Families planning end-of-life arrangements often compare aquamation vs. cremation, or in other words, water cremation vs. fire cremation. Cremation uses high heat to reduce a person’s remains, while aquamation, or water cremation, uses a water-based chemical process.

There is a growing interest in the aquamation process, or alkaline hydrolysis, because some see it as a more eco-friendly choice. However, aquamation providers are hard to find. Cremation is still the more accessible and affordable option nationwide.

In this guide, we help compare the two options to help you make an informed decision about next steps.

Are you exploring cremation options and need to talk to someone? Our team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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What Is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing a person’s remains with high heat. A specialized chamber uses flame to break down the remains and leave bone fragments, which are then processed into a fine powder called cremated remains.

Families often choose cremation because it is simple and cost-effective. Plus, most funeral homes offer cremation as a service. This makes it easier to compare options.

Cremation also provides flexibility for memorials. Once the cremation takes place, there’s no time constraint on when you need to have a service. This means you can choose whether to keep the remains in an urn, scatter them, or place them in a cemetery.

What Is Aquamation (AKA Alkaline Hydrolysis)?

Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a process that uses a mixture of 95% water and 5% alkali for the reduction process.

Over several hours, this solution dissolves soft tissue, leaving behind bone fragments. The process dries these fragments and turns them into cremated remains, much like flame cremation.

Families often view aquamation as more eco-friendly because it produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions and uses less energy. The lower temperatures also make it easier to separate implants such as pacemakers or dental fillings.

Availability of Aquamation Services

Aquamation is only available in select U.S. states. Even in states where it is legal, only a limited number of providers offer the service. Families may need to travel or pay higher costs to access aquamation, which adds to the challenges of planning.

By contrast, cremation is legal and accessible nationwide. Almost every funeral home and crematory provides it, making cremation a far easier and more practical option for most families.

Aquamation vs. Cremation: Key Differences

Aquamation and cremation both provide families with remains, but the way each process works, the environmental impact, and overall availability are very different.

• Process: Cremation uses high heat and flame to reduce the remains, while the aquamation process relies on a water and alkali solution to break down the body.
• Timeframe: Cremation usually takes a few hours, with remains returned within a few days. Aquamation takes 4 to 18 hours for the process, depending on the settings, plus drying time.
• Environmental Impact: Cremation produces carbon emissions and smoke. Aquamation produces no smoke, minimal greenhouse gases, and is more eco-friendly.
• Remains: Both processes return remains to the family. Cremation remains are darker and coarser, while aquamation remains are lighter and finer.
• Availability: Families can access cremation nationwide. Aquamation is legal in some states, but there are limits on providers due to high equipment costs and regulatory delays.

This chart illustrates the biggest differences between Aquamation and traditional cremation:

Cost Comparison: Water Cremation vs. Fire Cremation

Cost is one of the biggest factors families consider when comparing aquamation vs. cremation. While both options are less expensive than burial, water cremation usually costs more due to the equipment and limited availability.

Cremation, by contrast, is more affordable and accessible across the U.S.

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Traditional flame cremation often costs around $1,000 less than aquamation. Many providers offer cremation starting at $1,000. For example, After providing a complete, transparent cremation package beginning at $995.

Water cremation costs typically range from $1,295 to $3,995+. Prices are higher because funeral homes must invest in specialized alkaline hydrolysis equipment that costs up to $260,000.

Aquamation vs. Cremation Remains

Both aquamation and cremation return cremated remains to families. The composition is the same, but the look and feel can differ depending on the process.

These differences may hold emotional meaning, and families should feel comfortable asking providers questions to understand what to expect. No matter the method, you can keep, scatter, or bury the remains in the same ways.

• Similarities: Both processes create remains made primarily of calcium phosphate. Families can store, scatter, bury, or memorialize them in identical ways, regardless of differences in appearance.
  
  
• Appearance: With flame cremation, remains are often gray or gray-white in color and coarser to the touch. The intense heat alters the chemical composition of the remains, leading to a darker, rougher texture.
  
  Aquation remains are usually whiter and smoother because the alkaline solution breaks down the remains at lower temperatures. This creates a finer and more consistent texture.

Pros and Cons of Aquamation vs. Cremation

When families compare aquamation and cremation, the decision often comes down to practical trade-offs. Here’s an overview of those differences:

Why Direct Cremation Is the Most Practical Option

Direct cremation gives families the simplest and most affordable way to arrange after-death care. The process takes place without a formal service, which keeps costs low and reduces stress during an already difficult time.

Families still receive the same type of cremated remains as with other options, and they can choose how and when to honor their loved one.

Direct cremation also gives families control over timing. You can plan a memorial, a celebration of life, or a private gathering later, on a schedule that feels right. This flexibility often helps families grieve and remember in a way that feels more personal.

With After, families benefit from nationwide availability, transparent pricing, and no hidden fees. After makes the process straightforward, so you can focus on honoring your loved one without unexpected costs or added pressure.

Choose Affordable Direct Cremation With Confidence

Families comparing aquamation vs. cremation often focus on access and affordability. Some states allow aquamation, but there aren’t as many providers.

After is a modern, online-first cremation services company built to simplify one of life’s hardest moments. Instead of navigating confusing options and hidden fees, families can choose from clear, affordable direct cremation packages.

Whether you need immediate services for a recent loss, are making cremation plans as a loved one enters hospice, or want to secure peace of mind through prepaid cremation, we make the process straightforward.

Families also have flexible payment options through LilyPay, including installment plans and community crowdfunding support. They can also consider cremation insurance to help cover costs.

We give families confidence by offering nationwide availability, dedicated care specialists, and one simple price. Families know that cremation will take place with dignity, clarity, and care.

Are you planning a cremation and need to talk to someone? Our team at After is here to guide you through your options. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aquamation Cheaper than Cremation?

Aquamation is not cheaper than cremation. Water cremation often costs $1,000 to $4,000, while traditional cremation is usually $1,000 less. After offers direct cremation packages starting at $995.

Where Is Aquamation Legal in the U.S.?

Aquamation is legal in more than half of U.S. states, according to attorneys at NOLO, but few providers offer it because the equipment is costly and limited.

What Do Aquamation Ashes Look Like?

Aquamation ashes look lighter and finer than cremation ashes. They are usually white in color with a smooth texture, compared to the darker, coarser ashes from flame cremation.

Is Aquamation More Environmentally Friendly than Cremation?

Yes, aquamation is more environmentally friendly than cremation. The process uses less energy and produces no direct carbon emissions or smoke.

Do Both Methods Return Remains to the Family?

Both aquamation and cremation return remains to the family. The remains consist of the same basic material, which is calcium phosphate. Families can keep the remains, scatter them, or bury them the same way they do for flame cremation.

Which Option Is Best for Families on a Budget?

Cremation is the best option for families on a budget. It is easily available, faster to arrange, and more affordable, especially with After’s direct cremation packages starting at $995.