Wood-Fired vs. Electric Sauna Stoves

Wood-Fired vs. Electric Sauna Stoves: How to Choose the Right Heat

Choosing between a wood-fired and electric sauna stove is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning an outdoor sauna. Both options deliver excellent heat, but the experience, installation requirements, and long-term costs are very different. Below, we break down everything you need to know so you can choose the stove that fits your lifestyle and the kind of sauna rhythm you want to build into your week.

What’s the Real Difference Between Wood & Electric Heat?

Both stove types can easily reach 160–200°F+, but the quality of heat is where things separate.

A wood-fired sauna creates a soft, rolling warmth—heat you feel deep in your bones. Electric stoves produce a crisp, consistent heat that’s easy to control and ideal for people who want push-button convenience.

Neither is “better.” It’s simply a matter of preference.

Wood-Fired Sauna Stoves

Wood-fired heat is the heart of a traditional Finnish sauna. The smell of burning wood, the sound of crackling, and the quality of steam they produce create a truly immersive experience.

Pros

• Rich, traditional löyly (steam)
• No electrical hookup required
• Immersive ritual—fire building, scent, sound
• Great for cabins or rural properties

Cons

• Requires a chimney/flue installation
• More maintenance (ashes, wood supply)
• Slightly slower heat-up time

Best For

Homeowners who want authentic sauna heat and enjoy the hands-on ritual of tending a fire.

Electric Sauna Stoves

Electric stoves offer fast, predictable performance and are built for busy people who want an effortless daily routine.

Pros

• Push-button convenience
• Precise temperature control
• Fast heat-up
• Minimal ongoing maintenance

Cons

• Requires a 240V electrical circuit
• Doesn’t replicate the “softness” of wood heat
• Not ideal for off-grid properties

Best For

People who want to sauna frequently and value simplicity over ritual.

Heat Quality Comparison

Both stove types reach the same temperatures, but they feel different:

• Wood: softer, more humid, smoother warmth
• Electric: crisp, dry, very steady

If strong steam bursts and authentic löyly matter to you, wood-fired usually wins. If you want precise control and zero work, electric is unbeatable.

Cost Comparison (2025)

Wood-Fired

• Stove: $1,000–$2,500
• Chimney/flue: $400–$900
• No electrical work required
• Slightly more maintenance

Electric

• Stove: $1,200–$2,800
• Electrical installation: $500–$1,500
• Lowest maintenance long-term

Overall, the price difference is usually small—so base your decision on the experience, not the cost.

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple way to frame the decision:

• If you want daily convenience → choose electric
• If you want traditional Finnish heat → choose wood-fired
• If you’re off-grid → wood-fired is the right choice
• If you’re in a city or suburb → electric is easier

Most Minnesota sauna enthusiasts prefer wood-fired for the authenticity and steam quality… but either option will give you wonderful heat when paired with a well-built sauna.

If you'd like help choosing the right stove for your setup, Northern Steam walks every customer through configuration, layout, and heat selection to make sure you get the experience you’re looking for.