The external wood-burning oven, integrated wood-burning oven, internal wood-burning stove, electric heater, or a smart pellet stove… with so many choices, how do you decide which heating method fits your hot tub, garden space, and lifestyle?
Below is a clear, SEO-friendly overview of each heater type with key advantages and considerations. For broader planning, see our related guides on what to know before owning a hot tub and sunken hot tub installs.
Integrated wood-burning stove
Best for: tidy footprint and easy operation (fiberglass hot tubs only). The integrated stove doesn’t take extra garden space and minimally reduces seating. You load firewood via exterior doors, heat the water, and sweep out ash from outside—keeping the tub interior clean.
External wood-burning stove
Best for: maximum space inside the tub. Works with wooden, polypropylene, or fiberglass hot tubs. The stove connects with two ~70 cm hoses and must sit on a sturdy surface adjacent to the tub. Because the bathing area is roomier, water volume is a bit higher, so heating takes longer than with integrated or internal stoves. Keep the connections horizontal and uncrowded to ensure proper circulation.
Internal wood-burning stove
Best for: fastest wood-fired heat-up and simple, budget-friendly setup. The stove sits directly in the water behind a protective wooden fence, so heating is faster than integrated or external options. It does, however, reduce seating space, so it’s not ideal if you want the roomiest interior for larger groups.
Electric heating
Best for: push-button convenience and smoke-free operation. Great when you don’t want to manage firewood or ash. Set your desired temperature via thermostat and maintain it automatically. We offer electric heaters of 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 kW: the higher the kW, the shorter the heat-up. Note: only the 6 kW model runs on single-phase; higher outputs require a 3-phase supply.
Pellet stove (smart)
Best for: automated comfort with modern controls. This smart heater uses wood pellets and a built-in automated system so you can start heating remotely and set a target temperature via an Android or iOS app. The system automatically maintains temperature, moves pellets from the storage chamber to combustion, and minimizes hands-on fire management. Pellets are easy to store and handle, provide strong heat, and the oven needs minimal maintenance (periodic combustion-chamber cleaning).
Conclusion
Each heater type offers distinct benefits: integrated for neatness (fiberglass only), external for maximum seating, internal for speed and simplicity, electric for push-button convenience, and pellet for smart automation. Compare space, power, maintenance, and control preferences—then enjoy the pleasure of a perfectly heated hot tub.
How to Choose the Right Hot Tub Heater
- Check your tub type & space: Integrated wood stoves fit fiberglass only; external stoves need adjacent sturdy space and straight hose runs; internal stoves reduce seating space.
- Decide heat-up style: Fastest wood-fired heat is internal; integrated/external are slower; electric/pellet offer set-and-forget control.
- Plan power & permits: Electric 6 kW is single-phase; higher outputs need 3-phase. Pellet and electric are smoke-free alternatives.
- Consider maintenance: Wood stoves require ash handling; pellets auto-feed and need periodic chamber cleaning; electric is minimal effort.
- Match usage & season: For automated comfort, consider pellet or electric. For classic ambiance, choose wood-burning.
FAQ: Hot Tub Heaters
Which wood-burning option heats water fastest?
The internal wood-burning stove—it sits directly in the water (behind a protective fence), so heating is faster than integrated or external options.
Which option keeps the most space inside the tub?
An external wood-burning stove—the heater is outside the tub, leaving more seating space inside.
Can I use an integrated wood stove with any hot tub?
No. The integrated wood-burning stove is available for fiberglass hot tubs only.
What electrical supply do I need for an electric heater?
6 kW works on a single-phase supply. Higher outputs (9–18 kW) require a 3-phase connection.
How does the smart pellet stove help with convenience?
It uses wood pellets and a mobile app (Android/iOS) to start heating remotely and maintain a set temperature automatically, with minimal maintenance.