Wood Stove Sauna Buying Guide: Find the Best Sauna Wood Stove for Your Setup

As a sauna enthusiast, you likely dream of experiencing the warmth, relaxation, and rustic charm of a wood stove sauna. However, this cozy and invigorating addition to your home is a significant investment, so knowing your options is essential. Wood stove saunas are popular for their intense heat, steam, and rich wood fire smell. Whether for an indoor or outdoor sauna, they provide benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and cost savings. To choose the best wood stove sauna, consider the available space and ventilation in and around the area. The stove’s safety features, regulations, material, and effectiveness also play a role.

This comprehensive buyer’s guide will walk you through all you need to know before making this delightful investment. From understanding the mechanics of wood-burning saunas to exploring the benefits and drawbacks, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose a Wood-Burning Sauna Stove?

A wood stove sauna provides a traditional steam bath experience by using a wood-burning sauna stove for heating. Saunas with wood stoves are favoured for their rich wood fire smell, intense heat, and steam. And they can reach temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for sauna enthusiasts seeking deep relaxation.

Sauna wood stoves comprise the stove (usually made of stainless steel or cast iron), sauna stones, and a chimney for smoke ventilation. The stove efficiently burns wood, while the sauna stones on top can be sprinkled with water to produce steam, enhancing humidity. The chimney is crucial for expelling the smoke generated by the wood fire and maintaining proper airflow.

Wood-burning sauna stoves are specifically designed for sauna use and should not be confused with regular home heating stoves. These specialised stoves are built to withstand the high-humidity environment of a sauna and deliver consistent heat, while regular stoves may fall short in performance and safety.

Sauna stoves come in various sizes and designs, including modern wood stoves and traditional box styles that prioritise both efficiency and heat retention. As a result, they cater to small, medium, and large saunas, offering flexibility to match diverse preferences and space requirements.

Benefits of a Wood Stove Sauna

Soft and Humid Heat

A wood stove sauna creates a comforting and authentic sauna atmosphere by generating warmth through burning wood, producing soothing steam. This traditional approach offers an invigorating experience, blending heat and humidity for a true sauna wood-burning heat sensation. Additionally, the natural aroma from the wood-burning sauna stove enhances the environment, fostering relaxation and peace at home.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

One of the top benefits of a wood stove sauna is its impact on cardiovascular health. The heat stimulates the nervous system, causing your heart rate to adjust, helping the body acclimate to higher temperatures. Regular use of a sauna wood stove can contribute to better cardiovascular health over time, making it a popular choice for sauna enthusiasts seeking overall wellness. This heat adaptation also benefits long-term heart health, similar to the effects of light cardio exercise.

Cost Savings

A wood-burning sauna stove is a budget-friendly option, especially for those who can source wood inexpensively, such as fallen branches or scrap wood. The ongoing cost of wood is often lower than the electricity used in electric wood-burning stoves, making it a more sustainable and affordable solution. Whether you’re building an outdoor sauna with a wood stove or installing one indoors, it’s a great way to reduce energy costs over time.

Durable

The durability of a wood stove sauna is another key advantage. These stoves operate without the need for complex electrical setups, making them reliable for long-term use. They often outlast their electric sauna heater counterparts and require less maintenance due to their simple design. With minimal upkeep, a wood-burning sauna stove kit can last for years, providing consistent heat and performance.

Enhanced Immune System

Using a wood stove sauna regularly can improve your immune system by encouraging the production of heat-shock proteins, which help protect your body from infections. These proteins remain in your system after your sauna session, bolstering your body’s defences and improving immune health. Traditional saunas, such as those heated by a wood stove, have been used for centuries to promote overall well-being and resilience.

Self-Installation Possible

For DIY enthusiasts, installing a wood stove sauna kit can be a manageable project. With a well-ventilated sauna room, you can easily install the stove yourself, saving on professional installation costs. The wood-burning sauna stove setup is straightforward compared to the more complex wiring required for an electric sauna. This makes wood sauna heater installation a more flexible option for those wanting to tackle the job themselves.

