Last year, I relocated from sunny California back to the chilly East Coast. This is my first full winter here since high school, and I don’t hate it. (Skiing! Figure skating! Hibernating!) But living through the dark, freezing days in my apartment does have its drawbacks—mainly, there’s no fireplace to snuggle up next to.
So before the holidays, I decided I needed to get innovative. I went online and found a portable electric fireplace with a built-in heater, which I assembled—and easily installed—in under an hour. Now, it might not have the traditional crackling or comforting scent of a real fire, but it has changed the entire vibe of our living room. Today, I turn on the fire, watch the snow fall, and boom! Instant cozy.
My foray into faux fireplaces led me to wonder what other warming devices can be shipped straight to your door. It turns out, there are many!
Watch: Want Luxury in Your Next Home? Look for These 3 Features
With the blizzards, atmospheric rivers, and bomb cyclones coming our way, you’ve got to admit that this changes everything. Here are a few warming options that can turn your winter around.
Science says that infrared saunas could offer a boatload of health benefits—including better sleep and circulation—and help detoxify your body after you’ve eaten a whole mess of french fries.
But when it’s cold out, do you really want to go to the gym to use one? Nope. Instead, build your very own sauna in the comfort of your basement or bathroom. It heats up to between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can close your eyes and pretend you’re somewhere warm and far away.
(Note that there is some assembly required, so get those tools ready.)
What to buy: Two-person Canadian hemlock wood far infrared sauna, Amazon, $1,099
We’ll be the first to admit this one is a little bit out there. If you’re looking to warm up quickly and don’t want to deal with building a wooden sauna, you might like the idea of this portable version. Think of it as a sauna that wraps around you like a blanket. Just sit inside and let the warmth engulf you on winter’s coldest days. When you’re done, just fold it up and store it.
What to buy: Durasage personal steam sauna, Amazon, $110
Claim your home to stay up-to-date of your home‘s value and equity.
Installing a hot tub on your porch or lawn is a big (and potentially expensive) commitment. If you’re just looking for something to occasionally party in with your pals, consider an inflatable model instead. It inflates with a pump in about 25 minutes and is even portable, so it can even be deflated and reinflated in your location of choice—indoors or outdoors.
And before you imagine filling this baby up with pots of boiling water, relax. There’s a digitally controlled pump with a touch panel that allows you to set your water to whatever balmy temperature your heart desires.
What to buy: GoPlus 4- to 6-person inflatable spa, Amazon, $320
Watch: Want Luxury in Your Next Home? Look for These 3 Features
If your home doesn’t have space for a fireplace—or you live in a rental that doesn’t have one—fear not! The cozy glow of a fire is just a few clicks away. This electric version looks reasonably close to the real thing, featuring 3D flames and a heater that can reach your freezing toes. For a couple of hundred bucks, you can safely enjoy fireside living this season.
What to buy: Gilbertson wood mantel electric fireplace, Wayfair, $202
Your house might still feel a bit drafty—even as your heating bills soar. That’s where a portable electric heater/stove comes in. It can help heat a room with a reach of up to 400 square feet, so you should be feeling warm and toasty soon. Plus, it boasts a nice wood stove look that will remind you of the real deal—no wood chopping required.
What to buy: Duraflame 3D Flame Effect Infrared Electric Stove, Wayfair, $152
Jane Chertoff is a lifestyle writer based in San Francisco.