3 Person vs 4-5 Person Outdoor Sauna: Which Size Is Right?
Last updated October 2026
Short answer: choose the Nordhaus 3 Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna if one to three people will use it and you want the smaller electrical connection. Choose the 4-5 Person if you want room to lie down or sauna as a family, and your electrician confirms your home can supply its larger 9kW heater. Both share the same build, controls and warranty.
Side by side
| 3 Person | 4-5 Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14,490 | $17,490 |
| Seats | Up to 3 adults | 4 to 5 adults |
| External size | 154cm wide x 158cm deep x 200cm high | 198cm wide x 169cm deep x 200cm high |
| Top bench | 142cm wide x 50cm deep | 186cm wide x 50cm deep, long enough to lie down |
| Bottom bench | 142cm wide x 40cm deep | 186cm wide x 50cm deep |
| Heater | Harvia The Wall 6kW | Harvia The Wall 9kW |
| Maximum temperature | Up to 110°C | Up to 110°C |
| Heat-up time | About 30 to 45 minutes | About 30 to 45 minutes |
| Power (Harvia recommendation) | Dedicated circuit. 3 phase: 3 x 10A. Single phase: 35A. | Dedicated circuit. 3 phase: 3 x 16A. Single phase: 50A. |
| Electrician | Harvia's figures are a guide only. Your electrician on site decides what is suitable for your individual installation. | |
| Controls | Harvia Fenix WiFi touch panel with the MyHarvia app | |
| Exterior | Powder-coated 6063-T5 aluminium batten cladding in Matte Black or Matte White | |
| Interior | Canadian Hemlock, PIR insulation, 8mm tinted tempered glass | |
| Warranty | 5 years cabin, cladding and electrical. 2 years Harvia heater. Residential use. | |
What is the same
Both saunas are built to one standard. You get the same aluminium exterior that needs no sanding or staining, the same insulated walls, the same two-tier bench layout with the lower bench level with the heater stones, the same Harvia Fenix WiFi control, and 20kg of Harvia stones with a bucket, ladle and hourglass included. Both are 200cm high and arrive flat-packed for two-person assembly in about 90 minutes.
What is different
Space to stretch out
The 4-5 Person is 44cm wider. Its top bench is 186cm long, so most adults can lie flat. The 3 Person top bench is 142cm, which suits sitting upright or reclining with knees bent.
Footprint
The 3 Person needs a level base of about 154cm by 158cm. The 4-5 Person needs about 198cm by 169cm. Allow up to 20cm behind either sauna for airflow and 59cm in front for the door to swing.
Power
This is usually the deciding factor. The 3 Person has a 6kW heater and the 4-5 Person has a 9kW heater, so the 4-5 Person needs a larger supply. Both can be connected to 3 phase or single phase power. On single phase, Harvia recommends 35A for the 3 Person and 50A for the 4-5 Person, so many homes with single phase only will need their electrician to check capacity before ordering the 4-5 Person. These are Harvia recommendations, and your electrician on site decides what is suitable for your individual case. See our outdoor sauna electrical requirements guide for the detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 3 Person if it is mostly for one or two people, your yard or courtyard is compact, or you want the smaller electrical connection.
Choose the 4-5 Person if you want to lie down, you will sauna with family or friends, or you already have 3 phase power for a pool, EV charger or ducted air conditioning.
Common questions
Is the 4-5 Person slower to heat because it is bigger?
No. It has a larger 9kW heater to match the larger cabin, so both reach operating temperature in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Can two people use the 4-5 Person comfortably?
Yes. Many couples choose it so one or both can lie down. It costs more to run per session because the heater is larger.
Do both come in black and white?
Yes. Both are available in Matte Black or Matte White at the same price.
Prices and specifications are correct at the date above and are confirmed on each product page. For the full range and how Nordhaus compares with other brands, read our outdoor sauna buyer's guide.
