Huum Drop Electric Sauna Heater Review: Is It Worth the Money?
If you are spending a lot of money on a home sauna, the heater is not the place to cut corners. It determines the quality of every single session you...
How HUUM Sauna Controls Work
All HUUM UKU controllers are designed to work exclusively with HUUM electric sauna heaters. They manage the heating element, monitor temperature via a sensor placed inside the sauna room, and allow you to set your target heat level and session duration.
The controller communicates with the heater either through a direct wired connection or, in Wi-Fi enabled models, through the HUUM app on your smartphone. Each UKU model shares the same core functionality: temperature control, timer settings, and a safety shutoff. Where they differ is in interface design, connectivity, and overall user experience.
Choosing the right controller comes down to how you prefer to interact with your sauna and what your installation allows.
HUUM UKU Wi-Fi
The HUUM UKU Wi-Fi is the most connected option in the lineup and the right choice for anyone who wants full remote control over their sauna from anywhere. It pairs with the HUUM app on iOS and Android, allowing you to preheat your sauna, adjust temperature, set session timers, and monitor status from your phone, whether you are in the next room or on your way home from work.
The controller itself features a clean, minimalist panel with a clear digital display showing current and target temperature alongside session time. Physical controls remain available alongside the app, so you are never dependent on your phone once you are inside the sauna room. The UKU Wi-Fi connects to your home network directly, with no hub or bridge required.
This model is particularly well suited to households where the sauna is used on a varied schedule, or where multiple users want to manage the heater from their own devices. It supports both Celsius and Fahrenheit and is compatible with all HUUM electric heater models. If convenience and connectivity are priorities, the UKU Wi-Fi is the clear choice in the lineup.
HUUM UKU Mirror
The HUUM UKU Mirror takes the same Wi-Fi connectivity as the standard UKU Wi-Fi and wraps it in a premium mirror-finish panel that doubles as a functional mirror when the display is off. It is designed for sauna installations where aesthetics matter as much as performance: changing rooms, spa environments, or high-end home saunas where the controller is visible and the design needs to hold its own.
When active, the display reads clearly through the reflective surface. When idle, it blends into the room as a clean, frameless mirror panel. The result is a controller that disappears into the space rather than standing out as a piece of technical equipment.
Functionally, the UKU Mirror offers the same full feature set as the UKU Wi-Fi: app control via the HUUM app, remote preheating, temperature and timer management, and compatibility with all HUUM electric heaters. It is available in a single panel size and installs flush to the wall for a built-in look. For buyers who are investing in a premium sauna build, the Mirror is the controller that matches that level of finish.
HUUM UKU Local
The HUUM UKU Local is the straightforward, no-connectivity option in the UKU lineup, a well-built digital controller that handles everything you need without a network connection or app. Temperature, session timer, and safety shutoff are all managed directly from the panel. The display is clear and the button layout is designed to be operated easily in hot, humid conditions.
This is the right controller for sauna installations in locations where Wi-Fi coverage is limited or unreliable, including outdoor cabins, detached sauna structures, and rural properties where running network infrastructure to the sauna is impractical. It is also the preferred choice for buyers who simply want a dependable, distraction-free control system without the complexity of app pairing or network setup.
The UKU Local is fully compatible with all HUUM electric heaters and shares the same clean Scandinavian aesthetic as the rest of the lineup. It does exactly what a sauna controller should do. For a no-fuss installation that performs reliably session after session, it is a sensible and well-priced option.
HUUM UKU Gold
The HUUM UKU Gold brings the same core control functionality of the UKU lineup into a warm, brushed gold finish that sets it apart from the standard matte and chrome options. It is designed for sauna builds where the hardware finish is part of the overall design brief, pairing naturally with warm timber interiors, brass fixtures, and premium material palettes.
Beyond the finish, the UKU Gold includes Wi-Fi connectivity and full HUUM app support, so remote preheating, temperature scheduling, and session management are all available. The panel layout mirrors the standard UKU Wi-Fi, with the same intuitive controls and clear digital display, now housed in a finish that feels considered rather than incidental.
If you are specifying a sauna where the controller needs to complement a considered interior rather than simply function as a utility item, the UKU Gold delivers on both design and function. It is a strong choice for custom sauna builds, wellness rooms, and any installation where the details matter.
HUUM UKU Glass
The HUUM UKU Glass replaces the standard plastic casing with a frameless glass panel surrounding a rotary dial, making it the most visually refined controller in the lineup. It is available in four finishes: Black, White, Mirror, and Gold, making it straightforward to match your sauna interior.
