How this is calculated
Inspect the versioned inputs.
| Constant | Value | Scope & source |
|---|---|---|
| preferenceProfiles | {"Traditional electric":{"stones":5,"lower-air-temperature":1,"fuel-ritual":0,"simple-controls":4,"wet-steam":0},"Infrared":{"stones":0,"lower-air-temperature":5,"fuel-ritual":0,"simple-controls":5,"wet-steam":0},"Wood-fired":{"stones":5,"lower-air-temperature":1,"fuel-ritual":5,"simple-controls":1,"wet-steam":0},"Steam room":{"stones":0,"lower-air-temperature":4,"fuel-ritual":0,"simple-controls":3,"wet-steam":5}} editorial fit scale 0–5 | Subjective compatibility model for named features; not measured quality, health benefit, energy use or clinical suitability. All-zero priorities produce no ranking; ties use alphabetical order. editorial-tool-method ↗ah-auburn-price ↗ah-harmony-price ↗harvia-wood-heating ↗ Verified 2026-11-08 |
Input defaults that are not sourced measurements are illustrative planning assumptions. Exact unit definitions, the 52-week convention and algorithm details are in the shared methodology.
Worked example
An example you can inspect.
A preference for water on compatible stones favors traditional electric/wood features. If tending fuel or a compliant flue is ruled out, wood-fired is excluded despite that feature match.
Separate feasibility from preference.
Answer the available-space, location and installation questions before interpreting a preference ranking. The questionnaire uses explicit feasibility exclusions alongside an editorial feature matrix. A high feature score cannot override an excluded installation condition. Changing an answer recalculates this bounded comparison; it does not inspect a property or obtain a supplier quotation. If the result excludes everything, revisit the project requirements with a professional rather than treating the highest-scoring excluded choice as a recommendation.
Keep heating mode and room form distinct.
Traditional electric, infrared, wood-fired and steam describe different operating or construction contexts. Barrel and cabin describe forms that may be discussed separately from the heating choice. The tool explains those distinctions rather than giving all six labels the same physical meaning. A preference for a particular appearance does not establish that its dimensions, heater, ventilation or moisture construction are suitable. Use the room and equipment planning tools to formulate those separate questions after narrowing the preferences.
Inspect why a choice appears.
The displayed reasons trace back to the questions and published editorial ratings. They summarize the priorities you entered and do not express a probability that you will like the installation. Medical effectiveness is not included in the score. Review any tied or closely ranked choices against actual product specifications and quotations. A practical next step is a short requirements list stating the heating experience, installation constraints, budget scope and room form you want suppliers to address, followed by product-specific verification.
Questions, considered
Questions about this tool
How should I interpret the sauna type matchmaker result?
This quiz does not compare health outcomes, certify an installation or infer a device’s exact power/price. Check the actual room, equipment instructions, planning requirements and local quotes. Answer ten preference and feasibility questions to compare heat modes and room forms, with transparent reasons and no medical suitability score.
Which assumptions matter in the sauna type matchmaker?
Rank named heat features with the published editorial compatibility matrix and your expressed priorities. Apply feasibility exclusions for wood fuel/chimney, electrical work and wet-room construction. An unresolved feasibility answer is a question, not approval. Heating mode and room form are separate: a cabin or barrel can use different heaters. Ties use alphabetical order and all-zero priorities produce no ranking.
Primary sources
Follow the source.
- Published tool assumptions and preference scoring ↗
Editorial assumptions, input defaults, uncertainty and validation
Explicit site-authored conventions, not external scientific evidence.
Checked 2026-11-08 - Almost Heaven Auburn 2–3 Person Indoor Sauna ↗
Main price; selected Traditional/Hemfir, 6 kW KIP with dials; Features and Specifications
Displayed base price $4,577. Includes heater and stones; existing floor used. Traditional cabin example only. Verify selected finish and availability at checkout. Do not reuse the page's medical or 100%-humidity marketing.
Checked 2026-11-08 - Almost Heaven Pinnacle 4 Person Barrel Sauna ↗
Main price; default rustic cedar/glass door/no window/6 kW KIP with dials; Specifications
Displayed promotional price $5,302.50; displayed regular comparison price $7,575. Heater and stones included. These are two prices for one base model, not a statistical project-cost range. Older collection prices differed; direct current product page takes precedence.
Checked 2026-11-08 - Almost Heaven Harmony Infrared 2–3 Person Sauna ↗
Main price and Size: 2 Person; Features
Displayed two-person promotional price $5,162.49 and comparison price $7,374.99. Clear hemlock and carbon-panel heating. Product page says 120 V, dedicated 20 A outlet; no actual wattage was read, so do not equate outlet capacity with operating power.
Checked 2026-11-08 - Harvia — Choosing a wood burning heater ↗
Many factors affect the heating rate; Heater location and safety distances
The manufacturer expressly declines model-specific heating times because insulation, surfaces, ventilation, chimney draft and fuel affect them. Do not invent an outdoor/climate heat-up multiplier.
Checked 2026-11-08