Harvia KIP Knobs vs WiFi vs Heater Only: Which KIP Should You Buy?
Once you know what size heater you need, the next question is how you want to control it. The Harvia KIP comes three ways: with built-in knobs, with the Xenio WiFi control, or as the heater only. They heat the same. The difference is how you turn it on, set the temperature, and set the timer.
I constantly install and recommend these heaters in the saunas I build in South Florida. Here's how I help customers pick.
Haven't picked a size yet? Start with my sauna heater sizing guide, then come back here.
The quick answer
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Built-in knobs (KIP B) | Simple, reliable, lowest cost to get running |
| Xenio WiFi (KIP W + Xenio CX170) | Starting the sauna from your phone, digital temperature, longer sessions |
| Heater only (KIP W) | People who already own a compatible Harvia control unit |
Option 1: Built-in knobs (KIP B)
This is the classic setup. Two dials on the heater itself:
- Left dial: temperature
- Right dial: on/off and timer. You can also set a delayed start of up to 8 hours.
The heater turns itself off automatically after about an hour of running, which is a built-in safety feature.
Why people like it: nothing to install besides the heater, no app, no wall panel, and fewer parts that can fail. It's the most affordable way to get a fully working sauna.
The trade-off: the controls are on the heater, inside the hot room, so you walk in to turn it on. And there's no remote start. If you want the sauna hot when you get home, you'll be using the delay timer.
Model numbers: KIP45B (JH45B2401), KIP60B (JH60B2401), KIP80BI (JH80B2401I)
Option 2: Xenio WiFi control (KIP W + Xenio CX170)
This pairs the KIP W heater with Harvia's Xenio CX170 WiFi control panel, which mounts on the wall outside the sauna.
- Start the sauna from your phone, so it's hot when you walk out back
- Digital temperature setting, roughly 104–194°F
- Longer sessions, with home-use run times up to 6 hours
- Pre-set timer up to 12 hours ahead
- Controls outside the hot room, so you don't have to reach into a 180°F sauna
Why people like it: convenience. If you use your sauna often, being able to start it from the couch and walk out to a hot room is a big upgrade.
The trade-off: it costs more, and there's an extra component for your electrician to mount and wire. You'll also want a decent WiFi signal at the sauna, which matters for backyard builds far from the house.
Model numbers: KIP45W (JH45W2401), KIP60W (JH60W2401), KIP80WI (JH80W2401I) + Xenio CX170-U1-15-XW
Option 3: Heater only (KIP W)
This is the KIP W heater without any controls. Important: the W heater cannot run on its own. It's designed to be controlled by a separate Harvia control unit.
Only choose this if:
- You already have a compatible Harvia control unit (for example, you're replacing an old heater), or
- You're buying a control separately and know exactly which one you need
If neither applies, pick knobs or WiFi instead. If you're not sure, call me before you order and I'll tell you what works with your setup.
Which one would I pick?
- Building your first sauna on a budget? Go with built-in knobs. Simple, reliable, and you can always enjoy it the old-fashioned way.
- Using it 3+ times a week, or the sauna is far from the house? Go with Xenio WiFi. Remote start is worth it.
- Replacing a heater and keeping your existing Harvia control? Go with heater only.
A few things that are the same no matter which you pick
- Same heater body and heat output for each size: 4.5, 6, or 8 kW.
- 240V with a dedicated circuit, installed by a licensed electrician. A licensed install is also required for your Harvia warranty. Breaker and wire sizes for each model are in my Harvia KIP wiring guide.
- Stones are sold separately. Each KIP takes one 44 lb box of Harvia sauna stones.
- Free shipping and direct help from me, before and after you buy.
Want my full take on the KIP, including pros, cons, stones, and wiring? Read my Harvia KIP review.
Ready to pick yours?
All three options and all three sizes are on one page, with a sizing calculator built in.
Still deciding? Text or call me at (954) 661-7131. Send me your sauna size and how you plan to use it, and I'll tell you exactly which one to get.