Are you looking for the best wood burning sauna stove for your sauna?
You have come to the right place!
In this article, we’ve reviewed the 4 best wood burning stoves for different sauna sizes.
As a native Finn, I’ve been taught how to sauna properly since early childhood. One thing that all Finns agree on is that a wood burning stove is the only correct way to heat your sauna!
Sauna bathing has grown in popularity lately thanks to its many health benefits.
But choosing the best wood burning sauna stove is no easy task. Therefore, we’ve dedicated the last few weeks to creating this guide to help you choose the best option for your sauna.
Let us begin!
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
Harvia M3
- Unbeatable Price
- Perfect For Smaller Saunas
- Compact Design
- Efficient And Great Build Quality
Harvia PRO 36
- Ideal For Larger Saunas
- Efficient Wood Burning
- Large Stone Capacity
- Creates Plenty Of Steam
Best For Small Saunas – HUUM HIVE Heat 12 Sauna Stove
Specifications
- For Saunas up to 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters)
- Minimum room height: 77 in (195.6 cm)
- 12 kW output
- Stainless steel frame
- Cast iron fire chamber
- 200 lbs (60 kg) Stone Capacity
- Dimensions: 17.8Ø x 29.6H in (45Ø x 75H cm)
Stove Area Requirements
No heat reflectors: 9.58 ft² (0.89 m²)
One heat reflector: 8.55 ft² (0.79 m²)
Two heat reflectors: 6.95 ft² (0.65 m²)
Non-combustible materials: 7.44 ft² (0.69 m²)
Pros
+ Super efficient fire chamber
+ Requires 25% less firewood
+ Great steam production
Cons
– Slightly expensive
– Requires plenty of stones which increases the price
The HUUM Hive Heat 12 is a great wood burning stove for small saunas up to 459 cubic feet, or 13 cubic meters.
Firstly, HUUM heaters and stoves have beautiful designs. They are simple yet luxurious and can elevate the aesthetic of your sauna.
One thing that impressed us with the HUUM HIVE Heat 12 was how fast it managed to heat the sauna.
Once the fire burned, this little guy heated our 4-person sauna to 185 °F (85°C) in about 35 minutes.
This is especially impressive since the HUUM HIVE Heat 12 has a rock capacity of 200 lbs (90 kg).
The more rocks you have on your stove, the longer it takes to heat the sauna. But thankfully, the HUUM HIVE is an incredibly efficient stove.
How efficient? You might ask.
The HUME HIVE Heat series was awarded a BimSchV 2 certification. It is the strictest environmental standard for wood-burning stoves.
The stove is engineered to utilize wood gasses to heat the sauna more effectively.
These gasses would otherwise escape through the chimney.
This means you can use 25% less firewood to heat your sauna.
We also love the LS version of the HUUM Hive Heat 12. This model has an extended fire chamber and gives you an extra 6 inches (15 cm) of length.
This makes it possible to heat the sauna from an adjacent room and allows you to use longer fire logs.
We also appreciated the wooden handle on the furnace door. You won’t have to worry about burning your hand while opening the furnace.
As opposed to many other stove manufacturers who for some reason, use stainless steel handles. (uhumm Harvia…)
The installation of the stove was fairly simple. But for your safety, we suggest you hire a professional to install your sauna stove.
Here are the required safety distances for the HUUM HIVE Heat 12:
We also highly recommend you use protective bedding beneath the stove to protect your sauna floor. (Protective bedding is mandatory if your sauna has a wooden floor!)
The dimensions of the stove are 17.8Ø x 29.6H inches (45Ø x 75H cm).
Here are the required sauna dimensions for installing the HUUM HIVE Heat 12:
Sauna less than 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters) constructed of combustible materials (wood):
No heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 31.2W x 44.2D inches (79.2W x 112.3D cm) with a ceiling height of 77 in +2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (195.6 + 6.35 cm).
With one heat reflector – Minimum stove area of 27.85W x 44.2D inches (70.7W x 112.3D cm) with a ceiling height of 77 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (195.6 + 6.35 cm).
With two heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 24.5W x 40.85D inches (62.2W x 103.8D cm) with a ceiling height of 77 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (195.6 + 6.35 cm).
Sauna less than 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters) constructed of non-combustible materials (stone, brick, glass, or concrete):
With or without heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 25.8W x 41.5D inches (65.5W x 105.4D cm) with a ceiling height of 77 inches (195.6 cm).
Best For Medium Saunas – Harvia PRO 20 LS Sauna Stove
Specifications
- For saunas up to 706 cubic feet (20 cubic meters)
- Minimum room height: 81.2 in (206.2 cm)
- 24.1 kW output
- Dimensions: 23W x 20D x 30H in (58.4W x 50.8D x 76.2H cm)
- Requires 88 lbs (40 kg) of stones
Stove Area Requirements
No heat reflectors: 14.11 ft² (1.31 m²)
Heat reflectors: 8.11 ft² (0.75 m²)
Non-combustible materials: 7.71 ft² (0.72 m²)
Pros
+ Built-in 8-gallon (30-liter) water tank
+ High kW output for quick heating
+ Great steam production
Cons
– Requires a large stove area
– Furnace door handle gets hot
The Harvia PRO 20 LS is a perfect stove for medium-sized saunas. Suitable for spaces up to 706 cubic feet or 20 cubic meters.
One feature that we love on this sauna stove is the 8-gallon (30-liter) water tank. Access to warm water is handy when washing up after your sauna session.
It is extra useful if you can’t access a shower or running water in your sauna.
You can fill the tank with clean freshwater if your sauna is close to a lake (but avoid salty sea water since it can damage the metal).
The power output of the Harvia PRO 20 LS is 24.1 kW. This means the stove will output 24.1 kW of energy (heat) every hour.
Our testing sauna is about 640 cubic feet (18 cubic meters). The Harvia PRO 20 LS managed to heat the sauna to 176 °F (80 °C) in less than 30 minutes!
Our sauna is built out of spruce wood and is well-insulated. It has no large glass panels which minimizes heat loss and helps to heat the sauna faster.
The exact time it will take for the Harvia PRO 20 LS to heat your sauna depends on its construction.
We love the classic and elegant design of this sauna stove. The graphite black metal casing looks great with the chrome-colored stainless steel front.
Harvia is a Finnish sauna manufacturer, and no one can build saunas like the Finns!
Here are the safety margins required for the Harvia PRO 20 LS:
The Harvia PRO 20 LS dimensions are 23W x 20D x 30H inches (58.4W x 50.8D x 76.2H cm).
Here are the required sauna dimensions for installing the Harvia PRO 20 LS:
Sauna less than 706 cubic feet (20 cubic meters) constructed of combustible materials (wood):
No heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 46.6W x 43.6D inches (118.4W x 110.7D cm) with a ceiling height of 81,2 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (206.2 + 6.35 cm).
With heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 27.8W x 42D inches (70.6W x 101.6D cm) with a ceiling height of 81,2 in +2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (206.2 + 6.35 cm).
Sauna less than 706 cubic feet (20 cubic meters) constructed of non-combustible materials (stone, brick, glass, or concrete):
With or without heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 31W x 35.8D inches (78.7W x 90.9D cm) with a ceiling height of 81.2 inches (206.2 cm).
Best For Large Saunas – Harvia PRO 36 Sauna Stove
Specifications
- For saunas up to 1271 cubic feet (36 cubic meters)
- Minimum room height: 81.2 inches (206.2 cm)
- 31 kW output
- Dimensions: 20W x 20D x 32H in (51W x 51D x 81H cm)
- Requires 132lbs (60 kg) of stones
Stove Area Requirements
No heat reflectors: 24.5 ft² (2.3 m²)
Heat reflectors: 9.58 ft² (0.89 m²)
Non-combustible materials: 6.22 ft² (0.58 m²)
Pros
+ Also suitable for commercial saunas
+ Efficient heating
+ Produces lots of steam
Cons
– Not suitable for regular 2-4 person saunas
– Requires a large stove area
Our favorite wood burning sauna stove for larger saunas is the Harvia PRO 36. The stove is suitable in saunas up to 1271 cubic feet or 36 cubic meters.
A 1270 cubic feet sauna can comfortably seat 10 or more people. This makes the Harvia PRO 36 a great option for heating commercial and large home saunas.
We were impressed by the amount of steam and heat the Harvia PRO 36 produced! The stove can carry a whopping 132 lbs (~60 kg) of sauna stones and fill your entire sauna with steam.
When we tested the Harvia PRO 36s heating efficiency it managed to heat our 640 cubic feet sauna to 176 °F (80 °C) in about 25 minutes.
The stove is better suited for larger saunas than ours. A 900 cubic feet sauna could heat to 176 °F (80 °C) in 30 minutes.
The large fire chamber allows you to use fire logs with a length of 15.3 in (39 cm) and a diameter of 3-6 in (8-15 cm). Harvia also states that you should use 4-6 in (10-15 cm) diameter stones.
Another great feature of the Harvia PRO 36 is the possibility of installing a water tank on the chimney. The tank holds almost 6 gallons (22 liters) of water that heats up when the stove is on.
Harvia is a legendary Finnish sauna manufacturer. The Harvia PRO 36 wood burning stove will give you the authentic Finnish sauna experience.
These are the safety distances required for the Harvia PRO 36:
The dimensions of the Harvia PRO 36 stove are 20W x 20D x 32H inches (51W x 51D x 81H cm).
Here are the required sauna dimensions for installing the Harvia PRO 36:
Sauna less than 1271 cubic feet (36 cubic meters) constructed of combustible materials (wood):
No heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 59.4W x 59.4D inches (150.9W x 150.4D cm) with a ceiling height of 81,2 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (206.2 + 6.35 cm).
With heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 27W x 51.1D (68.6W x 129.8D cm) with a ceiling height of 81,2 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (206.2 + 6.35 cm).
Sauna less than 1271 cubic feet (36 cubic meters) constructed of non-combustible materials (stone, brick, glass, or concrete):
With or without heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 28W x 35.8D (71.1W x 90.9D cm) with a ceiling height of 81.2 inches (206.2 cm).
Best Inexpensive Option – Harvia M3 Sauna Stove
Specifications
- For saunas up to 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters)
- Minimum room height: 75.2 in (191 cm)
- 16.5 kW output
- Dimensions: 15W x 18D x 28H in (38W x 46D x 71H cm)
- Requires 66 lbs (30 kg)
Stove Area Requirements
No heat reflectors: 10 ft² (0.93 m²)
Heat reflectors: 4.20 ft² (0.39 m²)
Non-combustible materials: 5.40 ft² (0.50 m²)
Pros
+ Great prize
+ Small footprint
+ High output (16.5 kW) despite the small size
Cons
– Small fire chamber
– Doesn’t create as much steam as other models
The Harvia M3 is the best value wood burning sauna stove you can buy. It is suitable in saunas up to 459 cubic feet or 13 cubic meters.
The Harvia M3 was perfect for our 4-person sauna. The stove managed to heat the sauna to 176 °F (80 °C) in less than 30 minutes.
As a Finnish native, I can tell you that the Harvia M3 is the most popular sauna stove in the country.
Almost every home and summer cabin in Finland has a M3 installed in the sauna. That speaks volumes about how great this sauna stove is.
The Harvia M3 has a small footprint which makes it especially useful for barrel saunas. Barrel saunas often have less floor area due to the cylindrical design.
The only slight drawback we found with the Harvia M3’s small footprint is that it can only be fed firewood shorter than 12 in (30 cm).
