Nordic Ways Sauna Review: Why a Trainer Recommends This Portable Recovery Device

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Using a sauna, whether it’s a traditional Finnish dry sauna or a steam sauna, is not a new wellness practice, but the ability to have a portable sauna in your own home is a more recent advancement that makes using a sauna more accessible and possible for more people.

Nordic Ways is one company working toward making sauna use accessible to more people; the Nordic Ways Sauna is a portable steam spa that allows users to experience sauna use in their own home. This company believes that everyone should be able to experience the health benefits of heat therapy in a way that’s right for them.

Here, we'll give you more info on Nordic Ways Sauna, discussing the key features, ease of use and product warranty, plus share our experience using the sauna to help you decide if this innovative steam spa will be a good addition to your current health and wellness routine.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Nordic Ways Sauna Features At A Glance

• Dimensions: 35.43 inches L x 28.35 inches H x 68.11 inches W
• Weight: 21.16 pounds
• Warranty: 24 months
• Max temperature: 122 degrees Fahrenheit
• Adjustable time setting: Up to 99 minutes
• Adjustable heat setting: 16 different levels
• Price: $450

What Is the Nordic Ways Sauna?

The Nordic Ways Sauna is a portable steam spa that’s designed to provide users with the health benefits of a steam sauna right in the comfort of their own home. The sleek and foldable design makes it easily transportable and the powerful steam generator, which is adjustable, heats quickly to create an ideal user experience. Users can use this as an indoor or outdoor sauna, though it’s not built to withstand extreme weather conditions, so it’s best to take your sauna sessions indoors if you live in a climate that experiences harsh winters or summers.

Despite being named a “sauna,” it is important to note that this product is a steam spa and therefore different from a conventional dry sauna. If you’re interested in a more traditional sauna for your home, we recommend opting for a home sauna, an infrared sauna or choosing an outdoor sauna if you have a backyard that allows for it.

How the Nordic Ways Sauna Works

The Nordic Ways Sauna uses a steam generator to heat the tent, and it generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes to heat up once the generator is turned on. The resulting temperature level ranges from 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is significantly lower than a traditional sauna heated by rocks or an electric sauna heater, which can typically reach temperatures between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Due to the steam, the Nordic Ways Sauna creates higher levels of humidity and a moist environment. This offers a more mild temperature experience which may be more comfortable for breathing than a traditional infrared sauna. The wet environment does add a layer of additional maintenance to ensure hygienic conditions; it’s important to rinse and empty the sweat liner and allow it to fully dry after each use. You can use a dry towel to wipe down the spa frame and liner to expedite this process.

Purchase of the Nordic Ways Sauna includes:

• High-powered adjustable steamer
• Durable, steam-insulating spa tent
• Collapsible sauna frame
• Remote control
• Folding chair

Benefits of the Nordic Ways Sauna

Regular sauna usage is a low-risk activity that’s associated with a number of health benefits, including both physical and mental well-being. The elevated temperature levels are the driver of these positive effects, promoting benefits such as improved circulation, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stress relief and even weight management when paired with regular exercise.

Steam spas in particular, such as the Nordic Ways Sauna, are also renowned for their skin-healing and cleansing properties. Regular sauna usage may help create a more stable epidermal barrier and an increase in skin hydration, according to a study published in Dermatology. The moist heat of a steam spa has also been found to be beneficial for respiratory health, as it helps to ease breathing and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with COPD, congestion, asthma and pneumonia, according to a study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology.

The Nordic Ways Sauna is also a fantastic option for anyone who has also purchased a cold plunge tub and is looking to combine the benefits of cold water and heat therapy. This dynamic combination creates a powerful contrast that not only invigorates the body, but transforms your wellness routine into a comprehensive approach to health, relaxation and rejuvenation.

How to Use the Nordic Ways Sauna

The Nordic Ways Sauna is extremely easy to both assemble and use. For the assembly, the product comes with a three-step guide that involves attaching the metal poles with the connectors, placing the frame into the bottom square of the spa tent, inserting the sweat liner and lifting the top of the spa tent over the frame. From there, it’s as simple as zipping up the zippers around the frame and you’re ready to go.

