The winter months in the northern hemisphere have us longing for the warmth and restoration of a sauna. Looking to the Finnish and Japanese, the two top sauna-going cultures on the planet, we’ve rounded up the best sauna buckets necessary for throwing water on hot stones in the dry sauna, or for splashing the body with cool water in a wet sauna. And you don’t have to have a home sauna to use a sauna bucket: the ritual is just as apt for the shower or bath.
Above: Designed by Harri Koskinen for Rento, the streamlined, steel Sauna Pail with birch handle is €89.90. There is also a ladle that coordinates to the pail for €39.90.
Above: The Umezawa Hinoki Bath Bucket with Handle is made with the Japanese cypress wood known for its use in humid environments. The bucket is made from strong, straight grain wood that is hand finished and accented in copper; $76 at Japanese Taste.
Above: Made of biocomposite in Finland, the Pisara Sauna Bucket is designed for use in heat and humidity. The material is also recyclable at end of life phase; €27.90 at Rento. The ladle shown is sold separately; €9.95.
Above: The Rento Tar Brown Aluminum Bamboo Sauna Bucket is designed and made in Finland; $120.28
Above: The Hinoki Bath Bucket is designed without handle from Kiso Lifestyle Labo in Nagano, Japan; $90 at Tortoise General Store.
Above: The Kolo Bucket and Ladle is designed by Brita Flander in 2016 is designed where the ladle also functions as the handle for the bucket. Made of painted aluminum and bamboo, the bucket set is available in white or black; $70.60 at Finnish Design Shop.
Above: The Almost Heaven Sauna Bucket, Ladle, and Thermometer is $149 for the set at Finnish Sauna Builders.
Above: The Aarikka Nuppu Sauna Bucket in black biocomposite is designed with large wooden beads at the handle; $66.70 at Finnish Design Shop.
Above: The Harvia Pail Ladle Set is a straightforward set made of black plastic and bamboo; $158 at Sauna Store.
Above: The Durasage Sauna Wooden Bucket and Ladle Kit is designed with a permanent plastic liner within the bucket; $47.95 at Durasage.
Above: The Azmaya Hinoki Bath Pail with Handle is made in the traditional Japanese onsen style with a straight handle and copper accents; $155 at Nalata Nalata.
For more bath accessories, see our posts: