HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater Review: Features, Benefits, and Performance

Key Takeaways

• The HUUM Hive Sauna Heater combines modern design with state-of-the-art technology, making it ideal for home and commercial saunas.

• Its round, beehive-inspired stainless steel construction offers durability, aesthetic appeal, and efficient heat distribution.

• A large stone capacity of up to 550 lbs provides soft, consistent heat and long-lasting steam for an authentic sauna experience.

• Energy-efficient technology reduces electricity consumption, while quick heating times improve operational convenience.

• Integrating with the HUUM UKU control system allows remote temperature and schedule management via a smartphone app.

• Available in multiple power options (12 kW, 15 kW, 18 kW). 

The HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater is one of the most sought-after models for most sauna enthusiasts—and for good reason. This heater captures the essence of traditional Nordic saunas while catering to the expectations of today’s users. This detailed review discusses everything you need to know about the HUUM Hive, including its key features, installation requirements, and real-world performance.

Introduction to the HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater

The HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater is HUUM’s flagship model. Designed by HUUM founder Siim Nellis, the heater was created to bring modern aesthetics to traditional sauna culture without sacrificing authenticity. 

What makes the Hive stand out is its massive stone capacity. This heater can take up to 250kg of stones to produce soft, consistent steam and maintain stable temperatures for extended sessions. Its cylindrical, open-basket design improves airflow and adds aesthetic appeal to your sauna. 

What Sets the HUUM Hive Apart from Other Heaters?

The HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater stands out with its innovative design, large stone capacity, and efficient heating. Here’s how: 

1. Design and Construction

The HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater features a round, beehive-inspired design that turns your sauna into a visually appealing retreat center. See how it looks: 

The Hive is constructed from high-quality stainless steel to withstand extreme heat and moisture while maintaining its sleek appearance over time. Whether installed in a luxury home sauna or a commercial wellness space, the Hive adds a modern Nordic touch that blends tradition with contemporary design.

2. Heating Capacity and Performance

You’ll find the HUUM Hive in multiple power ratings and sauna room sizes. These include 6 kW, 9 kW, 10.5 kW, 12 kW, 15 kW, and 18 kW. It also supports room sizes ranging from 106 cubic feet to 1,230 cubic feet. 

For example, the 12 kW model works efficiently in spaces from 424 to 883 cubic feet, while the 15 kW model covers 530 to 1,060 cubic feet. These variations allow you to choose the best model based on your specific sauna’'s dimensions and heating needs.

Also, the HUUM hive can hold up to 550 pounds of stones, delivering consistent, gentle heat and long-lasting steam. This improves thermal efficiency and makes it suitable for accommodating groups or longer sauna sessions.

3. Energy Efficiency

The HUUM Hive is also energy-efficient. It achieves this by radiating heat from the sauna stones instead of the steel surface. This produces gentle, long-lasting steam for an authentic sauna experience. 

Also, HUUM Hive uses an advanced heating technology (the UKU control system) that shortens heat-up time by adjusting the sauna’'s temperature and humidity level. This precision control makes creating the perfect sauna environment easy while ensuring only the necessary amount of energy is used.

3. Controllability

Like other HUUM electric sauna heaters, the Hive model is compatible with the external HUUM UKU control system. For context, the HUUM UKU system is a smart sauna control system that allows you to remotely control the major aspects of your sauna (heating, power, etc.) via a mobile app or wall-mounted control panel. 

With this tool, you can set heating times, monitor the temperature, turn the sauna on/off, and receive notifications in real-time from anywhere. This remote capability provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to preheat your sauna and maintain ideal conditions from virtually anywhere.

4. Installation Flexibility

The HUUM Hive is designed as a freestanding, floor-mounted heater. This means you can place it anywhere within the sauna room. You can even make it the focal point of your sauna, like this: 

 

Also, its compact, circular build integrates seamlessly into any sauna layout without occupying excessive space.

5. User-Friendly Operation

Thanks to its large stone-holding capacity, the HUUM hive ensures steady and even heat distribution throughout the sauna. The air tunnel integrated into its design expedites the heating process and extends the lifespan of the heating elements. All these features combined give you an enjoyable sauna experience.  

Performance and Efficiency

The HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater is renowned for its advanced performance features and impressive efficiency. Let’s see how: 

How Quickly Does the HUUM Hive Heat Up?

