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The popularity of at-home wellness devices has skyrocketed in recent years. No more is this evident than by taking a look at portable sauna sales - and their availability, in general. In this SaunaBox SmartSteam kit review, we’ll take a look at one of the more popular alternatives for portable home saunas.
What’s been behind this explosive popularity, though? A quick Google search reveals emerging evidence linking sauna bathing and a reduction in the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, headache, the flu, and even mortality, in general[1].
While specific health benefits are a contentious topic, there’s no denying that saunas offer relaxation, and combined with cold plunges, they can strengthen the immune system[2].
Accessibility has always been an issue with sauna bathing; however, with the increased popularity of portable saunas, enthusiasts today have quite a few options to pick from. Let’s see if the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit is the right choice for you.
If you want to see alternative sauna options that were rated as the best in the market, check Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket, Sun Home Pod & Nurecover SaunaPro.
The SaunaBox SmartSteam portable steam sauna kit is a great middle-of-the-road alternative for anyone looking to get into saunas, as part of their longevity journey. The product is designed with portability in mind, and features 7 different heat levels. It includes a portable chair and a washable floor mat, making maintenance of the sauna a straightforward experience. That said, the SaunaBox will only fit 1 person at a time, and is one of the more humidity-intensive portable saunas on the market. See Better-Rated Saunas
To start things off, here’s a detailed breakdown of the most important features of the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit:
| Sauna Type | Portable |
| Best For | Beginner longevity enthusiasts |
| Price | From $534.26 |
| Dimensions | 74.5" x 35” x 35” / 188cm x 89cm x 89cm |
| Capacity | 1 person |
| Temperature | 130-140°F / 54-60°C |
| Time Settings | 0-60 minutes |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Material | Insulated tent, fiberglass frame |
| Power | 110V / 1600 Watts, 50-60Hz |
The SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro comes with:
A towel, a carrying case, essential oils - while it may not sound like much, these extra goodies are actually much appreciated. You won't find many sauna providers offering such extras, especially on the more affordable side of things.
Data is cool, but it seldom tells the full story about a product - the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit is no exception. Let’s take a closer look at this portable sauna, and see what the pros & cons are for any potential buyers.
What I will say right off the bat is that this sauna presents itself to be the perfect product for beginners in the longevity space. It's affordable, made out of high-quality materials, and is very easy to both fit into your apartment or house, as well as to carry around, if need be.
That being said, the sauna might not suit everyone, due to the intense heat + humidity. We'll talk about it in a minute, though - first, let's focus on the positives.
Now, we at Longeviters put a lot of care into researching the different wellness products out there. Judging by what we found out, as well as customer & expert reviews for the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit pro, the product in question features these benefits:
As I alluded to earlier, one of the bigger reasons why the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro is considered to be a great option for beginners in the longevity space is the price. Starting at $534.26, the product leans on the affordable side, providing a great entry into the world of portable saunas.
This leads to the next big benefit associated with the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit - it’s a portable sauna. While portability has been a buzzword in the sauna world for some time now, it’s widely known that not every product that claims this actually offers a reliable and - more importantly - convenient portable design.
In the age of digital nomads and a wellness-conscious generation, (ease of) portability is highly sought-after. It's one thing to be technically able to assemble and disassemble a product to transport it - it's a whole different story when you can take down a sauna in a few minutes, toss it into a bag, and take it on a road trip.
The SmartSteam kit Pro comes with a carrying case that you’ll be able to pack the sauna into, bar the heating unit.
While it may not be the easiest item to carry around, customer SaunaBox SmartSteam kit reviews note that the sauna can be used both indoors and outdoors, assuming that it’s protected from the elements in the latter scenario.
I mentioned this earlier, but this particular product is a ‘wet sauna’. This is notable for a few reasons. First of all, it’s going to get wet - and I mean, nearly 100% humidity levels of wet. The SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro comes with a washing machine-friendly floor mat, which, to be fair, is borderline mandatory for a sauna like this.
More and more experts claim the benefits of sauna bathing, including deeper sleep[3] and the aforementioned improved blood circulation. Wet saunas, specifically, are considered great for those looking to boost their respiratory health[4], and strengthen their immune systems.
