If you're planning to add an outdoor sauna to your property, one of the first decisions you'll face is how it's heated. Wood-burning and electric saunas both deliver the core experience — intense dry heat, deep relaxation, and real health benefits — but they get there in very different ways.
Neither is objectively better. The right choice depends on where you live, how you want to use your sauna, and how much effort you're willing to put into the ritual. Here's an honest breakdown.
How They Heat
A wood-burning sauna uses a firebox stove that heats rocks through combustion. You load firewood, light the fire, and wait for the stones to absorb enough heat to bring the room to temperature. The heat is radiant and convective — it fills the room gradually and has a natural, slightly uneven quality that many sauna purists prefer.
An electric sauna uses a wall-mounted or freestanding heating element — typically packed with sauna stones — connected to a dedicated electrical circuit. Modern units like the Huum Hive heat quickly and maintain temperature with precision. Many now include WiFi controls, letting you preheat your sauna from your phone before you step outside.
Both methods produce authentic löyly (the Finnish term for the steam created when water is poured over hot stones). The difference is in how you get there.
Installation
This is where the two options diverge significantly.
Wood-burning saunas need a chimney or flue system for ventilation, adequate clearance from structures and combustible materials, and compliance with local fire codes. Some municipalities and HOAs restrict or prohibit wood-burning installations entirely, especially in suburban neighborhoods. You'll also need a source of dry firewood and a place to store it.
Electric saunas need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by a licensed electrician. That's typically a straightforward job — most electricians can complete it in a few hours. There's no chimney, no flue, and no fire code complications beyond standard electrical permits. For most suburban homeowners, electric is the simpler path by a wide margin.
Temperature Control
Electric saunas have a clear advantage here. Set your target temperature, and the heater maintains it. WiFi-enabled models let you schedule sessions and monitor temperature remotely. Walk out to your sauna and it's already at 185°F — no waiting, no guesswork.
Wood-burning saunas require hands-on management. You control the heat by adjusting airflow and adding wood. Getting the temperature dialed in takes practice, and it fluctuates naturally as the fire burns. Some people love this — the tending of the fire is part of the ritual. Others find it inconvenient, especially for quick sessions after work.
Maintenance
Wood-burning saunas require regular ash removal, chimney cleaning, and occasional inspection of the flue system. You'll need to source, split, and store firewood. Creosote buildup in the chimney is a real concern and needs periodic attention to prevent fire risk.
Electric saunas are essentially maintenance-free from a heating standpoint. Wipe down the stones occasionally, keep the heating element clear of debris, and that's about it. The sauna structure itself — wood care, bench maintenance, ventilation — is the same for both types.
The Experience
This is where personal preference matters most, and where wood-burning saunas have a genuine edge for some people.
A wood-fired sauna has a sensory quality that electric can't fully replicate. The crackle of the fire, the faint scent of woodsmoke, the ritual of building and tending the flame — it transforms a sauna session into something more deliberate. There's a meditative quality to it. Many Finnish sauna traditions are built around this slower, more intentional process.
An electric sauna is quieter and more consistent. The experience is focused entirely on the heat itself — no fire to manage, no smoke, no waiting. For people who want to step into a hot sauna on a Tuesday evening without 45 minutes of preparation, electric delivers that convenience without compromising on temperature or steam quality.
Operating Cost
Wood-burning saunas are cheaper to operate if you have access to affordable firewood. A cord of wood can last months of regular use depending on session frequency and climate. There's no electricity cost beyond lighting.
Electric saunas consume between 6 and 9 kW per session, depending on heater size and session length. At average U.S. electricity rates, that works out to roughly $1 to $3 per session. Over a year of regular use, you might spend $150 to $400 on electricity. Not insignificant, but predictable and hands-off.
Upfront costs for both types are comparable. The sauna structure itself is the major expense — the heating method is a smaller portion of the total investment.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a wood-burning sauna if you live on a rural property or have generous lot spacing, your local codes allow wood-burning installations, you enjoy the ritual of building a fire and don't mind the prep time, and you want the most traditional sauna experience possible.
Choose an electric sauna if you live in a suburban neighborhood with an HOA or fire code restrictions, you want fast, convenient sessions with minimal preparation, precise temperature control and smart features matter to you, and you prefer low-maintenance equipment.
For most homeowners adding an outdoor sauna to their backyard, electric is the practical choice. It's simpler to install, easier to maintain, and delivers a consistent experience every time. That's not a knock on wood-burning — it's a recognition that the majority of residential buyers prioritize convenience and reliability.
Our Approach
Every sauna in our collection is equipped with the Huum Hive WiFi-enabled electric heater — a Finnish-designed unit that combines clean aesthetics with precise temperature control. We chose it because it aligns with how most of our customers want to use their saunas: regularly, conveniently, and without compromise on heat quality.
If you're weighing your options or have questions about which setup fits your space and lifestyle, we're here to help.
Pairing a sauna with a cold plunge amplifies the benefits. Learn more in our Complete Guide to Contrast Therapy. For a deeper look at what regular sessions do for your body, see What the Research Shows About Daily Sauna Use.