Best Wood Stove for Sauna: Top 5 Picks for 2025

The appeal of wood-burning saunas is increasing, making it clear why they are so beloved. These saunas provide a calming and rejuvenating experience, while also serving as a more environmentally friendly option compared to electrically heated saunas. Choosing the right stove plays an essential role in how well a wood-fired sauna performs and how enjoyable it is. In this guide, we’ll walk you through selecting the perfect wood stove for your sauna requirements.

When choosing a wood stove for your sauna, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the size of your sauna. It’s essential to choose a stove that is appropriately sized for your sauna to ensure that it heats up efficiently and effectively. The second factor to consider is the type of wood stove. There are two primary types: traditional and contemporary. Traditional stoves are made of cast iron and offer a more rustic look, while contemporary stoves are typically made of stainless steel and offer a more modern look.

Another factor to consider is the type of wood you will be using. Softwoods like pine and spruce burn quickly and produce a lot of smoke, while hardwoods like oak and birch burn slower and produce less smoke. It’s essential to choose a wood stove that can handle the type of wood you plan to use.

After extensive research and testing, we have identified the best wood stove for sauna use. Our top pick is the Harvia M3 Wood Burning Sauna Heater. This traditional cast iron stove is designed to efficiently heat saunas up to 459 cubic feet and can burn both softwoods and hardwoods. Its compact size and classic design make it a great option for smaller saunas or those who prefer a more traditional look.

In the next section, we will go into more detail about the Harvia M3 Wood Burning Sauna Heater and why it’s our top pick.

Best Wood Stove for Sauna

We understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient wood stove for your sauna. A good wood stove can provide warmth and comfort during your sauna sessions, as well as help maintain the right temperature and humidity levels. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we have researched and tested various wood stoves to bring you the best options available. In this article, we present to you our top picks for the best wood stove for sauna.

ALEKO Wood Burning Sauna Heater and Chimney Kit | Equivalent to 9-15 kW Electric Heater | Large Stone Capacity

If you’re looking for a wood-burning sauna heater that can be used anywhere outdoors, even off the grid, then the ALEKO Wood Burning Sauna Heater and Chimney Kit is an excellent choice. With its durable, heat-resistant materials, large stone capacity, and removable ash tray, this sauna heater is designed to provide you with a cozy, off-grid experience that you won’t forget.

Pros

• The wood-burning sauna heater can be used anywhere outdoors, even off the grid, providing a cozy and ambient experience.
• The sauna heater provides both wet and dry sauna experiences, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both.
• The sauna heater is made with durable, heat-resistant materials, ensuring that it will last for years to come.

Cons

• The stones needed for the sauna heater are sold separately, which can be an additional expense.
• The sauna heater requires regular cleaning, which can be time-consuming.
• The sauna heater may take longer to heat up than an electric sauna heater.

We were impressed with the ALEKO Wood Burning Sauna Heater and Chimney Kit’s large stone capacity, which provides optimal heat release to efficiently warm the sauna space. Additionally, the removable ash tray makes cleaning the sauna heater a breeze.

One potential downside of this sauna heater is that it requires regular cleaning, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, the stones needed for the sauna heater are sold separately, which can be an additional expense.

Overall, if you’re looking for a wood-burning sauna heater that can be used anywhere outdoors, even off the grid, then the ALEKO Wood Burning Sauna Heater and Chimney Kit is an excellent choice. With its durable, heat-resistant materials and large stone capacity, this sauna heater is designed to provide you with a cozy, off-grid experience that you won’t forget.

Harvia Legend Wood Sauna Stove Protective Shield WL200 Sauna Accessories

If you’re looking for a versatile and practical solution to enhance the performance and safety of your wood stove, then the Harvia Legend Wood Sauna Stove Protective Shield WL200 Sauna Accessories is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Reduces the required safety distances by half, allowing you to make the most of your available space while maintaining a safe environment.
• Compatible with all Harvia Legend wood stoves, making it a versatile and practical addition to your heating setup.
• Lightweight and easy to handle and install, weighing just 15 lbs.

Cons

• Only offers protection for one panel, so you’ll need to purchase additional panels if you need protection for more than one side.
• The floor bedding is sold separately, which can add to the overall cost of the product.
• The protective shield walls are made from aluminum zinc-coated steel, which may not be as durable as other materials.