For a properly sized room, the HUUM Hive takes approximately one hour to reach 80ºC. However, this depends on the sauna insulation and wattage of the heater. 

The HUUM Hive heater ensures quick and efficient heating due to its large stone capacity. It can hold up to 528 pounds (240 kg) of Olivine diabase stones, which effectively retain and radiate heat. This creates consistent warmth and soft steam for extended periods.

The beehive-inspired design also ensures heat distribution from all sides, reducing energy consumption while maintaining thermal efficiency.

However, the heating speed also depends on the model and size of the room. In smaller sauna rooms, such as those within the 530–813 cubic feet range, the HIVE 15 kW model heats up relatively fast. 

The HIVE 18 kW might take longer to heat up for larger areas of up to 1,230 cubic feet. So, it’'s important to balance your heater with your sauna room’'s size. 

In addition, the UKU control system allows you to preset heating times, ensuring the sauna reaches your desired temperature exactly when you need it. Rapid heating and precise control combine to ensure a reliable and efficient experience for home and commercial users.

Installation and Setup

A proper setup supports both the efficiency and durability of your HUUM HIVE Electric Sauna Heater. In this section, we’ll cover pre-installation, installation, and post-installation tasks. 

I. Required Checkups Before Installation (pre-installation: 

• Inspect the installation site and ensure the floor can support the heater’'s weight, including the maximum stone capacity of up to 528 pounds. 
• Confirm room dimensions comply with the model’'s specifications. For instance, the 15 kW version suits saunas between 530 and 813 cubic feet.
• Verify electrical compatibility with the heater’'s 240V/1PH operation. In commercial environments, using 208V accounts for a 25% power reduction. 
• Check that wiring and circuit breakers align with manufacturer-recommended specifications. 
• For the HIVE 15, plan for 8 AWG wire and dual 50 A breakers.

ii. Installation Process

• Position the heater centrally or according to the sauna’s layout. The freestanding design and adjustable legs allow placement on uneven surfaces. 
• Attach the safety railing to prevent accidental contact with the heated surface. 
• Install the embedding flange and reflector as specified in the manual to ensure proper airflow and heat reflection.
• Load the heater with sauna stones evenly. 
• Use Olivine diabase stones to avoid cracking under high heat.  

iii. Connecting to Power Supply (installation) 

• Connect the heater to the power supply. Be sure to adhere to electrical codes and installation manual guidelines. 
• Hire a licensed electrician to avoid errors. 
• Secure connections properly, and use the amperage requirements specified for the selected model (e.g., 62.5 amps for the HIVE 15).

IV. Integration of Accessories (Post installation)

• Install the air tunnel for improved heat distribution within the sauna. 
• If you’re incorporating WiFi control, connect the UKU control system and synchronize it with the heater for remote management. 
• Follow the app setup instructions to program heating schedules and temperature settings, enhancing convenience.

Note: Hire a professional electrician to run these background checks and complete the installation process. 

4. User Experience and Comfort

The HUUM HIVE Electric Sauna Heater is designed to create the smooth, rolling steam known as löyly, the heart of an authentic Finnish sauna experience.

Here are some of the user-friendly features: 

I. Soft Steam That Feels Natural

One of the standout features of the HIVE is its massive stone capacity, which can hold up to 550 lbs of stones. Why does that matter? In a sauna, the stones retain heat and release it slowly, giving you soft, even steam that doesn’t hit you harshly like heaters that rely primarily on metal surfaces.

This way:

• The heat feels more balanced and soothing.  
• More stones mean less direct exposure to metal, which not only improves comfort but also helps purify the air by releasing negative ions (which many sauna-goers say feels more refreshing and calming).

ii. Consistent Heat—No Constant Adjusting

No one wants to keep fiddling with controls when trying to unwind. The HIVE handles that beautifully.

The heat stays evenly distributed when using the smaller HIVE Mini in a cozy home setup or the larger 18 kW model for a big spa space.

Once you set your preferred temperature, the heater keeps it steady, so you can relax and enjoy the session.

iii. Design That Looks Good and Works Even Better

Let’s be honest—looks matter, especially in a space meant for peace and relaxation. You’ll love that the HUUM HIVE doesn’t disappoint. Its round, beehive-inspired design is eye-catching and helps with airflow and steam release.

iv. Built-In Safety  

Comfort also means knowing everything is safe and running as it should. HUUM thought of that, too:

• Adjustable legs help keep the heater level, even if your floor isn’t.
• Surfaces are designed to minimize contact with hot metal, lowering the burn risk.
• The air tunnel system speeds up heating and helps protect the internal components, making the heater last even longer.

