Comparison
Cremation vs Aquamation
By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa · Updated June 2026
Flame cremation uses heat; aquamation — alkaline hydrolysis, or water cremation — uses warm water and alkali to reach the same result with a far smaller environmental footprint and no direct emissions. Aquamation is gentler on the planet but is offered in fewer places and often costs a few hundred dollars more.
Cremation versus Aquamation, compared
| Cremation | Aquamation | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Heat reduces the body to ash | Water and alkali break it down gently |
| Typical cost | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000–$3,500 where available |
| Availability | Widely available nationwide | Legal in a growing number of states — check locally |
| Environmental impact | Uses fuel; some emissions | Lower energy use; no direct emissions |
| What's returned | Ash-like cremated remains | A larger amount of similar white remains |
| Timing | Comparable to aquamation | Comparable to flame cremation |
Figures are typical national ranges and vary widely by area and provider. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you're entitled to an itemized price list — always confirm prices directly.
Choose cremation
Choose flame cremation for the widest availability and the lowest cost in most areas.
Choose aquamation
Choose aquamation if a gentler, lower-impact process matters to you and a provider offers it nearby.
Common questions
- What is aquamation?
- Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, uses warm water and an alkaline solution to break the body down naturally. It reaches the same end point as flame cremation, returning remains to the family, with a smaller environmental footprint.
- Is aquamation legal in my state?
- It's legal and available in a growing number of US states, but not yet everywhere. Because adoption is uneven, the surest check is to ask local providers whether they offer it.
- Is aquamation cheaper than cremation?
- Usually it's slightly more expensive where it's offered, often by a few hundred dollars, because fewer facilities have the equipment. Prices are converging as it becomes more common.
- What do you get back?
- A white, ash-like set of remains, similar to flame cremation but typically a somewhat larger quantity. They're returned in a container just as cremated ashes are.