How is the HUUM HIVE Flow Mini installed?
The HIVE Flow Mini stands on a non-combustible floor strong enough to carry it and its 231 lb of stones; HUUM names a concrete floor at least 2" (50 mm) thick as suitable. On wood or another combustible floor, HUUM's manual makes a non-combustible base mandatory, such as HUUM's Protective Bed S, with a ventilation gap of at least 1 3/16" (30 mm) under it, and it is also recommended over underfloor heating pipes. A sheet-metal plate must cover the combustible floor in front of the stove, reaching at least 4" (100 mm) past each side of the door opening and 15 3/4" (400 mm) forward, with the edge nearest the stove bent up so coals cannot slide under it.
HUUM HIVE Flow Mini safety distances
Keep at least these distances from the HIVE Flow Mini to walls, benches and anything that can burn. The letters match HUUM's drawing.

HUUM HIVE Flow Mini minimum distances to combustible material (HIVE Flow manual v5, Table 1)
| A: sides and back |
6" (150 mm) |
| B: in front of the door |
20" (500 mm) |
| C: total side-to-side span (A + stove + A) |
30" (750 mm) |
| Above the stove |
40" (1,000 mm) |
| To a non-combustible wall |
2" (50 mm) |
A non-combustible protective screen cuts the side distances by 50% (single screen) or up to 75% (double screen), and the distance to the ceiling by 25% (single screen only); the distance is still measured to the combustible surface. HUUM asks you to check local safety rules before reducing any distance. The sauna room must be at least 75" tall; HUUM recommends 79–91", with 44–51" from the top bench to the ceiling.
Connecting the HIVE Flow Mini to a chimney
Only a certified installation expert may connect the HIVE Flow Mini to the chimney. HUUM's manual calls for a chimney of temperature class T450 with a cross-section of at least 16 sq in (10,400 mm²), joined to the stove's 4.5" (114 mm) chimney leg at the top or the back. For a back connection the bolted chimney leg and its cover plate swap places, and two ribs of the stone grate are cut and fixed with the two metal fixing plates in the box. Seal the joints with heat-resistant rope or stone wool. Because the flue gas stays below 752°F (400°C), HUUM allows the stove to share an existing flue that already serves a fireplace, if your local authority and fire department agree.
HUUM chimney kits for the HIVE Flow (HUUM HIVE Flow manual, Appendix 5)
|
Connects at |
Route out of the sauna |
| Thru-Wall |
Top |
Rises from the top of the stove, turns 90° through the wall and runs up the outside of the building |
| Thru-Flat or Curved Ceiling |
Top |
Goes straight up through a flat or curved (barrel) ceiling and roof |
| Thru-Angled Ceiling |
Top |
Goes up through the ceiling and out through a roof pitched 0–20° |
| Thru-Wall Backside Connection |
Back |
Leaves the back of the stove straight through the wall, then runs up the outside of the building |
HUUM's manual asks for fresh supply air directed as close to the HIVE Flow Mini as possible, and warns that forced (mechanical) ventilation can starve the fire of combustion air, so check the ventilation design before the first sauna. It also advises checking local fire safety rules before installing a wood-burning stove.
Before the first fire: HUUM's outdoor burn-in
HUUM's manual requires the HIVE Flow Mini to be fired outdoors at least once before it is installed, because the protective paint on the stove body gives off unpleasant fumes while it cures. Remove the stone grate, lay no stones, fit the ash grate, ash drawer and cleaning hatches, and burn one or two loads of firewood in a sheltered, well-ventilated spot with the door slightly open, never closed, until no smoke or steam comes off the surface. Do not throw water on the stove. A length of flue pipe on the chimney leg improves the draft.
Lighting the HIVE Flow Mini and adding wood
Burn firewood only, hardwood or softwood at 10–15% moisture, in logs no longer than 12" (30 cm), weighing 0.8–1.5 lb each. Lay thin wood at the bottom, the thickest in the middle and kindling on top, then light it from the top. Keep the ash drawer open (its limiter allows 1/8") for no more than 15 minutes, then close it for the rest of the heating. Add wood only once the previous load has burned down to glowing coals, filling the firebox to no more than two thirds of its height. HUUM's maximum loads for the HIVE Flow Mini are 8 lb (3.8 kg) to start, then 4 lb (1.8 kg) and 3 lb (1.4 kg), and no more than 8 lb (3.5 kg) per hour. If the stove surface glows red it is overheating: close the air valve under the door at once.
Stones, steam and yearly care
Wash the 231 lb of stones, check that the cleaning hatches are in place, then lay the stones evenly, layer by layer, level with the top of the grate, without forcing any between the grate and the stove body. Make steam only once the stones are fully hot: about 1/3 cup (80 ml) of water at a time, never salt or chlorinated water. HUUM says the stones keep giving steam for more than 30 minutes after the fire is out. Have a chimney sweep clean the chimney, the flue connections and the stove's own flues at least once a year, check the stones yearly, and expect to renew them about every two years. Check the door seal each time you clean the glass, and never heat the stove with cracked glass.