Would YOU spend £8,000 on a wood-fired hot tub? Eco-friendly models promise 'rustic' feel and 'off-grid' set-up, but experts warn of overheating and flammability risks

They're all the rage for homeowners hoping to recreate their gardens into a rustic Scandi spa paradise - but experts have warned that trendy 'wood-fired hot tubs' may not be as relaxing as they seem.Everyone from the Beckhams to Molly Mae-Hague appears to have jumped on the trend, spending thousands to either take a dunk at a resort - or even install one in their own home.Former PM David Cameron, for example, forked out £8,000 on a luxury model for his Cornish holiday house.More humble versions start at around the £2,000 mark, but are all more likely to be on the 'luxury' offering of the hot tub market because they tout better materials, a more sleek finish and promise to be eco-friendly.Their appeal also lies in the off-grid-friendly set-up, needing no electricity and relying simply on a wood-burning stove for operations. But speaking to the Daily Mail, Andy Brooker, luxury holiday property expert at kate & tom's, said that 'they need a little more TLC than electric hot tubs as you're dealing with a live fire as well as hot water'.While they're 'all the craze' now, there are safety concerns that have to constantly be kept in mind - and 'a wood-fired hot tub shouldn't be treated as something guests can simply light and forget about'. They're all the rage for homeowners hoping to recreate their gardens into a rustic Scandi spa paradise - but experts have warned that trendy 'wood-fire hot tubs' may not be as relaxing as they seem Everyone from the Beckhams to Molly Mae-Hague appears to have jumped on the trend, spending thousands to either take a dunk at a resort - or even install one in their own home. David appears to have one at his Cotswolds home'The biggest safety consideration is ensuring guests understand how the wood-fire hot tub actually works beforehand, and ensuring they're equipped with clear instructions to explain how to light it up, and manage the fire and when it is safe to get in,' he explained.'It's also crucial that guests know when they should stop adding wood to use the wood-fired hot tub safely. The wood-fired hot tub should never be left lit or left unattended, especially where children and pets are around.''It's also crucial to make sure it's installed and maintained properly - and while it may be tempting to ramp up the decor to match the rustic new aesthetic, owners must ensure that 'the surrounding areas are clear of anything flammable or anything that could combust or catch fire'.Andy said temperature control can be more difficult with these models, as well. 'Water temperature is another important consideration for users as wood-fired tubs don't have the same automatic temperature controls you get with many electric models,' he shared.'If guests aren't paying attention, the water can overheat, while with an electric model you're more likely to be able to maintain the same temperature.'Having a thermometer installed can be a good way to ensure the bathing temperature is optimal and safe, and providing people with clear guidance on the right temperature to bathe in as well as reminders to stay hydrated and take breaks are important.'We also consider lighting for guest safety for after dark use. The tub needs to have good lighting to ensure visibility when walking around and into the hot tub, and there needs to be a safe, clear, unobstructed route to and from it.'A wood-fired hot tub shouldn't be treated as something guests can simply light and forget about; it requires consideration and monitoring so it can be enjoyed to the fullest, safely.'With proper installation, regular maintenance, clear guest instructions and sensible supervision, it can be a trendy, wonderful and memorable addition to a holiday home.'On social media, people can't get enough of wood-fired hot tub promotional content, often featuring the rustic set-up gently steaming away surrounded by green fields, open skies and wild weather.However, some have also complained that they don't heat up quickly.'Warning,' account @joesrtkesoutdoors said. 'These types of hot tubs do not get warm.'Many pointed out that temperatures can heat up with more speed with different pipe sizes and set-ups, but fellow tub owners chimed in to admit that it can take a while, especially in winter - and others found that 'the logs are expensive'.And while a large bulk of the appeal for many lies in the natural aesthetic and mountain-resort-style appearance, an interiors expert said it's important to consider if it would simply stick out like a sore thumb with the rest of your garden decor.'Wood-fired hot tubs have definitely moved beyond being purely functional outdoor features and can work really well as part of a considered garden design,' said Sergiu Tulbur, Head of Product Innovation and Design at OPA Living.'Their appeal comes from the fact that they feel more natural and tactile than many contemporary spa options, particularly when they are made from timber or paired with other natural materials. 