Designed for a flush-mount installation, the UKU Glass requires a recessed wall cutout to sit flat and achieve its clean, built-in look. One practical advantage over the standard plastic controller is that the Glass is heat-resistant enough to be mounted inside the sauna room itself, at low height, rather than on the wall outside.
The UKU Glass is compatible with Local, Wi-Fi, and 4G controller modules, though it is most commonly supplied with Wi-Fi. This controller is best suited to high-specification sauna builds where every detail is considered. If you are building a sauna that reflects the same attention to detail as the rest of your home, the UKU Glass is the controller that belongs in it.
Choosing the Right HUUM UKU Controller
All five UKU models are compatible with HUUM's full range of electric sauna heaters, so the choice comes down to connectivity needs, aesthetic preferences, and installation context. Use the guide below to narrow your decision:
- HUUM UKU Wi-Fi: Best for remote access and multi-user households. Full app control, clean digital display, no hub required.
- HUUM UKU Mirror: Best for premium builds where the controller needs to disappear. Wi-Fi enabled with a mirror-finish panel.
- HUUM UKU Local: Best for off-grid or rural installations. Reliable digital control with no network dependency.
- HUUM UKU Gold: Best for warm-toned interiors and design-led builds. Wi-Fi enabled in a brushed gold finish.
- HUUM UKU Glass: Best for high-specification contemporary saunas. Glass-panelled, flush-mounted, available with Wi-Fi, Local, or 4G connectivity.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting the installation right matters as much as choosing the right controller. Here is what to know before your electrician starts work.
Setting Up the Control Box and Panel
All UKU controllers connect to HUUM electric heaters via a wired connection to a main control box, which is typically installed in a utility room or housed under the sauna bench. The controller panel itself is the interface only. Standard plastic UKU Classic panels must be mounted outside the sauna room, while the UKU Glass and Wood panels are rated for installation inside the sauna at low height.
Sensor Placement
The temperature sensor must be mounted on the ceiling or on the wall above the heater, approximately 10 to 15 cm below the ceiling. Mounting the sensor at bench height will cause the heater to run continuously, as it will never reach the target temperature, creating a serious fire risk.
Electrician Installation and the Door Sensor
Installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician familiar with sauna systems. HUUM provides detailed wiring diagrams for each model. Wi-Fi and 4G models also require a door sensor as a mandatory part of the installation. If the door sensor is not fitted, remote start will be disabled when the sauna is in standby mode.
Network Setup and the HUUM App
Wi-Fi models require a 2.4GHz network connection during setup. If you are using a mesh router, you may need to temporarily separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands during initial pairing. Once configured, the physical panel operates independently of the app at all times, though the app is required to apply firmware updates for Wi-Fi and 4G modules. HUUM's app is available on iOS and Android and supports multiple heaters under a single account, making it practical for properties with more than one sauna.
Find the Right HUUM Setup for Your Sauna
The right controller is only part of the picture. HUUM's full lineup of electric heaters, including the HUUM Drop Series, HUUM Hive Series, and HUUM Hive Mini Series, pairs directly with every UKU controller covered here. Prefer a traditional fire? HUUM Wood Burning Sauna Heaters are also available. Browse the full range at Heracles Wellness and take advantage of professional installation services to get your sauna running exactly as it should. Questions before you buy? Our team is on hand to help you choose the right heater and controller combination for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a HUUM UKU Controller With Any Sauna Heater?
Yes. While optimized for HUUM, UKU controllers are compatible with any manufacturer's electric sauna heater that works with a remote controller and has a temperature control function. The heater's output must not exceed 18 kW
Do I Need the App to Use the Wi-Fi Models?
No. You can fully operate the sauna via the physical rotary dial on the wall-mounted panel. The app is an optional feature for remote preheating and monitoring.
What Is the Maximum Temperature a UKU Controller Can Be Set To?
The target temperature can be set between 40°C and 110°C (104°F to 230°F). Safety features include a built-in overheating protection that automatically shuts off the system if the sensor detects extreme temperatures.
Can One Controller Manage Multiple Heaters?
Yes, but it requires the UKU Extension Box. A standard UKU main module handles up to 12 kW directly; for multiple heaters or high-capacity units (up to 18 kW), the extension box is used to manage the higher electrical load.
Let customers speak for us
Robin
Our sauna cabin sanctuary: quality & contentment!
For years I have enjoyed the health benefits of a regular sauna - choosing to install a glazed steam shower in our urban apartment more than a decade ago.
