If you’re serious about ice baths, you know the struggle of constantly running out of ice when you need it most. Let’s solve that problem once and for all.
After testing dozens of models and freezing my butt off more times than I care to admit, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best ice makers specifically for cold plunge enthusiasts at every level – from weekend warriors to daily dippers.
TL;DR: The LIFEPLUS Commercial Ice Maker gives the best performance-to-price ratio for most cold therapy fans. With 70 lbs daily production and a 10 lb storage bin, it keeps up with regular plunging without breaking the bank.
What Makes an Ice Maker Good for Ice Baths?
Before diving into the reviews, let’s get real about what matters:
- Production capacity: How much ice you need depends entirely on your plunging habits. A single ice bath typically requires 20-40 pounds of ice, depending on tub size and desired temperature.
- Ice type: Larger cubes melt slower, keeping your plunge colder longer.
- Storage capacity: Bigger is better. Nothing worse than waiting for more ice in the middle of your routine.
- Installation requirements: Some machines need a water line hookup, others don’t.
I’ve organized these recommendations by daily ice production, from smallest to largest, to help you match your ice maker to your actual needs.
What are the Best Ice Makers for Ice Baths?
- Best for Large Ice Blocks: Ice Block Molds
- Best for 30-40 Lbs Daily: AGLUCKY Nugget Ice Maker
- Best For 40-50 Lbs Daily: EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker Machine
- Best For 50 To 70 Lbs Daily: LIFEPLUS Commercial Ice Maker
- Best For 70 To 100 Lbs Daily: EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker
- Best For 100 To 150 Lbs Daily: SILONN Commercial Ice Maker
- Best For 200 To 400 Lbs Daily: EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker
1. Ice Block Molds (7-Pound Blocks)
Best for Large Ice Blocks
Best Deals:
Features:
- Creates massive 7-pound blocks
- Lasts 5X longer than regular ice cubes
- Stackable for storage
- Reusable and dishwasher safe
- Dimensions: 5″ x 6.75″ x 11.5″
Why It’s Great: These aren’t technically “ice makers” but deserve mention because they’re game-changers for home cold therapy enthusiasts. These steel-reinforced silicone molds let you create monster ice blocks that melt way slower than cubes.
For occasional plungers who don’t want to invest in a dedicated machine, you can simply keep 3-4 of these blocks in rotation. Pop them in your freezer a couple days before you need them, and you’re set.
The slow melt rate means longer, more consistent cold temperatures throughout your plunge. When you’re done, just refill and refreeze for next time.
The Catch: You need freezer space and planning ahead. Not ideal for spontaneous or daily use unless you have a dedicated freezer.
Bottom Line: Perfect starter option for occasional plungers. Own multiple molds and keep them in rotation for a steady supply without the cost of a machine.
2. AGLUCKY Ice Maker (35 Lbs Daily)
Best for 30-40 Lbs Daily
Best Deals:
Features:
- Production: 35 lbs/day
- Storage: 1.5 lbs
- Water Capacity: 1.1L
- Type of Ice: Nugget/pebble (softer ice)
- Noise Level: Super quiet at 36dB
- First ice ready in 7 minutes
Why It’s Great: This compact machine punches above its weight. It’s perfect for solo plungers who dip 1-2 times per week. The pebble ice it produces isn’t ideal for ice baths (melts faster than cubes), but the quick production time makes up for it.
At just under 9 inches wide, it fits almost anywhere, and the whisper-quiet operation won’t disturb your post-plunge meditation.
The Catch: Small storage bin means you’ll need to empty it frequently while building up enough ice for a bath. The pebble ice melts quicker than cubes, so expect to use more.
Bottom Line: Great entry-level option for occasional solo plungers. If you plunge more than twice weekly or share your tub, you’ll want something bigger.
3. EUHOMY Ice Machine (45 Lbs Daily)
Best for 40-50 Lbs Daily
Best Deals:
Features:
- Production: 45 lbs/day
- Storage: 2.6 lbs
- Water Capacity: 3.2L or connect a 3-gallon jug
- Type of Ice: Cube
- Noise: 45dB
- Adjustable ice thickness
Why It’s Great: The EUHOMY offers incredible flexibility with its adjustable ice thickness feature. Thicker cubes melt slower, meaning your plunge stays colder longer. The ability to connect a 3-gallon water jug eliminates constant refilling, which is a huge plus when you’re churning out ice for daily plunges.
