Electric Outdoor Saunas

What Is an Electric Outdoor Sauna?

An electric outdoor sauna is a traditional hot-air sauna designed for outdoor use and heated by an electric sauna heater rather than a wood-burning stove. The heater uses electric elements to heat sauna stones, which in turn warm the air and produce the characteristic dry sauna heat.

Unlike infrared cabins or indoor bathroom saunas, electric outdoor saunas are:

• Built for external conditions
• Properly insulated for year-round use
• Equipped with outdoor-rated electric heaters
• Designed to reach authentic sauna temperatures of 70–100°C

Electric garden saunas combine the authentic sauna experience with modern convenience, making them one of the most user-friendly sauna heating options available.

Why Choose Electric Heating for an Outdoor Sauna?

Electric sauna heating is often chosen for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of ownership. For British customers in particular, electric outdoor saunas offer several decisive advantages.

Clean and Low-Maintenance Sauna Heating

An electric sauna requires:

• No firewood
• No ash removal
• No chimney cleaning
• No smoke or soot

This makes an electric sauna a low maintenance sauna solution, ideal for busy households or those who want relaxation without ongoing upkeep.

Precise Temperature Control

Electric sauna heaters are equipped with:

• Thermostats
• Timers
• Digital or external control panels

This allows you to:

• Set exact temperatures
• Schedule heating in advance
• Maintain consistent heat throughout the session

Modern sauna heating is about control and predictability, and electric heaters excel in both.

Quiet and Neighbour-Friendly

Electric outdoor saunas operate silently and produce no smoke, making them well suited for:

• Residential gardens
• Urban and suburban areas
• Noise-sensitive neighbourhoods

Electric Sauna Heaters Explained

At the heart of every electric outdoor sauna is the electric sauna heater, sometimes referred to as a sauna stove or electric sauna stove.

How an Electric Sauna Heater Works

1. Electricity heats internal elements
2. The elements heat sauna stones
3. Heated stones warm the sauna air
4. Water can be poured on stones for steam (löyly)

This system replicates the traditional sauna experience while offering modern efficiency and safety.

Typical Power Ratings

Electric sauna heaters are selected based on sauna size (measured in cubic metres). Common heater sizes include:

• 6 kW
• 7.5 kW
• 9 kW
• 10.5 kW
• 12 kW

Choosing the correct power rating is essential for:

• Proper heat-up times
• Energy efficiency
• Heater longevity

An undersized heater will struggle to heat the sauna, while an oversized unit may cycle inefficiently.

Electric Outdoor Sauna Power Requirements

Understanding power requirements is one of the most important considerations when choosing an electric outdoor sauna.

Typical Electrical Supply

Most electric outdoor saunas require:

• A dedicated electrical circuit
• RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
• Proper earthing
• Outdoor-rated cabling

Smaller plug-and-play saunas may operate on lower power, while larger saunas usually require hard-wired connections.

Single-Phase vs Three-Phase

• Single-phase power is common in homes and suitable for many 6–9 kW heaters
• Three-phase power may be required for larger heaters (10.5–12 kW), though not all homes have access

Your electrician can advise which heater sizes are compatible with your property’s supply.

Regulations for Electric Outdoor Saunas

Electric outdoor sauna installations in the UK must comply with national electrical and safety standards.

Part P of Building Regulations

Electrical work in domestic settings must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. This means:

• Permanent wiring must be carried out by a qualified electrician
• Installations must be safe, tested, and certified

BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)

Electric sauna installations should comply with BS 7671, covering:

• Cable sizing
• Circuit protection
• Earthing and bonding
• Outdoor electrical safety

Outdoor Safety Requirements

Electric outdoor sauna heaters must:

• Be rated for sauna use
• Have appropriate IP protection
• Be installed according to manufacturer instructions
• Include RCD protection

Failure to follow these regulations may invalidate warranties or insurance.

Plug and Play Electric Outdoor Saunas

A plug and play sauna is designed to simplify installation by using a lower-power electric heater that can connect to an existing suitable power supply.

