September 17, 2025
Category: Sauna & Steam
Understanding the Difference Between Electric and Traditional Saunas
When you compare an electric sauna with a traditional wood fired sauna, the decision comes down to how well each option matches your home, lifestyle, and long-term running costs. A busy family in a suburban home may focus on fast heat-up times and minimal upkeep, while an off-grid cabin owner might prefer self-sufficiency and the distinctive warmth of wood heat.
An electric sauna uses a powered heating element to warm the air and sauna stones. A traditional sauna burns seasoned logs in a stove to create heat. Both reach similar high temperatures, yet their fuel demands, heat-up speed, and maintenance needs differ—factors that influence both energy bills and the user experience.
How an Electric Sauna Works
An Electric-powered sauna works like other household heating systems. You set a temperature, the unit heats up, and it cycles to maintain consistent warmth. Precision temperature control with digital thermostats, heat-up times of 30–45 minutes, and low daily maintenance make it a practical choice. There is no ash removal, wood storage, or chimney cleaning, making it ideal for regular, short sauna sessions where speed and ease matter.
Consider the Oasis Sauna for sleek design and efficient performance if you want an example of this technology in action.
How a Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Works
A traditional sauna produces heat by burning seasoned hardwood in a stove. The heat radiates through stones, creating a soft warmth and a natural wood aroma. These saunas attract those who enjoy the sensory experience of wood heat, want off-grid capability, and follow Nordic wellness traditions. They require more preparation time and fuel management, which affects efficiency depending on usage.
Which Sauna Uses Less Energy?
An electric sauna draws steady power during use. Energy consumption depends on heater size, insulation, and session frequency. A wood fired sauna does not use electricity unless additional features are installed, but it requires wood fuel that must be cut, dried, and stored. Efficiency depends on how sustainably the wood is sourced and burned.
How do you size an electric home sauna for best efficiency?
Allow about 1 kW of heater capacity per 1 m³ of sauna volume. For uninsulated surfaces like glass, tile, stone, or concrete, treat each 1 m² of surface as an extra ~1.2 m³ of effective volume.
For premium energy savings and luxury, the Tylo Reflection Glass Front Rib Sauna Medium offers advanced insulation and a refined look.
Expert tip: Some electric saunas now include eco-modes, programmable timers, and motion sensors to optimise heat-up and reduce wasted energy. Well-fitted insulation can cut electricity use by up to 25%.
Cost Per Use and Long-Term Durability
A 6 kW electric sauna uses ~6 kWh per hour at full power. For typical two-hour home use, expect around 7–9 kWh. Multiply kWh by your electricity rate for an accurate estimate—UK unit prices vary by region and change quarterly under the Ofgem price cap. Wood fired models vary, but low-cost firewood can make them cheaper. Maintaining seals, replacing stones, and cleaning chimneys (wood) or inspecting heating elements (electric) preserves efficiency and extends lifespan.
Frequent use, especially in poorly insulated saunas, can quickly add to running costs. Planning usage schedules, insulating walls and ceilings, and choosing the correct heater size can reduce long-term expenses.
Heat-Up Time and Retention
Electric home saunas heat faster and hold steady heat but lose warmth quickly once switched off. Wood fired saunas take longer to heat but often retain warmth longer due to residual heat in the stove and stones, which is useful for households doing multiple sessions back-to-back.
Environmental Considerations
Sustainably sourced firewood can make a wood fired sauna eco-friendly, especially if your Electric home sauna runs on non-renewable energy. Modern Ecodesign-ready stoves reduce particulate emissions compared to older models. Pairing an electric-powered sauna with renewable electricity, such as solar power, lowers its carbon footprint.
For eco-conscious buyers, using FSC-certified firewood or integrating a solar PV system can reduce emissions and support sustainable practices. If wellness benefits are a priority, the Crystallux Salt Sauna Mid Size combines heat therapy with the natural benefits of salt air.
Hybrid and Modern Options
Hybrid saunas combine a wood stove with electric backup, offering flexibility, potential energy savings, and reliability during power outages. Correct sizing and clearances are essential for safety.
Some households alternate between wood and electric modes seasonally—wood in winter for higher retained heat, and electric in summer for quick, efficient sessions.
Choosing Your Sauna for Energy Efficiency
If you want quick, low-maintenance sessions with affordable electricity, an electric sauna is often the most energy-efficient choice. For longer, immersive sessions with affordable sustainable wood, a traditional sauna may suit you better. For a compact, efficient option, the Radiant Sauna offers great performance in a smaller footprint.
Book Your Sauna Consultation Today
Visit our showroom to experience both electric and traditional saunas in person. Our expert team can compare models, running costs, and energy efficiency features with you. Arrange your consultation through our Contact page or explore servicing and installation options on the Servicing page.
Quick FAQs for Efficiency & Running Costs
What size electric sauna heater do I need?
Use ~1 kW per 1 m³ of room volume, adding ~1.2 m³ for every 1 m² of glass, tile, stone, or concrete.
How can I lower running costs on an electric sauna?
Insulate well, use a foil vapour barrier, pre-heat only when ready, keep the door closed, and replace worn door seals.
Is a wood fired sauna cheaper to run?
If you have low-cost hardwood, wood can be cost-effective. Otherwise, a well-insulated electric home sauna offers predictable costs and easy operation for short, frequent sessions.
