Table of Contents
- Wood-Burning vs. Electric Sauna Heaters: Which Is Better?
- Overview of Wood Burning Sauna Heaters: A Traditional Favorite
- Product Embed | Huum DROP Series Electric Sauna Heater - 9kW
- Overview of Electric Sauna Heaters: Sleek and Modern Option
- Key Factors to Consider
- Comparing Costs and Long-Term Value
- Matching Heater Choice to User Needs
- Product Embed | HUUM HIVE Wood Series 17kW Sauna Heater Package
- FAQs
- Final Take
There’s nothing better than having a personal sauna at home. Envision the physical strain dissipating as you allow the warmth and steam to take control. However, selecting the appropriate sauna heater can significantly impact the quality of your sauna experience.
In this classic debate of wood burning vs. electric sauna heaters, we’d like to give you a few considerations. We’ll go through all the pros and cons of both types. From how they work, their experience, safety and building requirements, and how much maintenance they need.
This post will assist you in making a decision, whether you're a sauna enthusiast searching for a replacement heater or someone who is still unsure about setting up a sauna.
Wood-Burning vs. Electric Sauna Heaters: Which Is Better?
Most sauna enthusiasts probably know that we have two common sauna heating options: wood-fired sauna heaters or electric sauna heaters. The two different heater modes offer unique experiences, but they also come with their consequences.
The decision between wood-burning and electric sauna heaters is subjective. It all depends on your needs, conditions, and preferences.
For example, enjoying the crackle of a traditional wood-burning stove might seem heavenly. But does your sauna room have enough space to set up a chimney? Keep in mind you may have to clean up after every session. All the efforts might be worth it for someone who values the traditional vibe of an authentic sauna. But a person looking for something less rustic might have other ideas.
People who love keeping their saunas sleek and modern might appreciate an electric sauna more. They don’t mind giving up the atmosphere for a less fussy electric heater that they can turn on using a smartphone.
You don’t get the beautiful, crackling fire, but you get your sauna warm and ready when you get home. On the other hand, modern electric heaters usually mean higher electric bills.
So, which one is more relatable for you? Read through this comprehensive sauna heater comparison and find out!
Overview of Wood Burning Sauna Heaters: A Traditional Favorite
Huum DROP Series Electric Sauna Heater - 9kW
$1,618.00
$2,022.50
The DROP electric sauna heater from HUUM is inspired by the purest element in nature – a drop of water. Its handsome and artistic rounded design compliments and softens the angular interior of a classic sauna, creating a more elegant… read more
The wood-burning sauna heater is a traditional favorite, thanks to its authentic feel. Most people picture this when they hear about old-school saunas—cracking fire and a cozy ambiance.
They work by burning wood inside a firebox. If you don’t know what a firebox is, it’s a much more efficient version of a fireplace since it’s an enclosed space. Fill your sauna with your wood, then start the fire before closing the firebox.
The heat generated will be transferred into the surrounding sauna stones, radiating warmth throughout the room.
The result is a beautiful, firelit room with a rustic atmosphere. Another plus point is the distinctive aroma that burning logs give you. Different types of wood can give you different scents, so you can choose something that suits your taste.
These types of heaters need specialized tools and build when set up, which are as follows:
Chimney to let out the combusted air.
Proper ventilation to pump oxygen-rich air in and remove exhaust air from the sauna.
Proper placement with enough safety distances or clearance.
Access to firewood for easy feeding. You don’t want to go back and forth just to keep the fire burning.
A wood-burning sauna stove needs regular cleaning due to the ash produced. But for hardcore traditionalists, there’s nothing that can compare to it.
Overview of Electric Sauna Heaters: Sleek and Modern Option
A Sleek Electric Sauna Heater
If you love keeping things clean and sleek, then an electric sauna heater should be your choice. It's an excellent invention for urban sauna enthusiasts who are unable to install a chimney within their homes. You can also turn it on and off to your preference using WiFi controllers.
