Layzee Living Information Blog

The Benefits of Using a Sauna: Electric Heater vs. Wood-Fired Heater Saunas have long been celebrated for their therapeutic and relaxation benefits. Whether it's to soothe aching muscles, clear the mind, or boost overall health, saunas have earned a place in wellness routines around the world. When it comes to the mechanics of the sauna experience, the type of heater used can play a significant role in how you enjoy your time in the heat. In this article, we explore the benefits of using a sauna and compare the differences between electric heaters and wood-fired heaters. Health Benefits of Using a Sauna Regardless of the type of heater you choose, spending time in a sauna offers a range of health and wellness benefits: Relaxation and Stress Relief: The high heat of a sauna promotes relaxation, soothing tense muscles and easing mental stress. The intense warmth encourages the release of endorphins, helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Detoxification: Saunas help the body sweat out toxins through the skin. Sweating opens pores and expels waste products like sodium, heavy metals, and other impurities. Improved Circulation: The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation and allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow more easily to muscles and organs. This may enhance recovery after exercise and promote general cardiovascular health. Skin Health: Regular sauna use can help improve skin tone and elasticity. The sweating process opens pores, removing dirt and impurities, which can lead to healthier, clearer skin. Pain Relief: The heat can help reduce muscle and joint pain by relaxing tense tissues and improving blood flow to affected areas. This can be especially beneficial for people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Improved Sleep: The relaxation induced by sauna use can help promote deeper and more restful sleep, as the body cools down after the heat exposure, signaling to the body that it is time to rest. Calorie Burning: The increase in heart rate caused by the heat of the sauna can mimic the effects of moderate physical activity, potentially helping with weight loss by increasing the body's metabolic rate. While these benefits are well-documented, the type of sauna heater you use can influence your overall experience. Electric Heater vs. Wood-Fired Heater: Key Differences There are two primary types of heaters used in modern saunas: electric heaters and wood-fired heaters. Each offers a unique sauna experience, and the choice between the two depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and desired ambiance. Wood-Fired Heater Wood-fired heaters offer a more traditional sauna experience, often associated with a more rustic or authentic feel. Many people prefer wood-fired saunas for their natural ambiance and connection to nature. Here’s what you can expect from a wood-fired sauna: Authentic Experience: For many sauna enthusiasts, the scent of burning wood and the crackling of the fire provide a sensory experience that is unmatched by electric heaters. The slower, more natural heating process helps create a deeper sense of relaxation and connection with nature. Greater Heat Variability: Wood-fired heaters produce a more variable heat experience, with the temperature fluctuating depending on how the fire is burning. Some sauna-goers enjoy the slightly unpredictable nature of this heat, while others may prefer the consistency of an electric heater. Energy Independence: Since wood is a renewable resource, a wood-fired sauna provides a sense of self-sufficiency. You don’t need to rely on electricity to power your sauna, making it a great choice for those living off the grid or looking for a more sustainable option. Longer Heat Retention: Wood-fired stoves tend to produce a "dry" heat that persists longer in the sauna room even after the fire has gone out. This extended heat retention can enhance the sauna experience, particularly for those who enjoy long, slow sweat sessions. Higher Humidity Options: With a wood-fired heater, you can control the humidity more easily by throwing water on the hot rocks, creating the characteristic steam often associated with traditional Finnish saunas. This is ideal for those who enjoy a more intense, humid heat. Aesthetic and Atmosphere: There’s something inherently calming and grounding about sitting in a sauna heated by wood, particularly if you enjoy being surrounded by natural materials like stone and wood. Many people find this setting to be much more tranquil and meditative. Maintenance: While wood-fired saunas provide a more authentic experience, they do require more work and maintenance. This includes chopping or purchasing firewood, building and tending the fire, cleaning out ash, and ensuring the chimney is free from blockages. This was our 250cm sauna with wood-fired heater at a recent exhibition: Electric Heater Electric heaters are a common choice for home saunas due to their convenience, ease of use, and consistent performance. Here’s why people choose electric saunas: Ease of Use: Electric saunas are simple to operate. With a digital or manual thermostat, you can set your desired temperature with precision, and the heater will maintain it throughout your sauna session. There's no need to worry about building a fire or stoking the wood, you can add a WiFi module so you can also control from your phone. Fast Heating: Electric heaters tend to heat up the sauna space quickly, often reaching your desired temperature within 15–30 minutes. This is ideal for those who want a quick and easy sauna experience. Consistency and Control: Electric heaters offer precise temperature control, allowing users to easily adjust the heat to their preference. Many modern electric heaters also come with timers, enabling you to set how long the sauna will operate. Low Maintenance: With no need for fuel (like wood) and no chimney to maintain, electric heaters are relatively low-maintenance. The only real upkeep is ensuring that the heater is functioning properly and keeping it clean. Space Efficiency: Electric heaters are compact and easy to install, making them ideal for smaller sauna spaces. They don’t require a separate chimney or flue, which is an important consideration for many homeowners. Safety: Most electric heaters come with built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-off mechanisms if the heater overheats or if there’s a malfunction, reducing the risk of fire or damage. An example of the lovely Harvia Cilindro electric heater we supply as standard: Which Heater Is Right for You? Ultimately, the choice between an electric heater and a wood-fired heater comes down to personal preference and lifestyle considerations. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Electric Heaters are ideal if you want a low-maintenance, fast-heating sauna experience with precise temperature control. They’re best suited for people who want convenience and consistency, especially in urban environments or for smaller home saunas. Wood-Fired Heaters are perfect for those seeking a more traditional, natural sauna experience with a focus on authenticity, ambiance, and the added benefits of longer heat retention. If you have access to a plentiful supply of wood and enjoy a slower, more meditative sauna ritual, a wood-fired heater might be the right choice for you, using wood to heat it if you have plenty is then a free source of heat compared to the relatively expensive cost of the electricity used with an electric version. Conclusion Both electric and wood-fired sauna heaters offer distinct advantages, so the best choice depends on what you value most in your sauna experience. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy heat session with an electric heater or an immersive, traditional sauna experience with a wood-fired stove, both types of saunas deliver the same fundamental health benefits. The key is to select the heater that best aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create during your sauna rituals. Checkout our entire range of saunas here.

