Northwood Sauna Bucket and Ladle Set, Canadian Red Cedar, 1 Gallon (4 Liters)

Löyly – the wave of steam that rises when water hits hot stones – is the center of a Finnish sauna, and it takes two tools: something to hold the water and something to throw it with. This Northwood set pairs a 1 gallon (4 L) red cedar bucket with a ladle that holds 3.4 fl oz (100 mL), which makes each throw a measured splash instead of a flood.

A removable liner made from recycled plastic sits inside the bucket. It keeps standing water off the wood and lifts out for rinsing. The listing does not state the ladle’s length, so with a deep or guarded heater it is worth checking that you can reach the stones without leaning over them.

Tip: Fill it with clean tap water before you go in, and empty and dry it when you are done – a wooden pail left full between sessions does not stay nice for long.