Taking care of your body is not optional. It is an investment in how you show up at work, at home, and everywhere in between. With the proven wellness benefits of regular sauna use, it makes sense to consider making it part of your routine.
The real question is not whether you want a sauna. It’s which type fits your lifestyle best.
In today’s sauna market, most buyers are choosing between two core options, electric and wood-fired. Each delivers heat, relaxation, and recovery, but the experience, maintenance, and daily rhythm feel very different.
In this guide, we will walk through the practical differences between electric and wood-fired saunas, so you can confidently choose the one that aligns with your space, your schedule, and the way you live.
Are Electric or wood-fired saunas safer?
When it comes to safety, electric saunas tend to be a safer option.
With a wood-fired unit, you are managing live flame, sparks, stored firewood, and proper chimney ventilation. That does not mean they are unsafe, but it does mean there are more moving parts. Creosote buildup, ash removal, and routine stove maintenance all matter. If upkeep is neglected, risk increases.
Electric saunas remove many of those variables. There is no live flame, no chimney to maintain, and no ash to clean out. The system is controlled, contained, and typically protected by built-in temperature limits and shutoff features. For many buyers, that predictability brings peace of mind.
That said, heat is heat. No matter which system you choose, proper installation and correct clearances are non-negotiable. Follow manufacturer placement guidelines, keep combustibles at the recommended distance, and ensure wiring or venting is completed by qualified professionals. When installed and maintained correctly, both options can be safe, reliable additions to your wellness routine, but the electric option does tend to be safer overall.
Are Electric or wood-fired saunas easier to use?
Ease of use is where electric saunas clearly stand apart, which is why every Zook Sauna is built with an electric heater. We use premium models from HUUM, specifically the Drop or Hive series, known for clean design and consistent performance.
With an electric setup, starting your sauna is simple. Turn it on from your WiFi-connected device (iPads are great to use if you are using your Zook Sauna for an Airbnb) and let it heat up while you finish dinner or wrap up the day.
Gone are the days of stepping outside in the cold to “figure it out”, no learning curve, no guesswork. In many cases, your Zook Sauna can be ready in as little as 30 minutes.
On the other hand, Wood-fired saunas offer a traditional experience but require more involvement. You need properly seasoned firewood, time to build and manage the fire, and patience while the space gradually heats. It can take hours to reach optimal temperature, and someone needs to tend the stove along the way.
If you value convenience, predictability, and a streamlined guest experience, electric heat makes the decision straightforward.
Are Electric or wood Saunas easier to maintain?
When it comes to maintenance, electric saunas are the clear winner.
With a single touch, your sauna powers on and begins heating. There is no ash to shovel, no soot to manage, no wood debris tracked across the floor. You step in, you enjoy the heat, and when you are done, you turn it off. Clean, simple, repeatable.
A wood-fired sauna maintenance asks more of you. Ash needs to be removed. Chimneys need regular inspection and cleaning. Firewood must be properly seasoned, stored, and restocked. Over time, that upkeep becomes part of the ownership experience.
That said, convenience is not the only factor that matters. While electric saunas are easier to maintain, safer in many settings, and faster to heat, a wood-fired sauna carries a certain atmosphere. The crackle of burning wood, the scent of smoke, and the ritual of building the fire all create an experience that feels grounded and timeless.
The real decision comes down to this: do you want a clean, simple, and speedy Sauna time, or do you value the hands-on ritual and ambiance enough to maintain it? Both can serve your wellness routine well, but they deliver very different rhythms.
Do Electric or Wood-Fired Saunas last longer?
Electric saunas and wood saunas last about the same amount of time, 20-30 years. However, electric saunas tend to last closer to the 30-year mark, and wood-fired saunas tend to be on the lower end of this lifespan.
This is because wood-fired saunas need more maintenance. With more maintenance comes the risk of accidental breaks or missing a regular maintenance step, allowing the wood-fired sauna to become distressed and less beneficial.