Electric heaters are powered by electricity. It’s a more precise and sterile version of the wood-burning stove. You can set the exact temperature you need, then let the heating elements do their job. The heating elements will then heat the surrounding sauna stones and increase the room temperature. You’ll then be notified when the room reaches the set temperature. Simple, efficient, and convenient.
The result is a no-muss, no-fuss experience that can still give you relaxation. On the other hand, you won’t have the rustic feel of the cracking fire and burning wood traditionalists seek.
An electric heater is also much easier to set up. Here are some of its installation requirements:
Ensuring proper electrical connection.
Proper ventilation to expel air and insert fresh oxygen.
Proper placement with enough safety clearance.
These modern devices are easier to maintain. All you need to do is check the electrical outlets, stones, and the sauna heater parts. But you might see a slight increase in your electric bills, so be ready.
Key Factors to Consider
Now that you know what the two options are, let’s compare them side by side on six different aspects.
Installation and Setup
After you buy your sauna, the first thing you’ll do is install it. Here’s a comparison of the requirements of installation for both wood-burning and electric sauna heaters:
Wood-Burning | Electric |
It requires a chimney Needs considerable space clearance for fire safety Needs ventilation Needs storage space for wood Professional help is required to install and set up the heater Should check local regulations due to chimney | Needs less space than wood-burning heaters Needs ventilation Needs electrical connection Professional help is required to install and set up the heater |
Both heaters have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to installation. A wood-burning stove is more complicated but doesn’t need any electrical connection, so it can go off-grid. An electric one needs electricity but is simpler to install.
Operating Costs and Efficiency
Another important aspect people always talk about is costs or expenses. Also, how efficient are the heaters? We compile these two together because we know that efficiency will greatly affect costs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Wood-Burning | Electric |
Cost of firewood and storage area Variable wood quality and chimneys mean less efficient heaters | Higher utility bills depending on local rates Temperature precision and less ventilation make a more efficient heater |
When you compare the heaters, you can see that both have unique expenses. To keep your wood-burning stoves running, you’ll need access to firewood and storage areas. On the other hand, electric heaters mean higher utility bills.
Which one is more expensive? That depends on your situation. If you live somewhere rural with access to affordable firewood, you can go off-grid and choose a wood-burning heater. But if you live in a city, the more reasonable option is an electric heater. Because access to wood is limited and electricity is everywhere.
Lastly, electric heaters are considerably more efficient, as you can set the temperature and the rooms need less ventilation.
Maintenance and Cleaning
We mentioned that a wood-burning heater is more maintenance-intensive than an electric heater. Here are some cleaning and maintenance that's required for each type:
Wood-Burning | Electric |
Ash removal and cleaning Chimney cleaning Regular inspection of the firebox, sauna stones, chimney, and heater parts | Minimal cleaning Regular inspection of heating elements, wiring, sauna stones, and heater parts |
What differs is that a wood-burning heater will leave ash and more debris, which means more frequency of cleaning.
Electric heaters would only require you to wipe and clean occasionally. Wood-burning saunas also have more “parts” to check: chimney, flue, and firebox, in addition to sauna stones and heater parts.
Heat-Up Time and Temperature Control
The two heater types have different sources of heat, leading to different heating times and consistency. Here’s a breakdown of the two:
Wood-Burning | Electric |
Longer heating time Manual adjustments with wood Less precision Softer heat | Faster heating time Adjust with control Very precise |
In this section, electric heaters have a faster heating time and more precise control. But if you love feeding wood and building a fire, there’s nothing like the soft heat from a firebox.
User Experience and Atmosphere
Can we say that wood-burning saunas are much superior in this aspect? Well, that depends. While wood-burning stoves may seem superior, there are certain advantages to using a sterile electric heater.
Wood-Burning | Electric |
Cozy atmosphere Soothing, crackling fire Beautiful wood aroma Ritualistic and meditation experience | Modern and sleek designs Silent operation Clean experience |
If you prefer rustic atmospheres, go with wood-burning stoves. However, if you're a modern urbanist who appreciates sleek designs, electric heaters are the ideal choice.
