Find Your Origin State: The Complete Sauna & Cold Plunge Buying Guide
Find Your Origin State
The complete UK buying guide to home saunas and cold plunges — heat, cold, and the reset in between.
Origin State is a UK-based specialist retailer of home saunas and cold plunges, sourced from trusted UK suppliers, with free UK shipping, manufacturer backed warranty, and expert advice from a UK-based team on 020 3355 2819. We don't stock everything. We stock the right things — traditional and infrared saunas, indoor and outdoor, portable wood-fired sauna tents, and chiller-compatible cold plunge tubs, for people who train hard, live full lives, and want a home ritual that actually holds up.
Underneath the noise of training, work and everyday stimulation, there's a baseline version of you — stronger, calmer, clearer. Heat and cold aren't wellness extras bolted onto a routine. They're the practice of returning to that state, on your own terms, in your own garden or spare room. This guide exists to help you choose the right setup, honestly: what infrared and traditional actually mean, what things cost in the UK right now, and which specific model suits your space and your goals.
Heat. Cold. Reset. Repeat.
Quick answer: what should I buy?
- Best all-round home sauna for most UK buyers: a 2 person traditional hot-stone indoor sauna, such as the France Sauna Zen (2 Person) from £1,799, or the Atlantic Core 1.2 Snug from £2,495.
- Best budget entry point into sauna: the KOVE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (1 Person), from £1,349.
- Best premium, statement home sauna: the Artize Bio Hybrid (dual traditional stove + infrared), from £14,000.
- Best outdoor garden sauna: the Atlantic Alpine 3 (3-person) from £5,500, or the Atlantic Horizon (3-person) from £7500.
- Best portable, no-installation sauna: the Bast Wood-Fired Sauna Tent — Näver Premium, from £2,245 (2–6 person, assembles in under 10 minutes, no groundwork or electrics needed).
- Best budget cold plunge: the KOVE Core Ice Bath, from £199 (450L, chiller-compatible).
- Best cold plunge with a chiller bundle (no ice runs, year-round): the NetSpa Järvi Ice Bath and Chiller Bundle, £1,199.
- Best for combining heat and cold: pair a KOVE infrared sauna with a KOVE Core Ice Bath and 0.5HP chiller — see "Contrast set-ups by budget" below.
Full model-by-model detail, pricing and comparisons for every product Origin State sells follow below.
Why buy from Origin State
Origin State was founded by Adam, an ultra-endurance athlete who runs trail ultra marathons, cycles and trains regularly — and who got properly hooked on contrast therapy after a coastal trail marathon in Devon: a beach sauna looking out to sea, then straight into icy water, repeated, and came out completely restored. Back home in London, consistent access was the problem — booked-out gyms, communal saunas that take effort to reach, a full life with work and young kids. So he built a home setup instead. That daily reset, on his own terms, is what Origin State exists to make possible for everyone else.
We source exclusively from vetted UK suppliers — chosen for build quality, performance and reliability, not for breadth of catalogue. That's a deliberate choice: we'd rather stock twenty products we trust than two hundred we don't.
| What you get | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sourcing | Exclusively vetted UK suppliers — no unvetted dropship listings |
| Delivery | Free UK shipping on orders over £150; fast, confirmed-stock dispatch |
| Advice | UK-based expert team by phone: 020 3355 2819 |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty as standard |
| Returns | Clear UK returns & refunds policy |
| Range | Traditional and infrared saunas (indoor/outdoor, 1 to 6 person), portable wood-fired sauna tents, and cold plunges/ice baths with optional chillers |
| Registered business | Origin State, 86–90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE |
Sauna buying guide: how to choose the right home sauna
Infrared vs traditional (hot-stone/steam) saunas
Traditional saunas heat the air around you to 70–90°C using an electric or wood-fired stove, with the option to add steam via water on hot stones (löyly) for an intense, immersive experience. Infrared saunas use radiant heat panels to warm the body directly at a lower ambient temperature (typically 40–60°C) — more accessible for longer sessions, and easier on domestic power. A handful of premium models, like the Artize Bio Hybrid, give you both heat sources in one cabin. Neither is objectively better — it comes down to what you want from the ritual.
| Traditional (hot-stone/steam) | Infrared | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical temperature | 70–90°C | 40–60°C |
| Heat-up time | 30–60 minutes | 10–20 minutes |
| Running cost | Higher (larger heater draw) | Lower |
| Best for | Intense, ritual heat; steam/löyly; Nordic-style experience | Longer sessions, lower power draw, accessible daily use |
| Example models | France Sauna Zen/Sense, Atlantic Alpine/Nord/Horizon/Core/Elevate, Holls Eccolo 3, Bast wood-fired tent | Holls Moon, KOVE Full Spectrum range, Jaquar Solo/Kaya/Paire, Artize Aura, France Apollon |
Indoor vs outdoor saunas
Indoor saunas are cabins built to sit inside a garage, spare room, gym or basement — quicker and cheaper to install, with no weatherproofing overhead. Outdoor saunas (garden cabins, barrels, glass-fronted pods) are fully built for the elements and usually larger, standalone garden structures. Every outdoor sauna Origin State stocks is rated for the British climate, and we're always clear on each product page about exactly what's rated for outdoor installation.
