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HUUM vs Harvia: Which Brand Makes the Better Sauna Heater?
So, you’ve narrowed it down to the two heavyweights of the sauna world: HUUM and Harvia. You're in the right place. Choosing between them is a classic dilemma for sauna shoppers, and for good reason—both brands make fantastic heaters. But they offer very different experiences.
Think of it like choosing a car. Do you want the time-tested, ultra-reliable workhorse that will run forever? Or do you want the stunning, design-forward innovator with all the latest tech?
In this guide, we'll break down the key differences in design, performance, features, and value to help you decide which of these Nordic giants is the perfect fit for your dream sauna.
Table of Contents
HUUM vs. Harvia: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | HUUM | Harvia |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Design lovers, steam enthusiasts | Reliability, fast heat-up, value |
| Vibe | The Modern Artist | The Finnish Workhorse |
| Key Feature | Massive stone capacity for superior steam | Decades of proven, durable performance |
| Price | Premium | Wide range, great value options |
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). 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 the 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.
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.
"I was torn, but I realized I valued the steam experience over a fast heat-up time. I went with a HUUM and have zero regrets. The soft steam is incredible, and it looks like a piece of art in our sauna."
- David L., Verified Buyer
Product Lines: 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 a HUUM's UKU controller for app-based heating.
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 of a crackling fire. For 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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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, with glass doors so you can watch the fire glow.
Controls and Smart Features
HUUM’s UKU controller allows app-based control from your phone. You can preheat your sauna from the kitchen—or from work. Super convenient.
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HUUM Mirror ControlThis sleek and modern control panel offers intuitive and stylish operation for your HUUM sauna. |
Harvia heaters come with either built-in knobs or digital control panels. With their latest update, their digital Xenio controls also support Wi-Fi compatibility through the MyHarvia app, allowing you to start your sauna remotely.
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Harvia Xenio WiFi Remote ControlExperience ultimate convenience with the Harvia Xenio WiFi control panel. Remotely manage your sauna’s temperature and timer settings from your smart device. |
Installation, Maintenance & Price
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 brands.
Maintenance
Both brands are low-maintenance. You’ll need to re-stack or replace sauna stones annually. Harvia has fewer stones, making maintenance quicker.
Price and Value
HUUM is a premium product with a higher price point. Harvia offers excellent value across all price tiers, with many budget-friendly options.
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.
- Want app control and smart features.
Choose Harvia if you:
- Want proven reliability and a long lifespan.
- Prefer fast heat-up time.
- Are looking for great value at every price point.
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.”
Ready to make your choice?
