Your Guide to Flame Cremation vs. Water Cremation

This guide compares flame cremation and water cremation (also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis).  While flame cremation has gained popularity as a disposition method in recent years, water cremation is emerging as a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Especially for those considering sustainability but seeking a more affordable alternative to a green burial.

Cremation services have gained popularity in the U.S.  In just 15 years, the cremation rate has more than doubled, from 30% to 62%.  Over the last five years, there has been a gradual increase in the use of water cremation in states where it is legal.

This informative resource should help if you are considering cremation as an end-of-life option for yourself or a loved one. 

In this article, we explore the processes, the pros and cons, environmental and sustainability concerns, costs, availability across the United States, and current trends.

We can also help you compare prices of flame vs. water cremation in the states where water cremation is available today.

Let’s start with a brief look at both options.

Blaze or Bubble: Which Cremation Sparks Your Interest?

Blaze: Flame Cremation

Flame cremation is a widely practiced method of body disposition that uses high-temperature combustion to reduce a body to bone fragments, commonly referred to as “ashes” or “cremains.”

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The process takes place in a cremation chamber (retort) and has been a standard option for centuries in various cultures.  We tend to think of it simply as ‘cremation’ without referring to it as ‘flame’ or ‘fire cremation’.

Bubble: Water Cremation AKA (Aquamation/Alkaline Hydrolysis)

Water cremation, or aquamation, is a newer, eco-friendly alternative that uses a solution of water and alkaline chemicals (typically potassium hydroxide) to accelerate natural decomposition.

The body is placed in a pressurized vessel, and over several hours, it breaks down into bone fragments and a sterile liquid effluent.

For more detailed information, refer to the Guide to Aquamation on US Funerals Online.

Let’s Explore the Pros and Cons of Cremation Services

Why is Flame Cremation the popular Choice?

PROS:

√ Widely Available: Flame cremation is legal and offered in all U.S. states and many countries worldwide, with established infrastructure.

√ Cost-Effective: It is generally less expensive than traditional burial, with average costs ranging from $795 to $3,200 in the U.S. [We will cover this in more detail below].

√ Cultural Acceptance: Flame cremation is practiced across many cultures and religions, with a long history of use.

√ Flexibility: Cremains can be stored in urns, scattered, or incorporated into memorial objects, such as jewelry or artwork.

√ Simplicity: The process is straightforward, typically completed in 1–3 hours, allowing for a quick return of cremated remains.

CONS:

X Environmental Impact: Fire cremation consumes a significant amount of energy (typically natural gas or propane) and releases approximately 540 pounds of CO2 per cremation, as well as mercury from dental fillings.

X Health Concerns: The emissions include pollutants like carbon dioxide and potentially toxic materials, contributing to air pollution.

X Medical Implants: Pacemakers and certain implants must be removed before cremation to prevent explosions or damage to equipment.

X Perception: Some find the use of fire harsh or less gentle compared to other methods.

What should Americans consider about Water Cremation [Aquamation]?

PROS:

√ Environmental Benefits: Uses about 10% of the energy of flame cremation, produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions, and avoids mercury emissions.

√ Gentler Process: Often perceived as a softer, more natural method, likened to a “warm bath” rather than fire.

√ Medical Implants: Implants like pacemakers can remain in the body and are more easily recoverable for recycling, benefiting the healthcare industry.

√ More Remains: Water cremation produces 20–30% more cremains than flame cremation, which are whiter and more uniform due to the absence of charring.

√ Eco-Friendly Effluent: The sterile liquid byproduct is safe for wastewater systems and can be utilized as a fertilizer due to its nutrient-rich content.

CONS:

X Limited Availability: Currently, it is legal in only about half of the U.S. states (e.g., North Carolina, California, Oregon) and select countries, with a limited number of facilities.

X Higher Costs: Prices typically range from $1,500 to $4,000, often slightly more expensive than flame cremation due to the specialized equipment required.  However, as flame cremation prices rise, aquamation costs could become more equitable.

X Cultural Resistance: Some religions (e.g., Islam, Judaism) and individuals oppose it due to unfamiliarity or discomfort with the dissolution process.

X Longer Process: It can take 4–16 hours, depending on equipment and body mass, compared to 1–3 hours for flame cremation.

