There’s nothing like unwinding in your own home sauna at the end of a long, stressful day. This is one of the best investments you can make in your home, health, and happiness - but with so many different types of sauna heaters to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The heater is the heartbeat of your sauna. It influences everything from cost to benefits, maintenance requirements, installation complexity, and aesthetics. Two of the top choices are the wood vs electric sauna heater, each of which brings something unique to the table.
You can’t beat the convenience and control of an electric sauna heater, but there’s something to be said about the rustic charm of a wood burning sauna heaters, especially for off-grid setups when you have ample access to firewood.
We’ll compare and contrast the wood-burning vs electric sauna heater below to help you feel more clear and confident about which best suits your preferences. Just know that Nordica Sauna has you covered with the top sauna heaters online either way.
You gain access to the best brands at the lowest prices, guaranteed. With world-class customer service every step of the way, what more could you ask for? Get in touch today and we’ll give you a personalized recommendation between an electric vs wood sauna heater!
| Feature | Wood-Burning Sauna Heater | Electric Sauna Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Source | Burns firewood to heat stones and sauna room | Electric coils heat stones; thermostat-controlled |
| Installation Requirements | Requires chimney, fire-rated clearances, outdoor-friendly | Requires 240V hardwiring; no chimney needed |
| Control and Temperature | Manual heat control by managing fire | Precise digital or mechanical control |
| Heating Experience | Traditional, atmospheric, steam-rich | Efficient, clean, and consistent |
| Maintenance | Requires ash removal, chimney cleaning | Low-maintenance; occasional stone repositioning |
| Setup Cost | Lower equipment cost, higher labor (chimney) | Higher upfront electrical install cost |
| Best Use Case | Outdoor saunas, off-grid locations, traditionalists | Indoor saunas, residential homes, convenience seekers |
| Ambience | Crackling fire, wood scent, hands-on ritual | Silent operation, modern feel, set-and-forget |
Overview of Wood-Burning Sauna Stoves
If you were to take a trip back in time to when saunas were first born, you wouldn’t see any sort of electrical components. Rather, you’d see a wood-burning sauna stove.
These are exactly what they sound like. You burn firewood in these stoves to heat a chamber filled with sauna stones. Warmth radiates throughout the sauna cabin as those stones heat up, producing high temperatures. You can take things up a notch by pouring water over the rocks to produce steam (löyly).
The crackling fire, scent of burning wood, and the visual glow from the flames - this raw, immersive experience is not something you’ll get with any other type of sauna heater.It takes you back to a simpler time.
These are very popular in outdoor saunas, especially in off-grid setups where access to electricity may be limited. Or, simply where users want to reconnect to nature without modern comforts.
Installation can be complex since you need a dedicated chimney or flue system, fire-rated clearances, and adequate ventilation for safety and proper combustion. Stoves can vary in size depending on room volume and insulation.
While it sounds great in theory, some want their sauna experience to be less of a chore. These stoves call for manual startup and active fire management, including ash removal and firewood storage.
But for the right user, the effort is well worth it. Let’s look at the other half of the wood-burning vs electric sauna heater comparison to reveal a very different type of experience.
Overview of Electric Sauna Heaters
This is the more modern, efficient, and highly controllable way to power a sauna. These heaters utilize electric coils to heat sauna stones, which in turn radiate heat into the room.
Just like the wood-burning stove, you can pour water over the heated stones to produce steam. So, while the end result is more or less the same, the way the heater works is vastly different.
Most electric heaters are hardwired into a 240V electrical circuit (or 120V for smaller units) and connected to a digital or mechanical control panel. You get unparalleled control over temperature, automatic timers, and programmable session lengths.
Electric heaters are a bit more versatile in that they’re popular for both indoor saunas and outdoor saunas, and installation tends to be a bit simpler since there’s no need for a chimney or venting system. However, the help of a licensed electrician is still required most of the time.
The biggest appeal of an electric heater beyond its customization and convenience is how little maintenance these require, at least, compared to the wood stove. Aside from rearranging or replacing stones and wiping down surfaces, there are no ashes to clean or firewood to stockpile.
Plus, these heaters are known for faster heat-up times than wood stoves so you can start enjoying your session without any delay. While you may not get the same rustic charm, you can curate a more modern vibe in your sauna.
But is this the right style for your unique preferences, or should you stick with the other half of the wood vs electric sauna debate? Let’s compare and contrast the two side by side below.
Wood vs Electric Sauna Heater: Key Differences to Consider
Choosing between a wood-burning vs electric sauna heater is actually pretty simple once you have a solid grasp of the differences. They can both bring the therapeutic benefits of traditional sauna therapy to your home but with distinct aesthetics, maintenance needs, and costs.
You really can’t go wrong either way as long as you’re prioritizing quality in your sauna heater, and that’s where we come in. Nordica Sauna has the best wood vs electric sauna heater selection online.
So if you want to skip the guesswork of choosing between an electric vs wood sauna heater, contact our experts today for a personalized suggestion!
Installation and Setup Requirements
Installing both wood-burning sauna stoves and electric heaters can be pretty complex. We have a detailed guide on how to wire a sauna heater, but we encourage you to hire a professional either way because the stakes are high and room for error is low.
