Comments on: Wood heat vs. electric heat

By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:37 +0000

I like the metaphor that “Moses” made. Is that guy’s name really “Moses”? Anyway, I think the metaphor of comparing electric to wood burning stoves to gas vs. charcoal BBQs hits the nail on the head. I went with electric because I really need the convenience. My sauna gets used up to five times per week by multiple family members at different times. If I had a wood stove, it would only get used once weekly. What the sauna manufacturing industry needs to do is to listen to these debates and produce a duo stove (gas & electric). I recently bought a BBQ and am very pleased with it. Its called the Chargriller Duo – one side is gas and one side is charcoal. On the weekdays, I use the gas grill. On the weekends, I use the charcoal grill. See: http://www.chargriller.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=29

By: matt

matt — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:02:52 +0000

All of the above postings have merit. There are pros and cons to each and location is an important part of the equation. Having said that, the essence of the sauna experience can only be felt through the deep heat penetration of a wood fired stove. Tradition, aroma, preparation and overall duration are all the proper pairings for the transcendant journey, but it is the feeling of the wood heat with it’s ability to deliver dry, wet and everything in between that make it unapproachable.
Laying in bed afterward in wintertime releasing stored thermal heat when most nights you are either shivering or layered up is an added bonus.

By: Clint

Clint — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:06:10 +0000

temperature “knob” (and I guess “know”)

By: Clint

Clint — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:05:14 +0000

In my experience it has been easier to control the temp on an electric stove. The wood at my cabin varies a bit (hardness, moisture content)and thus burns a little differently all the time. My electric stove has a temperature know that works great. Sometimes I want 180+ for a quick blast, sometimes 150 because I want to read for awhile. I’d still choose wood if I could, but yes, mine is very accurate.

By: Rich

Rich — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:08 +0000

I am in the process of building a sauna that is attached to my home and I chose a wood burning sauna stove. I did this for several reasons, perhaps the most important reason for me is that I like the process of chopping the wood and firing the stove. I also belive that a wood burning stove has a more organic heat. I also know that I will be able to heat the stove to any temperature that I desire whether if be 160 degrees or 210 degrees by adjusting the burn of the wood. Can you control the temperature as easily on an electric stove?

By: Clint

Clint — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:55:49 +0000

I wanted to add one other thing about negative ions. From what I’ve read, wood burning saunas produce a tidal wave of negative ions, which apparently account for part of the refreshed feeling you get from them (also explains the feeling you get from waterfalls) Modern electric stoves can do the same but I’ve read that it depends on how they’re grounded and how much of the rock is in contact with the coils. Infrared rooms do not produce negative ions at all

I wish I knew more about this – if someone can comment that would be great!

By: Clint

Clint — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:41:37 +0000

I think one of the main issues here is location. Glenn – You’re the only city dweller I know who has a wood burning sauna. I LOVE it but it implies a few different things:
1. You have the space to chop and store wood.
2. You have the time.
3. You have room either in your garage or yard for a wood sauna (Homeowners insurance doesn’t quite see eye to eye with wood burning saunas in the home…)

I have an electric sauna in my garage but a wood sauna at my cabin so I feel that I get the best of both worlds. When I pull into the garage I flip the switch and a half hour later I hop in around 150 degrees (I can easily get it over 200 if I want). At the cabin (or your place Glenn), I can get my traditional fix because in my opinion wood burning is the most satisfying experience overall. I would rank setups as follows:

1. Wood burning in garage.
2. Stand alone wood burning in yard (changing room necessary).
3. Electric in garage.
4. Electric in house.

Infrared never.

Cheers!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:33:39 +0000

Got to go with wood – better smell, better heat. Better for my psyche. It is more hassle, but how much of a chore is it to cut wood and prep for a suana?

By: Terry De Groote

Terry De Groote — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:22:41 +0000

Electric Sauna
Pros
Clean, convenience (flip a switch)Good choice if installing sauna in basement, and lastly cost is less.
Cons
Suited to small Sauna, if you like steam from splashing water on the rocks it may not be able to keep up with large amounts of water.

Wood fire Sauna
Pros
Large steel stove, with 75 lbs of rock will radiate heat to a large room and handle water being splashed for great steam.

Cons
Finding a wood supply, storing of wood, and disposal of ash.

Best suited for a stand alone or garage sauna

By: Moses

Moses — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:51:58 +0000

Electric vs. wood is like comparing charcoal to gas BBQs. One is much quicker & convenient than the other. If you are busy & only want a quickie, go for electric. Though I prefer the crackling of wood to the sometimes buzz or ticking you hear from electric saunas.