The LCD display makes operation dead simple, and the self-cleaning function means less maintenance headaches.
The Catch: The 2.6lb storage bin is still relatively small, so you’ll need to empty it several times while prepping for a plunge session.
Bottom Line: Solid mid-range option for individual plungers who dip 2-3 times weekly. The cube ice and thickness adjustment features make it superior to pebble ice makers for cold therapy applications.
4. LIFEPLUS Ice Maker (70 Lbs Daily)
Best for 50 to 70 Lbs Daily
Best Deals:
Features:
- Production: 70 lbs/day
- Storage: 10 lbs
- Water Supply: Connect to water line OR use 5-gallon jugs
- Type of Ice: Cube
- Noise: 45dB
- Makes 32 ice cubes every 11-20 minutes
- Adjustable ice thickness
Why It’s Great: This is the sweet spot for most serious cold plungers. The 70lb daily production handles even daily ice baths, while the 10lb storage bin means less babysitting during ice production.
The dual water connection options are clutch—connect directly to a water line for ultimate convenience, or use water jugs if you don’t have a water line nearby. This flexibility makes it perfect for garage or basement setups.
The adjustable ice thickness lets you create thicker cubes that last longer in your plunge tub. At 45dB, it’s quieter than most refrigerators.
The Catch: Slightly larger footprint (14.1 x 13.8 x 24.8 inches) requires more space than portable models.
Bottom Line: The best all-around option for dedicated ice bath enthusiasts. Powerful enough for daily use but not overkill for regular plungers. This is what I personally use and recommend most often.
5. EUHOMY Ice Machine (99 Lbs Daily)
Best for 70 to 100 Lbs Daily
Best Deals:
Features:
- Production: 99 lbs/day
- Storage: 33 lbs
- Water Connection: Water line required
- Type of Ice: Cube
- Noise: 45dB
- ETL Certified
- Ambient temperature display
Why It’s Great: Now we’re getting serious. This commercial-grade machine produces nearly 100 pounds of ice daily and holds a massive 33 pounds in its bin. The ETL certification ensures safety standards are met—important if you’re running a recovery facility or gym.
The large storage capacity means you can fill even large tubs without waiting for multiple cycles. The ambient temperature display helps you monitor conditions affecting ice production.
The Catch: Requires both water line connection and drain output, making installation more complex. Ice will gradually melt in the storage bin if not used quickly.
Bottom Line: Perfect for multi-person households where several people use the ice bath, or for coaches/trainers offering cold therapy services to clients. Overkill for individual users unless you’re plunging multiple times daily.
6. SILONN Ice Machine (150 Lbs Daily)
Best for 100 to 150 Lbs Daily
Best Deals:
Features:
- Production: 150 lbs/day
- Storage: 33 lbs
- Water Connection: Water line required
- Type of Ice: Cube
- Noise: 50dB
- Adjustable ice thickness
- Water level alerts
Why It’s Great: The SILONN is a beast, producing 150 pounds of ice daily—enough for multiple large ice baths. The 33lb storage capacity handles even the largest plunge tubs without constant emptying.
The adjustable thickness feature lets you customize ice density from thin to thick, while the alert system for low water levels ensures uninterrupted ice production.
The Catch: At 68 pounds and requiring permanent water line hookup, this isn’t a portable solution. It’s a serious installation for dedicated cold therapy enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for recovery centers, sports teams, gyms offering cold therapy, or extremely dedicated home users with large tubs or multiple daily plungers.
7. EUHOMY Ice Maker (400 Lbs Daily)
Best for 200 to 400 Lbs Daily
Best Deals:
Features:
- Production: 400 lbs/day
- Storage: 250 pounds (not a typo!)
- Water Connection: Water line required
- Type of Ice: Cube
- Noise: 55dB
- Makes 160 ice cubes per cycle (8-15 minutes)
- Adjustable cube size (small, medium, large)
Why It’s Great: This absolute unit produces ice at a staggering rate—400 pounds daily with cycles as quick as 8 minutes for 160 cubes. The storage bin holds a ridiculous 250 pounds of ice, meaning you’ll never run out, no matter how many people are using your cold plunge setup.
The LCD panel allows precise control, with timer functions, ice production alerts, and self-cleaning options.
