Nordic bath & sauna: Wood-burning or electric stove?
Nordic baths and saunas can be heated using either a wood-burning stove or an electric heater. Given that electricity isn’t in vogue at the moment, heating with wood seems ideal. But what about in practice? Discover the advantages and disadvantages of these 2 methods.
What are the advantages of a wood-burning stove for your Nordic bath or sauna?
A traditional heating model for Nordic baths and saunas, the wood-burning stove has many advantages. Economical, ecological, fast heating time, unique cocooning atmosphere… Find out more below!
Economical
Wood is currently the most affordable fuel for heating in winter. Indeed, electricity prices in France are rising all the time. Price rises are expected, not least as a result of the energy crisis.
Choosing a wood-heated wellness facility means energy savings. You’ll be able to enjoy your sauna or Nordic bath 100%, without worrying about high energy bills. What’s more, it’ll work even in the event of a power cut!
Ecological
Wood is a renewable natural energy source, provided its combustion is offset by the regrowth of trees. What’s more, thanks to the latest models of wood-burning stoves, its combustion is low-polluting. Regular maintenance and the choice of dry wood reduce emissions.
Atelier Nordic has developed environmentally-friendly outdoor saunas. Manufactured in Annecy, France, they offer maximum insulation and exceptional longevity.
Fast heat-up time
Wood heating is more efficient than electric heating for one-shot heating. It’s both economical and environmentally friendly, as well as very practical.
In winter, it heats the water in a Nordic bath in just 3 to 4 hours, provided you use dry wood; damp wood will take 2-3 hours longer. On the other hand, an electric heater will take between 12 and 24 hours, but once hot, you can keep it at this temperature for weeks. As for the sauna, 15 to 20 minutes are enough to heat it up with a wood-burning stove. An electric heater takes slightly longer: 30 to 45 minutes on average.
Cocooning atmosphere
The wood-burning stove also creates a friendly atmosphere. Comfortably installed in your sauna, you can admire the flames through a glass window and let yourself be carried away by the crackling of the logs.
The same goes for a Nordic bath or Nordic wood spa. The heat generated by
What about electric stoves? Should it be replaced by a wood-burning stove?
Compared to wood heating, electric doesn’t seem ideal in these days of energy sobriety. Using an electric stove can lead to high energy bills. However, it all depends on how often you use it. The electric stove has its advantages too, and could be just the thing for you! Find out more below…
Easy to install and use
Electric stoves are easy to install, convenient to use and simple to maintain. It requires less space than a wood-burning stove, so there’s less work to do. Maintenance is also quicker, since there’s no soot or ash to clean up.
Clean and easy to maintain
Compared with wood-burning stoves, electric stoves are cleaner. It generates no smoke, no ashes, and even less soot. Maintenance is much easier and quicker: a quick wipe with a cloth, changing the volcanic stones once a year if you use your sauna twice a week.
Easily adjustable temperature
A sauna, electric wood spa or electric Nordic bath has the advantage of easy , precise temperature adjustment . Simply note the desired temperature on the control panel. Changing the temperature is much simpler with an electric heater, and for spas and baths, maintaining this temperature over several days/weeks if you use it daily or several times a week, is much more comfortable and pleasant using an electric heater.
Wood heating vs. electric heating: our verdict
In these days of energy sobriety, choosing wood-fired heating for your sauna or Nordic bath seems to be the wisest choice. Wood has the advantage of being both economical and ecological, while offering an incomparable cocooning ambience.
On the other hand, they require more maintenance. In addition, wood-burning stoves generate soot and ash, and require more thorough maintenance.
At the same time, the electric stove also has its advantages and may well be just what you’re looking for, especially if you use it regularly. On the one hand, it’s easy to install and use. On the other, it’s cleaner and quicker to maintain. Electricity prices are currently high, but your energy bills will also depend on how often you use it.
Leaving aside the (hopefully temporary!) energy crisis, the weak point of the electric stove lies above all in its ambience. Heating with wood offers a real cocooning moment, with its pleasant smell and the crackle of logs.
So it’s up to you to ask yourself this question before buying your wellness equipment… Are you more attracted to the traditional side of wood-fired saunas and Nordic baths? Or do you simply want to be able to enjoy a moment of well-being by switching on your electrical equipment with the click of a button?
Whatever your choice, Atelier Nordic offers both options. We’ve designed a range of top-of-the-range saunas and Nordic baths, both electric and wood-heated. Want to find out more? Don’t hesitate to contact us: our team will be delighted to advise you!
