Heat
Sauna Heater Options: Wood-Fired and Electric
A Harvia wood stove comes standard in every Metch's sauna. Here is how the options compare.
Short answer: every Metch's sauna includes an installed Harvia wood-burning stove. Upgraded wood stoves and water jackets are available on any model, and electric heaters are available on the 6.5 × 9 and 6.5 × 12.
Standard
Harvia wood-burning stove
Harvia is a Finnish maker of sauna stoves, and a wood-fired Harvia is what we install in every sauna we build. It sits behind a stainless heat shield, vents through its own chimney, and is ready to light when your sauna arrives.
Why most northern Minnesota buyers choose wood
- No wiring and no electrician. Works at a cabin with no power to the site.
- Keeps working through winter storms and outages.
- The soft, rolling heat and crackle of a real fire.
- Runs on firewood, which many lake-country owners already have.
Option on 6.5 × 9 and 6.5 × 12
Electric sauna heaters
If you want push-button convenience, our two smallest models can be built with an electric heater instead of the wood stove. Electric makes sense when the sauna sits close to the house, when you want it hot on a timer, or when hauling firewood is not your thing.
- No wood to split, carry or store
- Needs a dedicated circuit, run by your electrician
- A good fit for backyard saunas near an existing electrical panel
Compare
Wood-fired vs. electric at a glance
| Wood-fired (standard) | Electric (option) | |
|---|---|---|
| Available on | All six models | 6.5 × 9 and 6.5 × 12 |
| Power needed | None | Dedicated circuit |
| Works in an outage | Yes | No |
| Fuel | Firewood | Electricity |
| Feel | Soft wood heat, real fire | Steady, convenient heat |
Upgrades
Upgraded stoves & water jackets
Want a larger or different wood stove? We can build around upgraded stoves. A water jacket or water tank heats water off the stove, handy for rinsing off at a cabin with no plumbing. Availability changes, so ask about current options and pricing when you request a quote.
Ask about stove options
Get on this season’s build list
We build a limited number of saunas each year. Start the process early so you can begin enjoying yours as soon as possible.