Imagine unwinding in a steaming hot tub nestled amidst the tranquility of your garden, enveloped by the soothing crackle of a wood fire. Wood-fired hot tubs offer a unique and immersive bathing experience, allowing you to connect with nature while indulging in luxurious relaxation. However, when it comes to heating your hot tub, one crucial decision awaits: should you opt for an external heater or an integrated heater? In this blog post, we explore the benefits of each option to help you make an informed choice for your personal oasis. An integrated version above and our ofuro with external heater below. External Heater: For a low-cost, full space solution  There is no difference in heat output between an integrated or external heater but the external saves you a few quid and also removes the need for the "hump" inside the liner where the integrated heater sits, this means you get the full circle of the liner available for sitting round whilst getting the most cost-effective solution Ease of Maintenance: Maintenance and repairs on the heater are simplified with an external heater, as access to the heating unit is readily available. Routine cleaning and occasional servicing can be performed with ease, prolonging the lifespan of your hot tub system. Integrated Heater: Seamlessly Integrated Convenience Alternatively, integrated wood-fired heaters offer a streamlined approach to heating your hot tub, with the heating element built directly into the tub structure. Here are some compelling reasons to consider an integrated heater for your wood-fired hot tub: Enhanced Safety: Placing the heater within the tub reduces the risk of accidental burns or contact with hot surfaces, ensuring a safer bathing experience, particularly for families with children or pets, you only have the front door of the heater available to be touched along with the flue which greatly reduces the risk of little fingers touching something hot. Space-Saving Design: By integrating the heater into the tub, you optimize space and minimize clutter in your outdoor living area. This compact design is especially beneficial for smaller garden areas or cosy garden settings where space is at a premium. Aesthetic Appeal: Integrated heaters seamlessly blend with the overall design aesthetic of the hot tub, enhancing visual cohesion and elegance. The absence of external components contributes to a clean and streamlined appearance, elevating the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor retreat. Ease of Use: With an integrated heater, heating your hot tub is a straightforward process, requiring minimal effort and supervision. Simply load the firebox with wood, ignite the flames, and let the integrated system efficiently heat the water to your desired temperature. Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Soaking Solution In the realm of wood-fired hot tubs, both external and integrated heaters offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritise space-saving, versatility, bathing space, or convenience, there's a heating solution to suit your needs and enhance your bathing experience. Ultimately, the choice between an external or integrated heater boils down to your personal preferences, space constraints, neatness, how many people you want to be able to easily fit in the tub etc, if you want slightly more room and dont mind the extra space of an external heater then this is for you, if you want the heater contained within the circle of the tub, want a self-contained solution and dont mind sitting on the small hump where the heater is then maybe the neat integrated heater is for you even at its slightly more expensive cost. Whichever option you choose, one thing is certain: soaking in the warm embrace of a wood-fired hot tub is an experience like no other. So, ignite the fire, immerse yourself in nature's embrace, and let the stresses of the day melt away as you luxuriate in your own backyard sanctuary. View our full range of wood-fired tubs right here.

Few sights evoke the serene beauty of nature like a school of graceful koi gliding through the clear waters of a garden pond. For enthusiasts of aquatic life and garden aficionados alike, keeping koi in a timber garden pond offers a captivating blend of aesthetics, relaxation, and rewarding hobbyism. In this post, we explore the joys and considerations of incorporating these majestic fish into your outdoor sanctuary.

In the realm of landscaping and garden design, the allure of water features is undeniable. They add a serene and captivating touch to outdoor spaces, transforming them into havens of tranquility and natural beauty. Among the myriad options available, one particular gem stands out: the timber above-ground garden pond. This charming addition to your outdoor landscape offers a plethora of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics. Let’s dive into why opting for a timber above-ground garden pond might be one of the best decisions for your outdoor sanctuary.