TRADITION VS MODERNISM – THE EVERLASTING COMBAT WITH NO WINNER.

Electric sauna heaters and wood-fired sauna stoves both have their pros and cons of course. The ideal choice for you depends on your preference for the modern convenience of electricity, or the ancient ambiance of burning wood.

Wood-fired sauna stoves are quite popular because they recall the past origins of saunas. If you crave a timeless, organic experience that puts you in touch with one of earth’s fundamental natural elements—a wood-fired sauna stove is a good choice for you. Wood-fired sauna stove do requires the construction of a chimney, and a bit of additional periodic fire safety maintenance. A wood-fired sauna stove is the perfect choice if your sauna is in a remote location where connecting to a reliable electrical grid may be a bit more problematic. Temperature regulation is more of a challenge with a wood-fired sauna stove, but the comforting smell of burning wood may compensate for this shortfall. A wood-fired sauna stove will release some smoke that can cause smog. If you’re in a remote location with relatively clean air, one wood-fired sauna stove won’t make a big difference in the air quality. Purchasing wood to keep your wood-fired sauna stove running can be a little pricey, but if you’re near a forest with a steady wood supply—your wood-fired sauna stove will be very affordable to run. 

An electric sauna heater is a perfect choice, if temperature control is a major issue for you. It heats up much faster than a wood-fired sauna stove. It is also much more flexible to to make minute changes in the temperature. In order to install an electric sauna heater, you do need access to a reliable electric grid. If your sauna is placed in a remote off the grid location, an electric heater may be more of a challenge to operate and install.
An electric sauna heater may be easier to operate and maintain, but it will be slightly more expensive in use over time. You will certainly notice an increase in your electric bill. The priceless health benefits of having regular access to a sauna will surely make a higher electric bill worthwhile. An electric sauna heater does not produce exhaust gases like a wood-fired sauna stove. Your neighborhood may thank you if you choose an electric sauna heater that doesn’t noticeably degrade the air quality.