Understanding Steam Saunas
Understanding Steam Saunas A steam sauna, more commonly called a steam room, offers something distinctly different from the dry heat of a traditional Finnish sauna. While a Finnish sauna creates...
The HUUM Hive line stands out because it builds stone capacity into the core concept rather than treating it as an afterthought. Founded in Tallinn, Estonia, HUUM engineered the beehive-inspired design to hold 528 lbs of sauna stones, producing gentle, rich steam across longer sessions.
This stone mass acts as a thermal battery, absorbing energy steadily and releasing it in soft, even waves rather than sharp bursts of dry heat. A well-loaded stone bed is what allows löyly, the steam created by pouring water over hot stones, to feel full-bodied rather than sharp and short-lived.
Looking for a wood-burning stove instead? HUUM also makes a Hive Flow wood-burning series for traditional, firewood-fueled saunas. This page covers the electric Hive Series specifically.
The Hive isn’t the right fit for every buyer. If your sauna is under 200 cubic feet, or you’re constrained to standard residential wiring, the HUUM Hive Mini Series is the more practical starting point.
With up to 528 lbs of stones, the full-size Hive produces löyly that hangs in the room rather than dissipating immediately. For reference, the HUUM Hive Mini Series carries a lower stone capacity suited to smaller rooms.
HUUM recommends dense, low-porosity sauna stones like olivine diabase. Porous stones crack under repeated thermal cycling. Inspect stones periodically and replace any that show visible cracking or crumbling.
The beehive silhouette directly supports the stacked stone arrangement, allowing more stones to sit in stable contact with the heating elements. The open-top stone basket also allows water to reach stones at multiple depths for layered steam release.
|
Model |
Output |
Room Volume (cu ft) |
Room Volume (m³) |
Stone Capacity |
Electrical Requirement |
|
HUUM Hive 12 kW |
12 kW |
424–636 cu ft |
12–18 m³ |
Up to 528 lbs |
240V single-phase, ~50A |
|
HUUM Hive 15 kW |
15 kW |
530–813 cu ft |
15–23 m³ |
Up to 528 lbs |
240V single-phase, ~62.5A |
|
HUUM Hive 18 kW |
18 kW |
636–989 cu ft |
18–28 m³ |
Up to 528 lbs |
240V single-phase, ~75A |
All Hive models require a dedicated 240V single-phase circuit. Confirm panel capacity with a licensed electrician before purchase.
Every Hive model pairs with the HUUM UKU controller system. The UKU Wi-Fi controller enables remote preheat scheduling and session monitoring via the HUUM app. The UKU Local controller is a fixed-panel option preferred by commercial operators. Models above 11kW require a UKU Extension Box.
The round form factor allows central placement for even heat distribution across group or family use. Requires a 240V single-phase circuit at ~50A. Room sweet spot: 424–636 cu ft.
Bridges the 12kW and 18kW, well suited to 530–813 cu ft rooms. Requires ~62.5A on a 240V single-phase circuit.
The highest-output model, built for 636–989 cu ft commercial and large residential rooms. Requires ~75A on a 240V single-phase circuit.
This store specialises in wellness products including saunas, hot tubs, and ice baths. Customers consistently praise exceptional customer service from Keith and the team, who provide expert guidance throughout the purchasing process. Professional installation ...
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