Ice baths have gained immense popularity in recent years. Taking an ice bath is not just for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking for a quick recovery after an intense workout. The rise to popularity of The Wim Hof Method has brought the benefits of cold exposure to the masses.
While the benefits of ice baths are well-known and have been scientifically proven to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and promote faster recovery, many people have turned to ice baths to lose weight, improve mental health and even strengthen their immune systems. In this article, as well as listing the best ice bath brands, we will discuss the benefits of ice baths, how to do it, what temperature to use, how long to stay in, and how frequently to take ice baths.
What Is The Best Ice Bath Tub For Home?
Here is our list of the best ice bath brands you can buy for your home, including the best portable ice bath for those who need to pack it away afterwards or take it travelling.
Brass Monkey Ice Bath
Best Ice Bath For Pros
- Creates it’s own ice
- Temperatures as low as 0°C
- App controlled
- UV & Dual Filter Cleaning system
Typical Price: £11,750.00
If you’re looking for the gold standard in ice baths, Brass Monkey is the name you need to know. From the moment I interacted with the company, I knew I was dealing with a class act. Their customer service is exceptional—responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about cold water therapy. But more importantly, their ice baths are simply in a league of their own.
This is the ultimate cold plunge system, designed for those who take their ice bathing seriously. Unlike many other models on the market, the Brass Monkey is a fully automated ice bath that creates its own ice, meaning you never have to mess around with bags of ice or worry about keeping it at the right temperature. You can plunge into crystal-clear, ice-cold water as low as 0°C (32°F) at any time—without any extra effort.
I had the chance to try out the Cedar finish, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely stunning. Brass Monkey offers eight different premium finishes, each one crafted with durability and aesthetics in mind. If you’re investing in a top-tier ice bath, I highly recommend opting for one of these premium finishes—it makes the whole experience feel even more luxurious.
One of the standout features is the Brass Monkey app, which lets you control the temperature remotely, schedule your sessions, and even access guided dips. It’s a brilliant addition that makes the experience incredibly seamless. And because the system is equipped with UV and dual-filter cleaning, maintenance is kept to an absolute minimum. You get the benefit of pure, filtered water with very little upkeep—something that’s hugely important if you’re planning to use your ice bath daily.
The build quality is impeccable, and the attention to detail is exactly what you’d expect from a premium product. Everything, from the insulation to the optional integrated taps for rapid refilling, has been designed for efficiency and ease of use. It’s energy-efficient, well-insulated, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor setups.
Brass Monkey’s ColdCare package is another major perk. This includes replacement filters, UV bulbs, remote monitoring (when connected to WiFi), and even dedicated Brass Monkey engineers in the UK if you ever need hands-on support. This level of aftercare is rare in the industry, and it’s clear the brand is committed to long-term customer satisfaction.
If you’re serious about optimising your recovery, performance, and overall well-being, Brass Monkey delivers the most advanced and hassle-free ice bath experience you can buy today. Yes, it’s a premium investment, but from my experience, it’s worth every penny.
If you’re looking for the best professional-grade ice bath, this is it. The Brass Monkey is as close to perfection as it gets.
Read our full review of the Brass Monkey Ice Bath here.
Key Features:
- Self-Creating Ice – No need to add ice manually, it maintains ultra-cold temperatures as low as 0°C.
- 8 Premium Finishes – Customise the look with durable and stunning cladding options.
- Brass Monkey App – Remote control, scheduling, and guided cold plunges.
- UV & Dual-Filter Cleaning – Ensures crystal-clear water with minimal maintenance.
- ColdCare Service – Includes replacement filters, remote monitoring, and support.
- Energy-Efficient & Insulated – Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Worldwide Shipping – Available for customers globally.
- Optional Integrated Taps – For fast refilling and easy drainage.
- Industry-Leading Warranty – 2-year coverage on all parts, plus an extended warranty on the cooling system and onboard computer.
Typical Price: £11,750.00
Monk Smart Ice Bath
Best Mid Range Ice Bath
- Self-Cleaning Ozone Sanitisation
- Precise Temperature Control
- Energy Efficiency
- Comprehensive App Integration
- Plug-and-Play Setup
- Fits through standard doorways
Typical Price: £5,995.00
If you’re seeking a cutting-edge addition to your home wellness setup, the Monk Smart Ice Bath stands out as an exceptional choice. Monk has seamlessly integrated advanced technology with user-centric design, offering a transformative cold water therapy experience.
One of Monk’s standout features is its self-cleaning ozone sanitisation system. This ensures the water remains pristine without the need for harsh chemicals or constant manual cleaning. The convenience of changing the water quarterly, facilitated by a simple hose connection to the reversible flow valve, speaks to its thoughtful engineering.
