TikTokers Say This Outdoor Sauna Is Worth Buying, But Does It Bring The Heat?
Sitting in a small room that reaches more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit might sound like a nightmare — one where you're trapped in an oven or lost in the desert. But it can actually be a relaxing time that has mental and physical health benefits. We're talking about a wet sauna, also known as a steam room. The only thing better than enjoying the sauna at a spa is having one at your residence. An at-home sauna is the pinnacle of luxury and one is going viral on TikTok. The SmartSteam Kit from SaunaBox has social media users talking, but at $450, is it worth buying?
For budget-conscious shoppers who want the luxury of an at-home sauna, the viral product can be a game-changer. It is a great solution if you don't want to spend thousands on a permanent steam room or build a DIY outdoor sauna. However, if a quality product that adds visual appeal and value to your space is the goal, this might not be the product for you.
Expect high temperatures with this at-home sauna
For avid sauna users, SaunaBox's SmartSteam Kit can be a worthwhile purchase. You get the advantage of an at-home steam room without breaking the bank. It is easy to assemble, much like setting up a tent. You can build it on your balcony, garage, or backyard. It is safe to use indoors and out, but a water-resistant area with lots of ventilation is best. Further, the product is renter-friendly and portable. After your sweat session, let the unit air dry and you can pack it up or leave it assembled for easy use next time.
TikTok users reported that the SmartSteam Kit did in fact work. Just a few minutes inside the sauna was all it took for the sweat to pour. It comes with a foldable chair and a microfiber towel to enhance your time inside. Once you zip yourself in, you can have a private time to breathe in the steam and relax. SaunaBox's SmartSteam Kit can be a great way to add a spa-like element in your home or create a wellness yard on a budget. However, there are a few things to watch out for before you spend almost $500.
You get what you pay for
Although there are many pros to this product, it's not the highest-quality or best at-home sauna you can set up yourself. Some customers complained about defective products with ripped linings and broken support rods. They also shared that SaunaBox's customer service wasn't the most accommodating, taking several weeks for responses and replacement parts. Another major complaint was that water would collect inside the sauna and soak the floor. The flooring is lined with a waterproof mat, but the flooding does restrict using the product indoors.
The sauna also has limited space. The compact size helps fill the room quickly with steam so you can start sweating, but if you're sitting on the chair inside, there's very little leg room. Further, despite being BPA-free and compliant with chemical authority's REACH and RoHS, users did experience off-gassing, where the sauna released unpleasant odors during the first few uses. If you get a product in good condition, and don't mind the small space or temporary odor, the SmartSteam Kit can be an excellent way to enjoy a steamy time without sweating the high price of traditional saunas.