Wood Burning Sauna Stoves

Shop wood burning sauna stoves for tent saunas: a $599 mini stove, a $749 standard stove and a $949 XL. All are stainless steel and come with chimney sections. A $40 fireproof stove mat is also available.

Choosing a wood burning sauna stove

A wood-fired stove gives real sauna heat and steam with no wiring. That makes it the standard choice for tent saunas and off-grid setups. The three stoves here are portable stainless steel tent stoves, sized to the Mini Cube, Nova and Dome sauna tents.

StovePriceChimneyStones (rock basket)Best fit per listing
Mini Tent Sauna Stove$599Packs inside the stoveMini rock basketMini Cube; may be underpowered for larger tents
Standard Tent Wood Stove$749Six 3.5 in sections30 to 40 lbLarger tents than the Mini Cube
Tent Wood Stove XL$949Six 4 in sections70 to 80 lbNova 6 or Dome in cold areas

Standard or XL?

The standard stove's firebox measures about 16 in tall, 8 in wide and 21 in long. The XL is wider (12 in) and made from thicker metal. The listing says it gives a more even heat and holds more stones: its basket takes 70 to 80 lb against 30 to 40 lb for the standard. It weighs about 80 lb and is less portable. Both take standard-length firewood. The Dome tent has two chimney ports, so two stoves can run together in very cold weather.

Stones and rock baskets

A rock basket sits on the stove and holds the stones. It also keeps them from falling between the stove and its heat shields. Baskets and stones are sold separately. See sauna stones for 35 to 38 lb bags of olivine gabbro stones and the standard and XL baskets.

Safety basics

  • Chimney: Harvia notes that a chimney is required to carry smoke and gases out, and it must meet local codes.
  • Clearances: follow the safety distances on the stove's datasheet.
  • Fuel: burn dry hardwood such as birch or alder. Never burn treated, painted or glued wood.
  • Local rules: some areas restrict wood-burning heaters or need permits.
  • Ground: the $40 fiberglass-silicone mat measures 3 x 4.5 ft and goes under the stove to catch embers.

Sizing

Harvia advises measuring the sauna volume first and matching the stove to it. A stove that is too small struggles, and cold or outdoor conditions call for more capacity. For tents, use the fit notes in the table above.

Related

The tents themselves, with stove packages, are in tent saunas. Chimney pipe, angled sections and a tent water heater are in sauna heaters. Prefer electric? See electric sauna heaters.

Sources: Harvia: choosing a wood-burning heater.

Wood Burning Sauna Stoves FAQ

What size wood stove do I need for a sauna tent?
Per the listings, the mini stove suits the 2-person Mini Cube and may be underpowered for larger tents, and the XL stove is suggested for the Nova 6 or 8-person Dome in cold areas.
Does a wood burning sauna stove need a chimney?
Yes. Harvia notes a chimney is required to carry smoke and gases out; the standard and XL stoves here include six chimney sections.
What wood should I burn in a sauna stove?
Harvia recommends dry hardwood such as birch or alder and says never to burn treated, painted or glued wood.
How many sauna stones does a tent stove hold?
The standard rock basket holds 30 to 40 lb of stones and the XL basket 70 to 80 lb.