Specification

Huum vs Harvia: Which Sauna Heater Is Best?

A guide to the two Finnish sauna heater brands — Huum and Harvia — that come standard with every Wellness One sauna, including the difference between electric and wood-fired options.

By Wellness One Lifestyle · Published 2026-08-02 · Updated 2026-08-02

Why the Heater Matters

The heater is the heart of any sauna. It determines heat-up time, maximum temperature, stone capacity (which affects steam quality), and long-term reliability. Wellness One specifies only the two best Finnish heater brands as standard.

Huum

Huum is a Finnish sauna heater manufacturer known for its modern design and exceptional stone capacity. Huum heaters are designed to hold significantly more stones than conventional heaters, producing a softer, more authentic löyly (steam) experience. The HUUM DROP and HUUM CLIFF are among the most respected electric sauna heaters in the world.

Harvia

Harvia is the world's largest sauna heater manufacturer, with over 75 years of heritage. Harvia heaters are found in saunas across Scandinavia, Europe, and North America. They are known for their reliability, efficiency, and the quality of their heating elements. The Harvia Cilindro and Harvia KIP are industry standards.

Electric vs Wood-Fired

Electric heaters are the most convenient option for most UK installations. They heat up in 30–45 minutes, are controlled by a digital timer and thermostat, and require no fuel storage. Wood-fired heaters produce a more traditional sauna experience — many sauna enthusiasts prefer the quality of heat and steam from a wood-fired stove. Both options are available across the Wellness One range.

Maximum Temperature

Every Wellness One sauna reaches a maximum temperature of 110°C. This is significantly higher than mid-range competitors (80–90°C) and barrel saunas (70–80°C). The combination of 100mm insulation, double-glazed glazing, and a premium Finnish heater is what makes this possible.