This is especially true for wood-burning stoves. They need a dedicated flue or chimney system, fire-rated clearances, and ample ventilation. Aside from installing the heater itself you’ll need to come up with a safe storage area for dry firewood.
These types of saunas are almost always installed outdoors, too, so if you plan on bringing the benefits of sauna therapy inside your home, an electric heater makes more sense.
That’s because they don’t require the same level of ventilation or ductwork since there’s no smoke or ash to deal with. Electric heaters should still be installed by a licensed electrician, as most of these are hardwired into a 240V circuit.
You’ll also need to pair your heater itself with a digital or mechanical control panel for automated temperature and timing. But you can choose between indoor or outdoor installation with this style.
Heating Performance
Wood stoves create a natural heat curve, rising steadily as the fire builds. But control over temperature is mostly manual. manage the fire to adjust the room’s intensity and humidity.
In contrast, you have complete control over the exact temperature with an electric heater. It’s also really easy to preheat the sauna remotely, so it’s ready to go right when you need it.
The real appeal of electric sauna heaters, though, is how much quicker they warm the space so you can start enjoying your session. You can also set a timer for the session to eliminate the guesswork about when to get out.
The Aesthetic Side of Things
The actual experience differs dramatically between a wood vs electric sauna heater. The crackling sound, aromatic scent of wood, and softer, steamier heat from a stove create an incredible ambiance that an electric heater could never replicate.
Even the act of lighting and tending the stove offer a ritualistic appeal that speaks to sauna tradition. So although they’re not bringing the same modern conveniences of an electric heater, these stoves remain popular in outdoor retreats or rural spas.
That’s not to say an electric sauna heater can’t create its own vibe. These are sleeker and modern in design, perfect for contemporary spaces. You can mount the heater on the wall or integrate it into the bench layout.
There are some really cool designs to choose from, especially from the top brands like HUUM vs Harvia. Just take a look at both options to see which fits your style preferences between a wood-burning vs electric sauna heater.
Maintenance and Ongoing Upkeep
It’s no secret that a wood-burning stove requires a lot more maintenance than its electric heater counterpart. You have to empty the ash, monitor soot build-up, and inspect/clean chimneys on a regular basis.
The real hassle of wood sauna heaters, though, comes down to sourcing firewood. If you live in the wilderness and have ample access to free firewood that may not be quite as much of a challenge, but even then you need to chop it, store it, and keep it clean/dry.
On the other hand, electric heaters are mostly set-and-forget. You still need to know how to clean sauna heater to keep the stones clean, but that’s really it. Those stones need to be replaced every so often, but so do those of the wood-burning stove.
Cost Considerations Over Time
There’s one more thing to consider between a wood-burning vs electric sauna heater: how much is a sauna heater going to cost you? It’s important to account not just for the upfront cost but also ongoing costs of operation.
Wood-burning stoves tend to be more affordable initially, and if you have access to cheap or free firewood, that’s only going to bring your long-term costs down.
Electric sauna heaters are more expensive upfront, and they also require electricity anytime you use them. But you’re paying for convenience. Your sauna is ready to enjoy at the press of a button, and you can curate the exactatmosphere you want.
Which is Right For You?
You’re probably starting to notice a common theme in our comparison of a wood vs electric sauna heater: neither is inherently “better” than the other.
They produce very different experiences, each of which has its place. Just think about your lifestyle, space, expectations, and budget to choose between a wood-burning vs electric sauna heater:
- Go with wood if you want a traditional sauna ritual, are installing in an off-grid or outdoor setting, and enjoy hands-on fire tending.
- Choose electric if you value convenience, precise control, easy upkeep, and are building an indoor or modern home sauna.
Either way, make sure you’re doing your due diligence into proper sauna heater sizing and only purchasing a top-notch heater from a trusted brand. We make it easy to check both those boxes here at Nordica Sauna.
Nordica Sauna Has the Best Wood and Electric Sauna Heaters Waiting For You!
We’re eager to help you build a personalized wellness space that works for your lifestyle, whether you’re drawn to the timeless ritual of a wood-burning stove or the efficiency of an electric model.
Our catalog features only the most trusted brands, including Harvia sauna heaters and HUUM sauna heater. Each is backed by industry-leading warranties so you can place your order with peace of mind knowing you’re getting a reliable, long-lasting heater.
You gain access to the lowest prices online (guaranteed) with free shipping, flexible financing, and the ability to use HSA/FSA funds. We’re here to make it less stressful to bring the benefits of sauna into your home, no matter your budget.
You’ll also enjoy world-class customer service every step of the way, whether you still have questions about choosing a wood vs electric sauna heater or need help navigating sizing. So, reach out now and take the next step towards curating the perfect sauna experience at home!
Final Words on the Wood-Burning vs Electric Sauna Heater Debate
We hope this wood vs electric sauna heater comparison has answered all your questions and left you feeling clear about which best suits your preferences. Both have their place, but only one is right for you.
Wood offers a traditional, immersive feel, while electric brings precision and convenience. You could make a compelling case for either the wood-burning vs electric sauna heater.
If you’re still on the fence, though, let us provide a tailored recommendation based on your goals, preferences, and budget. Get in touch today for one-on-one support bringing your sauna vision to life!