The Catch: Size is the obvious limitation—at over 5 feet tall (63.2 inches), this requires dedicated space. This is commercial equipment for serious operations.
Bottom Line: Perfect for commercial recovery centers, sports facilities, or high-volume cold therapy clinics. Complete overkill for home use unless you’re running the neighborhood ice bath club.
How Much Ice Do You Actually Need?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is overspending on ice capacity they’ll never use. Let me help you match your habits to the right machine:
- Occasional Plunger (1-2 baths weekly): The AGLUCKY (35lbs) or EUHOMY (45lbs) will serve you well.
- Regular Enthusiast (3-5 baths weekly): The LIFEPLUS (70lbs) hits the sweet spot.
- Daily Dipper (7+ baths weekly): Consider the EUHOMY (99lbs) for consistent supply.
- Multiple Users/Commercial: The SILONN (150lbs) or EUHOMY (400lbs) are your best bets.
Remember: a standard full-sized ice bath typically requires 20-40 pounds of ice, depending on your starting water temperature and desired coldness.
How to Make Your Ice More Effective
Here’s a pro tip most people miss: freshly made ice isn’t as cold as it could be.
While water freezes at 32°F (0°C), your home freezer runs around 0°F (-18°C). Newly formed ice starts at just below freezing, but given time, it can drop to the freezer’s ambient temperature.
For maximum cooling power, make your ice at least 24-48 hours before your plunge and store it in the freezer. This “aging” process makes each cube significantly colder, meaning they extract more heat from your bath water and melt more slowly.
To efficiently create, store, and lower your ice to these optimal cold therapy temperatures, consider utilizing reusable ice-making products like Perfectware Icebags. They are designed for easy use and can help your ice reach and maintain this ultra-cold state, ready for when you need it most.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ice Machine
Choosing the right ice machine for your ice baths isn’t just about avoiding a financial misstep; it’s about ensuring that your recovery routine is as efficient and effective as possible.
In this section, we’ll navigate through the essential considerations, ensuring that you invest in an ice maker that not only suits your current demands but also serves you reliably as your needs evolve.
1. Capacity and Production Rate
For an ice bath enthusiast, the machine’s capacity and production rate are crucial. You need a machine that aligns with your recovery routine. If you’re plunging daily or hosting sessions for multiple users, a machine that churns out at least 100 pounds of ice per day might be essential.
On the flip side, casual users might be satisfied with a lower-capacity model. Gauge your frequency and intensity of use – there’s no sense in investing in a high-output machine if a mid-range model can meet your cooling needs without leaving excess ice to melt away.
Here are a few considerations when determining how much ice you need:
- The volume of the tub: The amount of water your cold plunge tub can hold directly influences the amount of ice needed. More water requires more ice to lower the temperature to a desired level.
- Desired temperature: The temperature you want to achieve in the ice bath will determine how much ice you should add. If you’re aiming for a temperature significantly below the water’s starting temperature, you’ll need more ice.
- Starting temperature of water: If the tap water is already quite cold, you’ll need less ice than if the tap water is warm or at room temperature.
- Ambient temperature: The temperature of the surrounding environment can affect how quickly the ice melts and, thus how much ice you need. On a hot day, you might need more ice to achieve and maintain a cold temperature compared to a cooler day.
- Insulation of the tub: If the tub is well-insulated, it will require less ice to cool the water and maintain the temperature.
- Duration of the bath: The length of time you plan to spend in the ice bath may also influence the amount of ice you need. For a longer bath, you may need more ice to keep the temperature steady.
Also be sure to check out our dedicated guide “How Much Ice for an Ice Bath” for more guidance on ice quantity, as well as a handy calculator to help you out!
2. Ice Quality and Consistency
The ice should be of a consistency that cools the water efficiently without posing a risk of bruising due to oversized or irregular pieces. Clear, hard ice typically lasts longer and provides a sustained cold temperature, crucial for the full duration of an ice bath. Machines that produce cloudy, softer ice might necessitate more frequent refills since the ice may melt faster, which is less ideal for back-to-back sessions or prolonged exposure required for therapeutic ice baths.
3. Noise Levels
In a therapeutic setting like ice bathing, a noisy ice machine can be disruptive. Look for a unit that promises low-decibel operation. The serene silence will allow you to focus on your breath and the mental discipline that ice baths often require, enhancing the overall calming experience rather than detracting from it with mechanical rumbles.
