Find the perfect heater for your sauna
Whether you prefer the traditional wood-burning experience or the modern comfort of an electric heater. This guide helps you choose what fits best for your sauna type, lifestyle, and location.
Learn the difference between electric and wood-fired heaters, understand power requirements, and see which features matter most.
Electric vs. Wood-Fired. Which should you choose?
Wood-Fired Sauna Stove – Authentic heat and natural atmosphere
A wood-fired sauna stove delivers the original and most authentic sauna experience. The scent of burning wood, the crackle of the fire, and the deep, radiant heat create an atmosphere that electric heaters simply can’t match. It is the perfect choice for rural locations, garden saunas, or anyone who enjoys a hands-on, natural approach.
In Ireland, a wood-fired stove is particularly appealing if you:
- live in a rural area,
- have easy access to firewood,
- or want to enjoy a completely off-grid sauna experience.
Advantages of a wood-fired stove:
- Traditional sauna feeling with real fire and natural heat
- Independence from the power grid – works even during power cuts
- Intense, long-lasting warmth due to radiant heat
- Atmospheric and emotional experience (sound and scent of fire)
- Potentially low running costs if firewood is readily available
Potential drawbacks:
- Requires a chimney or flue (building permission may apply)
- Needs dry wood storage
- More effort to operate (lighting, stoking, cleaning)
- Not always ideal in densely populated areas due to smoke
An electric sauna heater offers maximum convenience and precise temperature control. With a single button or even an app, your sauna can be preheated and ready without any manual effort. This makes it a perfect solution for residential areas or holiday homes with a reliable power supply.
Advantages of an electric heater:
- Easy operation – can be controlled via timer or smartphone
- Fast heat-up time (depending on size and power)
- No smoke or emissions – ideal for suburban or urban settings
- Low maintenance – no chimney, no ash to clean
- Compact design – requires minimal space
Potential drawbacks
- Dependent on a power connection (may require a high-voltage line)
- Ongoing electricity costs, depending on usage
- Less traditional feel compared to a wood-fired stove
Electric heaters are perfect for everyday comfort.
Wood-fired stoves are ideal if you love the ritual and sound of burning wood.
How to choose the right power (kW)
| Sauna Size | Recommended Power | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 m³ | 6–8 kW | Harvia Wall SW90E, Huum Mini 10.5 kW |
| 6–8 m³ | 9 kW | Harvia Cilindro PC90XW |
| 9–12 m³ | 10.5–12 kW | Huum Hive Flow Mini |
As a rule of thumb, you need roughly 1 kW per cubic meter of sauna space.
Not sure how to calculate the right heater size?
→ Read our guide on heater size calculation ›
Stone volume & heat retention
The amount of stones directly affects the sauna’s heat quality and steam softness.
More stones mean longer, smoother heat. Fewer stones mean faster heat-up and more direct steam.
Compact heaters (like Harvia Wall) heat fast but lose temperature quicker.
Large models (like Huum Hive) store heat longer and create softer steam.
Huum Drop 6kW
Stone capacity of 55kg
Harvia Top Steel M60 (6kW)
Stone Capacity of 20kg
Modern Features
- WiFi control – set temperature from your phone
- Timer & safety functions – for energy efficiency
- Stone cage design – affects heat and steam quality
- Design & finish – open steel cage vs closed housing
- Heater location – wall-mounted, corner, or floor-standing
Operating cost
Electric heaters are convenient and precise but use more energy typically between €3 and €5 per session, depending on sauna size and kW.
Wood-fired stoves are more economical, averaging €1.50 to €3.50 per session, based on wood consumption.
Actual costs vary with insulation, outside temperature, and how long you heat the sauna.
Want to know what your sauna will cost to run each month?
→ Check our article on sauna running costs ›
Still unsure which heater suits your sauna?
Choosing the right heater ensures your sauna performs perfectly for years to come. If you’re unsure which model fits your sauna, we’re happy to help.