Infrared Sauna Accessories: What to Add (and What's Already Included)

Short answer: the accessories worth having for an infrared sauna are a thermometer, sauna towels, a wooden backrest, and good ventilation — and several of the nicest "extras" (Bluetooth audio, Himalayan salt bars, red light, interior towel bars) already come built into some of the saunas we carry. Here's the full guide to what's worth buying and what's worth skipping.

What's already included with our saunas

Before buying add-ons, check your model — many popular infrared sauna accessories come standard:

• Bluetooth audio: Dynamic's 1–2 person models include a Bluetooth music system with speakers, and Golden Designs full-spectrum models add a touchscreen control panel with Bluetooth, MP3/aux, and FM radio.
• Himalayan salt bars: seven Golden Designs full-spectrum models include two Himalayan salt bars built into the cabin walls.
• Red light + chromotherapy: Golden Designs full-spectrum models carry an interior chromotherapy color-lighting system plus a red light feature — no aftermarket panel needed.
• Towel bar: Golden Designs full-spectrum models include an interior towel bar.

If these features matter to you, shopping models that include them is usually cheaper than buying and fitting accessories later. Browse infrared saunas →

The 6 accessories actually worth adding

1. Sauna thermometer / hygrometer

The control panel shows the heater's target temperature, but a cabin thermometer tells you what your body actually feels at bench level — useful for dialing in your sessions. Mount it at head height on the bench-side wall, not directly over a heater panel.

2. Sauna towels and bench cover

Sweat goes straight into the wood if you sit bare on the bench. A washable cotton or linen sauna towel (large enough to sit on) protects the hemlock or cedar and keeps the bench fresh — the single highest-value accessory for any sauna owner.

3. Wooden backrest

A curved wooden backrest hooks over the bench and takes pressure off your lower back during longer sessions. Universal-fit models suit most cabin saunas; measure your bench depth before ordering.

4. Aromatherapy oils

A few drops of eucalyptus or mint oil in a dedicated sauna aroma bowl add a lot of atmosphere. Never pour oils directly onto heater elements — use a heat-safe bowl or cup placed away from the panels.

5. LED or reading light (if your model lacks one)

Some base models keep cabin lighting minimal. A low-heat LED strip or sauna-rated wall lamp improves visibility for reading the controls. If your model already has chromotherapy or accent lighting, skip this.

6. Sauna hat (optional, traditional saunas)

Felt sauna hats shield your head and hair from the hottest air at ceiling level — mostly a traditional-sauna habit, since infrared cabins run cooler. Worth a try if you take long sessions. Traditional saunas →

What to skip

• Non-heat-rated electronics: regular speakers, phones left on the bench, and cheap LED strips degrade fast in 130–150°F air. If it isn't rated for heat, keep it outside the cabin.
• Plastic storage and scented candles: open flames and plastics don't belong in a hot cabin. Electric or battery tea lights rated for heat are the safe alternative.
• Cheap wooden bucket/ladle sets (infrared): buckets are for steam rooms and traditional saunas where you splash water on rocks — infrared cabins don't have stones, so a bucket set just gathers dust.

How to choose accessories that last

• Heat rating first: anything that lives inside the cabin must be rated for sustained heat around 150°F.
• Stick to sauna materials: cedar, hemlock, aspen, felt, and heat-safe cotton are the traditional choices — they handle heat and humidity without warping or off-gassing.
• Ventilate: leave the door cracked and the vent open after sessions so towels, wood, and textiles dry out between uses.
• Check your model first: many of the best "accessories" — Bluetooth audio, salt bars, red light, towel bars — are already built into our saunas, so compare models before buying add-ons. Shop all saunas →

FAQs

What accessories come with an infrared sauna?

It depends on the model. Our Dynamic 1–2 person models include a Bluetooth music system with speakers; Golden Designs full-spectrum models add a touchscreen panel with Bluetooth/MP3/FM, interior towel bars, chromotherapy lighting, a red light feature, and two built-in Himalayan salt bars.

What is the most useful infrared sauna accessory?

A sauna thermometer and a washable sauna towel or bench cover. The thermometer confirms real cabin temperature at bench level, and the towel protects the wood bench from sweat.

Do infrared saunas need a bucket and ladle?

No. Buckets and ladles are for traditional saunas and steam rooms, where you splash water on hot stones. Infrared cabins have no stones, so a bucket set serves no purpose.

Can I put essential oils in an infrared sauna?

Yes, with care: use a few drops in a heat-safe aroma bowl or cup placed away from the heater panels. Never pour oils directly onto heater elements.

Medical disclaimer: this article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before using a sauna, especially if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.