Almost Heaven vs Redwood Outdoors vs SaunaLife
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Short version: pick Almost Heaven for the longest warranty and the most sellers to shop between, Redwood Outdoors for more seats, included extras and a two-level-bench option at a similar price, and SaunaLife if you want the thickest walls and a glass-front design and don't mind paying more and adding your own heater.
Side by side
| Almost Heaven Pinnacle | Redwood 6-Person Barrel | SaunaLife Ergo E7G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4–6 | 4 |
| Wood | Western red cedar | Heat-treated hemlock (Canada) | Thermally treated spruce |
| Wall thickness | 1⅜ in | not published on the page we read | 1.65 in* |
| Size | 72 × 72 × 77 in outside | 71 × 72¾ × 76½ in outside | 77 × 63 in inside* |
| Heater | 6 kW Harvia KIP included | 6 kW Harvia KIP included | Not included* |
| Circuit | 240V, 30 A | 240V, 30 A (40 A with 8 kW) | 240V, 40 A with 8 kW* |
| Weight | 715 lb shipping | 900 lb | not checked |
| Price found | $5,303–$6,060 | $5,549 | $7,140* + heater |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on room; heater 5 yr / elements 1 yr | 1-year limited; Harvia heater 5 yr / elements 1 yr | Inconsistent: 2 years in a warranty PDF vs "limited lifetime" on a product page* |
| How sold | Brand site, many dealers, Costco (other models) | Mainly direct from Redwood | Through dealers |
Almost Heaven and Redwood figures checked on seller pages Oct 19, 2026. *SaunaLife figures from Heat & Plunge's barrel comparison (Oct 9, 2026); we did not verify them on SaunaLife's site.
Almost Heaven: the safe, shoppable default
West Virginia-made, sold by the brand and a network of dealers, which is why we found four Pinnacle prices within about $750. The limited lifetime room warranty is the longest of the three, though it doesn't transfer to a second-hand buyer. Its 1⅜-in cedar staves are thinner than SaunaLife's.
Check the Pinnacle at Select Saunaspartner link
Redwood Outdoors: more sauna per dollar
Redwood's 6-person barrel has essentially the Pinnacle's footprint, is rated for more people, and includes shingles, backrests and a light. The Extra-Wide line ($7,799–$8,499) is the only one of the three with two-level benches. The 1-year sauna warranty is the main reason to hesitate. Full Redwood review.
See Redwood barrelspartner link
SaunaLife: thickest walls, highest price
SaunaLife's E7G uses 1.65-in thermally treated spruce, the thickest staves in Heat & Plunge's 14-barrel comparison, and a glass front. Thicker walls lose heat a little more slowly, which matters in cold climates. You buy the heater separately, so budget for an 8 kW unit and a 40 A circuit. One owner, paraphrased by Heat & Plunge, liked their SaunaLife but expected better instructions and customer service for the price.
Find a SaunaLife dealerpartner link
Which should you buy?
- 2–4 people, want the simplest purchase and longest warranty: Almost Heaven Pinnacle.
- 4–6 people or want headroom on a similar budget: Redwood 6-Person, or the Extra-Wide if you can stretch.
- Cold climate, design-led, budget flexible: SaunaLife E7G, after confirming the warranty in writing.
Whichever you choose, the install costs are about the same. Run the calculator or read the wiring guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Almost Heaven or Redwood Outdoors?
Almost Heaven wins on warranty (limited lifetime on the room vs 1 year) and dealer choice; Redwood wins on seats and extras for the money and offers an extra-wide, two-level-bench barrel. Both use Harvia KIP heaters on similar circuits.
Is SaunaLife better than Almost Heaven?
SaunaLife's E7G has thicker walls (1.65 in thermo-spruce vs 1⅜ in cedar) and a glass front, but it costs more ($7,140 at Native Sauna in an October 2026 check) and is sold without a heater. Its warranty terms are listed inconsistently, so get them in writing.
Which brand is cheapest?
For a ~6×6 ft barrel: Almost Heaven's Pinnacle from $5,303 (Select Saunas) or Redwood's 6-person at $5,549. SaunaLife's barrels we found cost more and need a heater added.
Sources
- Select Saunas and almostheaven.com, Pinnacle (Oct 19, 2026); SaunaCosts price check (Oct 18, 2026).
- Redwood Outdoors product pages (Oct 19, 2026).
- Heat & Plunge barrel sauna guide (Oct 9, 2026): SaunaLife E7G specs, price, warranty conflict and owner report.