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Wood Stove for Sauna

Wood-burning sauna heaters offer the most traditional and romantic experience. For many, the sight, sound, and smell of a real wood fire add a sensory richness that makes each session feel more meaningful. Even the process of chopping wood and building the fire becomes part of the ritual as something calming and enjoyable that sets the tone for the sauna. These heaters work by burning wood in a firebox, which heats the stones above and fills the room with soft, natural warmth. They are especially well-suited for off-grid cabins and remote locations where electricity is limited.

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How do they work?


All wood-burning sauna heaters follow the same simple idea: you load wood into the firebox, the fire heats the stones above, and the stones radiate that soft heat simple!
Some models burn more efficiently, like the HUUM Flow and Harvia GreenFlame, by adding secondary combustion inside the firebox. That re-burns hot gases, so you get the same heat with less wood and a cleaner burn. Fewer moving parts also means less to go wrong over 
time.

Different Types of Wood-Burning Heaters

There are two types: inside-feed and outside-feed.

  • Inside feed: The firebox door opens into the sauna, so you load wood right from the bench. Cozy light, great ambiance, and the fire is part of the ritual.
  • Outside feed: The firebox is longer and passes through the wall, so you can load wood from an adjacent room without opening the sauna door. Good for keeping residue out of the hot room and for using longer pieces of firewood.

What is needed


Every wood-burning heater will need:

  1. Sauna stones: use manufacturer-recommended sauna stones (not river rocks).
  2. Chimney kit: sized to the stove’s flue outlet. Our heaters use a 4.5” flue; if you’re running a 6” chimney, add a 4.5” to 6” adapter.
  3. Protective bedding: a non-combustible floor protector if the heater sits on a combustible surface.

Ventilation: A Bit Different from Electric Saunas

Unlike electric sauna setups, a wood-burning sauna stove (inside feed) doesn’t need a traditional exhaust vent as the firebox itself draws air and acts as the exhaust system. That said, proper air circulation is still crucial.

You’ll need two vents:

  • Intake Vent: Usually placed low on the wall near the sauna heater, this brings in fresh air to feed the fire and maintain oxygen levels.
  • Drying Vent: Installed high on the opposite wall or ceiling, this vent stays closed during the sauna session and opens afterward to help dry out the space.

Outside-feed models, where the firebox loads from outside the sauna, often require a dedicated exhaust vent (similar to electric saunas) because the firebox is sealed off from the sauna interior. Since it can’t draw air from the hot room, the system must be ventilated separately to ensure proper air exchange and prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide.

Together, this simple system helps maintain airflow and keeps your sauna functioning safely and efficiently.

Which one fits my space?

  1. Calculate your sauna room's cubic footage with our sauna heater size calculator to find how powerful heater you need in your sauna room.
  2. Select the model that fits your space and needs.
  3. Make sure you get the right heater/stones and accessories that will allow you to get the most out of your desired sauna looks and experience.

If you want our friendly US based sauna experts to help you, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will go through all of this together.

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