'From an interiors perspective, I think they look best when they feel integrated into the wider outdoor space rather than simply being placed in the garden as an afterthought.Former PM David Cameron forked out £8,000 on a luxury model for his Cornish holiday house. Pictured is the wood-fired hot tub model owned by Cameron The hot tub's Derbyshire-based maker Forestflame boasts it offers 'the romance of the great outdoors' and the chance to 'luxuriate in the embrace of 40C water'. Cameron pictured in the garden of his Cotswolds property'Surrounding a hot tub with timber decking, natural stone, planting or softer outdoor lighting can make it feel like part of the landscape and create a much more intentional look.'He added that ultimately, it's all about 'treating gardens as spaces for relaxation and entertaining, so products that add a sense of ritual and escapism are particularly appealing'.'Whether they are worth it ultimately comes down to how often they will be used and how much maintenance the owner is prepared to take on. A wood fired model can offer a more traditional, atmospheric experience, but it generally requires more involvement than a plug and play electric hot tub.'For someone who enjoys the process and wants the hot tub to feel like a feature within the garden, however, that can be part of the appeal rather than a drawback.'Ultimately, I would say a wood fired hot tub can look very stylish when the design complements its surroundings. 'The key is to treat it as part of the overall garden scheme rather than simply as a standalone piece of equipment.'Blanca Sanchez, Director at Halo Design Interiors, added: 'It's the combination of the rounded timber barrel, the visible stove and the simple silhouette that makes a wood-fired hot tub look stylish.'There's something very architectural about it when it's done well. The best ones almost look like oversized wooden baths rather than pieces of leisure equipment, which is why they can sit surprisingly comfortably in a garden.'However, she'd 'avoid anything with very orange-toned timber or bulky external pipework because that's when they can start to look a bit like temporary rental-lodge furniture'.'And I wouldn't put one in the middle of a patio with nothing around it because the shape can look stranded,' she continued.'They work better when they're set against a hedge or positioned beside a timber screen so the tub feels anchored. I'd also keep the area around it visually quiet. 'Gravel, stone or plain timber decking is enough. You don't need lanterns, signs, faux palms or a collection of spa accessories around it because that can tip the whole thing into themed territory very quickly.'I do think they're fashionable, but I'd say they're fashionable because the shape and materials already have a certain timelessness rather than because they look obviously trendy. That's an important distinction.'A good wood-fired tub can still look right in five or ten years because timber and metal age naturally and don't rely on a very specific finish or colour.'Whether it's worth it depends on whether you like that slower, more tactile look and experience. If you want something sleek, instant and almost invisible, it probably isn't the right choice. If you like the fact that the tub itself becomes a strong garden feature, then I think it can absolutely justify the space.The models range in what they offer.In 2019, former Prime Minister David Cameron bought a six-person, two-ton tub for his £2million beachside bolthole near Daymer Bay in the village of Trebetherick, according to The Sun.Its Derbyshire-based maker Forestflame boasts it offers 'the romance of the great outdoors' and the chance to 'luxuriate in the embrace of 40C water.'A description on the maker's website says it is for those who 'believe the objects in your life must have a soul and a higher purpose', adding that it is 'great for parties or just you and a glass of wine.' The blurb continues: 'If you're enjoying the final moments of the sun's ebbing rays on a warm summer evening, the last thing you need is the constant drone of a water pump.'With a Forestflame hot tub, all you will hear is the faint crackle of the wood fire, the birds' evening chorus and the bubbles popping in the top of your champagne flute.Royal Tubs is another famous brand, offering buyers to 'enjoy fire, air and water in the arms of nature'., with deluxe options costing around £6,000.'Our wooden hot tubs are built from sustainably sourced timber, from trusted suppliers. Every one comes with a high efficiency, high grade steel stove to give you peace of mind,' says the site.'We craft our wood fired hot tubs to designs that have evolved over hundreds of years, and have been tested in the truest fashion – by our customers at home.'Another popular option comes from Swedish brand Skargards.'Every hot tub delivered is a little piece of Sweden that we are proud to share with the world,' they claim.'Beyond the authentic wood-fired experience, our guiding principles are also rooted in long-standing Scandinavian traditions such as a profound respect for nature and the desire to bring people together.'Different models - also in the range of £4,000 - £5,000 - can offer integrated stoves, fiberglass tubs, Thermowood cladding and varying shapes, depending on what can best fit in your garden.