, conveniently located on the outside of the sauna. 

All the saunas I own have a control panel on the inside, and while that might sound convenient, it’s actually the opposite. 

I’ve had it happen more often than I care to admit that I’ve pre-heated a sauna but then didn’t get a chance to jump in before the heater turned off. So I had to open the door and restart the heater, letting cold air into the cabin and prolonging the time I had to wait to get in. 

That’s why I prefer the controls on the outside. 

Size Options

As of this writing, the Plunge Sauna is available in three sizes: 

As far as placement is concerned, I recommend an outdoor space where ventilation isn’t an issue. If you decide to use the sauna indoors, carefully think about how to address ventilation. It’s not just about exhausting the humid air, but allowing for enough make up air to enter the room. 

Without going into the details of HVAC design and building science, you should know that ventilation isn’t just about exhausting air to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Whatever air volume you exhaust, you need to resupply. Without a dedicated mechanism to provide make up air, you end up under pressurizing the room and causing unconditioned (and potentially contaminated) air to be pulled in from the exterior, the attic, a crawl space or other spaces.

Cost, Value and Discount Code

Let’s be honest: the Plunge Sauna is priced on the higher end of what most people are willing and able to spend. However, if you have the necessary funds to invest into a high-end sauna that has all the bells and whistles, the Plunge Sauna is an excellent choice.

For those of you who have the space and over $10,000 to spend on a sauna cabin, I’d recommend skipping the Sauna Mini and opting for the larger Sauna instead, because you’ll get plenty of room to stretch out, as well as the foldable bench and the better heater. 

Shop Plunge Sauna

If you decide to invest in the Plunge Sauna, make sure to use code MICHAELKUMMER to get 3% off your purchase. That takes over $300 off the MSRP. 

Final Verdict: A Premium Sauna for Serious Enthusiasts

You don’t have to spend over 10 grand on a sauna to get all the benefits the ancient wellness practice has to offer. You could invest as little as $1,500 on something like the Sweat Tent without sacrificing on health benefits. 

However, if you have the spare change and want the absolute best sauna experience, the Plunge Sauna is hard to beat. I certainly enjoyed the time I spent inside the unit and have no reservations recommending it to anyone with the necessary budget.

If that’s you, don’t forget to also think about a matching cold plunge because cold water immersion has always been a critical part of sauna culture. 

Do you currently own a sauna or are you in the market for one? Let me know what you’re looking for and what you think about the Plunge Sauna by leaving a comment below.

Michael Kummer

Michael Kummer is a healthy living enthusiast and CrossFit athlete whose goal is to help people achieve optimal health by bridging the gap between ancestral living and the demands of modern society.