Once the assembly of the spa tent is complete, you can begin to set up the steamer, which is as simple as connecting the hose from the tent to the outlet located on the steamer lid. From there you just need to plug in the steamer, add water and turn on the device. Be sure to secure the lid tightly by twisting it into place and adjusting the steamer nozzle inside the tent to face upwards at a 45-degree angle towards the back of the wall and away from your body. During my first run of the steamer, I had it facing straight up, which was considerably less effective than keeping it at an angle, which produced better results.

Nordic Ways recommends using distilled or filtered water in the steamer, writing that unfiltered or tap water may leave mineral deposits after a lot of use. Start by filling the steamer approximately two-thirds full of water, turn it on using the remote control or the steamer interface, choose the time of operation, select the strength of steam output and wait for it to heat up (about 10 to 15 minutes). Once ready, you’re all set to step in. Nordic Ways suggests sessions of 30 minutes or less to avoid dehydration or overheating.

My Experience Using the Nordic Ways Sauna

After ordering, the arrival of the sauna took about two days, which means you can expect to be unwinding in a steam spa pretty quickly once you decide to purchase this sauna. When I unboxed the contents, it was nice to see that the actual steamer device was packaged in a second box to ensure its safety during travel.

I removed the metal poles, which were all labeled with numbers from one through four and began setting up the structure of the sauna using the easy-to-follow directions. Connecting the poles was simple, but be sure to add a bit of muscle when placing the poles into the plastic connectors to ensure they are seated properly. I then unzipped the sauna tent exterior and placed it overtop of the metal structure. This took a minute or two to get situated, but it is fairly intuitive once you get it moving into place. The final step in the setup process was adding in the sweat liner tray to the bottom of the tent, placing the foldable black chair inside and zipping up the tent.

It was finally time to test out the steamer. I started by connecting the hose to both the steamer and the inlet valve that’s located on the right side of the tent. Be sure that the hose connection from the tent to the steamer device is fairly straight; during my initial setup I had left it slightly bent and it popped off during my initial testing.

From there, I removed the lid and filled the container approximately two-thirds full of filtered water. This was after I emailed the company to inquire how much water I should put inside the steamer device because I couldn’t find that information anywhere on the Nordic Ways website or in the instruction booklet. This was a great test of the company's customer service and they responded within the hour to let me know that about two-thirds full was the way to go.

Finally, I plugged in the steamer and set the power to 16 (the highest setting) and the time for 45 minutes. I ensured the tent was fully closed and I left the steamer to heat up and start producing steam for about 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes had elapsed, I was initially disappointed with the amount of steam inside the tent, however, I quickly realized that the lid of the steamer wasn’t properly situated. Be sure that the lid is fully secured by twisting the lid to the right slightly to lock it into place. As soon as I made the change, the tent quickly began to fill with steam and I hopped inside wearing a bathing suit.

I stayed inside for about 15 minutes and was pleasantly surprised with how well it held the heat and definitely felt more relaxed after the session. I finished by turning off the steamer device, opening up the tent door fully (it has a handy latch that you can use to keep the door open to air it out), and wiping down the inside of the tent with a towel.

Overall, it was a great experience and something I plan on using a few times a week in the mornings or after my workouts. I definitely think this product provides a serious amount of value for the price.

Pros of the Nordic Ways Sauna

Health benefits

One of the primary reasons to purchase the Nordic Ways Sauna is to experience the numerous health benefits associated with regular sauna usage. From the recovery benefits such as relaxation, potential stress relief and reduced inflammation to improved circulation and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, the sauna is a powerful tool to incorporate into your health and wellness routine. The aforementioned study published in Dermatology found participants who participated in regular sauna experienced “more stable epidermal barrier function” among other skin benefits.

