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If you’re willing to put the time and effort in the gym to build muscle, you should be open to investing in your recovery, too. While there are plenty of ways to get your mind and body right for your next workout, one of my favorites is simple yet effective: a sweat-inducing sauna session.
As a certified personal trainer (CPT), longtime rugby player, and dedicated lifter, I’ve relied on this method to help me recover from grueling matches and brutal workouts. With both budget-friendly and high-end options, you can just dip your toes in the shallow end of the muscle recovery tool pool or take the plunge and go all-in. If diving into the deep end is more your style, one of the best sauna manufacturers on the market has the perfect two-person solution to help soothe sore muscles1, detoxify your system, and provide a peaceful place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
RELATED: Best Home Sauna
For existing fans of the standard-sized model (check out our full Plunge Sauna review for more), I’m here to peel back the curtain on its more footprint-friendly and slightly more affordable cousin. In this Plunge Sauna Mini review, I’ll go over the dimensions, features, performance, and more so you can determine if it’s worth taking the plunge on this premium-priced recovery tool.
High Heat, Higher Standards: Our Sauna Reviews Are Backed By Sweat and Science
The GGR team includes certified personal trainers (CPTs), certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit competitors, and an Olympian weightlifter. As experienced exercise enthusiasts who prioritize training and recovery, we care about what we do after the gym just as much as what we do in it.
Always seeking the best methods to recuperate for our next workout, our squad has tested a wide range of muscle recovery supplements and tools, including the best massage chairs and the top-rated massage guns. We’ve also explored both ends of the hydrotherapy pool by documenting our cold plunge experiences and sauna sessions.
In our quest to find the best saunas, the GGR team utilizes our fitness equipment testing methodology to assess key criteria using a 1-5 scoring system. Some of the factors we take into account include:
- Delivery and Setup: Is it easy to assemble, or does it require multiple people?
- Construction: Is the sauna made with high-quality materials? Or are there durability and functionality concerns due to poor construction?
- Footprint and Portability: How much real estate does the sauna require? Can you move it from inside your home to your backyard for outdoor use?
- Performance: How quickly does the sauna reach your desired temperature? Does it provide effective
- Value: Does the price match the features?
For this Plunge Sauna Mini review, I teamed up with GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, who sat through several sweaty sessions so she could paint a complete picture of this two-person sauna.
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A Quick Look at the Plunge Sauna Mini
Featuring a compact design for smaller spaces, the Plunge Sauna Mini is a two-person traditional dry sauna capable of reaching 230℉. It features app-based controls and smart airflow technology that help provide convenience and comfort. Handcrafted in the USA with premium cedar and a full-width glass door, it’s made for both indoor and outdoor use.
As you might’ve guessed, Plunge doesn’t just offer heat therapy solutions. In addition to home saunas, the company has an extensive line of cold plunge tubs, including the The Plunge, the Plunge Pod, and the ultra-portable Plunge Air. So, if you’re interested in contrast therapy2, you could rely on Plunge to give you the best of both worlds.
RELATED: Plunge Review
Before You Buy
- The Sauna Mini is by no means a budget-friendly option. Listed for $11,990, you may be able to find it on sale for about $1,000 less. However, keep in mind that you have to purchase the power cord separately.
- You can enjoy smartphone-controlled sessions via the Plunge App. We also recommend using the app during setup, as it provides guided assembly instructions that make the process much easier.
- While Lindsay says you can assemble the Sauna Mini in about two hours with the help of one other person, you can also leave it to the pros—for a price. Plunge offers hassle-free, in-home assembly service for about $1,900, though you may be able to get it cheaper during promotional sales periods.
- You most likely won’t be able to take the plug-and-play approach with the Plunge Sauna Mini. Be aware that you need a dedicated 240V, 20A amp circuit for power, as well as a NEMA L14-20 outlet (similar to what you use with a washer and dryer).
Plunge Sauna Mini Video Review
Is the Plunge Sauna Mini Worth It?
Considering it costs almost $12,000, it goes without saying that the Plunge Sauna Mini requires a sizable investment. However, if you’ve got the financial flexibility, you can’t argue with its features, build quality, and performance.
Despite its non-budget-friendly price tag, the Plunge Sauna Mini offers a premium traditional dry sauna experience complete with smart features that can be controlled from your phone. We also like that you can use it indoors or outdoors. Ultimately, though, is more of a luxury item than a necessity, especially with cheaper options available like the Almost Heaven Morgan Barrel Sauna (our pick for the best dry sauna for home) or the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna, which costs about half of the Plunge Sauna Mini.