Frequent and extensive travels into Finland, exploring the Arctic north, confirmed our dedication to therapeutic steam (and ice plunges)!
Having relocated to a rural setting, it was time - at last - for a sauna cabin in the garden.
Thorough research confirmed the quality of the Leil range and the perfect option, for us, of the "round cube double" - an elegant, robust, thermowood construction with ample space as you enter through the separate changing room onwards into the beautifully benched and glazed interior.
The Leil "round cube double" is offered with a range of upgrades, sauna heaters and lights. We chose to keep it simple: just the glazed cabin, to suit our rural setting. However, we did opt for the larger 2.6m size, so that the benches are sufficient for those over 6' to enjoy a full horizontal stretch!
From start to finish, the Heracles Wellness team offered reliable expert advice and communication, as well as very helpful liaison during the delivery and construction phase. I wanted a quality product, but I also needed quality customer care for a complex delivery and technical installation.
The installation - organised by Heracles Wellness - was completed to schedule with real attention to detail: the team of carpenters had extensive experience with sauna construction, including the Leil range.
It was very clear what was included 'in the price' and what we needed to complete ourselves after installation: the electrical connection, interior wall and bench treatments must be completed before first use.
As we await those final stages - and the first sauna in the new cabin - the Leil "round cube double" has already become an exceptional sauna cabin sanctuary: quality and contentment!
Leil® Round Cube Double Outdoor Sauna with Changing Room 5-6 Person
Vin
Amazing service from a wonderful team, awesome product
Couldn't be happier with our experience with the entire Heracles Wellness team, specially Abdullah and Keith. They were available to answer any queries and give advice all along the way, and their installers did a fabulous job too. The product itself is amazing, and we have been really enjoying it. Highly recommended!
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
George Gray
Exceptional service and awesome sauna
From initial inquiry to delivery everything was taken care of, late evening what’s app to solve a problem our end with electrics. I can highly recommend
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
Julie K.
We are thrilled with our sauna
We couldn’t be more pleased with our Camilla Traditional sauna kit. From start to finish Keith & Abdullah have been so helpful. The sauna has exceeded our expectations. The wood is beautiful quality. The Harvia heater heats the sauna really quickly. The installation was hassle free - we paid the additional fee for installation & Heracles arranged this for us. Communication has been excellent throughout. We shopped around before choosing Heracles. Heracles were cheaper than any of the other companies that we looked at & we consider the Camilla kit to be great value for such a high quality product. We are completely satisfied.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
Aditi
Amazing sauna accompanied by a brilliant service
I had done a lot of research before purchasing that sauna, looking for one that offer the right health benefits by having the right wood a sauna should have to conserve heat along with the best heater (Harvia) whilst still being value for money. The reviews gave me confidence after knowing the specifications aligned with what I wanted and I couldn’t be happier with having made the purchase. The service was brilliant, all my questions answered imminently , Abdullah was very patient and accommodating especially when getting the sauna installed and the electrics arranged by our own electrician. We paid extra for the sauna to be built and treated and the team were so professional and hard working doing an excellent job. Worth the money spent once again and would definitely recommend !
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
Tom Firmin
Amazing bit of kit alongside great customer service
Really pleased with the build quality of my Camilla sauna unit, it looks great particularly after applying necessary external and internal oil. Keith and team customer service and communication could not have been better, and Keith helped explain I could put heater on the left hand side of the sauna (as I enter) to help the electrician wire up to adjacent shed unit. Highly recommend.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna 3-4 Person
Fred Blunden
So happy with my sauna!
After researching several different companies selling saunas, I was very happy to come across Heracles Wellness. I phoned them to ask some questions and they were very helpful in answering all my queries. I then decided to purchase the Insignia Hybrid Sauna.
A delivery date was set and the sauna was delivered as arranged with no problems.
With the help of a friend, we built the sauna and our electrician connected all the electrics up.
I have used the sauna a few times since it’s been up and running and I am very pleased with it as I have Parkinson’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis so hoping it helps alleviate pain and aching.
I would thoroughly recommend the company if you are looking for an excellent quality product and very good customer service.
Insignia Hybrid Infrared and Traditional 2 Person Outdoor Sauna
Charlie Mitchell
Fantastic sauna backed up by second to none customer service
We couldn't be more happy with this purchase! Recommended by another happy customer we know, customer service has been great from start to finish. Easy to contact someone and arrange delivery as well as a couple of questions during installation and optimising how we use it. The quality of the product is also great and gives a great sauna experience.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna Complete Kit 3-4 Person
John Ellmore
Fantastic service and experience
We are very happy with the product and the experience with Heracles. Good communication throughout the process, was delivered quickly and installed within one day without issue. We had a slight snag with our lighting set up, Keith was on hand to support our electrician over the phone and we got sorted. Thanks!!
