Facts about a sauna stove

Most people think that a sauna stove and heater is the same thing.  In fact, this is not true.  A heater often comes in metal enclosure where rocks are heated to a very high temperature using electricity.  Often, water is poured over the rocks to create steam and additional heat.  A sauna stove is usually a barrel and wood is used to heat the rocks.

A sauna stove requires significantly more ventilation than a heater because of the smoke from the burning wood. It usually does not get as hot as a heater.  Temperatures range between 60 and 80 degrees F and the additional warmth is created by pouring water onto the wood heated rocks.

A major difference between a sauna stove and heater is that the heater is less energy efficient.  When the heater is turned on, it immediately starts consuming electricity to heat the enclosure.  When you light the wood, it sits and simmers and builds up heat until you need it.  With the price of energy these days, this is something you need to consider carefully.