Soak in Nature's Warm Embrace: Choosing Between External and Integrated Heaters for Wood-Fired Hot Tubs

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.