• Safety railings to prevent burns during sauna sessions

Pros and Cons of the HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater

Here are some of the perks and drawbacks of the HUUM Hive sauna heater:

Pros

1. Durable Construction

The HUUM Hive is crafted from high-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to heat and humidity. This ensures long-term durability, even in demanding commercial environments like spas or gyms.

2. High Stone Capacity

Models accommodate up to 550 lbs of sauna stones, enabling consistent soft heat and prolonged steam production. This feature is ideal for creating a traditional sauna experience in large rooms.

3. Energy Efficiency

The advanced heating capabilities minimize energy consumption while maintaining optimal heating power. Faster heating times with reduced electricity usage make it economical and environmentally friendly.

4. Versatile Options

The Hive has different power models to suit sauna spaces from 430 to 1,230 cubic feet. This makes it easier to select the best option based on room size for efficient heating.

5. Remote Control Convenience

Integration with the HUUM UKU control system lets you adjust settings via a smartphone. You can schedule heating times to ensure the sauna is ready when you are.

Cons

1. High Initial Investment

HUUM Hive’s premium design and materials cost more upfront than traditional heaters. This could be a consideration for budget-conscious users.

2. Complex Installation

Proper installation requires compatibility checks, electrical setup, and adherence to safety guidelines. You’ll need to hire a professional to handle the installation, which can raise the costs.  

3. Dependence on Control Accessories

You need the UKU controller system for an enjoyable sauna experience. This also comes at an extra cost.  

4. Space Requirement

The floor-mounted design and large stone capacity make it less suitable for smaller saunas with space constraints. These features maximize performance but demand ample room for installation.

Technical Specifications of HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater

Here's a breakdown of the supported sizes:

This versatility allows you to select the perfect model for your sauna setup.

Electrical Requirements

The HUUM Hive Electric Sauna Heater operates efficiently with specific wiring setups. It requires a supply voltage of 240V, but can function with 208V, which reduces output by 25%. Here are the key electrical specifications:

A proper electrical setup ensures optimal performance and prevents malfunctions.

WiFi and Control Compatibility

All models integrate with HUUM UKU control systems, offering Local and WiFi options. You can remotely manage temperature settings using the smartphone app, preheat the sauna, or schedule sessions. 

How Does the HUUM Hive Compare to Other HUUM Sauna Heaters?

How Does the HUUM Hive Compare to Other Competitors? 

The HUUM Hive stands out among competitors due to its unique design, efficiency, and capacity to cater to larger saunas. Its beehive-inspired, stainless steel construction combines aesthetic appeal with functionality, offering durability and improved heat distribution.  

1. Stone Capacity and Heating Performance

The HUUM Hive boasts a superior stone capacity of up to 250 kg (551 lbs), which many competitors can’'t match. This high capacity ensures more consistent, soft heat and prolonged steam generation, particularly for larger sauna spaces or group settings. 

In contrast, typical sauna heaters from other brands generally accommodate smaller stone loads, leading to quicker but less steady temperature fluctuations.

2. Energy Efficiency

The HUUM Hive’'s energy-efficient technology helps minimize electricity consumption while achieving faster heating times. Models like the 15 kW and 18 kW efficiently heat sauna rooms ranging from 424 to 1,230 cubic feet. 

Many other heaters require more time and energy to reach and maintain similar heat levels, resulting in higher operational costs for users.

3. Versatility in Control Systems

HUUM integrates remote-control capabilities through its UKU control system, offering options like UKU Local and UKU WiFi. This feature provides flexibility to manage settings via a smartphone app, ensuring convenience and modern functionality.  

4. Durability and Construction

The Hive’'s industrial-grade stainless steel ensures longevity and resistance to wear, even in commercial settings like spas or gyms. 

Comparatively, competing heaters may use less robust materials that are prone to corrosion or damage over time. Its adjustable legs and sleek, compact design make it adaptable to varying sauna layouts, providing a seamless blend of performance and style.

Conclusion

As you can see, the HUUM Hive is a solid option for anyone who wants the authentic sauna experience, modern design, and energy efficiency – all in one. Its ability to deliver consistent heat, long-lasting steam, and remote control convenience makes it more enjoyable and convenient.