The “why not?” sauna

Wood-Fired Commitment vs. the “Why Not” Electric Sauna

A wood-fired sauna session is steeped in ritual, a place where the fuss is the muss. We build the fire, split some firewood, avoid looking at our damn phone, tend to the stove, and chart this wonderful part of our day bookmarked around our sauna session. Our commitment to the ritual is part of its magic. The anticipation of sauna builds with the heat in the hot room, and by the time the stones are ready, we close our laptop and head out there like a kid on their way to the playground.

Electric is a different vibe. Electric is easy. And when you add Wi-Fi control, it becomes almost a no-brainer.

Some electric heater brands charge $1,750 for a Wi-Fi controller, which feels like a clear case of “I got ripped off.” One kick ass electric heater brand now offer a Wi-Fi controller for less than a third this price, and suddenly the idea of taking a sauna becomes: “why not?”

“Why not” after a movie, or before a movie. After the guests leave. Before the guests arrive. Before work. After work. Anytime is now a “why not?” sauna time.

Thinking about taking a shower? “Why not” sauna instead. Thinking about hitting the rowing machine in the basement? “Why not” sauna after.

The ritual of wood-fired is undeniable. But there’s a real advantage to pushing a button on your phone and saying “why not?”, then slipping in for a few rounds whenever the moment feels right.

The “why not” sauna isn’t the ultimate expression of the richness of sauna. But often, it’s the right-here, right-now glove that fits.

A “why not” sauna may best be one outfitted with both wood fired and electric. And this is my current set up in my Minneapolis backyard sauna lab that I built in 2003. The dual fuel set up has opened up all kinds of opportunities for sauna action. Sometimes it’s light the fire. Sometimes it’s push the button. And sometimes it’s both!