HUUM vs Harvia: Which Brand Makes the Better Sauna Heater?

If you're shopping for a sauna heater and you're stuck between HUUM and Harvia, you're not alone. These two Nordic giants dominate the home sauna world—especially in the U.S. But which one’s better?

Let’s break it down.

HUUM vs Harvia – Quick Overview

HUUM: Sleek, modern design with large stone capacity and smart controls. Great for lovers of steam and aesthetics.

Harvia: Tried-and-true reliability, fast heating, simpler controls, and lots of models to fit all budgets.

Now, let’s unpack the details.

Brand Background & History

HUUM: Estonia’s Stylish Innovator

HUUM is relatively new but has shaken up the sauna world. Think smooth curves, award-winning design, and a focus on that soft, luxurious steam (or löyly, if you’re feeling Finnish). Their heaters are crafted with open baskets that show off lots of sauna stones. They also emphasize eco-conscious materials and app-based control systems.

Harvia: Finland’s Sauna Powerhouse

Harvia’s been around since the 1950s. They’re basically a household name in the sauna world. You’ll find Harvia heaters in gyms, day spas, cabins—and increasingly, home saunas. The company makes everything from compact wall units to massive wood-burning stoves. Their reputation is built on reliability, performance, and value.

Design and Aesthetics

HUUM

HUUM heaters are, simply put, beautiful. The HUUM Drop looks like a water droplet mounted to the wall. The HUUM Hive is a tall basket of stones that becomes a centerpiece. If your sauna doubles as a sanctuary, HUUM’s design will make you smile every time you step in.

Harvia

Harvia heaters go for function over flair. Models like the Harvia KIP or Harvia Cilindro look simple, clean, and traditional. That’s not a bad thing. For many sauna lovers, these heaters feel familiar. And Harvia’s newer models (like the Harvia Spirit) add some modern touches without losing that classic feel.

Bottom line:

• Choose HUUM if you want your heater to be part of the aesthetic.
• Choose Harvia if you want a clean, reliable look that blends in.

Steam and Heat Performance

Heat-Up Time

Harvia generally heats up faster. If you want to jump in within 30–40 minutes, Harvia’s your friend. HUUM can take longer to heat up because of the massive number of stones.

Steam Quality (Löyly)

This is where HUUM shines. All those stones create gentle, long-lasting steam. You can ladle water generously without sudden steam shocks. Harvia still delivers solid steam, but it's usually sharper and more immediate.

Temperature Range

HUUM heaters can reach up to 230°F. Harvia typically caps around 194°F due to U.S. UL safety standards. Both get plenty hot for home use.

Electric vs. Wood-Burning

HUUM Electric

Electric HUUM heater models like the HUUM Drop and HUUM Hive are smart, stylish, and available in a range of sizes. Pair them with HUUM's UKU controller for app-based heating (more on that soon).

Harvia Electric

From the classic Harvia KIP to the vertical rock tower Harvia Cilindro, these heaters are fast, efficient, and built to last. Great for home installations and easy to wire for U.S. 240V systems. See them all in our Harvia Sauna Heater collection.

HUUM Wood-Burning

The HUUM Hive Wood brings the same open-stone design to traditional stoves. It’s a great pick if you’re building an off-grid sauna or love the traditional feeling and sound of a crackling fire. If you need smaller models the HUUM Hive Flow and Flow Mini are your go to wood burning sauna heaters from HUUM. It is also worth mentioning that HUUM offers more control in terms of chimney kits with a total of 4 chimney kits to choose from.

HUUM Thru-Flat or Curved Roof Sauna Chimney Kit Designed for HUUM heaters installed in barrel saunas or those with curved or flat roofs, this kit ensures safe and efficient smoke ventilation while preserving the sauna’s aesthetic and integrity.

HUUM Thru-Wall Backside Connection Chimney Kit Ideal for installations where the flue pipe exits the back of the stove and runs directly out the rear wall. A streamlined solution that maintains the clean design of your sauna space.

HUUM Thru-Wall Chimney Kit For traditional thru-wall installations, this kit includes everything needed to safely vent smoke horizontally through the wall. It’s compatible with most HUUM heater models.

HUUM Thru-Angled Ceiling Chimney Kit Perfect for pitched or angled ceilings, this kit enables safe vertical smoke exhaust through the roof. Designed to work with a roof angle between 20-35 degrees.

Harvia Wood-Burning

Harvia has a deep lineup here—from the compact Harvia M3 to the large Harvia Legend. Their stoves are reliable, efficient, and easy to maintain. Just as for HUUM, most heaters have glass doors so you can watch the fire glow.

