Wellness

How to choose big-ticket wellness equipment

Home saunas and massage chairs cost thousands of dollars, weigh hundreds of pounds and are expensive to send back. Most regrets come from the practical details, not the feature list, so check these before you compare models:

• Power. Traditional saunas with 4.5kW+ heaters usually need a dedicated 240V circuit put in by a licensed electrician. Many small infrared saunas run on a standard 120V outlet, and so do the massage chairs whose power specs we found (Panasonic MAF1, OHCO R.6 and Bodyfriend Pharaoh NEO list 110–120V).
• Space and access. Measure the room, the doorways and any stairs. Massage chairs list a rear clearance (Human Touch lists 7–9 inches for the chairs we cover), and outdoor saunas need a flat, solid base.
• Fit. Massage chairs publish height and weight ranges, for example 4'8"–6'2" and up to 264 lb for the Panasonic MAF1, or 4'7"–6'10" and up to 300 lb for the Luraco i9 Max Plus. A chair that doesn't fit you won't reach the right spots.
• Delivery. Curbside freight is common. Plan help, or pay for white-glove delivery where it's offered.
• Returns. Terms vary a lot: in-home trials with restocking fees, buyer-paid return shipping, or no returns except for defects.
• Your health. Brand manuals tell anyone who is pregnant or has a heart condition, blood pressure problems or another medical condition to check with a doctor first.

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