Wood fired or electric stove for sauna

Wood Burning VS Electric Sauna Stoves | Which One Should I Get?

  • Learn how wood burning and electric sauna stoves compare
  • Choose the best sauna experience for your home

Understanding sauna stoves: key differences

When choosing the perfect sauna for your home wellness sanctuary, one of the most important decisions you'll face is the heating method. Wood-burning and electric saunas each offer a unique experience—and understanding the differences can help you make an informed investment that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Let's explore how these two options compare:

Wood-Burning Saunas

  • Use natural firewood for heat.
  • Offer a rustic, traditional experience with the soothing crackle of fire and aromatic wood smoke.
  • Ideal for off-grid or countryside setups.
  • Slower to heat up (30–60 minutes), but retain heat exceptionally well.
  • No electricity required for heating

Electric Saunas

  • Use an electric heater connected to your home's power supply.
  • Offer clean, consistent, and quick heating (typically ready in 20–30 minutes).
  • No smoke, no firewood, and no venting required—just wire in and go.
  • Ideal for modern homes or indoor installations.

Installation Requirements 

Wood-Burning Saunas

  • Require a properly ventilated space - usually outdoors or in a well-vented building.
  • Must include a chimney or flue system to safely direct smoke outside.
  • The base and surrounding area should be fireproof (stone, tile, or treated concrete are ideal).
  • Installation is more involved and may require planning permission depending on your location.
  • Regular access to dry firewood is essential.

Electric Saunas

  • Generally easier to install, especially for indoor use.
  • Require a dedicated electrical connection—most high-powered models need a 3-phase power supply, which is not standard in most UK homes.
  • You’ll likely need a qualified electrician to install or upgrade your system to safely handle the power load.
  • No chimney or ventilation system required, which makes them suitable for tighter indoor spaces or modern homes.
  • Some models are even wall-mounted or modular, making them space-efficient and clean-looking.

Choosing The Right Sauna Stove For Your Needs

1. Evaluate Your Available Space & Power Access

  • Outdoor vs Indoor: Do you have room in your garden or patio for a wood-burning sauna, or are you looking for an indoor unit that fits seamlessly in a bathroom or wellness room?
  • Electricity Supply: Electric saunas often require a 3-phase power supply - which isn’t standard in most UK homes. You may need a certified electrician to upgrade your setup.
  • Ventilation Needs: Wood-burning models need flue systems and more open surroundings; electric models are more compact and plug into a well-prepared space.

2. Prioritize Your Preferred Sauna Experience

  • Love the ritual of lighting a fire and embracing the crackling warmth? Wood-burning saunas offer that traditional, sensory-rich experience.
  • Prefer a low-maintenance, modern approach with timers and consistent temperature? Electric saunas deliver quick, convenient heat with the push of a button.

3. Compare Upfront and Ongoing Costs

Cost Type Wood-Burning Electric
Initial Setup Higher (chimney, fireproofing) Moderate (may require electrician)
Running Costs Firewood (low if local) Varies by energy rates
Maintenance Ash cleanup, chimney care Minimal, mostly electrical checkups

4. Weigh the Features of Each Sauna Stove Type

  • Wood-burning stoves: Great heat retention, off-grid capability, and authentic feel.
  • Electric heaters: Smart controls (WIFI on certain models), faster warm-up, cleaner operation, and integration with timers or apps.
  • Consider whether features like remote control, energy efficiency, or air humidity control matter most to you.

5. Decide Which Sauna Solution Fits Your Lifestyle

Are you a nature lover who enjoys tactile, unplugged routines - or someone who values sleek convenience and seamless tech?
Whichever path fits your rhythm, your sauna should support- not complicate - your daily routine and wellness goals.

Explore Our Curated Selection of Premium Sauna Stoves

At Roman Oasis, we’ve handpicked a collection of high-performance wood-burning and electric sauna stoves from trusted European brands. Whether you're outfitting a luxury retreat or a compact indoor sanctuary, we have a solution to match your space, taste, and expectations.

👉Browse Saunas Now

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