Wood Burning vs Electric Sauna: Which Sauna is Better?
What is a Sauna and Its Purpose?
A sauna is a small, heated room designed for relaxation and health benefits. People use saunas to unwind, improve circulation, and promote detoxification.
Traditional saunas use wood-burning stoves, while modern versions include electric and infrared saunas.
As your body sweats, it releases toxins and increases blood flow, which helps with muscle recovery and stress relief.
"Hydration is key in saunas, but it's equally important not to overdo it. The sauna experience should be enjoyable and safe.
Sip water as needed, but don't forget to hydrate before and after your session," says Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Clinical Associate Professor, Palliative Care.
Saunas also support better sleep and overall well-being. Originating in Finland, saunas have long been a part of both physical and spiritual wellness traditions, making them a popular feature in homes, spas, and health clubs worldwide.
Chef Amber, a wellness expert, shares in a video how an infrared sauna became a game-changer for her health.
After hip surgery, she couldn’t exercise for months, so she turned to the sauna to help reduce inflammation and speed up her recovery.
She used it regularly and noticed significant improvements—not just in healing but also in energy levels and overall well-being.
She also highlights how sweating in a sauna aids detoxification, boosts metabolism, and even supports the immune system.
Her experience shows how saunas can be more than just a place to relax—they actively contribute to better health.
How Saunas Generate Heat
Saunas create a warm, soothing environment by heating the air and surfaces around you.
Wood-burning saunas use fire-heated stones to radiate warmth, while electric saunas rely on metal coils to maintain consistent temperatures.
Proper ventilation ensures even heat distribution, preventing the room from feeling stuffy.
While traditional saunas focus on gradual warmth, electric models provide precise temperature control, impacting how deeply the heat penetrates the body for relaxation and muscle relief.
Wood Burning vs Electric Sauna Comparison
Heat Consistency
Electric saunas provide stable, even heat thanks to automated temperature controls, ensuring a uniform warmth throughout the space.
Wood-burning saunas, in contrast, fluctuate in warmth as the fire burns and requires occasional adjustments.
This can result in warmer and cooler areas within the sauna, making the heating experience less predictable.
Heating Time
Electric saunas heat up quickly, often reaching the desired temperature within 30 to 60 minutes.
Wood-burning saunas take longer, usually 90 minutes or more, as the fire needs time to build up and heat the stones.
The size of the sauna also affects heating time, with larger spaces taking longer to warm up in both types.
If speed and convenience are priorities, electric saunas are the more efficient choice.
Energy Efficiency & Costs
Electric saunas are often more energy-efficient, particularly when powered by renewable energy sources.
Wood-burning saunas rely on firewood, which, while renewable, produces emissions that can affect air quality.
Sustainably sourced wood reduces the environmental impact, but electric saunas generally have a cleaner footprint, especially in regions with green electricity.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Electric saunas require minimal maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning of the heating elements.
Wood-burning saunas, on the other hand, require more upkeep, such as removing ash, maintaining the stove, and ensuring proper chimney function.
While electric saunas have lower running costs, wood-burning saunas appeal to those who enjoy a hands-on, traditional experience.
Installation & Setup
Electric saunas are easier to install, often requiring only a power connection, while wood-burning saunas need a stove, proper ventilation, and a chimney.
Fire safety is a crucial consideration with wood-burning saunas, as they require careful stove placement and regular monitoring.
In contrast, electric saunas reduce fire risks, making them a safer option for homes with children or pets.
Safety Factors
Safety is an important consideration when choosing between a wood-burning and an electric sauna.
Wood-burning saunas pose a fire risk due to the open flame, so careful attention must be paid to the stove, chimney, and the materials around the sauna.
Electric saunas, while still requiring safety precautions, eliminate the risk of fire associated with open flames.
In homes with children or pets, electric saunas are often the safer choice, as there are no burning embers or the need to monitor a fire.
Both sauna types come with built-in safety features, but fire risks are higher with wood-burning saunas.
Ease of Use
Electric saunas are generally easier to use than wood-burning saunas. They often come with simple controls that allow users to set and maintain the desired temperature easily.
In contrast, wood-burning saunas require more attention, from stoking the fire to adjusting the stove for consistent heat.
While this may appeal to sauna enthusiasts, it makes the wood-burning sauna less convenient for those looking for an effortless experience.
Sauna Experience & Atmosphere
Wood-burning saunas provide a classic sauna atmosphere with the scent of burning wood, a gentle heat, and a more immersive experience.
Electric saunas, while efficient, lack the sensory elements of fire but offer convenience with precise temperature control.
The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference—some favor the traditional feel of wood-burning saunas, while others prefer the ease of electric models.
Heat Control & Distribution
When it comes to heat distribution, electric saunas typically perform better. The electric heating elements provide even heat throughout the space, ensuring that the temperature remains stable across the sauna.
In contrast, wood-burning saunas can sometimes have hot spots or areas that feel colder, depending on the stove’s placement and how well the heat circulates.
Electric saunas also allow for more precise control of the temperature, which can be adjusted with the push of a button.
Wood-burning saunas, while offering a more rustic experience, might not provide the same level of consistency in heat control.
Environmental Impact
When it comes to the environment, the impact of each sauna type varies. Electric saunas tend to have a lower environmental footprint, especially when powered by renewable energy sources.
Wood-burning saunas, while relying on a renewable resource, do produce emissions in the form of smoke and particulate matter, which can affect air quality.
However, if you use sustainably sourced wood, the environmental impact can be minimized. In terms of carbon emissions, electric saunas are generally cleaner, especially if you use green energy, making them the eco-friendlier choice for many.
Sauna Preferences in Commercial Spas
Spas often feature both wood-burning and electric saunas to cater to different guest preferences.
Many guests enjoy the rustic ambiance of a wood-burning sauna, while others appreciate the efficiency and convenience of an electric sauna.
High-end wellness centers prioritize energy-efficient designs, ensuring comfort while minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion
Which sauna best fits your lifestyle? Both wood-burning and electric saunas offer relaxing heat and health benefits, but their appeal depends on your priorities.
If you enjoy the ritual of tending a fire and the natural ambiance of burning wood, a wood-burning sauna provides an authentic experience.
On the other hand, if ease of use, quick heating, and precise temperature control matter most, an electric sauna is the superior choice.
No matter your preference, investing in a sauna enhances your well-being, so why not explore your options today?