A point that’s worth noting is that while the SmartSteam “only” goes up to 140°F / 60°C, the fact that it’s a wet sauna means that it’ll feel much hotter.
Lastly, among the most notable benefits of the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro is the fact that it features quite a few certifications. Specifically, the product is certified for:
ETL is an Electrical Testing Laboratories safety standard-proving certification. On the other hand, Simple Lab® certified SaunaBox SmartSteam portable steam sauna kit to be microplastics-free - a very notable certification, granted that you probably wouldn’t want to be breathing in microplastics while you’re sitting in the wet sauna.
The REACH certification is relevant to the European Union, and it essentially approves that no harmful chemicals were used in the production process of the SmartSteam sauna kit. OEKO-TEX refers to the SaunaBox GO tent, and that it’s void of harmful substances. Lastly, the ROHS certification is another nod towards the “restriction of hazardous substances” being used while manufacturing the product.
While the Pro kit comes equipped with a wide range of benefits (especially for a beginner longevity enthusiast), customer SaunaBox SmartSteam kit reviews highlight certain negative aspects, as well.
I've looked into it, and a lot of the criticisms thrown at the SmartSteam Pro kit (and SaunaBox, in general) appear to be valid. Namely, users aren’t happy with:
Earlier in this review for SaunaBox SmartSteam kit pro, I praised SaunaBox for being a wet sauna product - it’s true that this comes with a selection of specific benefits. However, as you might have figured by now, there are also a few shortcomings associated with the fact, with the biggest one being maintenance.
The SmartSteam kit will require strict maintenance after every use, specifically - cleaning the floor mat (washing it and letting it air-dry), wiping down the inside of the sauna tent, and letting it dry out. Failing to do so could result in bacteria and mold starting to form inside of your sauna.
The other common complaint that I’ve noticed during my research is very different from the first one, and has to do with the pricing + warranty of the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro. Customer claim that not even a year ago, the sauna would cost a bit over $300, and come with a 2-year warranty.
A quick glance at the product’s landing page on the SaunaBox official website will reveal that this is no longer the case. Even with the currently-present discount, the Pro Bundle will cost you $534.26 ($601.21 without the promotion), and it’ll only come with a 1-year warranty.
Note that SaunaBox is constantly updating the pricing of their products - be sure to check them out yourself, whenever you're reading this!
It’s unclear why SaunaBox made these changes, but they’re certainly worth keeping in mind before considering the purchase, especially seeing as there have been complaints floating online regarding the company’s customer support, as well (nothing major - just that the support can be unresponsive at times).
As you might imagine, it’s not uncommon for more affordable products to take shortcuts in the area of durability (i.e. the quality of the materials). I’m glad to say that, judging by customer reviews for SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro, SaunaBox doesn’t possess this issue - the sauna in question is well-designed, and also uses high-quality materials.
This is true for both the tent portion of the product, as well as the fiberglass frame. While you shouldn’t expect the end result to be able to take a heavy beating, or be super resistant to the elements, it still serves the purpose of being durable for everyday use.
The tent is made from 3 layers of materials - an outer shell of water-resistant Oxford fabric, a middle thermal insulation core layer, and an inner layer made with anti-microbial materials. The three layers are sewn together with reinforced seams to further enforce durability.
Portability is also kind of a given with the SmartSteam Pro. As I’ve mentioned earlier in my SaunaBox SmartSteam kit review, the sauna comes in a carrying case - you can pack it up without much issue, and throw it into the trunk of your car, together with the heating unit.
Setting up and using the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro is actually very straightforward, and can be boiled down into 3 simple steps:
Assemble the sauna;
Fill the heater;
Relax!
The assembly process shouldn’t take long - you don’t need any special tools for it, and as soon as you get the frame in place, you’ll be able to simply slip the tent on it.
Once the heating unit is full of water and turned on, it’ll take about 15 minutes for the steam to start pouring into the tent.
The heating unit should only be filled with distilled water!
From that point onwards, all you need to do is step inside of the sauna and enjoy! Once again, it’s all very beginner-friendly, and while the sauna lacks some advanced features, if you’re looking for a straightforward wet sauna experience, the SmartSteam Kit will provide you with just that.