Portability

One of the main advantages of the Nordic Ways Sauna is the convenience of being able to enjoy a steam spa experience anywhere you desire. This product’s collapsible design truly shines for individuals with limited space, who want to use a sauna on a regular basis, but don’t have the room to keep it set up at all times. The beauty of this spa tent is that it can be easily disassembled and stored when not in use.

Customizable

The Nordic Ways Sauna is customizable, offering users 16 adjustable settings for temperature and time-duration. This allows you to have complete control over the intensity and length of your sweat session.

Affordable

Priced at $450, this sauna is definitely more cost effective than constructing a permanent steam room within your house. Over the course of an entire year, this comes out to $37.50 per month, which in most cases, is less than the cost of a monthly gym membership.

Cons of the Nordic Ways Sauna

Size limitations

This sauna is definitely designed for single person use. While you may be able to squeeze two people within the tent, it will definitely be a tight fit.

Max temperature

The Nordic Ways Sauna reaches a max temperature of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is much lower than a traditional dry-heat sauna that can reach temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit so it really comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a wet-heat or dry-heat sauna experience.

Sanitation protocols

Being a steam sauna, it is extremely important to rinse and dry your steam tent after every use to prevent it from developing mold, mildew or an unpleasant odor. This involves rinsing and emptying the sweat liner tray after every use, along with drying the inside of a tent with a towel. While this isn’t a huge time sink, it can make it harder to just hop in for a “quick” sauna. It is especially important to let the tent dry fully if you plan on breaking it down and storing it to ensure maximum freshness and cleanliness for the next use.

Nordic Ways does offer a pro-tip for faster drying. The brand advises unzipping the sauna on both sides and tipping the sauna against the wall so it is leaning on one corner. This will allow the bottom of the sauna to dry quicker, as well as any condensation that formed on the floor of the sauna to dry quickly.

Requires electricity

While this shouldn’t be an issue for most people, this steam spa does rely on electricity, which may limit its usage in certain locations without a power source.

What Customers Say About the Nordic Ways Sauna

With over 180 customer reviews on the Nordic Ways website, this product is rated with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many of the reviews also include high-quality photos and videos of the product, so I encourage you to check them out for yourself on the company's website.

One happy user writes, “This steam sauna has changed my life. I was skeptical about portable saunas but am 100 percent satisfied with the purchase. Easy to set up, easy to use and easy to clean. Already helped with my skin, blood pressure, mood and is a part of my morning routine.”

Another customer review reads, “It is an excellent product and the customer support is great, very responsive and nice.” This is wonderful to hear, since a responsive customer service team is essential for a 5-star customer experience.

While the 2- and 3-star reviews are few and far between, we do like to mention them to ensure you are aware of any potential issues. The most common note is that although the sauna works as intended, it’s important to empty, rinse and clean the sweat liner tray after every use, otherwise it can develop an odor. This adds an extra maintenance step that takes a little bit of time and can add up with regular use.

Other users wrote that they would like the customer care booklet to contain more information on cleaning and sanitizing the unit, however, based on my experience, you can reach out to the Nordic Ways customer care team and expect a prompt response with information.

Overall, it’s clear that the majority of users are extremely happy with their purchase. One reviewer sums it up nicely saying, “For the price, it is a great sauna solution.”

Nordic Ways Sauna Construction and Durability

Unfortunately, the Nordic Ways website doesn’t disclose the exact materials that are used in order to design the sauna. The components are only described as a “rugged, steam-insulating spa tent” and “collapsible sauna frame.” Many of the customer reviews comment on the overall high-quality of the sauna, especially for the price. It is clear the poles for the tent frame are made of metal, so you don’t need to worry about plastic PVC poles bending or warping, however, it would be nice to know the material used to make the exterior of the tent.

Who the Nordic Ways Sauna Is Best For

The Nordic Ways Sauna is best suited for a wide variety of individuals. The key feature of this product is definitely its portability, which makes it a phenomenal option for people who travel frequently or those with limited space.

For example, individuals who want the convenience of having a sauna in their own homes without the need for a dedicated space will love this product. Whether you simply don’t have the space necessary for a traditional, larger sauna, or live in a rented space and cannot make permanent modifications to your home, this product will definitely meet your needs.

