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Setting up your very own sauna? Great! The centerpiece will be your heater. Two brands immediately spring to mind: Huum and Harvia.
These two are the go-to heaters when it comes to saunas.
In this Huum vs Harvia sauna heater review, we’re comparing two well-known products: Huum Drop and Harvia Spirit.
We’ll cover several aspects that can help you choose the best option, from design aesthetics to performance and pricing. So read on and we’re sure you’ll have a clear choice by the end of this post!
Key Takeaways
- Huum and Harvia are two high-quality brands that are favorites among sauna enthusiasts.
- Both designs are wall-mounted heaters, suitable for medium-sized personal sauna rooms
- Huum Drop has a more modern and sleek design, while Harvia Spirit is traditional and robust
- Huum Drop has more power range options with 4 product variants, while Harvia Spirit has 2
- Huum Drop has bigger stone capacity and creates more uniform steam with even heat distribution
- Harvia Spirit has a faster heat-up time, making it more energy efficient
- Huum has more extensive control features, while Harvia is simpler and more user-friendly
- Huum Drop has a more expensive price tag, while Harvia Spirit is a budget-friendly option
Both brands are low maintenance, but Huum Drop’s sleek and modern models allow easier access to clean.
At Sauna Heater Supply, we carry one of the largest collections of Huum sauna heater. shop our collection for your sauna build.
Aspects | Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
Design | Sleeker and modern | Traditional and robust |
Heating Capacity and Performance | 4 product variants (4.5 kW, 6 kW, 7.5 kW, and 9 kW) Bigger stone capacity and uniform steam | 2 product variants (6 kW and 8 kW) Less stone capacity and more intense steam |
Energy Efficiency | Need more time to heat up | Quicker heat up, more energy efficient |
Control Features | Extensive | Simpler, user-friendly |
Price | More expensive | Budget-friendly |
Maintenance | Easier to clean, low maintenance | Needs more effort to clean, low maintenance |
Huum vs. Harvia Sauna Heaters: Comparing the Two Brands?
Huum DROP Series Electric Sauna Heater - 9kW
$1,618.00
$2,022.50
The DROP electric sauna heater from HUUM is inspired by the purest element in nature – a drop of water. Its handsome and artistic rounded design compliments and softens the angular interior of a classic sauna, creating a more elegant… read more
Two of the most popular sauna heater brands are Huum and Harvia, companies with some of the biggest market shares that can easily dictate industry trends. Both are known for their high-quality heaters, but each offers a different sauna experience.
Huum provides high-tech convenience for those who seek a modern sauna experience, while Harvia focuses on traditional simplicity.
In this post, we’ll compare two different products, Huum’s Drop and Harvia’s Spirit lines. The two lines have similar designs and are used for medium-sized personal saunas.
Both are wall-mounted heaters, making them compact and space-saving. They also feature exposed stones, creating an enjoyable steam sauna experience.
Although they have similarities, there are subtle differences between the two heaters that may affect your choice. Let’s get to know them better in this Huum vs Harvia comparison and see which one will be better for you.
Design and Aesthetics
$3,010.00
Harvia Spirit Series 8kW Sauna Heater, 240V/1PH The elegantly curved shape of the Harvia 8kW Spirit SP80E sauna heater has a natural, organic design which is highlighted by the rounded sauna stones. This wall-mounted heater has a modern look and… read moreHarvia Spirit SP80E Electric Sauna Heater
One of the most obvious differences between Huum Drop and Harvia Spirit is their design and aesthetics. Here’s a summary of Huum vs Harvia heaters in terms of design and aesthetics:
Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
Modern and sleek design Winner of the Red Dot design award | Traditional, robust, and simple |
Huum Drop has a minimalist, nature-inspired design that resembles a sculpture and can serve as an additional visual interest. The Drop model, which is inspired by the shape of a drop of water, presents a very simple design. The heater also won the Red Dot award for its minimalist construction, which gives you a clear view of the organically shaped stones.
On the other hand, Harvia Spirit focuses more on functionality and simplicity. It has a similar shape to Huum Drop, with exposed rocks and a wall-mounted design. The difference is that the Spirit has a thick band, which blocks some parts of your heater. Both heaters look simple and organic, but Huum Drop has a sleeker design.
Heating Capacity and Performance
In terms of their heating capacity and performance, each brand has its strengths. Here’s a summary of Huum vs Harvia's heating capacity and performance:
Factors | Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
Power Range | 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 7.5 kW, 9 kW | 6 kW, 8 kW |
Room Size Compatibility | Compatible for 106 cu ft up to 530 cu ft rooms | Compatible for 177 cu ft up to 431 cu ft |
Heating Efficiency | Needs more time to heat up | Heats the room quickly |
Stone Capacity | 122 lb stones | 110 lb stones |
Heating Distribution | Generates softer, consistent heat | More intense steam, less steam distribution |
The Huum Drop line has more power range to choose from, ranging from 4.5 kW to 9 kW. This makes their room size compatibility more versatile as well, covering sauna rooms with 106 cu ft to 530 cu ft volumes.
Harvia Spirit is ahead when it comes to heating efficiency, with a much faster heat-up time compared to Huum Drop, benefiting those who want a quicker session.
