After years of heating saunas in every way possible—wood, electric, and gas—the qualities that matter most to me (and to most builders I work with) are:

• Convenience
  
• Comfortable heat
  
• Speed
  
• Steam quality
  
• Aesthetics
  
• Long-term durability
  
  

A heater needs to feel good, be reliable, and fit the lifestyle of whoever is using it.

So let’s break down the options.

Wood-burning heaters are the classic, romantic choice and offer a timeless experience.

Pros

• Beautiful flame and ambiance
  
• Traditional Finnish-style löyly
  
• No electricity required
  
• Deep, soft heat
  
  

Cons

• Fire goes out → sauna gets cold
  
• Fire burns too hot → sauna gets too hot
  
• Requires splitting wood, hauling wood, cleaning ash
  
• Not ideal for quick sessions
  
• Not allowed in some areas with burn restrictions
  
  

Wood heat is incredible, but it’s also work. You commit to tending a fire the entire time.

Electric heaters are popular because they’re simple—just push a button or turn a knob.

Pros

• Convenient
  
• Widely available
  
• Easy installation (if proper electrical service is available)
  
• Programmable controls
  
  

Cons

• Requires high-amp electrical service
  
• The steam can feel sharp or harsh
  
• The heat is sometimes described as “dry”
  
• Expensive to run depending on electricity rates
  
  

Electric heaters absolutely have their place, especially in indoor saunas or locations with limited fuel options. But from experience, the steam quality isn’t as soft as wood or gas.

Gas heaters are the “missing middle” that most people overlook—yet they combine the best of both worlds.

After using gas heaters and now manufacturing the Torch Gas Sauna Stove, here’s my honest take:

Pros

• Very fast heat-up time
  
• Soft, comfortable heat similar to wood
  
• Beautiful, rich steam (löyly)
  
• No electricity required (for many models, including Torch)
  
• No mess, no ash, no wood storage
  
• Excellent for off-grid, spas, and commercial use
  
• Very efficient
  
  

Cons

• Requires proper ventilation
  
• Needs propane or natural gas supply
  
  

And here’s an important myth to clear up:

“Gas heat can’t compare to wood heat.”
Not true. Modern gas heaters—especially high-quality ones—produce a heat feel extremely close to wood, but with far more convenience.

When I’m heating my own sauna, I choose gas because:

• It’s fast.
  
• There’s no mess.
  
• The heat is soft and comfortable, not harsh.
  
• It produces fantastic steam, comparable to wood.
  
• I don’t need to tend a fire or worry about electricity.
  
  

Gas is the heater I choose when I want the best balance of tradition, convenience, and heat quality.

Here’s what sets the Torch Gas Sauna Heater apart from other gas heaters:

Manufactured in Michigan

Built in small batches with hands-on attention.

Extremely durable

Heavy-duty construction built to last decades.

Gets HOT

We engineered it for fast heat and high peak temperatures, even in large saunas.

Soft, comfortable heat

Customers describe it as “wood-like heat without the hassle.”

Beautiful steam

This is one of the biggest compliments we hear—smooth, rich löyly, never harsh.

For builders, off-grid properties, homeowners, and luxury spas, gas hits the sweet spot.

Here’s the summary:

Best for Traditionalists:

Wood-burning heater
If you love tending a fire and want the classic experience.

Best for Simple Installation:

Electric heater
Good for basements, indoor saunas, and hands-off control.

Best Overall for Most People:

Gas sauna heater
Wood-like heat, fast warm-up, no mess, and no electricity required.

The heaters we build are designed for:

• Homeowners
  
• Sauna builders
  
• Off-grid saunas
  
• Luxury spas
  
• Anyone who wants high-quality heat without the hassle
  
  

Order your Torch stove at: gassaunastoves.com

If you're unsure which model you need, we are always happy to help you choose the right size and setup.