Disadvantages of a Wood Stove Sauna

Regular Cleaning Required

A drawback of a wood stove sauna is the regular cleaning and maintenance it requires. This includes keeping the sauna stove and chimney clean, removing ash, and ensuring proper airflow. Neglecting these tasks could lead to safety hazards like chimney fires. Regular upkeep is necessary to maintain the functionality and safety of your wood-burning sauna stove.

Require More Space and Proper Clearance

Saunas with a wood stove require more space and clearance, especially for an outdoor sauna with a wood stove. Proper clearance from walls and flammable materials is essential for safety. The chimney also needs sufficient room for smoke ventilation. Ensuring you have the required space is crucial before opting for this heating method.

Environmental Impact

Burning wood in a wood stove sauna releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Using modern CE-marked stoves and optimising burning practices can help reduce emissions, but it’s important to understand that using a wood stove sauna has an environmental footprint.

Effort

Compared to electric wood burning stoves, using a wood stove sauna requires more effort. You’ll need to source, chop, and store wood. Additionally, maintaining the fire during your session and cleaning up afterwards can be time-consuming. If you prefer convenience, an electric sauna might be a better fit, but for those who enjoy the process, a wood-burning sauna stove offers a rewarding and traditional experience.

Top Factors to Consider When Buying a Wood Stove Sauna

Sauna Size & Design

When purchasing a wood-burning stove for your sauna, it’s crucial to consider the available space for proper installation and safe use. In addition to the stove itself, ensure adequate clearance for the stove and heat shield. Therefore, take note of the square footage and ceiling height of your hot room.

The materials used in the hot room’s construction also affect the choice of stove size. Stone or concrete may require extra warm-up time in colder climates, dictating a larger stove. While stone looks good, cedar walls and ceilings heat up faster, so a small stove may be suitable.

Stove Material

When thinking about getting a wood-burning sauna stove, the material it’s made of matters. The best wood burning sauna stoves are made of stainless steel and cast iron because these materials excel in the following areas:

1. Heat retention and distribution: Different materials impact how well the stove holds and spreads heat. Cast iron stoves keep heat exceptionally well, providing a steady and lasting warmth.
2. Durability: The material affects how tough the stove is. Stainless steel is excellent because it resists rust, while cast iron is known for its long-lasting strength.
3. Maintenance: Various materials require different upkeep. Stainless steel stoves are generally easier to clean and maintain than cast iron.
4. Safety: The stove material also affects safety. Stainless steel and cast iron are popular for saunas because they can withstand high temperatures and keep the fire contained.

When picking a wood-burning sauna stove, focus on quality and the suitable material. Stainless steel and cast iron are ideal because they handle high temperatures well, resist corrosion, and have durability perks. This ensures your sauna stove heats efficiently, lasts long, and stays safe.

Safety Features and Regulations

When choosing a wood stove sauna, safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that the stove is specifically designed for sauna use, made from durable materials and that it maintains proper clearance from flammable objects. Many of the best wood-burning sauna stoves come equipped with essential safety features, such as a protective fire shield, spark arrestor, and efficient ventilation systems. These features help prevent accidental fires while ensuring proper airflow, which is crucial for safe operation.

Adhering to local building codes and regulations during the installation of your wood stove sauna is equally important. Make sure that the wood-burning sauna stove kit complies with safety guidelines and installation standards to create a secure and hazard-free sauna experience. Verifying that your chosen sauna wood-burning heater meets these safety and regulatory requirements will give you peace of mind and allow you to relax comfortably in your sauna.

Effectiveness

When selecting a wood stove sauna, its effectiveness in burning wood and producing consistent heat is a crucial consideration. A high-quality wood-burning sauna stove maximizes fuel efficiency, ensuring that each load of firewood provides sustained heat for a longer period. This is especially important for maintaining the desired sauna temperature and achieving a satisfying sauna session.

Heat retention is another critical factor in determining the effectiveness of a wood-burning sauna stove. Stoves made from materials like cast iron or stainless steel are known for their excellent heat retention properties, which help maintain a uniform and comfortable temperature inside the sauna. The best wood-burning stoves for saunas combine efficient wood combustion with superior heat retention, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing sauna experience every time.

