Choosing the Perfect Bucket and Ladle for Your Sauna

Choosing the right bucket and ladle for your sauna is an essential part of creating an authentic and enjoyable Finnish sauna experience. Here’s how to make an informed decision based on different factors.

Frequency of Use and Type of Sauna

Home Sauna vs. Public Sauna

• Home Saunas: For infrequent use, you might opt for more delicate materials and designs. Home saunas allow for personalized choices that match your interior style.
• Public Saunas: In a public setting, durability and ease of maintenance are key. Opt for robust materials like aluminium or biocomposite to withstand frequent use.

Size of the Sauna

• Small Saunas: A single bucket and ladle are often sufficient. Choose a size that fits comfortably within the space without feeling cramped.
• Large Saunas: Consider multiple buckets and ladles to ensure every corner of the sauna is adequately serviced. This is especially important in public saunas or larger family saunas.

Material Choices

• Wood: Traditional and aesthetically pleasing, wood buckets and ladles are a classic choice. However, they require proper maintenance to prevent mold and discoloration. There are options available with a plastic inside bowl for easier maintenance.
• Biocomposite: Durable material that is made from recycled wood. As a material it can stand a lot of heat without feeling hot to your skin.
• Aluminium: Durable and modern, aluminium is easy to clean and ideal for frequent use. It also doesn´t over heat or burn you.
• Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, plastic options are good for home use.

To consider: sometimes black painted wood can get really hot in a sauna and burn you. Black plastic, biocomposite or aluminium on the other hand will not burn your skin. Stainless steel is durable but in a public sauna you should stay away from having stainless steel buckets as it gets really hot.

If you use essential oils in your sauna, be mindful that some blends can stain or degrade certain materials. Alunimium, stainless steel and biocomposite are more resistant to staining, while wooden and some plastic buckets may absorb the oils and change color over time.

Practicality and Convenience

• Buckets with Handles: If you need to fetch löyly water from outside the sauna, a bucket with a sturdy handle is essential. It makes transporting water easier and reduces the risk of spills.
• Ladle Design: Look for a ladle with a comfortable grip and an appropriate length to ensure safe and easy use without getting too close to the heat. Especially public saunas should have long ladle handles for safe use.

Interior Design Trends for 2024

According to Vogue’s “The Interior Design Trends to Know in 2024,” here are some interior design tips you might want to consider in your sauna as well:

• Mono Rooms: Opt for buckets and ladles that blend seamlessly with the overall color scheme of your sauna.
• Quiet Luxury: Choose high-quality materials and understated designs that exude elegance and sophistication.
• Dark Wood: Incorporate dark wood accessories for a rich, luxurious feel that aligns with modern design trends.
• Mixing Textures: Combine different materials and finishes, such as a wooden bucket with a stainless steel ladle, to add depth and interest to your sauna decor.

Versatile Uses for Your Sauna Bucket

Beyond its primary function, a sauna bucket can serve multiple purposes:

• Foot Bath: Fill the bucket with warm water and Epsom salts for a relaxing foot soak.
• Cooler for Drinks: Use it to keep your beverages chilled during a sauna session or a summer gathering.
• Other Creative Uses: A stylish bucket can double as a storage container, or even a decorative piece in your home.

The bucket and ladle are more than just tools for throwing löyly—they are integral parts of the Finnish sauna and contribute to the overall experience and functionality of your sauna space. By considering the frequency of use, size of your sauna, material choices, and current design trends, you can select the perfect bucket and ladle that complement both your sauna and your personal style.