Huum Drop has a bigger stone capacity, which also helps to create softer, more consistent steam and heat. Their open design means the stones are completely exposed, leading to an even distribution of steam.
Harvia Spirit has less stone capacity and is designed with a thick band in front of their heater instead of being fully exposed. The heater creates more intense steam, but it’s less evenly distributed compared to The Huum Drop.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency can determine your operational costs and prolong your heater’s lifetime. Here’s a summary of Huum Drop vs Harvia Spirit in terms of energy efficiency:
Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
Energy-saving features such as smart control and airflow | Compact design and advanced heating elements mean less heat loss |
Huum heaters have high energy efficiency thanks to their system that can run at lower temperatures but still deliver high-quality steam and uniform heat distribution. Their model also incorporates airflow with integrated air tunnels. Huum also provides smart controls that can reduce energy consumption and boost efficiency.
Harvia has a much more compact design, which makes their heaters more energy efficient and reduces heat loss. Moreover, Harvia’s advanced heating elements ensure quicker heating inside your sauna room, which ultimately saves you energy in the long term.
Control Features
Huum Sauna Control Features
Both brands have their own control features that you can use to easily regulate your heaters, but here’s an easy recap that compares both brands:
Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
UKU Control System Extensive smart control features that support connection with Wi-Fi and 4G networks | Xenio Control System Simple and user-friendly interface |
In terms of control features, Humm has more advanced options. You can operate your Huum heater with their UKU control system that supports connections with Wi-Fi and 4G networks. It allows you to select and monitor duration, temperature, lighting, door sensor, and ventilation remotely or using the mounted controls. It also features a child safety lock and a smart heating setting.
Harvia has much simpler control features that are user-friendly for sauna enthusiasts. The brand is compatible with the Xenio control system, making it Wi-Fi-ready and mobile-accessible. You’ll be able to control its temperature, duration, lighting, and door sensor via the MyHarvia app remotely.
Price Comparison
Budget and price can be the most important factor when choosing a heater. Here’s a recap of the comparison between Huum and Harvia’s pricing:
Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
US$ 2,605 - US$ 3011.25 | US$ 1,685 - US$ 1,743.75 |
Huum Drop heaters are more expensive because they tend to focus on luxurious modern designs and state-of-the-art smart features. Their 4.5 kW, 6 kW, 7.5 kW, and 9 kW heaters are priced at US$ 2,605, US$ 2,772.50, US$ 2,935, and US$ 3011.25, respectively.
If you’re someone who has a limited budget, Harvia Spirit is the way to go. The brand offers much more budget-friendly options; their 6 kW and 8 kW heaters are priced at US$ 1,685 and US$ 1,743.75, respectively.
Durability and Maintenance
Both brands are durable, using high-quality materials that can withstand the intense heat required in saunas. Here’s a summary of Huum Drop vs Harvia Spirit durability and maintenance level requirements.
Huum Drop | Harvia Spirit |
Durable and sleek design, easy maintenance | Durable and more robust traditional design may require more effort when cleaning |
Huum Drop has a stainless steel design that ensures durability, and its sleek, open models make cleaning simple and less of a hassle. Harvia Spirit has a more robust design with a thick band on its heater. Their traditional construction might need more effort cleaning than Huum, but they’re still relatively low maintenance.
Regardless of the brand you’re choosing, there are still several general maintenance steps you need to follow to ensure your sauna heater lasts. Here’s an easy guideline you can follow:
- Clean and restack your sauna stones: You need to restack your sauna stones every year because their shape can change or flatten and affect air circulation. Get rid of any debris or dirt from your stones using a brush and water to enhance your steam experience.
- Check and replace your stones: While cleaning, check your sauna stones in case you need to replace them. If they crumble when you tap them or have a yellow tint, it might be time to replace them with new ones.
- Inspect your heater thoroughly. Check every part of your heater annually; you might encounter holes or defective parts you need to change. If you do find damage, you can contact the manufacturer to see if they have any spare parts available.
- Check wiring: Check the wiring of your heater annually. After using it for a whole year, wiring can degrade or some connections can become loose. You should also monitor any abnormal components from overheating that can lead to electrical fires.
- Clean your heater thoroughly. Some components may have dirt buildup, so use a mild soap and water to clean them. After that, gently dry it with a soft cloth to get rid of moisture.
Aside from the annual check, you may also inspect your heaters when they’re not performing as well as they should. Please remember that major issues might require professional technicians. Some of these include worn-out electrical wires, damaged elements, cracks in the heater’s body, or control unit malfunctions.
Huum vs. Harvia: Which Heater Is Right for You?
So, which heater is right for you? It all depends on your personal preference and budget. We recommend Huum Drop for users who are looking for advanced technology, even steam distribution, and a heater that can serve as visual aesthetics.
Harvia Spirit is a better choice for those who value fast heat-up times, reliability, traditional designs, and a budget-friendly option.
If you’re ready to make your pick, check out our collection of huum and harvia sauna heaters at Sauna Heater Supply with great savings offers that you can’t refuse. We also have the fastest shipping in the industry, so you can start enjoying your sauna journey ASAP!