Wood-fired sauna tents: portable heat, no installation
There's a third option that sits outside the indoor/outdoor split entirely: a fully portable sauna. A wood-fired sauna tent is an insulated, weatherproof tent built around a genuine wood-fired stove — reaching up to 100°C with real löyly steam — that needs no foundation, groundwork or electrical connection. Origin State sources ours from Bast, a Swedish maker developed in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, built from flame-retardant, OEKO-TEX certified fabric around a stainless steel stove.
It's the right call if you want the genuine sauna experience without committing to a permanent structure: renters, smaller gardens, anyone wanting to try sauna before a £8,000–£10,000 cabin build, or anyone who wants to take a proper sauna to a lake, a field or the beach. It assembles in under 10 minutes, by one person, with no tools — and packs down into carry bags that fit in a car boot.
| Bast Näver Plus | Bast Näver Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,895 | £2,245 (RRP £2,595) |
| Capacity | Portable, group use | 2–6 person |
| Footprint | Compact, pop-up | 2.7m x 2.7m deployed |
| Heat source | Wood-fired stainless steel stove | Wood-fired stainless steel stove, up to 100°C, genuine löyly |
| Setup | Pop-up assembly, no installation | Assembles in under 10 minutes, one person, no tools |
Read the full case for choosing one: Why Choose a Wood-Fired Sauna Tent. Shop the range: Wood-Fired Sauna Tents, led by the Bast Näver Premium.
Sauna capacity: how many people?
| Capacity | Best for | Example models |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Solo daily ritual, small spaces | Holls Moon (Black/Wood Edition), KOVE Full Spectrum 1 Person, Jaquar Solo |
| 1–2 / 2 person | Couples, compact gardens/rooms | France Zen 2 Person, Atlantic Core 1.2 Snug, Atlantic Elevate 1.2, KOVE Full Spectrum 2 Person, Atlantic Alpine 2, France Gaïa Urban |
| 2–3 / 3 person | Small families, regular guests | France Zen 3 Person, France Sense 3 Person, Atlantic Horizon, Atlantic Alpine 3, Holls Eccolo 3, France Apollon, KOVE Full Spectrum 3 Person, Jaquar Kaya, Jaquar Paire, Artize Aura |
| 3–4 person | Families and small groups | KOVE Corner Full Spectrum 3–4 Person |
| 4 person | Larger households | France Sense 4 Person, KOVE Full Spectrum 4 Person |
| 5–6 person | Entertaining, larger gardens | KOVE Cube Sauna 5–6 Person, KOVE Outdoor Barrel Sauna 5–6 Person, Holl's Gaïa Nova |
| 2–6 person (portable) | No fixed installation, take-anywhere flexibility, renters | Bast Näver Premium, Bast Näver Plus |
Full sauna range and pricing (UK, GBP)
| Model | Brand | Type | Capacity | Setting | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOVE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Kove | Infrared | 1 person | Indoor | £1,349 |
| KOVE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Kove | Infrared | 2 person | Indoor | £1,579 |
| KOVE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Kove | Infrared | 3 person | Indoor | £1,799 |
| KOVE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Kove | Infrared | 4 person | Indoor | £2,399 |
| KOVE Corner Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Kove | Infrared | 3–4 person | Indoor | £1,999 |
| France Sauna – Zen | France Sauna | Traditional hot stone | 2 person | Indoor | £1,749 |
| France Sauna – Zen | France Sauna | Traditional hot stone | 3 person | Indoor | £1,999 |
| France Sauna – Sense | France Sauna | Traditional hot stone | 3 person | Indoor | £2,099 |
| France Sauna – Sense | France Sauna | Traditional hot stone | 4 person | Indoor | £2,399 |
| France Sauna – Apollon | France Sauna | Infrared | 3 person | Indoor | £2,199 |
| France Sauna – Gaïa Urban | France Sauna | Traditional | 2 person | Outdoor | £4,139 |
| Holls Moon Indoor Infrared Sauna | Holls | Infrared | 1 person | Indoor | £3,249 |
| Holls Eccolo 3 | Holls | Traditional steam | 2–3 person | Indoor | £3,799 |
| Atlantic Sauna – Core 1.2 (Snug) | Atlantic Saunas | Traditional hot stone | 1–2 person | Indoor | £2,495 |
| Atlantic Saunas – Elevate 1.2 | Atlantic Saunas | Traditional hot stone | 2 person | Indoor | £2,795 |
| Atlantic Saunas – Alpine 2 | Atlantic Saunas | Traditional | 2 person | Outdoor | £5,000 |