Environmental Considerations
Nowadays, environmental effects are something everyone is concerned about. Here are the different considerations for wood and electric heaters:
Wood-Burning | Electric |
Renewable source Creates carbon emissions from burning Look for sustainably harvested woods | Depends on electricity Fewer direct emissions More efficient in the long run |
Again, both have their pluses and minuses. Wood is renewable, but you still need to ensure you’re getting it from a sustainable source. Electric heaters rely on electricity, which could come from fossil-fuel-generated energy sources. On the other hand, they’re more efficient, leading to less energy use.
Comparing Costs and Long-Term Value
Now, let’s compile all aspects and how they compare in the long run. To sum up, here’s where we’re at:
Wood-Burning Heaters | Electric Heaters | |
Pros | The cozy, rustic atmosphere Renewable energy source Doesn’t need electricity and can go off-grid | Simpler installation Low maintenance Fewer emissions More compact Precise and efficient |
Cons | Complicated installation Need to comply with local regulation More emissions More frequent maintenance Requires more room | Higher utility bills No traditional experience Can’t go off-grid |
So, which one should you choose? That totally depends on your lifestyle and values. Let’s find out in the next section.
Matching Heater Choice to User Needs
HUUM HIVE Wood Series 17kW Sauna Heater Package
$2,467.00
$3,083.75
HUUM HIVE Wood Series 17kW Sauna Heater Package This HUUM HIVE Wood package features all the necessities you need to begin your sauna journey. Complete with the HIVE wood 17 wood burning sauna heater and sauna stones, you have everything… read more
An Outdoor Sauna, Perfect for Wood-Burning Heaters
Ready to make a choice? We’ll show you which type of scenario will be ideal for which heater.
Get a wood-burning heater if you:
Love and must have a rustic and traditional sauna experience. In fact, that’s the only reason why you’re browsing this article in the first place.
You live in a rural setting where you can install a chimney.
Can access firewood easily. Better yet, you have it in your backyard.
Don’t mind the maintenance of a wood-burning stove or even find it therapeutic.
Did all of these statements apply to you? Then check out our list of the best wood-burning stoves to complete your sauna.
Get an electric heater if you
Like precision, efficiency, and having the ability to instantly go into your sauna after a tiring work day by turning on the heater remotely.
Live in an urban area where you can’t really install a chimney.
Don’t have access to firewood.
Hate maintenance and love simpler care.
A modern urbanist who values clean lines and doesn't mind giving up on rustic experience.
Feeling like an urbanist? Check out our Huum electric sauna heaters for state-of-the-art products or our Huum wood-burning stoves for more varieties.
If you’re not ready to make a choice, read our guide that explains the types of sauna heaters to help you decide on which one to choose.
FAQs
Which Is Safer for a Home Environment?
Although both have their risks, electric sauna heaters are generally safer to use in a home environment, especially in urban areas. Wood-burning heaters have open flames, more debris, and ash, which could lead to more safety issues. But, when installed properly, you can minimize the risks. In the end, it’s all about preference and preparation!
How Do Local Regulations Affect Installation?
Local regulations may not allow you to install a chimney when you’re in a residential area, which could cause respiratory sensitivity. That means you can’t install a wood-burning sauna. That’s why we suggest you always consult local regulatory bodies and an expert.
Can Either Type Work in an Outdoor Sauna?
Yes, either type can work in an outdoor sauna. The one that makes the most sense is wood-burning stoves because they can go off-grid with their firebox. You can still install an electric heater, but you need an electrical outlet in your outdoor sauna.
What Is the Most Efficient Way to Heat a Sauna?
The electric heater is the most efficient to heat a sauna because it has less ventilation and exhaust.
How to Transition From One Type of Heater to Another?
When you want to transition from one type of heater to another, always see if you already fulfill installation requirements. For example, switching from wood-burning to electricity means you need to ensure electrical access. While switching from electric heaters to wood-burning means you can install a chimney.
Final Take
There is no definitive winner in the long-standing debate between woodburning and electric heaters. Each has unique merits and downfalls, so try to choose based on your personal preference and what’s actually possible in your sauna. Consider the long-term aspects and your habits before finally making a choice.
