When it comes to hot tubs, many know that electric hot tubs are typically more well-known, but wood fired hot tubs are a major contender when looking for a hot tub to put in your backyard. When it comes to cost, maintenance, durability, assembly time, placement, heating time, and even aesthetics, many don’t realize that a wood fired hot tub truly is top-notch in the hot tub market. 

Read on to learn more about the benefits of purchasing a wood fired hot tub versus an electric hot tub and some of our favorite models to install in your yard.

Comparison of Wood Fired Hot Tubs and Electric Hot Tubs

When looking to purchase a hot tub, you will find that all hot tubs are not made the same. Wood-fired hot tubs and electric hot tubs have a ton of differences. We will now compare electric and wood fired hot tubs.

Cost 

People most commonly ask about cost when choosing between a wood fired hot tub and an electric hot tub. A wood fired hot tub is usually less pricey than a standard hot tub, as a wood fired hot tub costs roughly around $4,500 to $7,000. Of course, there are outliers out there, but this is a good range of reference when pricing out wood fired hot tubs. On the other hand, an electric hot tub can cost anywhere from $3,000 for a basic model to upwards of $16,000, depending on which model you want. Let’s also not forget the initial setup fee, which almost every electric hot tub requires. This can be several hundred dollars or more.

Now, that’s just the upfront price of the tub itself, and the cost of heating it is a totally different ballgame. Because wood fired hot tubs heat up much quicker than an electric hot tub, that saves money. Not to mention that a wood fired hot tub operates on the heat from wood, not electricity, which is less expensive than an electric bill.

The cost of an electric hot tub obviously varies depending on how often you use your hot tub and how much utilities cost in your area. Many electric hot tub manufacturers advertise that running your hot tub costs $50 per month, which isn’t terrible.

A wood fired hot tub costs roughly $1.80 per day because all you need is dry firewood to operate the tub. Not to mention, setup can be done independently, so you save money there too. Overall, a wood fired hot tub is much more cost-efficient than an electric one, so this is a huge advantage for those comparing the two types of hot tubs.

Maintenance

There are many differences regarding the maintenance between an electric and a wood fired hot tub. An electric hot tub requires many more chemicals to keep the tub sanitized and the pH levels balanced. Also, when you drain your tub for a routine cleaning, you must use chemicals in the drainage system, which are incredibly harmful to the environment.

On the other hand, wood fired hot tubs are built to be filled with fresh water when you use it and drain it when it’s not in use, so you don’t need to add chemicals to clean, maintain, or operate. Stainless steel is resistant to mold, algae, and additional contaminants out of the gates. When you drain water from a wood fired hot tub, you can reuse the water for plants, irrigation, or cleaning since this water isn’t dangerous. However, both tub types require routine draining to keep them clean.

Assembly 

Typically, when you purchase an electric hot tub, you will need someone to install it, as it’s pretty tricky to do on your own. This will cost upwards of a few hundred dollars. To get technical on how an electric hot tub is installed, you must connect your electric hot tub to a dedicated circuit protected by a GFCI. All additional lighting, electrical equipment, outlets, and plugs within five feet of the hot tub must also be connected to a GFCI independent of the hot tub. If you are scratching your head in confusion, don’t worry. You aren’t alone. This is the main reason why a technician comes in to install an electric hot tub.

When installing a wood fired hot tub, you can call a technician to help with the setup if you don’t feel confident doing it alone, but you don’t need to either. There are many videos online you can reference when setting up your hot tub, and because there isn’t any electricity being used by a wood fired hot tub, there isn’t a ton of confusion. Many claim the setup for a wood fired hot tub isn’t extremely difficult but requires some time and a little patience if you do it yourself.

Durability

Obviously, you want to know which hot tub will last longer. A standard hot tub is made from acrylic plastic and fiberglass; over time, exposure to hot water and chemicals will wear these parts out. The typical lifespan of a standard hot tub is only five to 10 years.

As for wood fired hot tubs, they are made from wood and stainless steel, which are naturally more resistant to elements such as corrosion, rust, cracks, stains, water damage, etc. Essentially, wood fired hot tubs are built to last and will potentially last a couple of decades if cared for properly.