RELATED: Best Outdoor Sauna
Great for:
- Couples, roommates, or friends who want to recover together at home
- Those who prefer a traditional sauna experience
- Tech-savvy users who appreciate controlling settings via a mobile app
- Luxury-focused buyers who are willing to splurge to upgrade their wellness routine
Not recommended for:
- Anyone operating on any sort of budget
- Families or groups who need space for three or more people
- Those who don’t want to deal with setting up new electrical outlets
Plunge Sauna Mini Specs
| Price | $11,990 |
| Type | Indoor./Outdoor |
| Capacity | 2 people |
| Dimensions | 57” L x 52” W x 94” H” |
| Max Temperature | 230°F |
| What’s Included? | HUUM sauna heater, Huum WiFi controller, HUUM sauna stones, waterproof roof, cedar phone holder |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty |
Using the Plunge Sauna Mini
GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele is the ultimate Swiss army knife, as she’s willing to sit through bone-chilling ice baths and sweat-inducing sauna sessions to give us honest feedback. With the roomier Plunge Sauna already earning her stamp of approval, Lindsay thoroughly enjoyed her experience with the two-person version, too.
Construction
When you’re spending $10,000+ on any piece of equipment, you expect top-notch build quality. Luckily, Plunge didn’t cut any corners with the Sauna Mini. Made from premium cedar wood, it boasts an aesthetically pleasing design that left Lindsay highly impressed.
“It’s all handcrafted in the United States and has this luxury feel while also providing you a ton of wellness benefits,” she explains, rating it a 5 out of 5 for construction.
Designed for indoor and outdoor use, the Plunge Sauna Mini has six wooden panels that interlock together. One important note: the cedar is untreated. Though durable, you may need to put in some extra work to keep it protected.
“If you wanted to maintain this light cedar finish, you’re going to want to treat it with some sort of treatment or stain to make sure the wood continues to look really nice,” Lindsay cautions.
Featuring an ergonomically designed backrest that’s ultra-comfortable, the Sauna Mini has a full-width glass door that’s about a quarter of an inch thick. However, Lindsay found the door to be a bit of a double-edged sword.
“I like the ability to look out on my surroundings, but I wish there were some sort of suction lip on the inside of the wood where the door meets the glass in order to keep the heat in a little better,” she explains. “Once you open that door it does let out a lot of heat, and there are some little gaps here and that where air can leak out.”
Footprint and Portability
Built for two people (you may be able to squeeze in a third), the Plunge Sauna Mini is more compact than the standard- or XL-sized version. Yet it still should be roomy enough for taller users to fit comfortably.
“Even people over 6 feet, their heads are not going to hit the ceiling,” Lindsay explains. “It also has this nice slanted backrest so you can really relax and lean back against it.”
Earning a 3.5-out-of-5 rating for footprint and portability, Lindsay points out that distance between the top of the bench to the bottom of the bench (about 19.5 inches) is a bit far for someone like her, as her feet barely touch the bench. However, this design is actually an advantage for the more vertically gifted.
“I think for taller people this is actually a really beneficial feature because you’re not going to be crammed and have plenty of leg room.”
Features
Just like the build quality, you get what you pay for when it comes to features. The Sauna Plunge Mini is made for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the convenience of controlling the unit from their smartphone. This sauna features app-based controls and smart airflow technology that allow you to make adjustments remotely.
“When you download the app, you can put in the ID code to whatever product it is and it will give you step-by-step assembly instructions within the app,” Lindsay says. “It breaks it down, making it super easy for you to follow along.”
Besides making the setup easier, the app can also help you save valuable time.
“If you want to do a sauna session, you can go ahead and set it up through your app as you’re driving home from work so your sauna is already heating up and ready to use when you get home,” Lindsay says.
Another feature we appreciate is that the Plunge Sauna Mini has two ventilation systems.
“If you’re doing a long session with two people in here, you don’t want to just be breathing recycled air because your CO2 levels will go up, so make sure you’re cracking one of those vent systems open,” Lindsay says.
Overall, the Sauna Mini earns a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for features.
Performance
Most importantly, this sauna doesn’t just look the part; it performs like a champ, too. Lindsay rated it a 5 out of 5, noting that it can reach an astoundingly hot 230℉.
“Research states that you want it to be about 180, but if you are a sadist or masochist and you just want to be in here drenched and sweaty, you can go ahead and turn it up to that full 230 degrees,” she says.
Disclaimer: The Plunge Sauna Mini requires some patience for it to reach the desired temp. During testing, it took about 40 minutes to reach 180℉ on a day where it was about 70℉.
However, that’s where the app comes in handy, as you can plan ahead and warm up your sauna well before you’re ready to step inside.
Plunge Sauna Mini vs The Plunge Sauna
The Plunge Sauna is a versatile take on a traditional Finnish sauna. With a slanted back wall, the Plunge Sauna provides an ergonomic backrest to add comfort to your sauna session. Additionally, the benches fold up to allow more space for standing or stretching. The electric heater is able to let the sauna reach temperatures up to 230 degrees, according to the company.
What our tester says:
“Once it reaches the goal temperature, it holds it really well.”
If you’re in the market for a high-end sauna, Plunge offers two compelling options. Well, technically three, since the Plunge Sauna comes in both standard and XL sizes. Those options work great if you’re looking for a family-friend rest and recovery sanctuary.
However, if it’s only for you and a friend, roommate, or spouse, the Plunge Sauna Mini is slightly more affordable, more compact, and still capable of delivering a satisfying sauna experience. No matter which Plunge model you choose, you’ll get the exact same accessories, the same 24-month warranty, and the same ability to control everything through the app.
For more info on our team’s experience with the full-sized Plunge Sauna, check out our complete review.
| Plunge Sauna Mini | Plunge Sauna | |
| Price | $11,990 | $12,990 |
| Type | Indoor./Outdoor | Indoor./Outdoor |
| Capacity | 2 people | 4-5 people |
| Dimensions | 57” L x 52” W x 94” H” | 67” L x 60” W x 95” H |
| Max Temperature | 230°F | 230°F |
| What’s Included? | HUUM sauna heater, Huum WiFi controller, HUUM sauna stones, waterproof roof, cedar phone holder | HUUM sauna heater, Huum WiFi controller, HUUM sauna stones, waterproof roof, cedar phone holder |
| Warranty | 24 months | 24 months |
Customer Experience
Plunge earns high praise from our team for providing a stress-free customer experience. We appreciate that this USA-made product comes with a two-year warranty, and you can add a three-year protection plan for added peace of mind.
In addition, Plunge offers financing through Bread Pay, which can help it a bit easier to swallow that $11,000 pill. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, the company offers professional assembly service for about $1,900, and it may be cheaper with discount codes or promotional sales.
We also appreciate that most orders come with free shipping and hassle-free delivery. The company has a 30-day return policy. However, customers are responsible for return shipping and a 15% restocking fee. If you need further support, you can contact Plunge via phone, social media, and email.
Ordering the Plunge Sauna Mini
You can order the Plunge Sauna Mini directly on the company website. You’ll have the opportunity to add more to your cart, such as a sauna accessory kit that includes a sauna bucket and ladle, red cedar thermometer and hygrometer, a red cedar sauna sand timer, and four gray-felt sauna hats.
There are multiple financing options, including the aforementioned Bread Pay and your HSA/FSA account. According to Lindsay, the Plunge Sauna Mini ships within eight business days of purchase and usually takes about 3-4 days to arrive.
Customer Reviews
The Sauna Mini has earned an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 5 reviews on the official Plunge website. Customers praise its features, performance, and excellent build quality.
Here’s some of their feedback about this premium-priced home sauna.
Final Verdict of Our Plunge Sauna Mini Review
Are there more affordable sauna solutions on the market? Absolutely. But if you’re ready and able to splurge, the Plunge Sauna Mini is a premium recovery tool that checks all the boxes we look for. From its impressive build quality and luxurious design to its features and performance, I promise you won’t be sweating bullets wondering whether it’ll live up to the hype.
Full Rating
Plunge Sauna Mini
The Plunge Sauna Mini packs full-size sauna power into a sleek, compact build. With fast heating, mobile app control, and standout aesthetics, it's built for those who want a premium experience without a huge footprint. Keep in mind, though, that you have to pay a premium for this high-end two-person sauna.
Product Brand: Plunge
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 11990
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.57
Plunge Sauna Mini Review: FAQs
How hot does a Plunge Sauna get?
The Plunge Sauna Mini has a max temperature of 230℉.
How long does a Plunge Sauna take to heat up?
During testing, the standard-sized Plunge Sauna took 56 minutes and 43 seconds to go from 70℉ to the desired temperature of 185℉. The Plunge Sauna Mini took about 40 minutes to reach 180℉ on mild days and over two hours on cold and snowy days.
What are the benefits of using a sauna?
There are many research-backed benefits3 of using a sauna, including helping improve cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, stress relief, and skin rejuvenation. Consistent sauna sessions may also provide pain relief and help improve your sleep quality.
References
- Ahokas, E. K., Ihalainen, J. K., Hanstock, H. G., Savolainen, E., & Kyröläinen, H. (2023). A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biology of sport, 40(3), 681–689. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289
- Bieuzen, F., Bleakley, C. M., & Costello, J. T. (2013). Contrast water therapy and exercise induced muscle damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 8(4), e62356. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062356
- Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 1857413. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1857413
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