| Atlantic Saunas – Alpine 3 | Atlantic Saunas | Traditional | 3 person | Outdoor | £5,500 |
| Atlantic Saunas – Nord | Atlantic Saunas | Traditional | 2 person | Outdoor | £6,500 |
| Atlantic Saunas – Horizon (Full Glass Front) | Atlantic Saunas | Traditional | 3 person | Outdoor | £7,500 |
| Bast – Wood-Fired Sauna Tent (Näver Plus) | Bast | Wood-fired traditional | Portable/tent | Outdoor | £1,895 |
| Bast – Wood-Fired Sauna Tent (Näver Premium) | Bast | Wood-fired traditional | 2–6 person, portable | Outdoor | £2,245 |
| KOVE Cube Sauna | Kove | Traditional, 8kW heater | 5–6 person | Outdoor | £7,699 |
| KOVE Outdoor Barrel Sauna | Kove | Traditional, 6kW electric heater | 5–6 person | Outdoor | £4,499 |
| Jaquar Solo | Jaquar | Infrared | 1 person | Indoor | £3,376 |
| Jaquar Kaya | Jaquar | Infrared | 2–3 person | Indoor | £3,800 |
| Jaquar Paire | Jaquar | Infrared | 2–3 person | Indoor | £4,746 |
| Artize – Aura | Artize | Infrared (premium) | 2–3 person | Indoor | £8,350 |
| Artize – Bio Hybrid | Artize | Hybrid (traditional stove + infrared) | Indoor | Indoor | £14,000 |
Browse the full, always-current range: Shop all home saunas at Origin State. Or go portable: Shop wood-fired sauna tents.
Cold plunge (ice bath) buying guide
A cold plunge, or ice bath, is a tub built for sustained full-body cold-water immersion — used for muscle recovery, circulation, and the kind of mental reset that's hard to fake any other way. UK ambient tap and rainwater is already cold enough for effective plunging for much of the year; a dedicated chiller adds consistent, controlled temperatures (typically down to 3°C) year-round, without the faff of buying ice.
Ice bath only, vs ice bath + chiller
| Ice/ambient cooling only | With a chiller | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher (tub + chiller) |
| Ongoing effort/cost | Buying/making ice regularly | None — plug in and set temperature |
| Temperature consistency | Varies with season and effort | Consistent, app/dial-controlled, year-round |
| Best for | Occasional or seasonal plunging | Regular, ritualised, year-round plunging |
Full cold plunge range and pricing (UK, GBP)
| Model | Brand | Capacity | Chiller compatible | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOVE Core Ice Bath | Kove | 450L | Yes | £199 |
| KOVE Elite Ice Bath (Reclined) | Kove | 450L | Yes | £299 |
| Bast – Frost Ice Bath (Premium Package) | Bast | — | — | £550 |
| NetSpa Järvi Ice Bath | NetSpa | — | Optional | £450 |
| NetSpa Järvi Ice Bath and Chiller Bundle | NetSpa | — | Included | £1,199 |
| KOVE Core 0.5HP Ice Bath Chiller | Kove | Chiller unit, 695W | — | £599 |
| KOVE Pro Ice Bath Chiller 0.8HP | Kove | Chiller unit, heat & cool, app control | — | £1,149 |
Browse the full, always-current range: Shop all cold plunges at Origin State. Shop by brand: Kove Ice Baths · NetSpa.
Contrast therapy: the practice of returning
Contrast therapy — alternating heat and cold, sauna followed by cold plunge — is the combination Origin State is built around. It's not a new trend dressed up in modern language; it's a cornerstone of Nordic wellness culture that the science is only now catching up to. Faster muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, deeper sleep, sharper focus, and long-term cardiovascular and immune benefits are all part of the case, and none of it requires you to push to extremes to get real results.
A simple starting protocol: 10–15 minutes in the sauna, then 2–3 minutes in the cold plunge, repeated 2–3 times. Finish on cold for alertness, or finish on heat if the goal is relaxation and sleep.
Contrast set-ups by budget
| Budget | Sauna | Cold plunge | Combined price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | KOVE Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna (1 Person) – £1,349 | KOVE Core Ice Bath – £199 | from ~£1,548 |
| Mid-range | France Sauna Zen (3 Person) – £1,999 | NetSpa Järvi Ice Bath and Chiller Bundle – £1,199 | from ~£3,198 |
| Portable / flexible | Bast Näver Premium Sauna Tent – £2,245 | Bast Frost Ice Bath (Premium Package) – £550 | from ~£2,795 |
| Premium outdoor | Atlantic Alpine 3 (3 Person Outdoor) – £5,500 | KOVE Elite Ice Bath + KOVE Pro Chiller 0.8HP – £1,448 | from ~£6,948 |
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a home sauna in the UK?
