A wood-fired hot tub can bring a relaxing soak to a backyard or cabin without relying on electric heating. If you’re looking for the best cedar hot tub wood fired option, start by comparing the tub material, heater style, capacity, and installation needs. The picks below include cedar tubs as well as other wood-fired designs, so you can weigh the appeal of cedar against features such as an internal stove, a liner, or a stainless-steel inner tub.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Material and heater | Listed capacity | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP Hot Tub Canadian Redwood Cedar 5′ Tub | Canadian redwood cedar; external stainless-steel heater | 4–5 people | 25 kW heater, hard cover, paddle; assembly required |
| ALEKO PEWSHTUB Wood-Fired Hot Tub | Pine; external stainless-steel heater | 422 gallons | Steps, insulated cover, paddle; hot or cold use |
| ALEKO PIWSHTUB Internal-Stove Hot Tub | Pine; internal stainless-steel heater | 422 gallons | Steps, insulated cover, paddle; hot or cold use |
| AURGOD Canadian Cedar Hot Tub | Canadian cedar with waterproof liner; internal stove | 3–4 people | Bench seating, drain, cover, entry steps |
| MAVF@LE Wood-Fired Barrel Hot Tub | Stainless-steel inner tub; detachable wood-burning stove | Designed for 2–4 people | Hot- and cold-plunge use; no electricity needed for heating |
Our Picks: Best Cedar Hot Tub Wood Fired reviews
1. MCP Hot Tub Canadian Redwood Cedar Tub for Larger Groups
This 5-foot tub is the most direct match for shoppers who want a wood-fired soak in a cedar body. Its listed capacity is four to five people, and the kit includes a 25 kW stainless-steel wood-burning heater, stainless-steel piping, a paddle, and a hard cover. The manufacturer says it needs no electricity and estimates two to four hours to heat the water.
The tub measures 60 inches across and 48 inches high. Heating is handled by an external stove connected to the tub, while the included paddle lets you manually circulate the water. That simple setup avoids reliance on powered pumps, but it also means you’ll need to tend the fire and stir the water rather than expect an automated system.
Plan carefully for setup. This ships as a kit and requires assembly; the supplied description recommends two people and estimates three to four hours for assembly. It also calls for a flat, solid surface, with a concrete slab noted as best, and strongly recommends a licensed contractor due to the installation. Those requirements make this a better fit for owners prepared to plan the site and installation than for anyone seeking a quick, plug-in spa.
Pros:
- Canadian redwood cedar construction suits shoppers specifically seeking a cedar tub.
- Listed capacity of four to five people offers room for a group soak.
- Includes a stainless-steel heater, piping, paddle, and hard cover.
- Does not require electricity to heat the water.
Cons:
- Assembly and a flat, solid installation surface are required.
- The listed heating time is two to four hours, so it takes planning before a soak.
Verdict: Choose this MCP tub if cedar construction and room for a group matter most, and you can arrange the solid base and more involved installation.
2. ALEKO PEWSHTUB with an External Wood-Burning Heater
The ALEKO PEWSHTUB is a pine hot tub rather than a cedar model, but it may suit shoppers who are open to other wood construction. It has an external stainless-steel heater and a listed water capacity of 422 gallons. ALEKO gives an approximate two-hour heating time and says the system needs no electricity, gas, pumps, wiring, or filtration system to operate.
The tub is 70.9 inches in diameter, with a sidewall height of 35.4 inches. The package description lists steps, an insulated cover, and a wooden paddle. The external heater keeps the firebox outside the bathing area, while the paddle is intended to help mix the water and even out its temperature. The product is also described for cold-plunge use: fill it with cold water and add ice.
Its larger listed capacity may appeal to households that want room to soak, but it also calls for space for the tub and heater. The pine construction is described as naturally resistant to rot and decay, though it is not the cedar build some shoppers specifically want. As with any wood-fired setup, plan to monitor the fire and check the water temperature before getting in.
Pros:
- External stainless-steel heater keeps the stove outside the tub.
- Listed 422-gallon capacity and 70.9-inch diameter offer a spacious format.
- Includes steps, an insulated cover, and a paddle.
- Can be used for either hot soaking or a cold plunge.
Cons:
- Made with pine, not cedar.
- The tub and external heater require adequate outdoor space.
Verdict: Consider the PEWSHTUB if you want an off-grid, external-heater design with listed accessories and don’t require cedar construction.