Advantages of Plug and Play Saunas

• Faster installation
• Reduced electrical work
• Ideal for smaller saunas
• Lower upfront installation cost

Important Considerations

Even plug-and-play electric garden saunas must:

• Use weather-protected sockets
• Be connected to RCD-protected circuits
• Meet manufacturer power specifications

While simpler, these systems still benefit from professional advice.

Hardwired Electric Sauna Installations

Larger or more powerful electric outdoor saunas typically require hardwired installation.

Benefits of Hardwired Systems

• Support higher power heaters
• Faster heat-up times
• Better performance in larger saunas
• Greater long-term reliability

Hardwired electric saunas should always be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure full UK compliance.

Energy Consumption and Running Costs

Electric outdoor saunas are efficient when correctly sized and insulated.

Typical Energy Use

• A 9 kW heater running for 1 hour uses approximately 9 kWh
• Actual consumption depends on insulation, outdoor temperature, and usage habits

Cost Control Tips

• Preheat efficiently
• Avoid excessive door opening
• Use timers
• Choose the correct heater size

Compared to other wellness features, electric saunas offer predictable and manageable running costs.

Features That Matter in an Electric Garden Sauna

When choosing an electric outdoor sauna, buyers should consider:

Heater Quality

• Trusted sauna heater brands
• Stainless steel elements
• Long warranty periods

Control Systems

• Built-in or external control panels
• Digital timers
• Optional Wi-Fi controls

Insulation & Construction

• Proper wall insulation
• Quality timber construction
• Vapour barriers and ventilation

Safety Features

• Overheat protection
• Secure heater guards
• Certified components

Electric Outdoor Saunas vs Other Heating Types

Electric vs Wood-Fired Saunas

Electric saunas:

• Easier to use
• Cleaner
• More regulation-friendly in the UK

Wood-fired saunas:

• More traditional
• Require more maintenance
• Not always suitable for residential areas

Electric vs Infrared Saunas

Electric outdoor saunas:

• Reach higher temperatures
• Offer traditional sauna heat
• Suitable for outdoor installation

Infrared cabins:

• Lower temperatures
• Different heat sensation
• Typically indoor-focused

For most UK gardens, electric sauna heating offers the best balance of performance, convenience, and compliance.

Installation Planning for Electric Outdoor Saunas

Before purchasing, consider:

• Distance to power supply
• Ground preparation
• Drainage
• Weather exposure
• Access for installation

Planning these factors in advance ensures smooth installation and optimal sauna performance.

Who Are Electric Outdoor Saunas Best For?

Electric outdoor saunas are ideal for:

• UK homeowners
• Urban and suburban gardens
• Users wanting minimal maintenance
• First-time sauna buyers
• Wellness enthusiasts seeking convenience

They provide a professional-grade sauna experience without the complexity of traditional heating systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (Visible FAQ)

How much electricity does an electric outdoor sauna use?

Electric sauna consumption depends on heater size and usage time. A typical session uses between 6–12 kWh.

Do I need planning permission?

In most cases, planning permission is not required, but local regulations may vary. Always check with your local authority.

Can I install an electric sauna myself?

The sauna structure may be assembled by the owner, but electrical connections must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Is an electric sauna safe to use outdoors?

Yes, when properly installed with certified components and compliant electrical work.

What heater size do I need?

Heater size depends on sauna volume, insulation, and outdoor exposure. Professional guidance is recommended.

Why Choose an Electric Outdoor Sauna?

Electric outdoor saunas combine:

• Modern heating technology
• Low maintenance ownership
• UK-compliant installation
• Clean and precise control
• Authentic sauna performance

They are the most straightforward way to enjoy a real sauna experience at home, all year round.

Explore Electric Outdoor Saunas

Browse our range of electric outdoor saunas designed for UK gardens and built to the highest standards. Whether you are looking for a compact plug-and-play model or a larger electric sauna with advanced controls, electric heating delivers comfort, convenience, and reliability.

👉 Discover Electric Outdoor Saunas
👉 Compare Electric Sauna Heaters
👉 Request Installation Advice