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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Laura Forsyth

Bon Charge Infrared PEMF Sauna Dome review: Can it really speed up your recovery routine?

Bon Charge Infrared PEMF Sauna Dome - (Bon Charge)

Biohacking has moved from a niche interest to a mainstream wellness trend.

Infrared saunas, red light therapy, and PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy were once limited to professional athletes and longevity specialists, but at-home devices are making these treatments more accessible. The Bon Charge infrared PEMF Sauna Dome combines multiple therapies in one system, promising benefits from muscle recovery to relaxation.

At £1,995, it is an investment, but could it replace regular wellness clinic visits? I put it to the test.

Bon Charge Infrared PEMF Sauna Dome specs

  • Power: 1200W
  • Mat size: 180cm x 80cm
  • Dome size: 180cm x 80cm x 45cm
  • Weight: 33kg
  • What’s in the box? PEMF mat, two domes, dome connector cables, curtain, towel insert, spa pillow, control box and power cable.

How do infrared and PEMF therapy work?

Infrared saunas use light to heat the body directly rather than warming the surrounding air like a traditional sauna. This targeted heat is believed to improve circulation, aid muscle recovery and promote relaxation.

PEMF therapy, on the other hand, uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate cellular activity. Some research suggests it may support pain relief, reduce inflammation, and improve energy levels. The idea is that different frequency settings can encourage different responses, with lower frequencies (1-3Hz) linked to deep relaxation and higher frequencies (13-30Hz) associated with focus and recovery.

(Laura Forsyth)

Set-up

The Bon Charge Sauna Dome consists of two curved sections that fit over a mat measuring 180cm long and 80cm wide. You lie on the mat while the dome covers your body, leaving your head exposed. This means you get the benefits of infrared heat without the enclosed feeling of a traditional sauna cabin.

Getting everything out of the box and set up was pretty simple. It was just a case of unboxing, placing the mat on the floor with the curved domes on top, and then plugging it in.

Design

The mat itself is integrated with PEMF therapy, which can be adjusted between 1Hz and 30Hz. The dome provides infrared heat, with temperature settings ranging from 25°C to 90°C. The mat heats separately, with a range of 25°C to 80°C.

The inside of the mat is lined with semi-precious gemstones and crystals, which the brand claims enhance the infrared heat benefits. The exterior is made from vegan leather, making it easy to wipe clean. Which is a must as it does get surprisingly sweaty in there.

The sauna dome also includes red light therapy (660nm) and near-infrared light (850nm), each targeting different areas of the body.

  • Red light (660nm) works at a shallow level, primarily affecting the skin. Studies suggest it may support collagen production, reduce redness, and improve overall skin tone.
  • Near-infrared light (850nm) penetrates deeper, reaching muscles and joints. It is often used in recovery treatments to help reduce soreness and improve circulation.

Performance

Setting up the sauna dome was straightforward. The mat was placed on the floor, the dome was positioned over it, and the temperature and PEMF settings were adjusted using the control box.

During testing, the heat felt less stifling than in a traditional sauna, but it built up gradually, delivering a comfortable warmth. After an afternoon HIIT workout, a 20-minute session helped my muscles feel more relaxed. Later, I tried a lower PEMF frequency before leaving the office, which did seem to have a calming effect.

For targeted red light therapy on my face, I used the separate Bon Charge Face Mask as the dome’s built-in lights are positioned for full-body exposure rather than facial treatment.

Cost

At nearly £2,000, this is a significant purchase. However, if you regularly pay for infrared sauna sessions, PEMF therapy or red light treatments, having an all-in-one device could be cost-effective in the long run. The unit is compact enough for home storage, measuring 97cm x 80cm x 47cm when packed away.

For those committed to recovery, relaxation and skin health, this could be a useful addition to a wellness routine. However, if you are new to infrared or PEMF therapy, it might be worth trialling these treatments individually before committing to a multi-function device.

Verdict

Bon Charge Infrared PEMF Sauna Dome

Best for: high-end spa experience

Bon Charge combines four technologies - infrared heat, PEMF, red light and near-infrared light - to provide multiple health benefits in one device. Setting up the sauna was easy. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. Admittedly, it does look a bit like a tomb, so it might not be ideal for anyone who’s claustrophobic, but I pulled it just under my chin and stretched out comfortably. I cranked the temperature and PEMF frequency up to the highest setting, and I felt near-instant relaxation.

After a lunchtime gym session, I took some time to try it out for the first time. My back had been aching all morning, and whether it was the heat or the frequency, by the time I got back to my desk after 30 minutes, the pain had genuinely eased. I was impressed.

It does get sweaty, so wiping it down after use is a must. While it may just look like a light, it definitely warms you up. In terms of practicality, it’s ideal; for storage, setup and privacy. I’d usually expect this level of recovery treatment at a high-end gym or my sports massage therapist’s clinic, so having it at home or the office feels like a worthwhile investment.

The sauna is a practical, easy-to-use recovery tool that genuinely lulled me into deep relaxation and relieved my back aches almost instantly. While it's a significant investment, I would say that it pays for itself over time with the long-term benefits and replacing clinic visits.

Buy now £1995.00, Bon Charge

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