Aesthetic 

Off the bat, you know that an electric hot tub is typically made from plastic. These hot tubs aren’t ugly, but they definitely don’t have as much character as a wood fired hot tub. Standard hot tubs look pretty similar when looking at them on a surface level. Sure, the tub might have upgrades and different numbers of jets, but overall, an electric hot tub has a certain look that is common across the board. That’s not to say that you can’t venture outside the box and find a company that will make your hot tub more unique by using wood paneling, etc., but that isn’t as common to find.

A wood fired hot tub is typically made of cedar, and with that comes a specific look. Many say these hot tubs have more character and nicely blend in with any backyard. These hot tubs are typically round, and you can make upgrades like stairs with a railing if you want. It all depends on your preference as to which style hot tub will work for your home and which you feel fits in better aesthetically.

Off-Grid Locations 

Here’s where it gets very hairy for electric hot tubs. Installing an electric hot tub off the grid is difficult because the power source is likely not an option. Luxuries like hookups outdoors usually just aren’t available off-the-grid.

Like simple outdoor showers, wood fired hot tubs are the best option for installing a hot tub off-grid. A wood fired hot tub can be set up anywhere as long as the surface you are putting it on is level. You don’t need a power source, so the sky is the limit when it comes to placement.

Heating Time

There are a few factors when heating your tub in an electric hot tub. Depending on the volts and amps used to heat the tub and how cold the temperature is outdoors, it can take anywhere from two and a half hours to up to 15 hours to properly heat your hot tub to a comfortable temperature.

As for a wood fired hot tub, it takes two to four hours to get your hot tub’s temperature up to a comfortable 102 degrees when it’s very cold outside. Of course, this will be much faster in the summer versus winter, but overall, a wood fired hot tub heats much faster than an electric hot tub.

Best Wood Fired Hot Tubs Available Today

There are many wood-fire hot tubs on the market, but here are a couple that are our favorites.

Almost Heaven Comfort Red Cedar Soak Tub

The Almost Heaven Comfort Red Cedar Soak Tub offers an additional option than just your standard hot soak. This wood fired hot tub also allows you to have a cool-down plunge after a sauna session, which we all know has many health benefits. This tub is also made to withstand the elements as it’s crafted from red cedar.

This tub can heat from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees in only four hours, which is incredibly fast for a hot tub. It also has a few upgrade options, like adding steps with a railing or hot tub cover to withstand outdoor weather. You can also opt for no heater if you only want a cold plunge for adding the Nordic Cycle. You can also quickly drain the tub after every use, so the tub is a great option for incredibly cold climates. Lastly, the tub comes fully assembled, so installation is very simple.

 Features at a Glance:

• Easily installed with two or three people

• Great for cold weather climates as it’s easy to drain and refill

• Optional staircase with hand railing available

• Optional spa cover for durability

• It can be used as a hot tub or cold plunge

• Heats from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees in four hours

• It fits four people in the tub

  
  

Dundalk Cedar Hot Tub

The Dundalk Cedar Hot Tub has a really cool feature that is a little more difficult to come by. This wood fired hot tub allows you to select the size you want to buy, ranging from three feet by five feet to four feet by seven feet, which makes a world of difference when it comes to fitting you and a significant other or a group of friends and family.

Like the Almost Heaven Comfort Red Cedar Soak Tub, you can add a pair of stairs with a hand railing and a hot tub cover if you want to. This hot tub can also heat water from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees in four hours. Lastly, this hot tub can also be used as a cold plunge after a hot day or a session in your sauna. 

 Features at a Glance:

• Sizes range from a two-person tub to a tub that fits multiple people

• Optional staircase with hand railing available

• Optional spa cover for durability

• It can be used as a hot tub or cold plunge

• Heats from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees in four hours

• Crafted from red cedar, so it’s very durable

• Incredibly affordable

  
  

Summary of Wood Fired Hot Tubs

There are a plethora of reasons why a wood fired hot tub is much more beneficial than an electric hot tub. These tubs are cost-efficient, don’t require electricity, are easy to maintain and assemble, are incredibly durable, heat quickly, are a great option for off-the-grid living, and have a pleasing aesthetic. 

If you want to learn more about the wood fired hot tubs we have available, feel free to browse our selection of outdoor tubs to find the perfect hot tub for you. You can also contact our team with any questions you might have.