Arosa 4-Person Barrel Sauna (GDI-B004-01)

A 4-seat barrel at $5,999, $1,500 a seat and 13 percent above the barrel median, with a 6 kW heater but no stated wood or warranty.

Arosa costs $1,334 more than the Almost Heaven Watoga, the cheapest four-seat barrel, and the data gives few reasons why. It has the usual 6 kW heater, measures 73 by 84 inches and 84 tall, and weighs 477 pounds, about 41 percent of the median for models that state weight. Golden Designs lists the wood as other, not cedar, and does not state a warranty or an assembly type.

Its one clear selling point is the low weight, which may make it easier to place. Everything else is weaker than the competition: SunRay's four-seat barrels cost $5,290 to $5,890 and carry 10-year warranties. Recovery for Athletes is the only store we list. Buy it if the design appeals and the maker confirms the wood and warranty in writing.