Wood-Fired vs Electric Saunas: Which Should You Choose?

When you're planning your dream sauna, one of the biggest decisions is how you want to heat it. At Cabins & Wagons, we build both wood-fired and electric saunas, and each has its own feel, function and benefits.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose what suits your space, lifestyle and budget best.

Wood-Fired Saunas

Off-grid charm & that authentic sauna experience

There’s a reason wood-fired saunas have stood the test of time. Lighting the fire, hearing the crackle, and feeling that deep, radiant heat—it’s all part of the ritual. They’re especially suited to off-grid sites, wild spaces, or anyone who wants to slow down and soak up the experience.

Why choose wood-fired?

• No electricity needed – perfect for remote or off-grid sites

• Traditional atmosphere – smells great, sounds great, feels great

• Simple tech – less to go wrong, no digital displays or wiring

• Slower pace – heating becomes part of the ritual

Things to keep in mind:

• Takes longer to heat up (around 45–60 mins depending on weather/stove)

• You’ll need a regular supply of dry firewood

• Ash needs clearing after sessions

• Temperature is more about feel than precision control

Electric Saunas

Convenient, clean and easy to control

Electric saunas are a great option for home gardens or anywhere with a reliable power supply. With precise temperature control, timers and even WiFi control, they’re ideal for people who want reliable heat without the hassle of firewood.

We often fit Harvia’s 6.8 kW Legend XW heater with WiFi controls in our builds – a solid, efficient choice for most 2–4 person saunas.

Why choose electric?

• Fast heat-up time (30–40 mins)

• Precise control – digital thermostats and timers

• Low effort – no chopping logs or emptying ash

• Great for regular home use

• Cleaner inside and out – no smoke, no soot

Things to keep in mind:

• Requires a dedicated power supply – and proper installation

• Not ideal for off-grid sites (unless paired with serious solar/battery setup)

• Less of a sensory “ritual” than fire-based options

Running Costs: What Will It Cost Per Session?

Electric sauna costs are pretty easy to predict. Most of our electric builds use 6–7 kW heaters. For a 50–60 min session (including heat-up), that’s roughly 6–8 kWh, or £1.50–£2.50 per session, depending on your energy tariff and insulation.

Wood-fired sauna costs depend on your access to firewood. If you’re buying dry, seasoned logs, fuel might cost around £2.50–£4 per session. But if you’ve got access to your own timber, or don’t mind a bit of chopping, the cost could be almost nothing.

Tip: the better insulated your sauna, the less energy or firewood you'll burn – and every Cabins & Wagons build is designed with proper insulation and heat retention in mind.