Additionally, if an eclectic sauna element were to fail, you can replace the items and start using your sauna again the same day. On the other hand, a wood sauna takes about 1-3 days to get up and running again.
Can I fit more people in an electric or wood-fired sauna?
It used to be common to hear that wood-fired saunas could fit more people than electric models. That is no longer true.
With a Zook Cabins sauna, you can comfortably fit up to six adults in the space without compromising the experience. While some companies advertise higher capacities, simply increasing the headcount does not guarantee performance or comfort. Build quality matters.
This is where thermal mass comes into play. The amount of stone and the way heat is stored and released throughout the room determine how evenly the sauna performs, especially when multiple people are inside. A properly designed electric sauna can maintain consistent, enveloping heat for everyone in the room.
Is it cheaper to fuel an electric or wood-fired Sauna?
From an operating cost standpoint, electric saunas are typically the more economical choice.
On average, an electric sauna costs around $15 per month to run, depending on usage and local utility rates. The efficiency of modern heaters and the ability to control run times keep energy use predictable and manageable.
A wood-fired sauna, by comparison, can average closer to $40 per month when you factor in firewood costs. That number can fluctuate based on wood prices and how often you use it. Beyond fuel, there is also the added expense of chimney cleaning, ash disposal, and long-term maintenance.
While the upfront romance of a wood fire is appealing, the ongoing costs tend to be higher. If you are looking for consistent heat with predictable monthly expenses, electric is often the smarter long-term investment.
Do electric or wood-fired saunas reach the 200 rule faster?
The 200 rule states that your Sauna should reach a total value of 200 between the room’s temperature and humidity.
Focusing on heat value alone, an electric sauna will help you reach 200 degrees faster than a wood sauna. However, since the 200 rule is more about achieving a combined 200 value, it is hard to say which will hit the 200 rule first. For example, if you prefer your sauna around 160 degrees and want a 40% humidity, the 200 rule can be reached with relative ease in an electric and wood-fired sauna.
In this case, electric and wood-fired saunas come in at about the same ability for the 200 rule. The sauna style really comes down to preference: do you want a more “dry heat” sauna experience with more hot air, or do you want more of a wet sauna experience with higher humidity?
Does having an electric sauna or wood fired increase my homeowner’s insurance?
Yes, it can.
Both electric and wood-fired saunas tend to fall into a unique category with insurance providers. In many cases, they are viewed as an attractive nuisance, similar to a swimming pool or trampoline. That simply means they can increase perceived liability risk on a property.
Because saunas generate high heat, and in the case of wood-fired units, include live flame, insurers may require additional riders, safety documentation, or specific installation standards. Even electric models can trigger questions about wiring, placement, and supervision.
The smartest move is simple. Before installing a sauna, have a direct conversation with your homeowner’s insurance provider. Confirm what is covered, what is excluded, and whether any additional coverage is needed. A five-minute call upfront can prevent costly surprises later.
Will an electric or wood-fired sauna increase my Airbnb bookings?
Yes.
The good news is that it doesn’t seem to matter if you want it to be a wood-fired or electric sauna. The industry standard shows that by having a sauna added to your property, you can see a 10% increase in bookings as well as a $40 per night increase in nightly rates. However, if you want a more in-depth look into this idea, take a look at our blog, 10 Reasons to have a Sauna at your Airbnb.
Is it Easier to finance an Electric Sauana or a wood Sauna?
In most cases, electric saunas are easier to finance than wood-fired units.
Because electric models are straightforward to install and are often considered a more standard residential upgrade, lenders tend to view them as lower-complexity projects. That can make approvals smoother and timelines faster.
At Zook Cabins, our in-house finance team works directly with you to simplify the process even more. We help you align the right sauna with the right financing structure, so you can move forward confidently and start building a home wellness space that actually gets used.
conclusion…
Electric Saunas are the most streamlined way to create a beautiful and fun sauna experience. When you are ready to create a sauna experience that helps you, your guests, and your friends dwell beyond the ordinary, contact us. We would love to help you have an electric Zook Sauna that creates unforgettable memories.