Wood Burning Sauna Stove in Minnesota

In the American north of Minnesota, we understand what it means to endure, to embrace the elements, and to find warmth in the heart of winter. Sauna is a corner of that tradition.

Wood Burning Sauna Stove

A Connection with ancient sauna tradition

The first saunas were found to be built in caves that had the entrance closed with often animal skins. They would then start a fire during the day and after the fire died down, they would bring rocks in. Over the evening, people would come in as water was poured over the rocks creating the steam. 

Saunas back then were clean places due to the smoke and heat minimizing bacteria. 

As a result, they became places for many activities that were far beyond simple relaxation. In the harsh climates, they were used for kitchens, washing, giving birth and many more activities. They even grew into spiritual spaces. 

The rich history goes deep, but all centers around one element. Fire!

In a world that’s become obsessed with the quick and easy, sometimes there’s something profoundly satisfying about doing things the old-fashioned way. 

The wood-burning sauna connects us with the life-giving heat that has kept people alive in the harsh winter landscape for thousands of years. A time when warmth took effort, a physical investment with a tactical payoff. 

In the American north of Minnesota, we understand what it means to endure, to embrace the elements, and to find warmth in the heart of winter. Sauna is a corner of that tradition. For some, a wood burning sauna is more than just heat—it’s a ritual. It’s the crackle of the fire, the hiss of steam, the smell of burning wood. It’s about taking the time to do something real, something authentic.

Comparing the benefits of Wood Fired Sauna Stoves over Electric Stoves

Wood Fire Vs Electric

Wood Burning Sauna Stove | Benefits 

Wood-burning sauna stoves offer a smooth and gentle heat that few electric options can compete with. Some of the most impactful benefits include: 

  1. Completely off-grid heat: wood fired saunas mean all you need is a good chainsaw and some elbow grease, and your heat is ready. 
  2. Even and gentle heat: High quality authentic saunas are almost always wood fired. There is just nothing that can compare. 

A rewarding sauna: Putting effort into building up your sauna heat brings you closer to the reward of quality relaxation. You just can’t get that by flipping a switch.

Night Time Superior North Shore near Duluth Minnesota - Custom Cabin Sauna, portable saunas

Considerations before buying a wood fired sauna stove | Cons

Wood fired saunas are not for everyone. Sometimes, we want the convenience of being able to turn on our sauna from our phone app (HUUM) and, safely turn off our sauna and enjoy the rest of our evening without tending to the fire. Here are some things to consider when buying a wood fired sauna. 

  1. Insurance Impact: Especially when considering saunas that are going to be close to your home, wood fired options of course come with a degree of risk. Quality wood fired sauna heaters are designed to be the safest heaters possible, but human error and the nature of fire will demand a degree of safety. 
  2. Labor & Wood: Cutting, gathering and storing wood takes time. These are often task some may wish to avoid entirely with an electric sauna stove option. 

Heat Control: A wood fired stove takes some getting used to. Not everyone is a seasoned expert right off the bat. Knowing how to properly start and manage a wood fire requires some learned experience.

We Build Minnesota Home 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

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Address5137 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth, MN 55803, United States 

Download Your BW 2024 Catalog