Five questions, sixty seconds, no email wall. The answer includes the trade-offs
sellers won't mention.
1. Where would it live?
Indoors (spare room, basement, garage corner)
Outdoors (yard, patio, deck)
2. All-in budget (unit + install)?
Under $3,000
$3,000–$9,000
$9,000–$20,000
$20,000+
3. The experience you want?
Real heat: 170–195°F, löyly steam over rocks
Gentler radiant warmth (120–140°F) is fine
4. Electrical appetite?
Plug into a normal outlet — no electrician
Fine adding a 240V circuit (typ. $400–2,600)
5. Weekend-project tolerance?
Deliver it working / minimal assembly
Happy to assemble a kit over a weekend or two
Get my recommendation