This is also a great sauna option for budget conscious individuals, as the Nordic Ways Sauna is far more affordable than purchasing or building a traditional sauna. While portable steam spas offer flexibility and convenience, they may not provide the same experience as traditional saunas in terms of size and max temperature.

Warranty and Return Policy

All Nordic Ways steam spas have a 24 month warranty against manufacturing defects. In addition, they note that if you have any issues, to please contact their customer service team and they will respond to your request as soon as possible.

Nordic Ways offers a 30 day return policy for all of their saunas. To be eligible for a return, it must be unused and in the same condition that you received it, it must also be in the original packaging. If your sauna is defective or arrives damaged you can email their customer service for assistance and they will help you with an exchange.

Nordic Ways Sauna vs. SweatTent

The Nordic Ways Sauna and the SweatTent are both portable saunas, however, they are definitely different products. The most apparent difference between the two, aside from the price point, is the fact that the Nordic Ways Sauna is a steam spa, while the SweatTent uses a dry heat created by burning wood in a stainless steel stove. This means as far as consumables go, the Nordic Ways Sauna only requires water and electricity, while the SweatTent does require you to go out and buy firewood.

Another key difference between the two saunas is the size of the tent. The Nordic Ways Sauna is designed for single-person use, although you can probably fit two people inside if they are nice and snug. On the other hand, the SweatTent is much larger and is designed to comfortably sit three, however, I could see four to five individuals fitting inside without much of a problem.

Regarding the similarities, both saunas are fairly easy to set up and disassemble, taking no more than three to five minutes (depending on proficiency) from start to finish. Overall, it's up to you whether you prefer a traditional sauna or a steam room type experience when determining which of these products is right for you. In my opinion, they are both phenomenal sauna options when you take into consideration the different costs between the two and what they have to offer.

Nordic Ways Sauna FAQs

Is Nordic Ways Sauna good for you?

Yes, I think the science supports the use of steam spas, such as the Nordic Ways Sauna, as a way to improve your overall health and wellness. There is a reason these practices have been around for thousands of years and continue to prove relevant and effective in our modern lives.

How long should I sit in the Nordic Ways Sauna?

The American College of Sports Medicine advises that users should start small and progress how long they stay in the sauna over time. Their general advice is that users should limit steam spa use to 10 minutes at a time and to wait at least 10 minutes after completing exercise before entering the sauna. They also advise that anyone with pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, or if you are pregnant, should consult with a healthcare professional before use.

Does the Nordic Ways Sauna burn fat?

The Nordic Ways Sauna will not inherently help you burn fat. Although you may lose weight, this is likely from water loss from sweat, which you should replenish by drinking water after your session. For the best fat loss results, the sauna should be part of a comprehensive health and wellness routine and paired with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

Does the Nordic Ways Sauna flatten your stomach?

Steam spas themselves do not contribute to flattening your stomach in terms of fat loss or muscle toning. And while you cannot spot-target places on your body for weight loss, if flattening your stomach is a specific goal, consider incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise into your health and wellness routine.

Is it O.K. to use the Nordic Ways Sauna before a workout?

Yes, using the Nordic Ways Sauna is totally fine before a workout. In fact, it can help relax your muscles and improve flexibility, potentially reducing the risk of injury during your workout. The heat from the sauna can also help improve blood circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, which can enhance your performance. Remember, it’s important to limit the amount of time you stay in the sauna to prevent fatigue, and ensure you drink plenty of water both before and after the steam spa to help avoid dehydration.

The Takeaway: Is the Nordic Ways Sauna Right for You?

Regular sauna or steam spa usage proves to be a holistic approach to fostering overall health and well-being. If you’re interested in experiencing the beneficial effects of heat therapy first hand, then I definitely think the Nordic Ways Sauna is a product to consider. Its portability, affordability and ease-of-use make it an excellent option for anyone looking to add the sauna into their health and wellness routine.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.