Research methodology

Saunas Australia assesses brand claims using a consistent, evidence-led process. A claim that has not been independently verified is not automatically false.

What we review

Official product pages, warranty terms, manuals and public policies.
Company identity and Australian support information.
Price, delivery, installation and electrical requirements on the review date.
Materials, timber, certification, EMF, VOC, performance and health claims.
Independent reports, registries and authoritative primary sources where available.
Brand responses, corrections and subsequent changes.

Evidence hierarchy

Independent, product-specific and current primary evidence carries the most weight. Brand-controlled material identifies what a brand says, but does not independently establish the claim. Tests are evaluated for the tested model, laboratory, method, instrument, distance, operating state, date and limitations. Certification claims require certificate identity and product scope, not merely a logo or general statement.

Evidence statuses

Verified: strong evidence directly supports the specific claim.
Partially verified: evidence supports only part of the claim or a narrower scope.
Not independently verified: the brand makes the claim, but sufficient independent evidence has not been established.
Contradicted: reliable evidence directly conflicts with the specific claim.
Awaiting response: clarification or evidence has been requested.

Brand-controlled comparisons and reviews

A comparison, review or testimonial is not treated as independent when a featured brand owns, controls, commissions or materially supports the publisher. Relevant ownership, employment, incentive, affiliate and commercial relationships are recorded when evidence is available. A brand-controlled website that presents itself as independent is classified as first-party promotional material unless the relationship and editorial control are clearly disclosed.

Brand control does not automatically make every statement false. It changes the evidentiary weight: product and competitor claims must be checked against identified primary documents, independent testing or other appropriately scoped evidence. Our approach reflects the ACCC’s guidance on independent reviews and disclosure of relevant commercial relationships.

Important limits

Absence from a registry does not by itself prove that a claim is false. Prices and specifications can change. Health and safety statements receive additional scrutiny and are not medical advice. Every profile displays a review date and should be reassessed when material evidence changes.

Our approach is informed by the ACCC’s guidance that claims should be accurate, specific, appropriately qualified and supported by evidence.