Sauna Sale Questions in Minnesota

Electric or wood-burning sauna stove: what is better for your sauna?

The first question that arises when choosing a sauna stove is not even about its power, but about the type – wood or electric? When designing a sauna, it is important to select the right stove. There are three main types available: gas, wood burning, and electric. In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the last two types in more detail.

Wood vs Electric Sauna Stove

Before we begin, let's answer two of the most common questions:

1. Does steam differ between a wood-burning and an electric stove?

The quality of the steam is the same, because in the first and in the second case it comes from the stones. In a wood-burning stove, the stones are heated by a fire in the furnace. In an electric stove, they are heated by an electric heating element.

2. Is it safe to pour water over stones on an electric sauna stove?

Stones can be doused with water. At a temperature of +60 degrees Celsius in the sauna, the water evaporates quickly before reaching the heater elements. Therefore, the more stones are in the furnace, the lower the risk that water will get on the device. It is better to dose the water – pour out no more than 200 ml of water at a time. The possibility of giving off steam in the sauna is described in more detail in the operating instructions for electric stoves.

Comparing Wood-Burning Stoves and Electric Stoves

Minnesota Sauna Comfort: Wood for Tradition, Electric for Simplicity

	Wood-Burning Stove	Electric Stove
Exploitation	At the wood-burning stove, ash must be periodically removed from the ash pan. The chimney has to be cleaned annually. Stones are also checked regularly to ensure proper functioning of the stove.	Like the wood-burning model, the electric model also needs to be cleaned. Depending on how often the device is used, it may be necessary to replace the heating elements.
Price	Higher due to chimney and its installation.	Electric ones are often cheaper because they do not have a chimney.
Which is more cost-effective: firewood or electricity?	It depends on the type of firewood. It is recommended to heat the oven with dry wood, which is more expensive than wet wood. Using wet logs can be cheaper than electricity.	Electricity is a more economical option than using dry wood for a wood-burning stove.
Aesthetic Appeal	A wood–burning stove is a more traditional and familiar option.	The design of electric heaters is more diverse.
Heat shielding	It is impossible to install a wood-burning stove to a wooden surface. Therefore, the podium on which it is installed and the wall behind it have to be protected with stone or metal shields. This is an additional expense item.	By default, shielding behind the electric furnace is not required. But for certain models of electric stoves, protection can be necessary (powerful furnaces, or furnaces with an open body). The exception is wall-mounted electric furnaces. It is not necessary to lay out a stone wall behind them, which allows you to save money on finishing.
Installation time	The installation time for a wood-burning stove varies depending on the complexity of the chimney installation. And if the chimney needs to be installed through the ceiling, it may take even longer.	The installation of an electric stove takes an average of two hours, although there are some nuances. If a cable with the required cross-section is already connected to the stove, installation will be faster. However, if the cord needs to be run from the electrical panel, installation may take longer.
Safety	Traditionally, some people believe that wood-burning stoves are less safe due to the potential for fire. But! If the required operating and safety regulations are followed, the risk of fire can be minimized.	An electric stove is safe because it does not require a chimney, and there is no open flame in it.
Heating speed	In theory, wood-burning stoves could burn faster if the rules of operation were violated and more firewood was added. However, it would be dangerous to try this in practice.	Similar models of electric and wood-burning stoves heat up at the same rate.
Fuel Storage	Requires space for wood logs/pellets	No storage needed
Which kind of stove is more suitable?	A wood-burning stove would be more suitable when there are restrictions on the number of kilowatts per site and you need to increase their number in order to install an electric one . Sometimes it costs more than buying a wood stove. Additionally, if the sauna was designed specifically for a wood-burning stove, it would be more appropriate to use one.	An electric stove would be a better option if there are technical limitations that prevent the installation of a chimney. For instance, if the sauna is located in the basement of the house, it would be difficult to install a pipe, and the structure would not be reliable.

We Build Minnesota Outdoor and Mobile Saunas

The heat from a wood-burning sauna stove is unlike any other. It’s deep, penetrating, and soothing. It’s the kind of heat that invites you to stay, to relax, and to let go of the day’s stress. Wood fired stoves are much like manual wind watches; they require active participation to keep them running, yet sometimes, that is the magic that makes them so desirable. If you are the type that likes to participate and be connected to the process, then wood fire is for you. If you’re looking to maximize the relaxation and convenience of a sauna, electric might be a good option.

At BW Sauna Co., we don’t just build saunas. We create an experience. A wood-burning sauna is more than just heat—it’s a ritual. We ensure that when you work with us, you get the sauna that brings out the best experience possible. So, if you’re looking for an authentic sauna experience that combines the best of tradition, craftsmanship, and pure, honest heat, look no further than BW Sauna Co. It’s more than just a sauna. It’s a way of life.

Download Your BW 2024 Catalog

When you start exploring what a custom sauna could look like, you might already have that exact idea in mind: that perfect finish with a wide panorama window. Or something more true to its history, humbly nestled in the lakeside corner. Either way, we hope this catalog offers inspiration for your journey

Address: 5137 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth, MN 55803, United States

Phone: +1 218-216-0252