4. Adjustable Ice Thickness
This might seem minor, but the thickness of your ice can impact the temperature and duration of your ice bath. Thicker ice melts more slowly, maintaining the cold for longer sessions. Select a machine that offers adjustable ice thickness settings, giving you the flexibility to cater to individual preferences and seasonal variations – thinner in cooler months, thicker when it’s warmer.
5. Ease of Use and Cleaning
The machine should be user-friendly, not a puzzle each time you need ice. It should have intuitive controls for setting up ice production cycles, and cleaning should be straightforward. A model with an easy-to-clean design minimizes the time you spend on maintenance, ensuring you have more time for recovery and less time tinkering with machine parts.
6. Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Consider the machine’s energy consumption, as it will be running frequently to replenish your ice supply. Energy-efficient models may come with a higher upfront cost but can lead to significant savings on your utility bills over time. Moreover, efficient ice production means less water and energy waste, which is not only good for your wallet but also better for the environment.
7. Installation and Setup
An ice machine for ice baths should not require complex installation. Portable and freestanding models generally offer ease of installation; you simply plug them in and start the ice production. If a water line connection is necessary, consider whether you’ll need professional help or if it’s a manageable DIY project. Be clear about what the installation entails before making a purchase to avoid unexpected hassles or costs.
Ice Makers vs Water Chiller For Ice Bath
When it comes to maintaining the crisp, cool temperatures required for ice baths, two main contenders emerge: ice makers and water chillers. Each system brings its own set of advantages and considerations.
Ice makers are the more traditional option, dedicated to producing ice that can be added directly to a bath. The key benefit lies in their ability to generate a large volume of ice, which, when added to water, cools it rapidly to the desired temperature. This method offers the sensory experience of submerging in ice-cold water with floating ice, which many find invigorating and mentally stimulating.
However, the reliance on a physical product (ice) necessitates storage space and regular production, which can become a hassle. Additionally, there’s the task of physically transferring ice to the bath, which can be labor-intensive.
| Feature | Water Chillers | Ice Makers |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Method | Directly cools the water | Produces ice to be added to the water |
| Cooling Speed | Slow initially, few after to desired temps | Depends on amount of ice |
| Temperature Control | Precise temperature settings available | Less precise, depends on ice amount |
| Installation | Connection of a few hoses | Generally simple, just plug in and use |
| Maintenance | Some cleaning, filter changing | Requires periodic cleaning, ice bin emptying |
| Space Requirement | Relatively compact | Requires space for ice production and storage |
| Cost | Generally more expensive upfront | Varied, from affordable to high-end models |
| Energy Efficiency | Usually more energy-efficient | Can be less efficient due to ice production |
| Frequency of Use | Ideal for frequent, controlled use | Depends on size of ice maker |
| Portability | Less portable, often fixed installation | More portable, can be moved as needed |
| Filtration | Circulates and filters water | No filtration, relies on water quality |
| Labor Required | Initial setup, some adjustments | Regular transportation of ice to bath |
Ultimately, the choice between an ice maker and a water chiller boils down to personal preference, frequency of use, and the value placed on convenience. Those seeking the traditional ice bath experience with the tangible presence of ice might lean towards an ice maker, while individuals prioritizing ease of maintenance and consistent temperature control might favor water chillers.
At Plunge Junkies, we pride ourselves on hosting the largest collection of ice bath water chillers, catering to every preference and ensuring you find the perfect fit for your ice bath regimen.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right ice maker for your ice bath routine is key to achieving those chilling temperatures that can help you reap the benefits of an ice bath. With options ranging from compact machines that produce a couple dozen pounds per day to industrial workhorses churning out hundreds of pounds, there’s an ice maker out there for every need and budget.
For most home ice bath enthusiasts, a mid-range commercial unit like the LIFEPLUS is a great pick, with its robust 70lb daily output and generous storage bin. This gives you the power to keep your tub well-stocked without overbuying the capacity you won’t use.
Ultimately, match your machine to your ice bath frequency. Casual or occasional bathers can get by with an entry-level model, while ice bath junkies will appreciate the convenience of an industrial-strength ice maker’s high production rates.
And don’t forget—quality thick ice lasts longer, so look for adjustable cube sizes. With the right ice maker, you’ll be set up to chill out in style.