X Ethical Concerns: Some critics express discomfort with the liquid effluent being discharged into wastewater systems, despite its safety. This is probably one of the major ‘obstacles’ to overcome.  We can refer to this as the “icky” factor.

What are the key differences in environmental and sustainability considerations for fire vs. water cremation? 

Flame Cremation

• Energy Consumption: Flame cremation requires a significant amount of fossil fuel, consuming natural gas or propane at temperatures ranging from 1,400°F to 1,800°F. A single cremation releases about 540 pounds of CO2, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Pollutants: A cremation emits carbon dioxide, mercury (from dental amalgam), and other particulates, which can impact air quality.
• Land Use: Utilizes less land than traditional burial, making it a more space-efficient option compared to cemeteries.
• Comparison to Burial: Less resource-intensive than traditional burial, which involves embalming chemicals (e.g., 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde annually in the U.S.), hardwood caskets, and concrete vaults that disrupt ecosystems.

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Water Cremation

• Energy Efficiency: Uses electricity rather than fossil fuels, consuming approximately 10% of the energy required for flame cremation.
• Zero Emissions: Produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions or airborne mercury, making it a cleaner alternative.
• Effluent Safety: The sterile liquid byproduct (containing salts, sugars, and amino acids) is safe for wastewater treatment systems and can benefit water treatment processes or be used as fertilizer.
• Chemical Breakdown: Effectively breaks down embalming chemicals and pharmaceuticals (e.g., chemotherapy drugs), reducing environmental contamination compared to burial.
• Sustainability Trend: Aligns with growing demand for eco-friendly end-of-life options, reflecting values of environmental stewardship.

How do costs compare between flame and water cremation services?

This is likely one of the key differentiators that any future significant shift in the cremation service market must address.  Currently (and where available), water cremation remains at least 2 – 3 times as expensive in most areas.

Gas, tariffs, and emission legislation could continue to increase the operating costs of a flame crematory. At the same time, an emerging public interest in eco-death care alternatives may direct families to understand more about aquamation.

Flame | Fire Cremation

Average Cost: $795–$3,200 in the U.S., although this range encompasses the variety of cremation services available. From basic to full services. (e.g., urn, memorial).

Factors: Costs vary based on location, funeral home, and extras like urns or ceremonies. Direct cremation (no service) is the cheapest cremation option with prices starting at $795 in some major cities, where the market demand is high.  DFS Memorials works with a national network of affordable direct cremation locations.

Comparison to Burial: Significantly less expensive than traditional burial, which averages $7,000–$12,000.

Water Cremation | Aquamation

The average aquamation service cost is $1,500–$4,000, with some providers offering it for as low as $1,295.

Factors: Higher equipment costs and limited availability can lead to increased prices. However, some providers note lower operational costs (e.g., no third-party crematory fees).

Affordability and availability for Pets: Pet aquamation appears to be far more accessible and affordable compared to pet cremation.  We cover this in a little more detail below.

Availability of Cremation Service Locations in the United States

Number of ‘Standard’ Gas Crematory Locations in the U.S.

• Availability: Legal and widely available in all U.S. states.  Funeral homes are installing cremation retorts to cater to the current trend and demand for cremation services.  Currently at 62%.
• Infrastructure: Crematories are present in most areas, with many funeral homes outsourcing to third-party facilities if they lack their own retort.

Where is Water Cremation Available?

• Limited Availability: Legal in approximately 22 U.S. states (e.g., Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon). States like New Jersey, New York, and Ohio are considering legalization.
• Pet vs. Human Availability: Aquamation is more widely available for pets due to fewer regulatory hurdles and lower cultural resistance. For example, pet aquamation is available in places like Portland, Oregon, whereas human aquamation is typically restricted to specific facilities.
• Growth Potential: Availability is expanding as more states legalize the process and funeral homes invest in equipment. Additionally, environmental concerns and costs encourage Americans to consider alternatives to existing cremation services.

Directory of Aquamation Providers in the United States.

Examining the Trends of Cremation Services

Flame | Fire Cremation

Historical Dominance: Flame cremation has experienced significant growth, reaching a 62% adoption rate in the U.S. by 2024.  A huge growth in a short period of time.

Continued Popularity: Remains the default choice for many due to its familiarity, affordability, and widespread availability.

