Sauna Accessories Worth Buying

By Caleb Whitaker Prices checked November 12, 2026

Short answer

Three accessories cover most of what a traditional sauna needs: a bucket and ladle for steam, a thermometer and hygrometer, and a backrest. Almost Heaven sold all three as a bundle for $89.60 plus a backrest for $104.30 on November 12, 2026. Most other extras are optional.

The essentials

Essential sauna accessories, prices read November 12, 2026
Item	Example	Price seen
Bucket, ladle and thermometer bundle	Almost Heaven	$89.60 (regular $128)	Visit website
Bucket and ladle	Redwood Outdoors	$79	Visit website
Bucket and ladle, stainless with copper lining	Redwood Outdoors	$139	Visit website
Thermometer and hygrometer	Dundalk, Narvi and others	$19 to $119	Compare
Backrest, cedar	Almost Heaven	$104.30 (regular $149)	Visit website
Backrest, S-shape red cedar	Sauna Marketplace	$89	Visit website

Worth it for outdoor saunas

Outdoor extras
Item	Price seen	Why
Barrel sauna rain jacket (cover)	From $235.90	Shields the barrel staves from weather
Barrel sauna floor kit	From $321.30	A level floor inside the barrel
Indoor sauna floor kit	From $370.30	Duckboard floor for indoor rooms
Double robe hook	$37.80	Towels and robes by the door

Outdoor extras listed by Almost Heaven. Fit is model-specific, so check the size against your sauna.

Nice to have

Sand timer: counts session time without electronics in the hot room.
Sauna scents: a few drops in the ladle water. Use only scents made for saunas.
Headrest or pillow: wood or soft rests for lying on the top bench.
Flue thermometer: for wood stoves, $59 for a Narvi magnetic model.

What to skip

Electronics not rated for heat: phones and speakers can overheat inside.
Plastic buckets and ladles: wood, aluminum, copper or stainless last longer at sauna temperatures.
Big bundles you will not use: buy the three essentials first and add later.

Infrared saunas need less

Infrared cabins have no stones, so no bucket or ladle. A backrest and a towel are usually enough.

Bucket and ladle: what to look for

Material: wood, aluminum, stainless or copper. All hold up to heat.
Liner: wooden buckets often have a plastic or metal liner to stop leaks. Check what the liner is made of.
Ladle length: long enough that your hand stays well away from the stones.

Backrest: what to look for

Wood: cedar and other sauna woods stay cooler to the touch.
Fit: measure the bench depth and the wall height above the bench first.
Removable: easier to clean and dry after use.

Accessories that come with the sauna

Check what is in the box before you buy extras. Many outdoor sauna packages include a bucket, ladle and thermometer. North Shore's tent Pro packages add gloves, a bucket, a thermometer and a fireproof mat. Buying them twice is the most common way to waste money here.

Care

Empty and dry the bucket after each session.
Wipe the benches and backrest with water only, or a cleaner made for sauna wood.
Keep scents out of the bucket unless they are made for sauna use.

Budget by setup

What to spend, by setup
Setup	Starter set	Prices seen
Barrel or cube with electric heater	Bucket, ladle, thermometer, backrest	About $194 at Almost Heaven bundle plus backrest prices
Wood-fired sauna	Add a flue thermometer	$59 Narvi flue thermometer
Sauna tent	Usually included in Pro packages	See package listings

Common questions

What accessories do I need for a sauna?

For a traditional sauna: a bucket and ladle, a thermometer with hygrometer, and a backrest. Everything else is optional.

How much do sauna accessories cost?

A bucket, ladle and thermometer bundle was $89.60 at Almost Heaven on November 12, 2026. Backrests started at $89.

Can I use any bucket in a sauna?

Use one made for saunas in wood, aluminum, copper or stainless steel. Plastic can warp in the heat.

Do I need a cover for an outdoor barrel sauna?

It is optional. Some brands sell a fitted rain jacket that keeps weather off the staves.