Bathing Brands - Chicago

Harvia Virta — Standard Models (6 kW, 8 kW, 9 kW)

If you want a real, soft‑steam sauna that “just works,” start here.
Virta is our go‑to electric heater for medium home saunas because it pairs a big stone mass with a compact footprint, heats evenly without hot spots, and is the easiest floor‑standing unit in its class to service. Most customers who think they need “something bigger” end up happiest with a properly sized Virta.

In plain terms: you get bench‑level heat that feels good, reliable starts every time, and simple maintenance you won’t dread.

Why Virta wins in real rooms

• Soft, even heat
  A deep rock basket puts 60–100 lb of stones low in the room so the heat pocket sits at bench height. The result is steady, comfortable löyly (steam when you throw water) instead of dry blast heat.

• Built for uptime
  Elements are protected from direct stone shock and are accessed from a front service hatch. If an element ever needs replacing, you don’t unload the whole basket.

• Straightforward power
  The 6, 8, and 9 kW models run on a single 240 V circuit and pair with the Harvia Xenio control. Add Wi‑Fi to preheat on your schedule.

• Flexible placement
  Floor‑standing with an integrated heat shield for safe clearances along a wall or in a corner.  That means this heater fits in almost any sauna and you can keep the modern black aesthetic without covering it with a wood safety guard.

• Real sauna, not infrared
  Pour water on the rocks any time for steam. If you want set‑and‑hold humidity like a steam room, see Virta Combi. If your room is bigger than ~500 cu ft, see Virta 10.5 kW or Virta Pro.

Sizing guidance (use your adjusted cubic feet)

Most “Which size?” questions come down to room volume, insulation, and glass. Here’s where we start the conversation:

• 6 kW (HL60E)
  ~175–300 cu ft
  Great for well‑insulated 5×7×7 or similar. Keeps operating costs down without feeling underpowered.

• 8 kW (HL80E)
  ~250–430 cu ft
  Our most common pick for 6×7×7 to 6×8×7 rooms, or smaller rooms with extra glass.

• 9 kW (HL90E)
  ~300–500 cu ft
  For 6×8×7 or 7×8×7 rooms, or when you prefer faster heat‑up.

Not sure? Send us your L×W×H, insulation, and glass. We’ll run the numbers and stand behind the recommendation.

Heat‑up, temps, and daily use

• Heat‑up: Typically 40–60 minutes to top bench temps depending on size and insulation.

• Temperatures: Comfortable top bench 170–190°F is normal; the controller caps at 194°F.

• Water on rocks: Yes. Use clean water and throw by the ladle.

• Wi‑Fi control (optional): Start the heater from your phone, set schedules, and walk into a hot sauna after your commute.

Controls, stones, and add‑ons

Required control (sold separately):

• Harvia Xenio CX30‑U1 (touch panel, relay box). Add the Wi‑Fi version if you want app control.

Stones (required):

• Plan on 2–3 boxes of Harvia AC3020 (10–15 cm) to fill the basket. Stack loosely for airflow. More stones = softer heat.

Popular accessory:

• Harvia HL4 safety railing around the heater for families, rentals, and tight rooms.

What it fits like in the room

• Footprint: about 16 in × 13 in

• Top of rocks: about 33 in high (low rocks = better bench‑level heat)

• Clearances: keep 2 in from the back and sides unless noted otherwise

• Ceiling at heater: max 7 ft 6 in is ideal for performance

• Floor: tile, concrete, or cement board are standard. Wood floors may need a floor guard per local code.

• Ventilation: one low intake, one high exhaust across the room keeps temps even and prevents limiter trips.

We’ll review your plan, sensor placement, and controller location with you or your electrician before you pull wire.

Who the standard Virta is for

• Homeowners who want traditional rock heat and dependable steam without babysitting a thin wall unit

• Folks who value reliability and support over chasing the odd degree of peak temperature

• Builders and installers who want fewer callbacks and easy element access

Consider another model if:

• You want settable humidity and built‑in steam. Choose Virta Combi.

• Your room is ~530 cu ft or larger. Choose Virta 10.5 kW or Virta Pro.

• Your building supply is 208 V 3‑phase. Choose Virta Pro built for commercial power.

Quick answers

• How long to heat? 40–60 minutes is typical.

• Can I remote start? Yes, with the Xenio Wi‑Fi kit and required safeties.

• Do I need stones? Yes. A full basket is the whole point of the Virta.

• Is maintenance hard? No. The front service hatch makes element checks simple.

• Can it go under a bench? It’s a floor unit; maintain clearances and keep rocks below top bench level for best comfort.

What you get with Sauna Marketplace

• A straight recommendation we’ll stand behind

• Help with sizing, wiring, clearances, and sensor placement

• Ongoing access to U.S. tech support from us and Harvia’s distribution team

• Parts, stones, and accessories stocked and ready when you need them

Build your Virta

1. Pick your size: 6, 8, or 9 kW

2. Add Xenio CX30‑U1 (Wi‑Fi optional)

3. Add 2–3 boxes of AC3020 stones

4. Add HL4 safety rail if you want a guard

5. Book a quick planning session and we’ll sanity‑check the plan

If you’re debating “steam room or sauna,” and want settable humidity, take a look at Virta Combi. If you’re replacing an old wall unit and finally want soft, even heat, start your order here.Wi-Fi now comes standard.