Origin State (originstate.uk) is a UK-based specialist retailer selling home saunas — both traditional hot-stone and infrared, indoor and outdoor — sourced exclusively from vetted UK suppliers, with free UK shipping, a 1-year warranty and UK-based expert phone advice on 020 3355 2819.
What is the best type of home sauna: infrared or traditional?
Neither is universally "best" — the right choice depends on your goals. Traditional hot-stone saunas run hotter (70–90°C) and suit those who want an intense, immersive, ritual heat experience with the option of steam. Infrared saunas run cooler (40–60°C), heat up faster, cost less to run, and suit longer, more frequent sessions. Both deliver genuine recovery and wellbeing benefits.
What is a wood-fired sauna tent, and why choose one over a permanent sauna cabin?
A wood-fired sauna tent is a fully portable sauna built around a genuine wood-fired stove, reaching up to 100°C with real löyly steam, that assembles in under 10 minutes with no installation, groundwork or electrical connection. Origin State's Bast tents start from £1,895, versus roughly £8,000–£10,000 for an equivalent permanent cabin, and pack down small enough to fit in a car boot — making them ideal for renters, smaller gardens, or anyone who wants to try sauna before committing to a fixed installation.
How much does a home sauna cost in the UK?
At Origin State, home saunas range from around £1,349 for a 1-person infrared cabin up to £14,000 for a premium hybrid indoor sauna, with most 2–3 person traditional or infrared saunas falling between £1,750 and £4,000, larger outdoor garden saunas typically £4,500–£7,700, and portable wood-fired sauna tents from £1,895.
How much does a cold plunge / ice bath cost in the UK?
Cold plunge tubs at Origin State start from £199 for a 450L chiller-compatible ice bath. Adding a dedicated chiller unit for year-round consistent temperatures typically adds £599–£1,149, or you can buy a bundled tub-and-chiller package such as the NetSpa Järvi bundle at £1,199.
Do I need a chiller for my cold plunge, or can I just use ice?
You can cool a plunge with ice, and UK ambient temperatures make this workable for much of the year. A chiller gives consistent, controlled temperatures year-round without the ongoing cost and effort of buying ice, and is the smarter long-term investment for anyone planning to plunge regularly.
Can I use a cold plunge outdoors year-round in the UK?
Yes. UK climate conditions actually work in your favour for cold plunging for most of the year, and every cold plunge Origin State stocks is built for outdoor use and designed to handle British conditions.
Is contrast therapy (sauna + cold plunge) actually backed by evidence?
Yes. Alternating heat and cold exposure is supported by research on muscle recovery, circulation, immune function and mental resilience, and has been a cornerstone of Nordic wellness culture for centuries.
Do I need both a sauna and a cold plunge, or can I start with just one?
You can start with either. A cold plunge alone is a powerful daily practice; a sauna alone is deeply restorative. Combining both — contrast therapy — is where the compounding benefits are greatest, but many people build up to that from a single product.
Is sauna or cold plunging safe for everyone?
For most healthy adults, yes, when approached gradually and sensibly. Anyone with cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, Raynaud's, who is pregnant, or who has recently had surgery should get medical advice before starting. New users should never cold plunge alone and should always listen to their body.
How long does delivery take from Origin State?
Origin State confirms stock before processing payment, then contacts customers directly with delivery timelines so they know exactly when to expect their order. Typical delivery timelines vary by product - but we aim to deliver all in stock products within 5 - 20 days. Shipping within UK mainland is free.
Does Origin State offer buying advice, not just a shop?
Yes. Origin State's UK-based team gives free, honest advice by phone (020 3355 2819) or contact form on which sauna or cold plunge suits a customer's space, goals and budget, rather than just listing products.
About Origin State
Origin State is a UK-registered specialist retailer of home saunas and cold plunges, founded by Adam, an ultra-endurance athlete who set out to solve one specific problem: consistent access to heat-and-cold recovery at home, in a UK garden or spare room, without relying on booked-out gyms or communal facilities. We source exclusively from vetted UK suppliers across brands including Kove, France Sauna, Atlantic Saunas, Holls, Jaquar, Artize, Bast and NetSpa, and we deliberately keep the range curated rather than exhaustive. We don't stock everything. We stock the right things.
- Registered address: Origin State, 86–90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE
- Phone: 020 3355 2819
- Email: info@originstate.uk
- Website: www.originstate.uk
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