It also has a small ashtray that you’ll need to empty more frequently, sometimes twice during one session.
These aren’t huge issues but more of an inconvenience you’ll have to remember when purchasing the Harvia M3.
Besides that, the Harvia M3 stands strong in comparison to more expensive wood burning stoves. It has everything you need for a great sauna experience!
Here are the required safety margins for the Harvia M3:
The dimensions of the Harvia M3 are 15W x 18D x 28H inches (38W x 46D x 71H cm).
Here are the required sauna dimensions for installing the Harvia M3:
Sauna less than 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters) constructed of combustible materials (wood):
No heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 34.6W x 41.6D (87.9W x 105.7D cm) with a ceiling height of 75,2 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (191 + 6.35 cm).
With heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 19W x 31.8D (48.3W x 80.8D cm) with a ceiling height of 75,2 in + 2.5 in of room height for protective bedding (191 + 6.35 cm).
Sauna less than 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters) constructed of non-combustible materials (stone, brick, glass, or concrete):
With or without heat reflectors – Minimum stove area of 23W x 33.8D inches (58.4W x 85.9D cm) with a ceiling height of 75.2 inches (191 cm).
Wood Burning Sauna Stove Comparison
| Stove | HUUM HIVE Heat 12 | Harvia PRO 20 LS | Harvia PRO 36 | Harvia M3 |
| Max Sauna Size | 459 ft3 (13 m3) | 709 ft3 (20 m3) | 1271 ft3 (36 m3) | 459 ft3 (13 m3) |
| Number Of People | Up to 6 | Up to 9 | Up to 16 | Up to 6 |
| Stove Dimensions (rounded numbers) | 18×30 in (45×75 cm) ØxH | 23x20x30 in (58Wx51x76 cm) WxDxH | 20x20x32 in (51x51x81 cm) WxDxH | 15x18x28 in (38x46x71 cm) WxDxH |
| Prize | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $ |
The Benefits Of Choosing A Wood Burning Sauna Stove
We are huge fans of wood burning sauna stoves.
Watching the flames dance and hearing the fire cracking adds a lot of atmosphere to the sauna experience.
Wood burning stoves are also super convenient.
They don’t require electricity and can be installed almost anywhere.
They are perfect if you want to build a sauna at your off-grid cabin or if you want to save money and not add $ to your electricity bill.
Wood burning sauna stoves are fairly simple to install, as long as your sauna has good ventilation.
But they require a chimney. You’ll have to hire a professional if you don’t already have one installed, which will cost you some money.
Wood burning stoves also provide better heat. They are engineered to deliver better airflow and evenly distribute the heat throughout the sauna.
Electric VS Wood Burning Sauna Stove
There are some key differences between electric and wood burning sauna stoves which you need to consider when choosing the best option for your sauna.
Installing an electric sauna heater requires a professional electrician because of the wiring.
Wood burning stoves can often be installed by yourself if you have some DIY skills. (But installing a chimney to your wood burning stove must be done by a professional!).
Wood burning stoves are also generally cheaper than electric heaters to operate as you won’t need to pay for electricity.
That being said.
The upkeep is easier with electric sauna heaters. Once they are installed, they don’t need a lot of maintenance unless they break.
Wood burning sauna stoves require more maintenance, such as chimney-sweeping and removing ashes and dirt from the furnace.
Electrical heaters are easier to adjust to get your desired temperature. But they don’t generate the same radiant heat as wood burning sauna stoves.
FAQs – Wood Burning Sauna Stoves & More
Here we answer some frequently asked questions about wood burning sauna stoves.
What Size Wood Stove Do I Need For A Sauna?
The size of your wood burning stove depends on the size of your sauna.
Different wood burning stoves have different kW outputs. A large sauna requires a stove with a higher kW output.
A small sauna (200-500 cubic feet/ 6-14 cubic meters) needs about 12-16 kW to be heated efficiently.