Controls and Smart Features

HUUM

HUUM’s UKU controller allows app-based control from your phone. You can preheat your sauna from the kitchen—or from work. Super convenient.

But be aware: there’s a learning curve. App setup, Wi-Fi pairing, and proper sensor placement take time. Once it’s running, though, it’s slick.

HUUM Mirror Control This sleek and modern control panel offers intuitive and stylish operation for your HUUM sauna. The mirror-like surface blends seamlessly with any aesthetic while providing smart functionality.

HUUM Mobile App Control your sauna from anywhere using the HUUM mobile app. Schedule heating, monitor temperature, and customize your experience with just a few taps from your phone.

Harvia

Harvia heaters come with either easy to use built-in knobs or digital control panels, depending on the model. And now, with their latest update, their digital controls also support Wi-Fi compatablity through the MyHarvia app. That means you can start your sauna remotely—just like with HUUM.

HUUM Embedded Digital Display This integrated control solution features a streamlined digital display, blending seamlessly into your sauna’s design while giving you effortless access to temperature and session settings right from the wall.

Harvia Xenio WiFi Remote Control Experience ultimate convenience with the Harvia Xenio WiFi control panel. Remotely manage your sauna’s temperature, lighting, and timer settings from your smart device, offering both modern control and reliable performance.

This upgrade brings Harvia into the smart home era while keeping its reputation for ease of use.

HUUM still leads when it comes to sleek design and tech-forward features.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation

Harvia: Generally considered easier to install, especially for electric models. Many Harvia heaters are lightweight and come with straightforward wall-mounting brackets or floor stands. Models with built-in controls require minimal wiring beyond a standard 240V connection. Newer Wi-Fi-compatible models will need additional wiring for the digital control unit and possibly a temperature sensor, but overall, Harvia installations are known to be user-friendly—especially for professional electricians familiar with UL-listed systems in the U.S.

HUUM: Requires a bit more planning. HUUM heaters—especially the Hive and Drop series—are heavier due to their high stone capacity and need sturdy wall or floor mounting. They also require specific safety clearances due to their open-basket design. Installation often involves connecting a separate UKU control unit, door sensor, and in some cases, a Wi-Fi module. 

For warranty compliance and safety reasons, professional installation is strongly recommended for both heaters brands.

Maintenance

Both brands are low-maintenance.

• You’ll need to re-stack or replace sauna stones annually.
• HUUM’s open design makes cleaning easier but takes more time due to sheer volume.
• Harvia has fewer stones—quicker maintenance overall.

Reliability and Safety

Harvia

Known for decades of reliability. Their heaters are UL listed for U.S. safety compliance. Long lifespan. Solid build. Easy to find replacement parts if needed.

HUUM

Earlier models had some heating element issues, but the company has since improved its design and certification process. New units come with SGS-certified components to meet U.S. safety standards.

So make sure you buy the latest model—and work with a trusted retailer.

Price and Value

HUUM

• Higher price point.
• Premium design, premium materials.
• Worth it if you want design, soft steam, and smart tech.

Harvia

• Budget-friendly options.
• Excellent value across all price tiers.
• Great if you want simple, reliable performance.

Want to compare models? Check out our Electric Sauna Heater collection.

Customer Feedback

HUUM owners love the look and steam quality. Some mention the app is tricky to set up. A few experienced early issues with heating elements, but recent improvements seem to have solved that. At Topture, we've been selling HUUM heaters for years and haven’t received a single complaint.

Harvia owners consistently report reliable performance. Most say their heater “just works” and continues to do so for years.

Expert Insight

Sauna pros often recommend Harvia for beginners or anyone who wants long-term reliability. HUUM appeals to design-forward buyers who want a sauna that feels like a spa.

One Redditor summed it up: “Harvia is the Toyota of sauna heaters—no surprises, just works. HUUM is the Tesla—gorgeous, innovative, but you’ve got to be a little more hands-on.”

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on what you value most.

Choose HUUM if you:

• Want your sauna to be a visual centerpiece.
• Love soft, long-lasting steam.
• Looking for higher heat capability
• Want app control and smart features.
• Don’t mind a little extra setup.

Choose Harvia if you:

• Want proven reliability.
• Prefer fast heat-up time.
• Want an easy install and no-fuss controls.
• Are looking for great value at every price point.

Both brands are excellent. It’s not about which is “better”—it’s about which is better for you.

Need help deciding? Browse your options:

• HUUM Sauna Heaters
• Harvia Sauna Heaters
• Electric Sauna Heaters
• Wood Burning Sauna Heaters

And if you still have questions, we’re here to help you choose the perfect heater for your dream sauna.