Temperature control is effortless with Monk. Whether adjusting settings directly on the unit or via the accompanying app, you can achieve precise temperatures tailored to your therapy needs. Its compact design is deceivingly spacious, comfortably accommodating people up to 6’6″ and 125kg. This makes it versatile for both indoor and outdoor setups, adding a sleek aesthetic to any space.
We loved how straightforward installation was—no plumbing required. Simply fill Monk with water, plug it in, and it’s ready for use. Its energy-efficient insulation ensures minimal power consumption, comparable to running an LED lightbulb. This efficiency maintains consistent water temperatures, even in varying climates, and prevents freezing during colder periods.
The integration of the Monk app elevates the user experience. It offers guided plunge programs, syncs with wearable devices like Whoop and Oura, and allows for remote scheduling. Tracking metrics such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and even mental state assessments provides a comprehensive overview of your wellness journey.
Incorporating the Monk Smart Ice Bath into your routine is more than just a physical endeavour; it’s a commitment to holistic well-being. Its blend of innovation, efficiency, and design makes it a standout choice for those serious about cold water therapy.
Key Features
- Self-Cleaning Ozone Sanitisation: Maintains water purity without chemicals.
- Precise Temperature Control: Easily adjustable via the unit or app.
- Compact Yet Spacious Design: Fits through standard doorways; accommodates users up to 6’6″ and 125kg.
- Plug-and-Play Setup: No plumbing required; simple installation.
- Energy Efficiency: Low power consumption with robust insulation.
- Comprehensive App Integration: Guided sessions, wearable device syncing, and progress tracking.
Typical Price: £5,995.00
Get £200 off your entire order using our link.
Nurecover PodXL
Best Ice Bath In Pod Style
- Ample Capacity: Up to 750 litres
- Superior Insulation: Features 5 layers thermal insulated TPE
- Generous extras
Typical Price: £159.00
Here’s an ice bath brand that are beginning to dominate the recovery space. Not only are their ice baths exceptional, they have a great range of other recovery products too, such as portable saunas, massage guns and even a cupping device. Nurecover really can be your one-stop shop for recovery products.
Their PodXL ice bath has a massive 750-litre capacity, making it one of the largest portable ice baths on the market. You’ll fit comfortably in here, even if you’re 8 feet tall! With 5 layers of insulation it does a great job of keeping the water cool.
What’s impressive about Nurecover is the thought that goes into the extras that you can get with the ice bath. The insulating lid and weatherproof cover are great, and the free thermometer is an excellent bonus. You’ll even receive a free eBook on cold therapy. But the Pro Bundle includes a 196 ice cube tray (genius and so convenient), an absorbent mat, a water cushion and a pro air pump too. The ice cube tray alone is a game-changer! These added extras make all the difference, so it’s well worth paying a little more for the pro bundle.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 110cm diameter and 80cm height.
- Ample Capacity: Up to 750 litres.
- Lightweight: Only 3.5kg when empty for easy transportation.
- Height Compatibility: Suitable for individuals up to 8′ (2.5m tall).
- Superior Insulation: Features 5 layers thermal insulated TPE.
Typical Price: £159.00
Get 15% off your entire order via this link. Discount code THISLIFE automatically applied at checkout.
Icey-Tek Cool Box
Most Versatile Ice Bath
- 450-litre capacity
- Robust Construction
- Doubles as a giant cool box for events, BBQs or fishing
Typical Price: £674.99
Icey-Tek are not an ice bath company, but their cool boxes are the best around. And one of their cool boxes is the perfect size for an ice bath, so they decided to market it as such. They’ve even added hose attachments for draining and filling, which means you can purchase a separate chiller device and attach it directly. Icey-Tek have their own chiller device coming soon that will attach to the ice bath.
As you can imagine, the commercial grade insulation is unbeatable, maintaining temperatures brilliantly. The double insulated lid (74mm of PU foam) is fully removable. It is secured using 8 x ultra-tough Southco premium rubber latches and a foam seal. The man pictured is 6’1″ and fits comfortably, so there’s plenty of room for most people.
When you’re not using it as an ice bath, it can function as a cool box for BBQs, parties and events. For those into fishing or hunting, it’s a brilliant piece of kit to keep everything fresh. You can also purchase a cushion for the lid to make it into a bench seat.
Typical Price: £674.99
The Cold Pod
Best Ice Bath For Portability
- 320-litre capacity
- 4 layer insulation
- Portable design
Typical Price: £75.99
As one of the most popular ice bath brands in the UK, The Cold Pod has been a game-changer for many cold therapy enthusiasts.
The Cold Pod has a decent 320-litre capacity, which makes it roomy enough to fit in comfortably, even for a 6″ plus man, but it only takes up a relatively small footprint and is easy to pack away into a small space for storage or transportation.. We liked the inflatable comfort ring at the top and the handy lid makes it really easy to keep the water clean. Of course, if your water stays nice and clean, all you need to do is add ice to the existing water and you’re ready to go, which is great. Convenience is a big factor in keeping these kinds of habits up, so the fact that it’s so easy is a real bonus.