A medium-sized sauna (500-800 cubic feet/ 14-23 cubic meters) needs about 16-24 kW to be heated.
A large sauna (800-1200 cubic feet/ 23-34 cubic meters) needs between 24-32 kW to be heated.
Note that these numbers are approximate. The stove size also depends on your sauna materials and insulation.
How Long Does It Take To Heat A Wood Burning Sauna?
It generally takes 30-40 minutes to heat your sauna to 176 °F (80 °C). Provided your wood burning stove has an adequate output (in kW) for your sauna size.
The time it takes to heat your sauna also depends on what materials it is constructed of. Large windows or glass walls cause greater heat loss and increase the heating time.
Your sauna will heat up quicker if it is properly insulated. A well-insulated sauna with small windows will heat up the quickest.
How Hot Can A Wood Stove Sauna Get?
A wood burning sauna can get very hot, often way hotter than you need.
In the sauna world championship, they heat the sauna to 230 °F (110 °C). And The Finnish Sauna Society recommends a temperature of 176-194 °F (80-90°C).
How Far Should A Sauna Wood Stove Be From The Wall?
The safety distance depends on the wall material.
The stove requires less distance from non-combustible materials such as stone, bricks, or glass than from combustible materials (wood).
Different sauna stove manufacturers have different safety requirements. Check with your specific brand to find the correct safety distances.
What Is The Best Wood For Burning In A Sauna?
The best woods for burning in your sauna are low-resin hardwoods with a moisture content between 10-20%.
Hardwoods (such as birch, maple, oak and ash) burn longer and hotter than softwoods (like hickory and cedar). While softwoods ignite faster than hardwoods.
A good tip is to start your fire with softwoods. Once you’ve got it going you can add hardwoods to increase the heat and get a longer lasting fire.
If your firewood contains too much moisture it will be harder to ignite and create more smoke.
Resin content in the firewood is another factor to consider.
I suggest that you avoid woods with high resin content (often softwoods like pine and fir).
Resin doesn’t burn off and builds up as creosote in your furnace which needs to be removed.
Can I Use Any Wood Burning Stove For My Sauna?
We don’t suggest you use a regular house stove in your sauna. Always use a dedicated wood burning sauna stove.
Regular stoves can’t withstand the moisture and temperature of saunas. They are also less efficient than sauna stoves.
Buying Guide For Wood Burning Sauna Stoves
Before finishing up, I’ve created a short buying guide to help you choose the best wood burning stove for your sauna.
Price
Wood burning sauna stoves cost between 800-3000$. The price of your stove will depend on how large your sauna is.
Pricier sauna stoves are not always better than cheaper alternatives.
Harvia builds some of the best wood burning sauna stoves on the market and generally has very reasonable prices.
Sauna Size
Small saunas between 200-500 cubic feet (6-14 cubic meters) need a stove with a 12-16 kW output.
Medium-sized saunas between 500-800 cubic feet (14-23 cubic meters) need a stove with an output of about 16-20 kW to be heated.
Large saunas (800-1200 cubic feet/ 23-34 cubic meters) require a stove with a 20-30 kW output.
Stones
Your sauna stove needs dedicated sauna stones. Some common sauna stones are basalt, quartz, olivine, granite, or jade.
Regular stones that you can find outside can contain impurities like sulfur, and release toxins when you heat them.
The size of the sauna stones depends on what stove you’re using.
Smaller stoves usually require stones with a diameter of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) while larger stoves use stones 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) diameter.
Safety And Protection
You’ll need to comply with the safety distances for your specific stove if your sauna is constructed of combustible materials (wood).
Your sauna stove comes with a safety manual that states what safety distances you need to keep in mind when installing your stove.
We recommend you install heat reflectors around your stove.
This decreases the required safety distances and means the stove will take up less space in your sauna.
Protective bedding is also important for shielding your floor from the heat.
The required safety distances will be shorter if your sauna is constructed of non-combustible materials (such as bricks, stones, glass, or concrete).