3. ALEKO PIWSHTUB with an Internal Stove
This ALEKO model shares much of its listed setup with the PEWSHTUB, including pine construction, a 422-gallon capacity, a 70.9-inch diameter, steps, an insulated cover, and a paddle. Its main difference is the internal stove. ALEKO describes this design as more efficient than an external heater of the same size and says the covered heater is intended to increase safety.
An internal stove changes the layout: the heater is inside the tub rather than set outside it. That may be appealing if you prefer an integrated arrangement, but it makes the placement of the stove and the available bathing space important considerations. Review the product’s instructions and heater arrangement closely before choosing this model, particularly if more than one person will use the tub at a time.
Like the external-stove version, this tub is described for hot soaking or cold-plunge use and does not require electricity or gas to operate. The included paddle can help distribute heat through the water. It is a practical alternative for shoppers comparing heater layouts, but it is not a cedar tub, and the product description does not provide a seating capacity in people.
Pros:
- Internal stove gives the design a different layout from the external-heater model.
- Listed 422-gallon capacity and 70.9-inch diameter.
- Includes steps, an insulated cover, and a wooden paddle.
- Can be used as a hot tub or cold plunge without electric or gas heating.
Cons:
- Pine construction does not meet a specific cedar preference.
- The internal heater occupies space within the tub.
Verdict: Pick the PIWSHTUB if you prefer an internal-stove layout and are comfortable with the heater taking up space inside a non-cedar tub.
4. AURGOD Canadian Cedar Tub with a Waterproof Liner
This AURGOD tub pairs Canadian cedar on the body, benches, and entry steps with a waterproof plastic liner. The liner is designed to hold the bathing water inside the cedar structure, while a drain outlet supports emptying the tub for water changes and routine cleaning. For shoppers weighing a traditional wood interior against water containment, that liner is a key difference from the MCP cedar model.
The tub has wide interior benches around an open central footwell, with listed seating for three to four people. A built-in wood-burning stove and chimney provide the heat, and a wooden partition separates the seating area from the stove area. The included cover is intended to keep leaves and debris out between uses, and entry steps with handrails are included.
Its external dimensions are listed as 59 by 59 by 35 inches, excluding the steps and chimney. Assembly is required, and you’ll need to allow extra room for access. The listed description does not state a heating time or water capacity, so compare those details with your needs before choosing. The bench layout may also make it easier to settle in than a tub without defined seating, though comfort and capacity depend on the people using it.
Pros:
- Canadian cedar body, interior benches, and entry steps.
- Waterproof liner, drain outlet, and cover are included.
- Bench seating is listed for three to four people.
- Includes a built-in stove, chimney, and entry steps with handrails.
Cons:
- Assembly is required, and the listed dimensions exclude the steps and chimney.
- The supplied description does not specify heating time or water capacity.
Verdict: Choose the AURGOD if you want a cedar tub with a liner, defined bench seating, and a drain, and can work with its assembly and space requirements.
5. MAVF@LE Hot Tub with a Stainless-Steel Inner Tub
The MAVF@LE stands apart from the cedar models with a stainless-steel inner tub and a detachable wood-burning stove. It is described as a hot- and cold-plunge system for two to four people, and its wood-fired heating does not require electricity. That combination may suit shoppers who value a metal soaking surface or want a tub that can serve both temperature uses.
The product description emphasizes a barrel-style outdoor setup for a backyard, cabin, or wellness space. The detachable stove is a notable design feature, but the supplied information does not list dimensions, water capacity, a heating time, a cover, or included steps. Those details matter for site planning and day-to-day use, so confirm them in the current product listing before buying.
This is not the clearest match if your main goal is a cedar soaking surface: the listed inner tub is stainless steel, and the description does not specify the material of the outer barrel. It may still make sense if the inner-tub design and hot-or-cold use are more important to you than a verified cedar body.
Pros:
- Stainless-steel inner tub offers an alternative to wood bathing surfaces.
- Detachable wood-burning stove provides off-grid heating.
- Designed for both hot soaking and cold-plunge use.
- Listed for two to four people.
Cons:
- The supplied description does not confirm cedar construction.
- Key planning details such as dimensions, capacity, and heating time are not provided.
Verdict: Consider the MAVF@LE if a stainless-steel inner tub and detachable stove appeal to you, but verify the missing specifications and don’t assume it has a cedar body.
How to Choose a Wood-Fired Hot Tub
Decide whether cedar is a must-have
Not every wood-fired tub is made from cedar. The MCP and AURGOD models list Canadian cedar construction, while the ALEKO tubs are described as pine. The MAVF@LE lists a stainless-steel inner tub, but its description does not confirm the outer material. If the wood itself is central to your choice, check which parts are cedar and whether the product description identifies the tub body, benches, or steps separately.