Both customer SaunaBox SmartSteam kit reviews and the company itself state that the sauna can get up to around 140°F / 60°C. On paper, that doesn’t sound too hot (comparatively speaking), but since water has a higher heat capacity than air, the sauna will feel much hotter than that.
I want to elaborate on something I mentioned earlier - the sauna may elicit higher strains on the cardiovascular system. This is very important to keep in mind for anyone who’s suffering from a heart condition - if you have doubts about whether or not the SmartSteam kit would fit your longevity journey, it’s best to consult with a physician before committing to a purchase.
As of writing this SaunaBox SmartSteam kit review, there’s currently a promotion going on, both for the Pro kit, as well as two other packages from SaunaBox.
The Pro Bundle is the product that we’re discussing in this review. The Ultimate Recovery Bundle is actually the Pro kit, plus the PlungeBox XL.
Plunges play a huge role in furthering people’s longevity journey - they kind of go hand-in-hand with saunas. So, if you’re still looking for the best plunge, it might be a suitable option!
Lastly, the SaunaBox GO is a 2-person portable sauna with additional features and built-in app support.
On the topic of special offers, if you purchase the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit during the current ongoing promotion, you will also get a 1-month free BetterHelp subscription.
The Nurecover Tropic home sauna is a great alternative to SaunaBox - while it's a 1-person sauna, it comes with a lower price tag, too!
Now that you have a bit of a better idea of what the SmartSteam Pro kit is all about, it’s a good idea to place it side-by-side with some other popular alternatives, and see how they compare.
The Sunlighten Solo sauna is one of the more notable options for anyone looking to get into the portable sauna space. Comparison-wise, the two products in question are quite different - and thus, it’s likely that they’ll suit different types of longevity enthusiasts, as well.
As we’ve established up to this point in the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit review, this sauna is a solo, box-shaped option where you step in, sit on a foldable chair, and relax. In other words, it offers a more “traditional” sauna experience - getting in and out of it is a breeze, and you’re able to, say, scroll on your phone while you’re inside of it (although I wouldn't recommed it, if you want the battery of your mobile device to last).
The Sunlighten Solo sauna, on the other hand, is a product that envelopes you as you lie inside of it. If you can imagine an MRT scan machine, the Sunlighten kind of reminds me of that - just a much smaller, less scary, memory foam version of it. No terrifying sounds included, either.
This sauna comes in two pieces - a pad, and a dome-shaped top. Both work to heat every inch of your body, with 9 different heat settings to pick from.
On top of that, the Sunlighten is an infrared sauna - the heating comes from a set of electronic heaters built into the aforementioned dome and pad.
Finally, as far as major considerations go, pricing is probably going to be a big factor for which sauna it is that you decide to go with. While you could get the SaunaBox SmartSteam portable steam sauna kit for as low as $534.26, the Sunlighten sauna retails for $2699 - an over 5x more expensive option!
✨ Explore More: Sunlighten Solo sauna review
The SereneLife portable steam sauna is a strong contender to be a viable alternative to the SaunaBox Pro kit.
First of all, same as the object of our current review, the SereneLife is a wet sauna. It comes with a 4-liter (1-gallon) external steamer, and works (and looks!) similar to the SaunaBox. You’d assemble the tall box-shaped sauna, hook up the steamer, heat it up with a remote control, and get inside to sit on a portable folding chair (which also comes in the package).
The SereneLife portable sauna heats up in around 15 minutes, which is exactly in-line with the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro.
When it comes to differences between the two, users report that while the SereneLife sauna is super-quick to assemble and disassemble, it might feel a bit wobbly, construction-wise, since it utilizes a PVC pipe frame. Furthermore, this sauna heats up to around 122°F / 50°C, which is a tad lower than the SaunaBox.
All of that being said, it’s worth pointing out that the SereneLife steam sauna is a bit cheaper than its competitor, as well, retailing at anywhere from $219.99.
Lastly, while we’ve been comparing the product with other portable saunas up to this point in the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit review, let’s switch things around and take a look at an alternative - a sauna that you assemble, and that becomes a permanent addition to your home.
The Dynamic Barcelona infrared sauna is often regarded as one of the best saunas that you can purchase. It’s made out of natural Canadian hemlock wood, with a tempered glass door. The sauna is constructed in a clasp-together assembly manner, for ease of setup.
