10:45 15 March 2017
The Hive 2 is a functional, smart thermostat with features that include remote heating controls, scheduling and location tracking. Compared to it predecessor, it is a much slicker thermostat with a simplified interface.
Setup and Design
Hive Active Heating 2 costs £249 and the package includes a small Wi-Fi controller, a hub attached by Ethernet to a router and the thermostat itself, which has to be connected to a boiler. It is compatible with the vast majority of boilers available in the United Kingdom. The system comes with Hive Multizone designed to control temperatures in multiple areas of your home.
The system has been described as remarkably robust and is always connected and accessible. The installation takes a few minutes and is very uncomplicated. As the Hive Hub and controller aren’t particularly aesthetically pleasing, you can hide them away behind the router or by the boiler. However, the thermostat is very stylish with an impressive mirror-effect.
App, Controls and Features
The Hive 2 is very user-friendly. Simply press the dial and you’ll get the current temperature. You can then lower or increase the temperature by twisting the knob. The Menu, Done and Back buttons make it easy for anyone to use the system. It also has two additional buttons; one giving you quick access to the heating controls and the other to the hot water settings. Meanwhile, the schedule lets you set up six time zones throughout the day.
Verdict
Hive is worth every penny – its easy to use and very powerful. It has gone a long way over the past year and has become one of the highly recommended smart thermostat systems.