What are the advantages and disadvantages of a portable steam sauna? The main advantages are portability, easy storage, excellent results, and price.
And, the main disadvantages are its one-person design, repeated assembly, and high humidity (wet heat). Below we take a closer look at portable steam sauna pros and cons.
PROS AND CONS OF PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA
What are the pros and cons of a portable steam sauna? Portable steam saunas are a great option for people that want to access steam heat therapy from home – but have limited space and are on a budget.
They achieve the same great results as a regular steam room sauna but are easier to install and operate. The main disadvantages of a portable steam sauna are that they are designed to accommodate just one person at a time. And, they need to be set up each time you want to use it.
ADVANTAGES OF A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA
What are the advantages of a portable steam sauna? Why are they so popular? And, are they a good fit for you and your home? Let’s take a look at portable steam sauna benefits.
HIGHLY PORTABLE
One of the key advantages of a portable steam sauna is that the unit is portable, as its name suggests. It can be folded up and transported anywhere you wish. The best portable steam saunas are easily folded up and can be taken on the road and reassembled anytime, anywhere.
NO PLUMBING NEEDED
Portable steam saunas do not require any plumbing. They are completely self-contained units. All you have to do is add water to the steam generator and plug it in. They are incredibly easy to set up and use. And, you won’t have to get a tradesman in to take care of the installation.
EASY STORAGE
They are a great solution for homes with limited space. Their compact size means they can be easily packed away and stored when they are not in use. Most portable steam saunas can be kept under a bed or in the bottom of a closet. Their compact size makes them a dream for easy storage.
ACCESS ANYTIME
One of the best benefits of a portable steam sauna is that you will have round-the-clock access to a steam session. You can quickly set up your steam tent and jump in anytime you wish. The convenience means you have access to relaxing steam therapy, anytime, without having to leave your home.
EASY TO USE
Another key benefit of portable steam sauna is their ease of use. They are incredibly easy to set up. All you need is some floor space, an electrical power supply, and some water. The steam chambers are assembled using a pole frame and tent structure. And, you’ll find you will have the whole thing set up in minutes. And, they are even easier to take back down and pack away.
STEAM FEELS GREAT
Another benefit of portable steam saunas is that the steam feels great against your skin. If you are a fan of steam rooms you will be familiar with how comforting and relaxing it feels to be enveloped in a cloak of warm steam. When you invest in a portable steam sauna you can enjoy this feeling at any time
RELIEVES NASAL CONGESTION
Hot steam is great for relieving nasal congestion. If you need some relief from a cold, head ache, or blocked nose just jump inside your steam sauna. The effects of the steam will quickly get to work and relieve that unpleasant bunged-up feeling.
ECONOMIC TO OPERATE
A great pro of portable steam saunas is that they are incredibly energy-efficient devices. They use a small steam generator device – much like a regular kettle. And the compact dimensions of the steam chamber mean there is very little room to be heated.
The space is small and requires much less steam compared to a regular steam room of greater dimensions – the type you’ll find at your local gym or spa. If you want to keep your energy bills down and save some hard-earned money, a portable steam sauna tent is a great choice.
GREAT RESULTS
Another advantage of a portable steam sauna is that they achieve the same results as a regular steam sauna. Although the dimensions are smaller you can expect all the same benefits you would experience in a full-sized steam room. You can use your portable device to relax, soothe tired muscles, and relieve minor aches and pains.
STEAM AT HOME
When you invest in a portable steam sauna you will be able to use it from the comfort of home. This means you won’t have to make trips to your local spa or gym complex to enjoy some quality steam time. And, an added advantage is you’ll be saving time and money by cutting down on journeys. There’ll be less travel, so you’ll have more time on your hands and a lower transport bill.
GREAT PRICE
A key advantage of portable steam sauna is its price. Portable steam saunas are much cheaper than regular steam rooms. Installing a traditional steam room in your home will cost anywhere between $5,000 – $6,000. A portable device costs just a small fraction of this price. And, even the best portable steam saunas cost less than $500.
READ NEXT
• BEST PORTABLE STEAM SAUNAS 2024
DISADVANTAGES OF A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA
What are the disadvantages of a portable steam sauna? There are some disadvantages of a portable steam tent you should be aware of – so you can decide if they are a good choice for your home.
ONE PERSON SET-UP
The majority of portable steam saunas are designed for single-person use. They can only be used by one person at a time. If you are looking for a steam sauna that can be used by more than one person at a time – then a portable steam sauna is not a good option for you. You will need to get a regular steam sauna.
REPEATED ASSEMBLY
Portable steam saunas have to be set up each time you want to use them – unless you have a space in your home to leave them standing, fully assembled, and ready to go. However, most people will want to pack it away when it’s not in use. And, this means you will have to assemble your portable steam sauna each time you want to use it.