Heating-wise, the Dynamic Barcelona heats up to around 140°F, which is the same as the SaunaBox. Although, while with the latter the heat will feel more intense, the Dynamic Barcelona is a dry, infrared sauna - something to keep in mind, depending on your personal preferences.
Another point to keep in mind is that this sauna is going to take its time to heat up. Customers report that it can take upwards of 30-40 minutes to reach its maximum heat setting.
Now, the Dynamic Barcelona does start at $1899.99. It’s a much more expensive option, sure, but it’s also a more permanent one - its wooden construction makes it a more long-term addition to your home, rather than something that you could easily pack up and drive around.
Furthermore, it comes with additional features, such as 2-person seating (although users report this to be debatable), ambient lighting, and built-in Bluetooth speakers. Whether or not all of these features are worth the extra cost is a point of preference!
We’ve discussed the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit in full - looked at its features, shortcomings, pricing, and even how it compares with some other top-shelf products on the market today.
What’s the verdict here - is the SaunaBox SmartSteam portable steam sauna kit worth it?
I’d say - yes!
The SaunaBox presents itself as the perfect middle-of-the-road product for anyone who’s looking for a portable sauna option. While it won’t accommodate 2 people at a time, and requires some additional maintenance, as far as wet saunas go, the pricing of the product makes it a very approachable, beginner-friendly option. It’s very simple to assemble, and won’t overbear you with a bunch of features that you really don’t even need.
I’d recommend checking the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit out for yourself. Or, if you’re still on the fence about it, take a look at the alternatives mentioned earlier in the review - Nurecover seems to be the leading name here!
Verified Verified One of the first things that you’ll notice while reading through customer SaunaBox SmartSteam kit reviews is the fact that this particular sauna is a wet one. It utilizes a portable heating unit that should be filled with distilled water, as opposed to other popular dry saunas (such as the Sunlighten dome-shaped sauna) that use either built-in electric heaters, infrared light, or similar devices. SaunaBox is also a portable sauna - it can be assembled and disassembled quite easily, which means you’ll be able to use it both indoors and outdoors.
The short answer is - yes! While portable saunas are a relatively new concept, there are already multiple different options for longevity fans to pick from - the SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro is just one of them! Portable saunas have the ability to provide enthusiasts with all of the benefits associated with sauna bathing, in general, but with an added bonus of being portable - this means that they can be used in multiple different settings, indoors and outdoors, and that the assembly and taking-down processes are usually very quick and painless.
Judging by customer reviews for SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro, SaunaBox is one of the better portable wet sauna options for those who are getting into this part of their longevity journey. If you’re looking for a durable, effective and well-rounded product to try out, the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro kit might work perfectly, considering that it’s a budget-friendly option for a 1-person wet sauna experience.
SaunaBox and Sunlighten are two quite different sauna options, and will thus suit different kinds of people, as well. The SaunaBox SmartSteam kit is a wet sauna that allows you to walk in, zip it up, and sit down on a foldable chair. The Sunlighten Solo, on the other hand, is an infrared sauna in which you need to lie down - it consists of a pad and a dome-shaped foam cover, both equipped with heaters for a thorough heating experience. So, if you’re looking for a wet sauna option, the SaunaBox is certainly the way to go. However, if you’d like to experience dry saunas, and be able to enjoy one even as you lie in your bed, the Sunlighten might be a great choice - note that it’s quite a bit more expensive as well, however!
Customer SaunaBox SmartSteam kit Pro reviews do point out that the sauna can get moldy, if it’s not taken care of properly after every use. Wet saunas, in general, require a bit more maintenance in this regard, and SaunaBox is no exception. This sauna, however, comes with a washable pad - you will still need to dry the inside of the box-shaped sauna. Customers report that wiping it down and letting it air-dry works perfectly fine, though.
First of all, unplug the heater and let the SaunaBox SmartSteam Pro cool off. After each session, leave the tent's door flap open to facilitate air circulation and drying. Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild vinegar solution to wipe down the interior walls and floor. This helps prevent bacterial growth and eliminates odors. Throw the mat into a washing machine, and let it air-dry. Every 1-2 weeks, disassemble the tent, clean each part with appropriate cleaning agents, and ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
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