Aquamation vs. Cremation: What You Should Know

A cremation is a form of disposition that uses burning to dispose of a dead body. It is the kind you will most likely receive from cremation services in Phoenix, AZ.

Aquamation, or water cremation, is the disposition method that uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to break down a dead body.

It mimics the natural decay of in-ground burial, except instead of happening over hundreds of years, it happens in hours.

But the differences don’t end there. Here’s more.

1.  Aquamation costs a lot more

Aquamation costs several hundred dollars more than cremation. Aquamation systems cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and funeral homes (or crematories) are businesses.

Direct cremation, the cheaper form of the burning method, can cost as low as $800. A full-service traditional cremation might set you back between $1500 and $2000.

However, the cheapest aquamation costs $2000 and can reach as high as $3000.

That said, it is still cheaper than a traditional burial once you consider factors like the casket, burial plot, and headstone.

2. Cremation is available in Arizona, but Aquamation is not

While aquamation has gained legal acceptance in almost 20 states in the United States, it is not yet available in Arizona.

There is a bill under consideration to legalize it. You can reach out to your local representative to see when it will be approved.

Cremation, however, is available in all 50 states, including Arizona.

3. Aquamation is more environmentally friendly

While better for the environment than a traditional burial, cremation still involves significant carbon emissions. The intense heat required in a cremation chamber can reach 2100 degrees Fahrenheit, consuming a lot of energy.

Aquamation requires only about one-seventh of energy, and no toxic gasses are released during the process.

The aquamation process requires lower heat. The chamber keeps the mercury from dental fillings inside the equipment instead of being released into the air.

4. Families receive more remains with aquamation than cremation

The cremation process produces a significant amount of ashes, enough to split between family members. But it is still not as much as the remains of aquamation.

Little vaporization occurs, ensuring much of the ashes remains intact within the aquamation chamber. This results in about 20% – 30% more remains.

Also, cremains look like gray, coarse sand, while aquamation remains are white, uniform powder.

5. Not everyone is onboard with aquamation

Aquamation might be gaining ground, but it still lags behind cremation and burial as a preferred form of disposition for many.

A lot of people view aquamation as an undignified process and describe it as liquifying a body. The lack of widespread acceptance also means some religious bodies are not yet on board.

Thus, it might be harder to sell aquamation as a disposition method to family members.

Overall, cremation remains the go-to option for most people looking for an alternative to burial. But you can still customize it to match your desires.

As a leading Phoenix AZ cremation service, we understand the importance of personalization. Reach out to Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements via phone or by visiting our location to create an end-of-life plan that aligns with you or your loved one’s goals.