WET HEAT
Steam rooms deliver wet, high-humidity heat. If you are not a fan of steam or wet heat then a steam room is not a good choice for you. If you are looking for a sauna that delivers dry heat – you should check out an infrared sauna tent. Steam rooms are high humidity. They heat your body using moisture in the form of steam.
NO DEDICATED PLACE
Portable steam saunas are designed to be assembled when needed and packed away when not in use. This means they do not require dedicated floor space in your home. If you want a steam sauna that has a dedicated floor space – you may prefer a regular steam sauna room.
AVOID LOW QUALITY DEVICES
Beware low quality portable steam sauna devices. Some of the products out there are made from low-quality materials and poor workmanship – especially the budget models. If you want something that’s going to last and not fall apart make sure you choose one of the Best Portable Steam Saunas.
SHOULD YOU BUY A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA?
Yes, you should buy a portable steam sauna if you want a cost-effective way of introducing hot steam therapy into your home. They come with many advantages that will appeal to many homeowners.
Portable steam saunas are incredibly easy to use and set up. And, you won’t need to get a plumber in to install the device.
They can be packed up and stored away when not in use, and then set up anytime you want to enjoy a steam session. And, they are available at a tiny fraction of the price of a regular steam room.
ARE PORTABLE SAUNAS ANY GOOD?
Yes, portable steam saunas are a great choice. Just make sure you get a good quality device and avoid cheap, badly built imitations. You can expect all the same results from a portable steam tent compared to a regular steam room.
They’re just more compact and much easier to set up and operate. If you are considering introducing steam heat therapy into your lifestyle – a portable steam sauna tent is an affordable and wise investment.
WHAT OTHER TYPES OF PORTABLE SAUNA ARE THERE?
There are three other types of portable sauna you can choose from and they all use infrared heat. Infrared heat is a dry heat unlike steam. It heats your body directly, without heating the air space around you.
If you want to find out more about the pros and cons of these portable sauna devices – take a look at our Infrared Sauna Blanket, Infrared Sauna Tent, and Infrared Heating Mat guides.
PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA PROS AND CONS FAQ
ARE PORTABLE STEAM SAUNAS ANY GOOD?
Yes, portable steam saunas are great. They are easy to use, much cheaper than full steam rooms, and achieve the same results. And, you can pack them up and store them away when not in use.
DO PORTABLE STEAM SAUNAS WORK?
Yes, portable steam saunas do work. Just make sure you get a good quality one. You can expect the same results from a portable steam saunas as you would get from sitting in a full-sized steam room.
HOW HOT DOES A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA GET?
A portable steam sauna gets steam using a small steam generator. The generator works in much the same way as a regular kettle. The steam is then fed through a tube and into the steam tent via a valve in the side of the sauna. A dispenser is used to prevent any direct contact with the steam.
HOW POWERFUL IS A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA?
Portable steam saunas vary in terms of power output. But a good portable steam sauna will generate approximately 1,500-1,600 watts of power. This creates plenty of steam to quickly fill the small steam tent and reach the temperatures needed.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN USE A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA?
Most portable steam saunas are designed to be used by one person. This means only one person can use them at any given time.
ARE PORTABLE STEAM SAUNAS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
No, portable steam saunas are not good for weight loss. You will not burn calories sitting in a steam sauna. You will lose water weight from sweating but this water must be replaced as soon as possible to prevent dehydration.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE A PORTABLE STEAM SAUNA?
You can use a portable steam sauna as often as you feel comfortable doing so. Some people enjoy using a steam sauna 4-5 times per week. But the best advice is not to use it more frequently than your body feels comfortable doing.
READ NEXT
• WHAT’S BETTER STEAM ROOM OR SAUNA – click here
• BEST INFRARED SAUNAS 2024 – click here
About the Author
JAKE RAOUL
• Sauna Specialist
Meet Jake, a man with a passion for sauna therapy. Jake’s background is in science and his passion is wellness and fitness. Growing up in Orlando Florida, Jake enrolled in Florida International University where he graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences.
As a young man, he worked in the spa and wellness center at the renowned Breakers Palm Beach luxury hotel. Here he developed his skills and understanding of client-centered wellness delivery. Upon graduating from Florida International University he took up a research position focusing on the application and practical effects of steam therapy.
His research has contributed to advancing the understanding of steam sauna therapy and how it can be applied in the occupational health environment. His work in this area has been officially recognized for its impact on the field.
Jake is a devoted fan of the Orlando Magic basketball team. When not working and advancing his research he enjoys attending games at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. He also likes to remain active in his local sports community and volunteers as a basketball coach for his local youth team.
With his background in scientific research and passion for wellness, Jake is a valuable addition to the Home Sauna Heaven writer’s team where he shares his knowledge and understanding of sauna therapy, steam sauna therapy, and how they can be used for best effect.
