Natural hot springs are heaven on Earth. A wood fired hot tub is the next best thing. Soaking in a cedar hot tub full of steaming hot water, feeling the crisp air around you with nothing but the sound of a crackling fire and scent of cedar is a grounding and soothing outdoor experience that can transform your daily life.
Simple and timeless with an elemental design, the wood fired hot tub has a rich history of wellness for the mind, body, and soul, and is still a way that many people reconnect to both themselves and nature today.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the background history of wood fired hot tubs, how they work, and how to pick the perfect one for your own oasis, be it a mountain cabin, coastal surf shack, desert oasis, or even a suburban backyard.
(Psst: Expand your wellness routine with an infrared sauna.)

Photo courtesy AlumiTubs
What Is a Wood Fired Hot Tub?
A wood fired hot tub is a soaking tub that uses a wood burner stove rather than an electric heater to heat either fresh or saltwater. They are typically made from cedar wood, though some have a metal or composite inserts to make cleaning easier and extend the lifespan. The modern version that most know of today was inspired by the traditional Japanese ofuro—a deep, square or rectangular soaking tub crafted from cedar or hinoki cypress wood that offers a place for deep spiritual, mental, and physical restoration to cleanse more than just your pores. With no electricity, no jets or lights, a wooden hot tub offers a similarly quiet, relaxing, and aromatic experience.
Our Top Picks
- Best Wood Fired Hot Tub: AlumiTubs
- Best Modern Wood Burning Hot Tub: Goodland
- Best Ofuro Style Cedar Soaking Tub: Forest Cooperage
- Best with Fiberglass Liner: Backcountry Recreation Deluxe Hot Tub
- Best with External Stove: Almost Heaven Saunas
- The Original: Snorkel Hot Tubs