By focusing on the stove’s fuel efficiency and heat retention capabilities, you can choose a wood stove sauna that delivers consistent heat and long-lasting comfort, making your sauna experience both effective and enjoyable.

Efficient Wood-Burning Sauna Stoves for Different Budgets

Choosing the right wood for your wood-burning sauna stove is essential for efficiency and a satisfying sauna experience. To make the best choice, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

• Moisture content
• Environmental friendliness
• Cost
• Resin content
• Energy efficiency

When it comes to moisture content, anything between 15% and 20% is ideal for efficient burning. The water content in the wood contributes to a hydrating ambiance, making the sauna experience both comfortable and authentic.

Hardwoods like Birch and Oak are excellent choices due to their high burnable energy. As a result, they are more energy-efficient than softwoods.

As for environmental friendliness, consider whether the wood is locally sourced from regrowth forests. Cost is also a factor, with Birch and Fir being a good compromise between affordability and burn quality. However, be cautious of high resin content in wood, as it can lead to excess smoke in the sauna.

These are the most popular wood types used, whether in an outdoor sauna with a wood stove or an indoor hot room:

• Birch: Offers a pleasant aroma and burns hot but may burn quickly.
• Oak: Known for its long and hot burn, making it a popular choice.
• Apple Wood: Burns long and hot with minimal smoke, though availability may be challenging.
• Maple: Easily accessible, burns long and hot, making it a reliable choice.

For optimal results, it’s essential to balance softwoods and hardwoods. Use softwoods as kindling materials and hardwoods as the primary heating source. Kiln-dried wood is preferred to prevent cracking and ensure a slow, extended burn.

The best wood for a wood-burning sauna stove varies according to resin content, environmental impact, cost, and personal preference. You’ll also need to consider availability, burn quality, and individual preferences.

Maintaining Your Wood Stove Sauna for Long-Term Use

Regularly maintaining your wood stove sauna is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Clean out ashes: Before starting a new fire, remove old ashes safely by placing them in a metal container with a lid.
• Wipe down the stove and chimney: Clean the stove and chimney regularly to prevent ash and creosote buildup. Also, while cleaning the chimney, check for damage or obstructions.
• Conduct regular chimney sweeps: Regularly sweep the chimney for fire safety. Ideally, have a qualified chimney sweep conduct an inspection and cleaning once a year.
• Inspect and clean sauna stones: The heating rocks in your sauna can accumulate oil and sweat on the surface. This creates a layer that can affect heat distribution throughout your steam room. Also, the humidity and temperature change can lead to cracks and eventual crumbling. Therefore, inspect the sauna stones regularly and clean them with warm water and a soft brush.

Tips for Keeping Your Sauna Wood Burning Heater Efficient

Low Heat

If your wood stove sauna isn’t reaching the ideal temperature, the stove might be underperforming. One of the main reasons is improper wood selection. To improve heating efficiency, always use small, well-seasoned wood, and ensure the wood is completely dry. Additionally, proper airflow is key to effective combustion. Adjust the sauna wood-burning heater as necessary to optimize its performance and reach the desired heat level.

Moreover, a wood-burning sauna stove requires a strong draw, which is facilitated by a well-sealed chimney system. Leaks or drafts in the chimney or stove pipe can disrupt the airflow. To maintain optimal draw, ensure the stove pipe is straight and connected directly to the chimney, minimising any twists or bends. This setup ensures efficient heat output from your wood-burning sauna stove and prevents heat loss.

Temperature Control

Regulating the temperature in a wood stove sauna can be challenging, but there are ways to achieve better control. The type of wood you use significantly impacts temperature stability, as does the size and quality of your wood-burning sauna stove. Choosing the right-sized stove is essential—an oversized stove can lead to overheating, while an undersized one may struggle to reach your desired heat level.

