Thinking of adding a sauna to your garden? One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a wood-fired sauna or an electric sauna heater.
Both offer the traditional sauna experience – dry heat, wooden interiors, and the option to create steam by pouring water over hot stones. But they differ in how they’re powered, how they feel to use, and the type of installation required.
Here’s what you need to know.
🔌 What Is an Electric Sauna?
Electric saunas use a wall-mounted or floor-standing electric heater to warm the air inside the cabin. The heating elements heat up stones, and you can splash water over them for added steam and humidity.
Key Benefits:
- Fast and easy to use — heat-up times usually 30–45 minutes
- Programmable timers and thermostats for precise control
- Minimal maintenance
- Perfect for UK gardens with electrical access
Ideal For:
✔️ Convenience-focused users
✔️ Residential gardens or modern garden rooms
✔️ Properties where smoke or wood storage is a concern
🔥 What Is a Wood-Fired Sauna?
Wood-fired saunas use a traditional log-burning stove to heat the sauna cabin and stones. They offer a more authentic, back-to-nature experience, with the sounds and smells of real fire.
Key Benefits:
- No need for mains electricity
- Deeper, atmospheric sauna experience
- Often better suited to rural or off-grid settings
- Very quiet — no humming or buzzing
Ideal For:
✔️ Traditionalists who love fire-heated rituals
✔️ Off-grid or countryside gardens
✔️ Natural wellness enthusiasts
🛠 Installation Considerations
Both sauna types require proper siting, ventilation, and foundations — but with key differences:
- Electric saunas need a dedicated electrical circuit (usually 16–32 amps).
- Wood-fired saunas require a flue or chimney and suitable fire safety clearance.
- Both need a stable, level base (e.g., concrete or pavers).
At London Essex Outdoor Living, we can advise on which model works best for your garden and handle all aspects of delivery and setup.
🤔 Which Sauna Should You Choose?
✅ Choose Electric if You Want:
- Quick, easy daily use
- Low maintenance
- A cleaner installation in urban areas
🔥 Choose Wood-Fired if You Want:
- A more authentic, hands-on sauna experience
- Off-grid capability
- Traditional crackle-and-smoke atmosphere
Explore Our Premium Outdoor Saunas
We offer high-quality, handcrafted saunas from trusted European manufacturers — available with either electric or wood-fired heaters. Custom configurations, insulation, and weatherproofing ensure year-round comfort in UK conditions.
Ready to Install a Sauna in Your Garden?
Let’s help you choose the right style and setup for your space.
📍 Visit our showroom in Barnet
📞 Or book a consultation to get started