Harvia Cilindro Heaters: PC vs PC E vs Half 9kW
The Harvia Cilindro is a stainless steel pillar heater that holds about 200 lb of stones. Choose the PC for built-in controls (6 to 9 kW), the PC E for a Xenio CX45 panel and a 10.5 kW option, or the Half 9kW for a half-round heater that sits against a wall or in a corner.
All three are in our sauna heaters collection, with more Harvia models in the Harvia collection. We sell Harvia heaters, so we have a stake in this choice. Specs and prices here come from our product pages, and we leave out anything the pages do not state.
What do all the Cilindro heaters have in common?
The Cilindro is a tall, narrow pillar. The stainless steel casing wraps an open stone basket, so the stones sit in direct contact with the heating elements and heat radiates in all directions through the grate. The pages list about 200 lb of stones for the column, which stores heat and gives long, even steam.
You can throw water on different parts of the stack to vary the steam from soft to sharp, so the same heater works for a dry sauna or a wetter one. The narrow shape takes little floor space, which helps in a small cabin. Our product pages list all three as made in Finland.
If you want the wider Harvia picture first, our Harvia sauna heaters compared guide covers the KIP, The Wall, Spirit, Virta and wood-burning stoves next to the Cilindro.
How do the three Cilindro versions compare?
| Model | Outputs | Listed room volume | Control | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilindro PC | 6, 8 or 9 kW (PC60, PC80, PC90) | Up to 294, 431 or 494 cu ft | Built into the heater | From $2,099.97 |
| Cilindro PC E | 6, 8, 9 or 10.5 kW (PC60E to PC110E) | Up to 294, 431, 494 or 636 cu ft | Xenio CX45 digital panel, included | From $2,444.00 |
| Cilindro Half 9kW | 9 kW, 240V single phase | 141 to 494 cu ft | Xenio CX45 optional, otherwise a separate Harvia control | From $1,611.00 |
Prices change and vary by output and options, so confirm on each product page. The product pages list room volume and kW for each size, and they warn that an undersized heater will struggle to reach temperature.
Which Cilindro should you choose?
Choose the Cilindro PC if you want the controls on the heater. The PC puts the controls into the heater itself, so there is no separate wall panel to place. It comes in 6, 8 and 9 kW, which covers rooms up to 494 cubic feet. That suits most home cabins.
Choose the Cilindro PC E if you want a digital panel or a bigger room. The PC E comes with the Harvia Xenio CX45 control, which sets temperature and preset functions, and a built-in 60-minute automatic shut-off. It also adds a 10.5 kW size, listed for rooms up to 636 cubic feet, so it is the one to look at if your room is large.
Choose the Cilindro Half 9kW if floor space is tight. The half-round pillar sits flat against a side wall or tucks into a corner, which leaves more room for benches. The page lists about 14 x 13 x 45 inches, 240V single phase and about 37.5 amps. It is sold with options for the control and for stones, so check which combination you are ordering.
If you want an app-controlled heater with an open stone basket instead, look at the Harvia Spirit, which is covered in our Harvia comparison. If you want to compare against other electric models, browse the electric sauna heaters collection.
How do you pick the right kW?
Start with your room's volume. Multiply length, width and height in feet, then match the result to the listed room volume for each output. The Cilindro pages say the 6 kW covers rooms up to 294 cubic feet, 8 kW up to 431, 9 kW up to 494 and, on the PC E, 10.5 kW up to 636.
Real rooms are not always simple boxes. Large glass areas, stone or tile walls and a cabin that is not insulated all demand more from a heater. Our sauna heater size calculator and the guide on what size sauna heater you need walk through those adjustments. If your number lands between two sizes, send us the room dimensions and we will help you compare.
What should you plan before ordering?
- Electrical. A sauna heater needs a dedicated circuit sized to the model, installed by a licensed electrician. The Half 9kW page lists 240V and about 37.5 amps. For the PC and PC E, check the electrical details for your chosen output in the Harvia manual and with your electrician. Our guide to special outlets for sauna heaters explains the basics.
- Clearances and guard. Heaters need set distances from walls and benches, and many installs use a guard. See our heater guard and clearance guide and follow the Harvia manual.
- Stones. The column takes about 200 lb. The PC and PC E list stones as included. On the Half 9kW they are an option, so check your selection.
- Control. Decide whether you want controls on the heater, a CX45 panel or a separate Harvia control, before you check out.
Our broader sauna heater buying guide covers electric against wood-burning and how to match a heater to the cabin. We have no customer reviews on these Cilindro models yet, so this comparison rests on the manufacturer specs listed on our pages.
Who should skip the Cilindro?
If you have a very small cabin, a compact wall-mounted heater may fit better than a 45 inch pillar. If you want a wood fire, the Cilindro is electric only, so look at the stoves in the Harvia collection. And if you want WiFi control from your phone, compare the Spirit before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Harvia Cilindro PC and PC E?
The PC has controls built into the heater and comes in 6, 8 and 9 kW. The PC E comes with the Xenio CX45 digital control panel and adds a 10.5 kW size, listed for rooms up to 636 cubic feet.
How many pounds of stones does a Harvia Cilindro hold?
Our product pages list about 200 lb of stones for the pillar. The PC and PC E include stones, and the Half 9kW offers them as an option.
What size sauna does a Cilindro 9 kW heat?
The product pages list the 9 kW for rooms up to 494 cubic feet. Check your room volume, including glass and stone surfaces, before ordering.
Is Harvia from Finland?
Our product pages list the Cilindro PC, PC E and Half 9kW as made in Finland.
Can the Cilindro sit in a corner?
The narrow pillar fits against a sidewall or in a corner, and the Cilindro Half is shaped to sit flat against a wall or in a corner. Follow the Harvia manual for clearances.
Written by Logan McClure, founder of Restore Suite. Every guide is researched using peer-reviewed studies, recognized medical sources, and manufacturer specifications. This article is educational and is not medical advice. Learn about our editorial standards or contact our team.