Good ventilation is also crucial for maintaining consistent temperature control. Proper airflow not only supports efficient wood burning but also helps to stabilize the temperature inside the sauna. Some wood-fired sauna heaters allow you to adjust the airflow, giving you greater control over the heat. Learning how to manage this airflow adjustment effectively is a key technique for ensuring that your sauna reaches and maintains the optimal temperature for a relaxing experience.

How to Lower Emissions with a Wood Stove Sauna

Environmental sustainability is a significant concern with wood stove saunas. However, you can follow the following tips to lower emissions when using your hot room:

• Burn dry wood: Choose dry wood for burning, as it produces better combustion.
• Focus on quick ignition: Use small, dry wood pieces for a fast kindling process. This helps minimize emissions, especially during the initial ignition phase. Shorter ignition phases lead to lower emissions.
• No rubbish burning: Avoid burning any kind of waste, such as milk cartons or sausage wrappers. Stick to using only wood.
• Burn in batches: Don’t fill the entire firebox at once. Start with small wood pieces, gradually increasing the size. Add new wood only when the flame dies down.
• Ensure sufficient air: Adjust the air intake per the sauna stove’s manual to facilitate good combustion.
• Monitor smoke color: Learn to use the sauna stove skillfully by observing the smoke color. Dark or brown smoke indicates high emissions, while colorless smoke suggests fewer emissions.
• Use eco-friendly fire starters: For efficient and low-emission ignition of the wood, consider using environmentally friendly fire starters, such as wax and sawdust-based products.

Types of Wood Stove Saunas: What Works Best for Your Sauna Setup

Wood-burning sauna stoves provide an authentic sauna experience, allowing for cost savings and being ideal for DIY wood sauna kits. However, they also come with potential drawbacks, such as regular maintenance and smoke production, which may not suit everyone. If you’re looking for a hassle-free alternative, an electric sauna heater might be more suitable.

Wood-Burning Sauna Stove vs Electric Heater: Which Is Better?

Electric sauna heaters offer convenience for those who prioritise simplicity and minimal maintenance. They operate with a straightforward on/off switch or programmable settings and don’t require a chimney stack, making installation easier than that of a wood-burning sauna stove.

In terms of upkeep, electric sauna heaters are nearly maintenance-free. Since they don’t produce ash, there’s no need to clean out the stove or chimney.

Electric saunas are often considered safer due to the lack of smoke or combustible materials. However, proper installation and wiring are crucial to prevent electrical hazards. Many electric sauna heaters come with safety features like overheat protection and automatic shut-off systems, ensuring peace of mind.

Although electric heaters may not offer the same deep warmth as wood-burning sauna stoves, they are efficient and cleaner. Despite their reliance on electricity, which may have environmental implications, they are generally more energy-efficient. Properly installed electric sauna heaters provide an eco-friendly solution without the hassle of maintaining a wood-burning stove.

Temperature control is another advantage of electric sauna heaters, with most models offering built-in controls to adjust the heat. This feature allows users to easily set their desired temperature, ensuring a comfortable and tailored sauna experience.

Ultimately, the choice between a wood stove sauna and an electric sauna heater depends on personal preferences, budget, and the size of the sauna. For those seeking a traditional experience, wood-burning sauna stoves provide that rustic charm, while electric heaters offer a modern, low-maintenance alternative.

The Best Electric Saunas & Heaters

Here are a few electric saunas and heaters from popular brands that you can consider:

• Sun Home Saunas Traditional Saunas: Sun Home Saunas offers a range of outdoor saunas with electric heaters. You can choose between the classic barrel sauna design or the modern square style.
• Vevor electric sauna heaters: Vevor heaters are known for their impressive performance. They not only provide conventional heat but can also generate steam.
• Harvia electric sauna heaters: These heaters are available in different sizes to accommodate various sauna spaces. They’re well-known for their reliability and effectiveness. And they’re praised for their sleek appearance and excellent control options.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Wood-Burning Sauna Stove

Selecting the best wood stove sauna is a blend of practicality and personal preference. Consider factors such as size, installation, and maintenance. Pay special attention to safety features like protective fire shields and ventilation systems, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.

For those setting up a home sauna, investing in a wood stove sauna kit can simplify the process, providing everything needed for seamless installation.