To be honest, before I got my hands on the HY8, I always thought "traditional saunas" were something you could only experience at a gym or a luxury spa. It wasn’t until I actually installed a traditional sauna cabin right inside my home that I realized you can absolutely get that authentic, Finnish-style steam experience without leaving the house.
Today, I’m going to walk you through everything—from unboxing and installation to the actual experience and maintenance—based on my real-life use of the HY8 Indoor Traditional Sauna.
1. The Delivery & Unboxing: Better Packaging Than Expected
The HY8 arrived via freight truck, with the entire kit packed inside a large wooden crate. My first impression was definitely relief—the packaging felt incredibly solid.
We started by prying off the outer wooden panels (watch out for the nails!). Inside, the pre-fabricated sauna panels were neatly stacked, with thick foam separating each piece. The protection during transport was top-notch.
From the time I placed the order to delivery, it took about 12 days. Considering this is a heavy, bulky item, I was pretty satisfied with that speed.
2. Installation: Easier Than I Imagined
The assembly process went much smoother than I anticipated.
We followed the manual step-by-step, and there’s also an installation video on their website if you need a visual guide. The structure uses a modular design:
- Lay down the floor panel
- Put up the side panels
- Install the back panel
- Lock everything together with the buckles
- Install the roof panel
The whole frame uses a pre-installed clasp/buckle system, so you don’t need to do any complex carpentry work.
A Crucial Note on Electricity:
The HY8 uses a traditional electric heater. It’s a 3KW unit, which means it requires:
- 240V Voltage
- A 20A dedicated circuit
- It comes with a plug (it is NOT hardwired)
This is super important: Before you buy, make sure you have a 240V outlet available.
Our home already had a 240V line (similar to what you’d use for a heavy-duty dryer), so we were set. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to hire an electrician to install the outlet beforehand.
When wiring the heater itself, make sure to match the wire colors exactly. Since this is a high-power device, double-check that all connections are tight and secure.
Pro Tip: Have an electric screwdriver ready—it makes life much easier. I handled the assembly while my wife helped hold the panels and hand me tools. Believe it or not, the two of us finished the whole setup in about 25 minutes.
Once assembled, the structure feels very sturdy. The Canadian Hemlock wood has a premium texture and gives off that classic Finnish sauna vibe.
3. Before First Use: Wash the Stones!
The HY8 features a traditional stove that uses volcanic rocks.
Per the manual, I took all the included stones and rinsed them thoroughly with water before using them. The stones do have some rock dust on them out of the box, so do not skip this step.
After washing them, let them air dry naturally, and then stack them onto the heater.
4. The First Session: Authentic Heat
The moment I plugged it in, the heater hummed slightly—totally normal.
We turned it on and watched from outside through the glass door. It took about 20 minutes to hit 170°F (traditional saunas usually run between 170°F and 190°F). Through the rocks, you could see the heating coils glowing red.
I used the wooden ladle to pour a little water over the hot stones. The steam instantly filled the cabin. That "steam shock" (what the Finns call löyly) is truly the soul of a traditional sauna.
The temperature quickly climbed close to 190°F. For our first time, we didn’t want to push it too high, but that feeling of being wrapped in a heat wave was pure bliss. After just a few minutes, we were sweating profusely. Note: Definitely bring a towel in with you—it’s more hygienic and much more comfortable.
You can pour water on the rocks intermittently to control the humidity and steam intensity (just be careful not to spill water directly on the floor).
We stayed in for about 20 minutes. Stepping out afterward, I felt incredibly light and relaxed.
5. A Nice Bonus: Bluetooth Audio
The HY8 comes with built-in Bluetooth speakers, and the sound quality was honestly better than I expected.
Connecting my phone was instant. Combining the steam, the smell of the Hemlock wood, and my own relaxing playlist created an amazing atmosphere. It didn’t feel like a cheap add-on; it actually enhanced the experience.
6. Aftercare and Maintenance
After we finished, here is my routine:
- Turn off the heater.
- Unplug the unit (or switch off the breaker).
- Open the glass door and let it air out for at least 30 minutes.
Surprisingly, the floor wasn’t as wet as I thought it would be. Since we sat on towels, we avoided dripping sweat everywhere. The seals on the glass door are excellent—they keep the heat in and prevent steam from leaking out during the session.
Interior Cleaning:
- Wipe down with water or diluted alcohol.
- Wash and dry your sauna towels regularly.
- Keep the unit ventilated.
Exterior: I haven’t done any special treatment to the exterior wood yet, though some people like to use wood oil. That’s up to personal preference.
7. About the Floor (Waterproof Mat Recommendation)
We installed the sauna in our home gym, which has carpeted floors.
After a few uses, I noticed a tiny amount of water seeping from the bottom edge (mostly condensation from the steam). We ended up putting a waterproof mat underneath the sauna (similar to a large yoga mat).
If you are installing this on tile or hardwood, you probably don't need a mat—just wipe up any moisture after you're done. The amount of water depends largely on how much water you pour on the rocks.
Final Verdict: Why I Recommend the HY8
If you are looking for:
- A traditional electric stove experience (not infrared).
- The ability to control steam and humidity yourself.
- That intense, high-heat "sweat" feeling.
- A durable unit for home use.
Then the HY8 is absolutely worth considering.
It isn’t "mild" like an infrared sauna; it is much closer to a real Finnish experience.
For me, this isn't just a piece of equipment. It has created a dedicated relaxation sanctuary right in my home. I used to think saunas were a luxury reserved for days out—now, it’s part of our daily wellness routine.
If you’re thinking about bringing a traditional sauna home, the HY8 deserves a serious look.