Environmental Pushback: Growing awareness of its carbon footprint is driving interest in greener alternatives, such as aquamation.

Water Cremation – Alkaline Hydrolysis

Rising Popularity: Gaining traction as an eco-friendly option, especially among younger generations and environmentally conscious individuals.

Legislative Progress: Legalization is expanding, with states like Hawaii and North Carolina recently approving it.

Cultural Shift: Increasing acceptance as a “gentler” and sustainable alternative, though some resistance persists due to cultural or religious objections.

Pet Cremation Trend: Pet aquamation is growing faster than human aquamation, driven by pet owners’ desire for sustainable and respectful options.

What is the Difference in the Machinery Used to Conduct a Cremation Service?

To Conduct a Flame Cremation ~

• Equipment: Cremation retort (furnace) with a combustion chamber operating at 1,400–1,800°F. Requires natural gas or propane and robust ventilation systems to manage emissions.
• Process: The body is placed in a combustible container, incinerated, and the remaining bones are pulverized into ash using a cremulator.
• Maintenance: Retorts require regular maintenance and compliance with environmental regulations due to the emissions they produce.

To Perform a Water Cremation ~

• Equipment: Stainless steel pressurized vessel filled with 100 gallons of water and 5% alkaline solution (potassium or sodium hydroxide).
• Process: The body is submerged, and the solution is heated to 199–302°F, with optional pressure and agitation. The process takes 4–16 hours, followed by drying and pulverizing the bones.
• Investment: Machines are expensive (e.g., $550,000 for two human aquamation machines), contributing to higher initial costs for providers.
• Advantages: The equipment runs on electricity, is easier to maintain, and reduces fossil fuel use.

The History of Cremation

Flame Cremation

• Origins: Practiced for thousands of years in various cultures, with modern flame cremation formalized in the late 19th century. The first modern cremation in the U.S. occurred in 1876.
• Development: Gained popularity in the 20th century as urbanization reduced cemetery space and cultural attitudes shifted. By 2016, it accounted for 50% of U.S. dispositions.
• Cultural Impact: Initially faced resistance from religious groups but became widely accepted due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Water Cremation

• Origins: Developed in the 1990s by researchers like Kaye and Weber to dispose of animal carcasses and medical waste, later adapted for human and pet cremation.
• Commercialization: Companies like Bio-Response Solutions and Resomation Ltd. pioneered aquamation, trademarking terms like “aquamation” and “water cremation.”
• Legal Milestones: Recognized as a form of cremation by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) in 2010. Legalized in states like Oregon (2009) and North Carolina (2018).
• Growth: Initially used for pets and medical research, it gained traction for human use as environmental concerns grew.

Why Aquamation Is More Widely Available for Pets Than Humans

Aquamation is more prevalent for pet cremation due to several factors:

1. Regulatory Hurdles: Human cremation is subject to stricter regulations, requiring state-level legalization and oversight. Pet cremation faces fewer legal barriers, as animal disposition is less regulated.
2. Cultural Acceptance: Pet owners are often more open to innovative methods like aquamation, especially for its environmental benefits, while human cremation involves deeper cultural and religious considerations that slow adoption.
3. Infrastructure: Pet aquamation requires smaller, less expensive machines, making it easier for veterinary clinics or specialized providers to offer the service. Human aquamation machines are costly and less common.
4. Market Demand: Pet owners seeking sustainable and compassionate options have driven demand for pet aquamation, particularly in eco-conscious regions like Portland, Oregon. Human aquamation is still gaining public awareness.
5. Ethical Perceptions: The “ick factor” of liquid effluent is less concerning for pet remains, whereas some humans find it unsettling for human disposition, limiting its adoption.

Final Thoughts…..

Flame cremation remains the more established and widely available option, valued for its affordability, simplicity, and cultural acceptance.

However, its environmental impact, including high energy use and CO2 emissions, is a significant drawback.

Water cremation offers a sustainable alternative with minimal environmental impact, a gentler process, and benefits such as implant recycling; however, it is limited by availability, higher costs, and cultural resistance.

For those prioritizing environmental sustainability, aquamation is the clear choice, especially as legalization and infrastructure expand.

When choosing between these options, consider your values, budget, location, and the availability of services to make an informed decision that honors both the deceased and the planet.

If you have any questions about cremation options and sustainable options for future death care, you can contact us.