Compare internal and external heater layouts
An external heater, like the one listed with the MCP and ALEKO PEWSHTUB, sits outside the bathing area and connects to the tub with piping. An internal stove, as listed for the ALEKO PIWSHTUB and AURGOD, sits within the tub’s footprint. Consider how each arrangement affects the space around the tub, the usable seating area, and access to the firebox. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions for whichever design you choose.
Match capacity and seating to your household
Look beyond a general people count. The MCP is listed for four to five people, the AURGOD for three to four, and the MAVF@LE for two to four. The ALEKO models provide a water capacity of 422 gallons but do not list a people count in the supplied information. Bench shape, stove placement, and the size of the people soaking can affect how comfortable a tub feels in use.
Plan for heating time and hands-on operation
Wood-fired tubs need time and attention. The MCP description estimates two to four hours for heating, while ALEKO lists about two hours for its external-heater model. Heating time can vary with conditions and how the tub is used, so treat manufacturer estimates as a planning guide rather than a guarantee. The included paddles on the MCP and ALEKO models are for manually stirring water; don’t assume a tub has powered circulation unless its listing says so.
Check the base, access, and assembly needs
A filled hot tub is a substantial installation, so identify a suitable location before ordering. The MCP specifically calls for a flat, solid surface and recommends a concrete slab; its description also recommends a licensed contractor due to the installation. The AURGOD requires assembly and extra space for access, while the ALEKO and MAVF@LE descriptions list accessories but do not provide the same installation detail. Check product instructions and plan for the tub, heater, chimney, steps, and room to get in and out.
Look at water containment and upkeep
The AURGOD includes a waterproof liner and drain outlet, which are useful features to consider if you want a defined way to contain and empty the water. The ALEKO models include insulated covers, and the MCP includes a hard cover. Covers can help keep debris out between uses, but the product descriptions do not establish a complete water-care or filtration system. Confirm what upkeep the manufacturer requires and how you’ll handle water changes.
Confirm what comes in the kit
Included accessories vary. The MCP lists a heater, piping, paddle, and hard cover. Both ALEKO tubs list steps, an insulated cover, and a paddle. The AURGOD lists a liner, drain, cover, and entry steps with handrails. The MAVF@LE description highlights its detachable stove but does not give a full accessory list. Check the listing for current package contents, assembly instructions, and any items you may need to provide separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which picks are specifically described as cedar tubs?
The MCP Hot Tub and AURGOD models list Canadian cedar construction. The ALEKO models are described as pine, while the MAVF@LE lists a stainless-steel inner tub without confirming the outer material.
Do wood-fired hot tubs need electricity?
The MCP, both ALEKO models, and MAVF@LE are described as not needing electricity for wood-fired heating. That does not mean every hot tub on the market works without power, so check the specifications for the model you’re considering.
How long does a wood-fired hot tub take to heat?
The MCP description estimates two to four hours, and the ALEKO external-heater model lists approximately two hours. The supplied descriptions do not provide a heating-time estimate for the AURGOD or MAVF@LE. Actual time can depend on conditions, so use the manufacturer’s instructions as your guide.
Is an internal or external stove better?
Neither layout is right for everyone. An external stove is outside the bathing area, while an internal stove sits within the tub’s footprint. Compare the available space, seating arrangement, and installation instructions before deciding.
Can these tubs be used as cold plunges?
The ALEKO and MAVF@LE descriptions explicitly mention cold-plunge use. For the ALEKO models, the instructions describe filling the tub with cold water and adding ice. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for any model before using it in a way not specified in its instructions.
Does a wood-fired hot tub need a concrete base?
The MCP description calls for a flat, solid surface and says a concrete slab is best. Requirements can vary by model and installation, so follow the supplied instructions and confirm the site requirements before setup.
Which option is the closest match for a cedar hot tub with a liner?
The AURGOD is the clearest match in this list: it combines Canadian cedar construction with a waterproof liner and drain outlet. The MCP is another cedar option, but its description does not list a liner.
Final Recommendation
For shoppers who want a wood-fired tub specifically made from cedar, the MCP Hot Tub and AURGOD are the strongest matches in this group. The MCP lists a larger four-to-five-person capacity and a stainless-steel external heater, while the AURGOD adds a waterproof liner, drain, and defined bench seating for three to four people. If cedar is not essential, the ALEKO models offer a choice between external and internal stove layouts, and the MAVF@LE stands out for its stainless-steel inner tub. Compare installation needs and confirm the details that matter most before choosing.
