Saunas have been used for hundreds of years and nowadays, you can find ones that utilize different forms of heat, including wood-burning, infrared, electric, smoke and steam. One of the most authentic ways to experience a sauna is to use one with a specialized wood burning stove. This traditional type of sauna has been around for centuries and while some prefer this type of heat and ambiance, it does have some limitations and considerations to be aware of. 

Can You Heat a Sauna with a Wood Stove?

A wood burning sauna uses a wood fired stove to heat the space instead of relying on electricity or gas. A wood burning sauna heater works similar to a regular fireplace- you use wood to build a fire which produces heat, then have the option to pour water over stones set in a tray on top of the stove to create steam. The effectiveness of the heat and overall sauna experience will rely heavily on the type of wood you use to build your fire.

Although both are used to provide heat, a sauna wood stove and a regular stove are not the same thing. Sauna stoves are specifically designed for use in saunas and built with materials that can withstand the high humidity and temperatures of a sauna environment. Regular wood stoves are designed for heating homes and are not able to handle the high humidity and temperatures of a sauna environment. They will also not be as efficient at heating up quickly or distributing heat evenly, and may lack features necessary for safe sauna use.

Sauna stoves are typically made of stainless steel or cast iron and burn hot and fast with their primary job being to heat up rocks and then allow stored heat to emanate around the room. A modern house stove is not typically used as a primary heating source. It’s important to use a sauna stove that is specifically designed for use in a sauna, rather than using a regular wood stove, to ensure safety for people and structures, and to get optimal heat performance.

Wood-Burning Sauna vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

A wood burning stove is the oldest type of sauna heater and many prefer its authentic experience, the crackling of the fire, pungent smell of smoke and the ambiance of the flames. From a practical standpoint, a sauna stove is a great alternative to an electric or gas heater since it doesn’t require a connection to your home’s utilities, making it an ideal option for an outdoor sauna. Using a wood-fired sauna stove requires a chimney, periodic fire safety maintenance and the purchasing of wood, which can be pricey unless you’re near a forest with a steady supply.

An electric sauna heater is easier to operate and maintain than a wood burning sauna stove, but will be more expensive over time, and will slightly increase your electric bill. An electric sauna heater doesn’t produce exhaust like a wood-fired sauna stove, tends to heat up faster and is more responsive if you want to make changes in the temperature. This type of sauna heater can be installed in an indoor or outdoor sauna with access to a reliable electric grid.

When it comes to choosing an electric sauna heater or wood-fired sauna stove, the perfect choice for you depends on your preference for the ancient ambiance of wood, or the modern convenience of electricity, and where you plan to install your sauna. 

If you have questions about installing a home-based sauna, give us a call at 970-879-4390 or drop us a note.