We recently installed the Harvia Legend Wood Sauna Stove Protective Shield WL200 Sauna Accessories with our wood stove, and we were impressed with its ability to reduce the necessary safety clearances. This allowed us to make the most of our available space while ensuring a safe environment for wood stove operation.

The shield walls are easy to install and lightweight, making them a practical and effective solution for optimizing your wood stove’s performance and safety. We also appreciated that they are compatible with all Harvia Legend wood stoves, which makes them a versatile addition to any heating setup.

One downside is that the protective shield walls only offer protection for one panel, so if you need protection for more than one side, you’ll need to purchase additional panels. Additionally, the floor bedding is sold separately, which can add to the overall cost of the product.

Overall, if you’re looking for a practical and effective solution to enhance the safety and functionality of your wood stove, we highly recommend the Harvia Legend Wood Sauna Stove Protective Shield WL200 Sauna Accessories.

Harvia M3 Woodburning Sauna Heater

If you’re looking for a wood stove for your sauna, the Harvia M3 Woodburning Sauna Heater is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The classic design and efficient air circulation make for an authentic sauna experience.
• The stainless steel and black color give the stove a sleek and modern look.
• The stove is designed for sauna rooms between 212 and 459 cubic feet, making it a great option for smaller saunas.

Cons

• Due to the weight and size of the product, shipping can be a bit of a hassle.
• The stove is designed for floor installation only, which may not be ideal for all sauna setups.
• The price point may be a bit steep for some buyers.

Overall, we highly recommend the Harvia M3 Woodburning Sauna Heater for those looking for a wood stove that provides even heat and efficient air circulation. The classic design and stainless steel construction make it a great addition to any sauna setup. However, the floor installation and shipping limitations may not work for everyone.

In terms of performance, the Harvia M3 Woodburning Sauna Heater does not disappoint. The stove heats up quickly and maintains a steady temperature throughout your sauna session. The included sauna stones help distribute the heat evenly, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Installation can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with sauna stoves. However, with some patience and careful reading of the instructions, it can be done with relative ease.

Overall, the Harvia M3 Woodburning Sauna Heater is a great investment for those looking for a high-quality wood stove for their sauna. It provides even heat, efficient air circulation, and a classic design that is sure to impress.

Harvia Legend 240SL Woodburning Sauna Heater

If you are looking for a wood stove for your sauna, the Harvia Legend 240SL model is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The large number of stones inside the black steel frame ensures good heat, even at a lower temperature.
• The modern grate structure separates the combustion air, making the burning cleaner and more efficient.
• The adjustable legs make the stove easy to place in the sauna.

Cons

• The weight of 181 lbs may make it difficult to move around.
• The firewood max size of 6″ diam. x 15 3/8″ long may limit the type of wood you can use.
• The price point may be higher than other wood stoves on the market.

In our experience, the Harvia Legend 240SL model is a reliable and efficient wood stove for saunas. The large number of stones inside the black steel frame is a great feature that ensures good heat, even at a lower temperature. The modern grate structure also makes the burning cleaner and more efficient, giving the stove a longer lifespan.

The adjustable legs make it easy to place the stove in the sauna, which is a great feature for those who want to customize their sauna experience. However, the weight of 181 lbs may make it difficult to move around, so it’s important to have a designated spot for the stove.

The firewood max size of 6″ diam. x 15 3/8″ long may limit the type of wood you can use, but this is a common limitation for wood stoves. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other wood stoves on the market, but the Harvia Legend 240SL model is a high-quality option that is worth the investment.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and efficient wood stove for your sauna, we highly recommend the Harvia Legend 240SL model.

HUUM Hive Wood 13 kW Sauna Stove

If you are looking for a high-quality wood stove for your sauna, the HUUM Hive Wood 13 kW Sauna Stove is an excellent option.

Pros

• The flame tamer is made of robust 1/5” thick stainless steel, making it durable and long-lasting.
• The stove comes with 198 pounds of rounded olivine stones, which help to retain heat and provide a comfortable sauna experience.
• The limited 5-year warranty provides added peace of mind.

Cons

• The HUUM Hive Wood 13 kW Sauna Stove is on the expensive side, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
• The stove may be too large for smaller sauna rooms, which could limit its versatility.
• The stove requires a bit of assembly, which may be challenging for those who are not handy with tools.

