Portable Woodfired Saunas vs Traditional Fixed Saunas: What's Right for You?

If you've ever sat in a hot, steamy sauna after a long day, you know there's nothing quite like it. The heat seeps into your muscles, your mind starts to unwind, and you emerge feeling like a new person. But what kind of sauna should you choose for your home or off-grid escape — a portable woodfired sauna or a traditional fixed one?

Let's break it down in true Aussie fashion: no fluff, just facts, vibes, and real-life pros and cons.

What is a Portable Woodfired Sauna?

A portable woodfired sauna is exactly what it sounds like: a self-contained, movable sauna that runs on firewood. It typically comes preassembled or in a kit that you can tow, wheel, or position near your home, by the beach, or even in the bush.

They're popular among campers, 4WD adventurers, wellness lovers, and anyone who wants a slice of luxury without locking themselves into permanent renovations or council approvals.

Traditional Fixed Saunas — The Classic Choice

Fixed saunas are the classic setup you’ll find in homes, gyms, or spas. They’re typically electric or infrared, built into a dedicated room, and offer a sleek, permanent solution to your wellness needs.

While they’re powerful and can be integrated beautifully into a space, they do come with limitations.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s look at how these two types stack up across key areas:

1. Installation & Setup

Portable Woodfired Sauna:

• No tradies required (unless you want the deluxe setup)

• No DA (Development Application) or council headaches

• Park it wherever you want: by the river, on your deck, or even at your off-grid cabin

Fixed Sauna:

• Requires significant planning, possibly builders or electricians

• Might need council approval depending on your local area

• Not going anywhere once it's built

2. Heating Method

Portable Woodfired Sauna:

• Heats up using natural firewood — eco-friendly and satisfying

• Gives that authentic dry heat and smoky aroma that's hard to beat

Fixed Sauna:

• Usually electric or infrared

• Set and forget: push a button, wait for it to heat up

• Doesn’t offer that traditional wood-smoke atmosphere

3. Mobility & Flexibility

Portable Woodfired Sauna:

• Tow it behind your ute or trailer

• Move it seasonally or loan it to your mates

• Take it camping, glamping, or on the road

Fixed Sauna:

• Permanent fixture

• Adds value to a home, but it’s stuck there

4. Cost & Value

Portable Woodfired Sauna:

• Lower upfront cost — especially when you factor in no installation

• No ongoing power bills

• Holds value well and has a growing resale market

Fixed Sauna:

• Higher investment — building, electrical, and design

• Ongoing electricity costs depending on usage

• Adds value to your home, but not liquid cash if you need to sell it

5. Aesthetic & Vibe

Portable Woodfired Sauna:

• Rustic, natural, and connected to the outdoors

• Often handcrafted with timber and metal

• Blends in with nature or creates a beautiful contrast on a beach or farm

Fixed Sauna:

• Sleek and spa-like

• Integrates with indoor architecture and finishes

• Less character, more polish

Who Is a Portable Woodfired Sauna For?

• Outdoor lovers who want to soak up nature while they sweat

• Tiny house and off-grid dwellers

• Holiday home owners who want a spa-like experience without a reno

• Health enthusiasts looking for the authentic heat experience

• Adventurers who want to take the sauna with them

Why Aussies Are Falling in Love With Portable Saunas

Portable saunas are booming in popularity across Australia, and it's not just a trend — it's a lifestyle. With our love of the outdoors, camping, and fire pits, a woodfired sauna feels like the natural next step.

Plus, with more people working remotely or spending time in regional areas, there's a growing appetite for wellness that doesn’t require a spa membership or city rent.

Final Verdict

If you’ve got the space, budget, and love a more polished indoor vibe, a fixed sauna might be right for you. But if you want flexibility, portability, and a deeper connection to the land and your lifestyle — a portable woodfired sauna might be exactly what you’re after.

You can relax under the stars, enjoy a cold plunge nearby, and feel the primal satisfaction of stoking your own fire.

Ready to Experience the Heat?

Check out our handcrafted portable woodfired sauna — designed for Australian conditions, made for people who live for the outdoors, and built to last.

Sweat with intention. Relax with purpose. Travel with heat.

Soulfire Sauna – Where heat meets heritage.