We were surprised at just how good the Cold Pod is at keeping the water cold, especially between uses. The high quality of materials and 4-layer design certainly does the trick, and it feels like a really sturdy product, especially considering how portable it is. It is also really easy to drain with the built-in drainage tap and hose attachment.
The Cold Pod is the best ice bath of this size you can buy. It is affordable, and if your budget can’t stretch to one of the more pro ice baths, or you need something more portable, The Cold Pod is the way to go.
Key Features:
- Portable design
- 4-Layer insulation
- Inflatable comfort ring
- Drainage tap & hose
- Drawstring 4-layer lid
Typical Price: £75.99
Tub Tanks
- Various shapes and sizes available
- Compatible chillers and heaters available
- Super-tough materials
Typical Price: £260
USE OUR DISCOUNT CODE THISLIFE10 AT CHECKOUT FOR 10% OFF.
This Suffolk based company specialise in these weatherproof metal stock tanks, which can be used for all sorts of purposes, such as ice baths, hot tubs, paddling pools and even as planters. I’m intrigued to try out their wood-fired hot tub kit! The tanks look great and will make you feel really in touch with the elements. They have a raw, back-to-basics feel to them, which is very appealing.
They are fully customisable and are great for integrating into a garden project, transforming your outdoor space.
Tub Tanks offer tanks in a huge range of sizes and shapes. They even offer kits that come with WiFi-enabled chiller/heater devices that can cool the water down to 5°C and can warm up to 40°C.
USE OUR DISCOUNT CODE THISLIFE10 AT CHECKOUT FOR 10% OFF.
Typical Price: From £260
Enjoy Ice Baths?
Don’t forget to have something to warm up with when you get out. Dryrobe waterproof changing robes are great, but they can be expensive. Check out our Dryrobe alternatives here >>
How to set up an ice bath
Firstly, fill your chosen ice bath with a few bags of ice and add cold water. The amount of ice and water required depends on the size of the bathtub, but aim to fill it up enough so you can submerge your shoulders. Ideally, the water temperature should be below 15 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit), although experienced ice-bathers will go as low as 3 degrees Celsius (37.5 Fahrenheit). You should always use an ice bath thermometer (like this one) to make sure the water is at the temperature you want. Make sure the ice is evenly distributed, so that the temperature of the water is consistent.
Before getting into the ice bath, make sure you have a towel and warm clothes ready, or a changing robe, for after the bath. Get into the tub slowly, and submerge your body up to your waistline, then gradually lower yourself in up to your neck. If you are new to ice baths, start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as your body adapts to the cold temperature.
What are the benefits of ice baths?
Ice baths offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for athletes and anyone looking to recover faster after a workout. Here are some of the benefits of ice baths:
Reduced muscle soreness
Ice baths have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. The cold temperature reduces inflammation, which is a major contributor to muscle soreness.
Faster recovery
Ice baths help to speed up the recovery process after an intense workout. By reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow, ice baths help the body to heal faster and get back to peak performance.
Increased circulation
The cold temperature of an ice bath can cause blood vessels to constrict, which promotes blood flow. Increased circulation helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which aids in the recovery process.
Improved immunity
Some studies have shown that cold exposure can boost the immune system. An ice bath is a great way to give your immune system a boost and stay healthy.
The feel-good factor: Ice baths for mental well-being
In addition to the physical benefits, ice baths also have a feel-good factor that can help boost your mood and mental wellbeing. When you are exposed to cold water, your body releases a rush of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can produce a sense of euphoria and relaxation.
Additionally, ice baths can also stimulate the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. When dopamine is released, it can create a sense of happiness and satisfaction, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Other brain chemicals that may be released during an ice bath include adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are hormones that are associated with the fight or flight response. These hormones can help to boost energy and alertness, which can help to enhance your focus and concentration.
Overall, ice baths can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation while also promoting a natural sense of happiness and wellbeing. This makes them an excellent way to enhance your mental and emotional health while also improving your physical recovery after intense physical activity.
How long should you stay in an ice bath?
The recommended time for an ice bath is between 5 and 15 minutes. If you are new to ice baths, start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as your body adapts to the cold temperature. It is essential to monitor your body’s response and stop the bath if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.
How frequently should you take ice baths?
The frequency of ice baths depends on your activity level and your body’s response to the cold temperature. It is generally recommended to take an ice bath after intense physical activity, such as a long run or weightlifting session. You can take ice baths every day if you feel comfortable and experience no adverse effects. However, it is essential to listen to your body and adjust the frequency accordingly. Personally, I’d keep it to a few times per week.