In our experience, the HUUM Hive Wood 13 kW Sauna Stove is a top-of-the-line wood stove that provides excellent performance and durability. The flame tamer is particularly impressive, as it is made of robust stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures and last for years. The rounded olivine stones are also a nice touch, as they help to retain heat and provide a comfortable sauna experience.

However, the stove’s high price tag may be a drawback for some buyers, especially those on a tight budget. Additionally, the stove’s size may not be suitable for smaller sauna rooms, which could limit its versatility. Finally, the assembly process can be a bit challenging, so be prepared to spend some time putting the stove together.

Overall, we highly recommend the HUUM Hive Wood 13 kW Sauna Stove to anyone who is looking for a high-quality wood stove for their sauna. Its exceptional performance, durability, and warranty make it an excellent investment for any sauna enthusiast.

Can the Wood Stove for Sauna Also Be Used for Water Bath Canning on a Glass Top Stove?

Yes, the wood stove for sauna cannot be used for water bath canning on a glass top stove. For best water bath canner choices, it is recommended to use a dedicated canning stove or a stove with a flat surface and a strong heat source for safe and effective canning.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best wood stove for your sauna, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most important features to look for when shopping for a wood stove for your sauna.

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider is the size and capacity of the wood stove. You’ll need to choose a stove that is appropriately sized for your sauna, taking into account the size of the space and the amount of heat you’ll need to generate. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your sauna and choose a stove that will fit comfortably inside.

Material and Durability

The material and durability of the wood stove is also an important consideration. You’ll want to choose a stove that is made from high-quality materials, such as cast iron or steel, and that is built to last. Look for stoves that are well-constructed and that come with a warranty to ensure that you’re getting a product that will stand the test of time.

Efficiency and Heat Output

Another key factor to consider is the efficiency and heat output of the wood stove. Look for stoves that are designed to burn wood efficiently and that offer a high heat output to ensure that your sauna is heated quickly and effectively. You may also want to consider stoves that come with features like adjustable air vents or dampers to help you control the temperature inside your sauna.

Safety Features

Finally, it’s important to choose a wood stove that comes with a range of safety features to keep you and your family safe while using your sauna. Look for stoves that come with features like a heat shield, a spark arrestor, and a safety grate to prevent accidental burns or fires.

By considering these key factors, you can choose the best wood stove for your sauna and enjoy all the benefits of a relaxing and rejuvenating sauna experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors determine the ideal size of a wood stove for my sauna?

The size of the wood stove for your sauna depends on the size of your sauna. A general rule of thumb is that you need approximately 1 kW of heating power for every 1 cubic meter of sauna space. Therefore, a sauna that is 10 cubic meters in size will require a 10 kW wood stove.

How do I safely determine the necessary clearance for a wood stove in a sauna?

The necessary clearance for a wood stove in a sauna is typically specified by the manufacturer and local building codes. The clearance is the distance between the stove and any combustible materials, such as wood paneling or benches. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes to ensure safe installation of the wood stove.

Which types of wood are optimal for burning in a sauna stove to ensure efficiency and safety?

Softwoods such as spruce, pine, and fir are optimal for burning in a sauna stove. These woods burn quickly and produce a high amount of heat, making them ideal for sauna use. Hardwoods such as oak or maple are not recommended because they burn slowly and produce less heat.

What are the key features to look for when purchasing a wood stove for a sauna?

When purchasing a wood stove for a sauna, it is important to consider the size of the stove, the heating power, the efficiency, and the safety features. Look for a stove that is the appropriate size for your sauna, has a high heating power, is efficient, and has safety features such as a fireproof glass door and a safety grate.

How does the Harvia M3 wood burning stove compare to other models for sauna use?

The Harvia M3 wood burning stove is a popular choice for sauna use due to its high heating power and efficiency. It is also known for its durability and safety features. However, there are many other models available on the market that may also be suitable for your sauna.

Are there any specific considerations when choosing between a new and used wood burning sauna stove?

When choosing between a new and used wood burning sauna stove, it is important to consider the condition of the stove and any potential safety risks. A used stove may have worn parts or damage that could pose a safety hazard. A new stove, while more expensive, may be a safer and more reliable option in the long run.