Hot Tub—for Islanders?

[ApS]

Just six years ago, this modern wood-fired hot tub would've set you back $7000.



However, today, they're made in China, and priced under $1000. For most of us, you can now get a cheap hot tub in-a-walk.

(Accessories include a wok).

Heating with wood is a great way to reduce our collective load on "the grid". The idea of a wood-burning hot tub isn't new—per this excerpt:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

"...I have a wood-fired hot tub, so I live in the tub all winter and heat it by scrounging construction debris and like to visit the dumpster behind the Inn at Church Point....high standards....here!"

...and transport doesn't seem like a drudge:

[magicrobotmonkey]

The burning question is where can you buy one?

[Bear Islander]

If you get the fire nice and hot can you cook lobsters?

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

If you get the fire nice and hot can you cook lobsters?

Yes you can, just make sure their claws are banded so you don't get pinched. those little buggers are strong!!!

[upthesaukee]

It looks like a commercial wok on the top of the fire. Anyone for shrimp fried rice????

Just saw that the wok is an included accessory. duh...read the article in full, Uppy.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

If you get the fire nice and hot can you cook lobsters?

'Maximum capacity is 200 lobsters, but you must use coal instead of wood.

Originally Posted by magicrobotmonkey

The burning question is where can you buy one?

Good question. I think www.alibaba.com is a wholesaler—if you need a coupla-hundred hot tubs...

• This may get you to a retailer; however, there may be more than one design—with different pricings:
http://alfitrade.com/alfibrand/firehottub/.

• Sears doesn't carry it.

• Retailers claim it takes two hours to reach 100°-F, but they don't specify using Winnipesaukee water! (A big advantage if only used on weekends—no water maintenance—just fill and fire.)

• Here's the thermosiphoning principle:



• And yes, you can take a wood-fired hot tub with you :

[Flyfisha]

Funny the website quotes $3999 where do you get one for $1000?

[Argie's Wife]

There's a $20 version of this you know...

Feed 10 guys spicy chili, wait an hour, and let them sit in a regular swimming pool. Same results.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Flyfisha

Funny the website quotes $3999 where do you get one for $1000?

I've managed to find the original $1000 site—the minimum order from China turns out to be 1.

As China is about to become the world's largest English-speaking country, I'm awaiting a few [language] clarifications from their website.

Available in at least four colors, it's not clear whether the tub is also available in black—my pre-heated preference for a sunny location—or if a spare heating coil can be ordered separately. I'd like to build one out of materials already on-site.

Suggested colors:



In analyzing this further, it appears to be 62" (1600mm) across. OK for two adults.

Lightweight, it appears you can borrow one from a neighbor!



As I appreciate "low-tech"—and to increase the utility of materials already on-site—I think I'm going with the wood-fired FLL™ model: