Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor Infrared Sauna Review (2024)

Having used various infrared saunas over the years, I can say the Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna has some unique standout features that set it apart. Let’s start with the full-spectrum infrared heating. This sauna uses a combination of near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths. You can really feel the difference during a session—muscle recovery is much more noticeable compared to using a regular far-infrared sauna.

The carbon/ceramic heaters here are top-of-the-line. In practice, these heaters provide a steady, even heat that makes the whole experience more comfortable. There’s none of that “hot in one spot, cold in another” feeling you sometimes get with lower-quality units. What’s also worth noting is the heat-up time—this sauna reached my target temperature (about 140°F) in around 20 minutes. That’s pretty fast, considering it’s an outdoor sauna, and especially useful if you’re like me and prefer shorter prep times before a session.

Speaking of temperature, the digital control panel gives you a lot of flexibility. It’s easy to set and adjust your desired heat level, and you can do it from inside the sauna, which I appreciated. No need to step out into the cold once you’re already in there relaxing. But here’s a feature I didn’t expect: you can also control the sauna through their smartphone app. This means you don’t have to be near the sauna to adjust the settings—perfect for those moments when you’re multitasking and want it preheated before you step outside. Whether you’re adjusting the temperature, controlling the lights, or even the audio, it’s all accessible through your phone.

Now, onto the chromotherapy lights. Having used infrared saunas with and without this feature, I can say it adds another layer to the overall experience. The lights cycle through a full range of colors, each aimed at different emotional and physical benefits. I’ve always been a fan of blue light for relaxation, but I experimented with other colors too. The green light, for example, was surprisingly calming after a stressful day. Whether or not you’re a believer in color therapy, having that option available gives you more ways to customize your sessions, and I did notice a difference in how each light subtly affected my mood.

Let’s talk design and build quality next. The Cedartec® exterior isn’t just for looks. It’s a weather-resistant material that mimics the appearance of natural cedar, which is ideal for an outdoor sauna. Over several weeks of testing, I’ve left the sauna exposed to the elements, including rain and fluctuating temperatures. So far, it’s held up without any signs of wear. The tempered glass door is another highlight. It’s not just there for aesthetics—its sturdy construction means it can handle both the internal heat and the occasional rough weather without warping or cracking.

The sauna also includes Bluetooth speakers, which, frankly, are a must-have for me. I like to listen to podcasts or calming music while I sweat, and this sauna makes that easy. Pairing my phone with the speakers was straightforward, and the sound quality is solid, especially considering the heat and humidity in there. I haven’t had any issues with distortion or audio dropouts during my sessions. They’ve also included an option for an AUX input, though I didn’t bother using it. Bluetooth works well enough, and with all the sweat involved, a cord seemed unnecessary.

Another detail that stands out is the weather-resistant cover that comes with the sauna. Since it’s an outdoor model, this is a crucial feature. I used the cover when rain was in the forecast, and it did its job well—no moisture made its way inside. The sauna itself, thanks to the Cedartec® material and thoughtful design, seems built to withstand different weather conditions, but having that extra protection is reassuring.

Finally, let’s talk about size. The sauna is marketed as a two-person unit, and that’s accurate. It comfortably fits two adults without feeling cramped, and if you’re using it solo, there’s plenty of room to stretch out. The ergonomic benches are also worth mentioning—after a 30-minute session, I didn’t feel any discomfort, which isn’t always the case with less thought-out sauna designs. 

If you want bigger space, it’s also available with a five-person model.