Leil® Round Cube Single Outdoor Sauna 6-8 Person
Louise
My Luxurious Garden Escape!
I couldn’t be happier with my barrel outdoor sauna—it has completely transformed both my garden and my evening routine.
The craftsmanship is outstanding, with beautifully finished wood, a solid structure and an aesthetically pleasing design that makes the sauna look visually striking whilst having a practical layout too.
The curved barrel shape adds real character to my garden. It’s not just a sauna; it’s a true focal point that has elevated my entire outdoor space. It heats up quickly (in around 45 minutes) distributing warmth evenly inside.
In practical terms, my barrel sauna has proven to be a fantastic investment. Running costs have been very reasonable, working out at approximately £3 per session. Beyond that, the benefits to relaxation, wellbeing, and overall lifestyle have been outstanding. For example an unsightly cold sore completely disappeared after just two sauna sessions which otherwise would have taken a few weeks to heal.
A special thanks goes to Abdullan Yaqoob for his exceptional support from start to finish—nothing was ever too much trouble. He patiently answered all my many questions and even arranged for me to visit a previously installed sauna, which was incredibly helpful in making my decision.
Finally, I’d like to thank the installation team, who worked tirelessly—even in the snow—to have the sauna fully assembled in just seven hours. Their dedication and professionalism were truly impressive.
This sauna has genuinely elevated my home and wellbeing, and I'm delighted to recommend Hercales.
Heracles Wellness
John
My Beautiful Sauna
10/10 on the value for your money
10 /10 for Style & looks
10 /10 for the layout design and available space inside
10 /10 for the quality of the selected timber inside and out
10/10 for the sleek glass heating controller
10/10 on the modern drop heater and the heating up time (very fast)
10/10 for the installation team (ultimate pros) you wont believe how dedicated they are
10/10 for treating my property with respect
10/10 for Keith's and the teams customer service
Would I use this company again you guessed it 10/10
Adding up to a100% satisfying experience
Well done Keith and the team credit were credit is due
Leil® Black Cube Comfort 6-8 Person Outdoor Sauna
Anthony Budd
Wonderful product and service
Well what can I say. From my first enquiry through to installation and commissioning the experience of purchasing this High Quality product from Heracleswellness has been great!. When I spoke to Keith initially I was impressed with his friendly, Knowledgeable and professional manner he answered all my questions and sorted a rapid delivery of my selected Sauna kit. After watching the instructional build video i opted to have their team of experts do the build for me ( in hindsight a good choice and I consider it money well spent to optimise the build quality of the product.) Paval and his installation team arrived promptly and I found them to be a very professional and skillful bunch of lads. They worked Efficiently and left the work area on my patio clean and tidy. This is a 5 star product and a 5 star company in my opinion and I would happily recommend them to anybody in the market for this type of product
Thanks lads
Tony
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
Simon L
Great Sauna and install
Really pleased with both the Sauna and Installation. Quality is far superior to others we looked at.
Leil® Black Cube Classic 4 Person Outdoor Sauna Kit
James Stephenson
Amazing in all areas
The Sauna looks incredible. The sales team were the most responsive people that I’ve bought something from in this country. The installation team were second to none - kind, friendly, keen to tell me about everything and ensure all was well with me.
I shopped around a lot and I also think Heracles are best value for money. If you are wondering weather or not to go for it then I irrefutably recommend you do! I’ve added a picture of the team in action. I laid the African railroad sleepers which is a perfect and good looking base.
Leil® Patio S 4-5 Person Outdoor Sauna
Adair
5 stars
It arrived faster than I had expected. It came well packed on the back of a large lorry and put on my drive.
It took 2 of us 4 days to put together and the instructions were mostly ok. For the part we weren’t sure on, the flue, we were able to get help from the head office.
It is made from high quality materials and looks great. The timber has been pre-treated which saved me time.
Overall I am very pleased with everything.
Camilla XL Traditional Outdoor Sauna 5-6 Person
What customers think about the store
Specializes in premium wellness products including saunas and hot tubs. Customers consistently praise exceptional service from Keith, Abdullah, and team throughout purchasing, delivery, and installation. Professional installation teams deliver efficient, high-...
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