Find Your Origin State: The Complete Sauna & Cold Plunge Buying Guide

Last updated: 19 September 2026 · Written and maintained by the Origin State team, London, UK

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?

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)

Prices shown are correct as of the last-updated date above and include any current promotional pricing. Check the live product page for current stock and price, as these can change.

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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