Hello sauna lovers, let's talk about the heart of your sweat sanctuary, the sauna heaters! These bad boys are the unsung heroes that turn your ordinary room into a sizzling oasis of relaxation.
So, what's the deal with these magical sweatmakers? Well, heaters are genius devices that crank up the temperature in your sauna to a toasty 150°F to 200°F (65°C to 90°C). These heat machines create the perfect environment to detox, relax, and get the feel of a tropical vacation experience minus the overpriced cocktails.
Whether you are a seasoned sauna veteran or a newbie looking to create your heat-filled sanctuary, choosing the right heater is key to achieving that perfect sweat session. So grab a towel as we dive into the world of sauna heaters, focusing on the two biggest names in the game: HUUM and Harvia.
HUUM vs. Harvia
Let's talk about the two sauna superstars. HUUM, the European sensation, and Harvia, the Finnish favorite, both bring their A-game to the sauna scene. But what sets them apart? Let's find out.
HUUM: The Aesthetic Powerhouse
HUUM is like that cool, minimalist friend who always looks effortlessly chic. Originating from the sauna-loving land of Estonia, HUUM's philosophy is all about blending tradition with modern design. If you are all about an Instagram-worthy sauna lifestyle, HUUM might just be your new best friend. Their heaters are so sleek you might mistake them for modern art installations. Below is what makes HUUM stand out:
- Design to Die For: HUUM heaters are nature-inspired works of art. They are not just heaters, they are conversation starters. With their open structure and large stone baskets, they will have your guests saying, “Is that a heater or a sculpture?”
- Smart Controls: HUUM is all about that smart life. Their mobile app lets you control your sauna from your phone. Imagine turning on your sauna while you're stuck in traffic - by the time you get home, it's ready for you to melt away the day's stress.
- Massive Stone Capacity: HUUM heaters are known for their large stone capacity. This means a softer, longer-lasting steam that will make you feel like you’re being hugged by a warm fluffy cloud.
HUUM Models
Some of the most popular HUUM models include:
- Drop: This electric heater is so sleek and curvy and will make your sauna look like a million bucks. Perfect for small spaces where every inch counts!
- Hive: This is an electric heater that will make your gym or spa buzz with delight. It holds a whooping 250kg of sauna rocks. That's enough to keep your steam dream alive for hours!
- Steel: Feeling fancy? The steel heater is here to turn your home sauna into a steamy palace. It's sleek and chic and fits into tight spaces as smoothly as a hot knife through butter.
Harvia: The Reliable Workhorse
Now let's talk about Harvia. It is the wise old sage of the sauna world, hailing from Finland (aka Sauna Paradise). These folks have been in the game since 1950, and they know their stuff. They are like that friend who always shows up on time and brings snacks. Here's why Harvia might be your perfect match:
- Wide range of Options: Harvia offers a variety of options. Electric, wood burning, compact, huge - you name it, they have got it all. It's like a sauna heater buffet!
- Fast Heat-Up Times: If you are the impatient type (no judgment here), Harvia has your back. Their heaters heat up faster than you can say “Finnish sauna”.
- Durable Construction: Harvia heaters are like that reliable old car that never lets you down. They are built to last and perform consistently.
- Budget Friendly: Not everyone can drop a fortune on a sauna heater. Harvia offers options for every budget, from “I just won the lottery” to “I just got my first job.”
Harvia Models
Some of the most popular Harvia models are:
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The Wall: This heater is as cool as its name suggests! It's compact, mighty, and oh-so Scandinavian. It's also user-friendly and heats up a bit faster than the KIP. Who knew minimalism could be so hot?
- KIP: Coming equipped with or without WiFi, this version of the wall heater packs a punch and has everything you’d need to keep your hot box nice and toasty. A go-to sort of heater!
- Virta: This heater is built like a tank but looks like a supermodel! It's perfect for those who treat sweating like an Olympic sport. It's also easy to maintain!
- Legend Wood Burning Stove: This bad boy will make you feel like Thor himself is blessing your sauna. It's raw natural power wrapped in an eye-catching package. Perfect for those who want to feel like a sauna …. well, legend.
Which One is Right for You? HUUM or Harvia
Having introduced our contenders, let's break down the key factors to consider when choosing between HUUM and Harvia:
- Aesthetics (Are you a Sauna Fashionista?) :
If you want your sauna to look like it belongs in an architecture magazine, HUUM is your go-to. Their heaters are so pretty that you might be tempted to take them out to dinner. Take a look at how a Huum looks in a sauna!
On the other hand, Harvia focuses more on function than fashion. They're like the comfortable sweatpants of sauna heaters - not the prettiest, but so reliable.
The time a heater takes to reach your desired temperature depends primarily on the kW. For example, a 6 kW heater will take longer to heat compared to an 8 kW.
If you opt for a WiFi version of a heater, you can start the heating process on your way home from work so your sauna is already piping hot by the time you get home! Both Harvia and HUUm have WiFi options available.
If you are the type who has a smart everything (fridge, toaster, wristwatch, toilet), HUUM will fit right into your high-tech lifestyle. Control your sauna with your phone using the UKU app and feel like you are living in the future.
Harvia likes to keep it old school. Though some models offer remote control options, they are not as tech-centric as HUUM.
HUUM’s large stone capacity means you get a softer more luxurious steam. It's like being wrapped in a warm misty hug.
Harvia tends to produce more intense heat and steam. If you like your sauna sessions hot and fast, Harvia is your best bet.
HUUM heaters are generally pricier, but remember - you are paying for both performance and style. Think of it as an investment in your sauna’s future.
Harvia offers a wider range of prices, including some budget-friendly options. Some saunas come including a Harvia heater! It's the perfect choice if you want a quality heater without breaking the bank.
Both Harvia and HUUM both have a variety of options when it comes to size and kilowatts, so it really just depends on how fast you want your sauna to heat up. Certain models may be overkill, and some may be underkill, it really just depends!
Conclusion
Finally, choosing between HUUM and Harvia heaters comes down to your personal preference, budget, and sauna setup. Here's a quick cheat sheet to make the choice easier.
Choose HUUM if you want a stunning modern design, love smart home technology, prefer soft, consistent steam, and are willing to invest in a premium product.
Go for Harvia if you want fast heating and intense steam, have a tighter budget, need a compact heater for a small space, prefer tried and true technology, and want a variety of options to choose from.
Remember, whether you choose HUUM or Harvia, you are getting a quality heater that will turn your sauna into a slice of paradise. So take your time, consider your needs, and soon you'll be sweating in style.
And hey, if you are still feeling overwhelmed, don't sweat it. At Salus Saunas, we are here to help you navigate the world of saunas. We have the expertise to guide you to your perfect match. Reach out to us and let's get your sauna journey started!