A water chiller is a critical component to add to an ice bath or home cold plunge, especially if you are searching for a way to practice cold water immersion at home without having to make ice. For cold therapy, a water chiller will not only cool your water but can also circulate and filter it as well. However, the water chiller is often the most costly part of a cold therapy setup, so it is important to know what you need, and what the best options are for you.
Choosing the best water chiller for your ice bath depends on a few factors such as how insulated your cold plunge tub is, what temperature you would like to plunge at, and filtration preferences. We also weighed other factors like durability, convenience, power usage, and additional features to help you decide what is the best for you.
Our choice for the best water chiller is the Penguin Cold Therapy Chiller 3/4 HP. The Penguin CTC stands out for its user-friendly setup, build quality, durability, and it’s the closest thing there is to a one-size-fits-all water chiller. Specifically built for ice baths and cold therapy, this chiller comes with easy-to-connect hose fittings, is built to endure outdoor conditions, features a built-in pump and a debris-catching screen to ensure a smooth operation.
The 3/4 HP is enough power to get most tubs down to the 40-degree range or lower and helps avoid copper contamination of the water by using a titanium heat exchanger. With many new ice bath water chillers emerging that are very similar to each other, or even the same product with a different name, Penguin Chillers has one we trust the most, and is built in the USA.
That being said, if your DIY cold plunge tub requires a different type of chiller, we have you covered with our other top choices. Diving deep into the cold therapy chiller market, we’ve handpicked and scrutinized a variety of brands to bring you the cream of the crop. This list offers perspective on important features and qualities to look for in a chiller. Our mission is to assist you in navigating through the options to find the perfect chiller for your needs.
What are the Best Water Chillers For Ice Baths in 2024?
1. Penguin Chillers 3/4 HP Cold Therapy Chiller
Where to Buy:
Features:
- 3/4 HP motor with 7,500 BTU/hr cooling capacity
- Outdoor Rated (Rainproof)
- Designed and built in the USA
- Washable reusable 150-micron filter
- Designed and built in the USA
- 1-Year Warranty Included (Up to 3 Years Available)
The Penguin Chillers 3/4 HP Cold Therapy Chiller is our frontrunner in the world of cold plunging right now, offering a solid combination of performance, durability, and convenience. At 3/4 HP it has plenty of power, is engineered to cater specifically to ice baths, and will be good for most tubs. Included inline debris-catching screen further enhances its appeal, eliminating the need for external accessories and ensuring clean, uninterrupted operation.
The integration of quick-connecting hose fittings, a built-in pump, simplifies the installation process and ensures immediate and lasting use. The external washable and reusable filter design makes it easy to attach to any setup and also is available with specific connections for all models of the Ice Barrel. Its robust steel construction and outdoor rating, support continual service even when the conditions aren’t ideal.
The downside compared to other chillers on the list is that this chiller doesn’t have UV or Ozone filtration. However, this chiller is designed to continuously run which can help prevent bacteria growth, and it is easy enough to extend the life of the water by treating it with a stabilizer. Another thing to note is this chiller has no wheels but it is the lightest on the list at 49lbs, so it is still is very portable.
Quality made in the USA, the Penguin Cold Therapy chiller is currently $1949.99, with an optional $150 filter install kit available. Besides the filter, this kit includes everything you need to hook the chiller up to any chiller-ready plunge tub. Lastly, this chiller comes with a one-year warranty, with additional options to extend that to 2 or 3 years.
2. RevX Wellness 1.5 HP Chiller
Where to Buy:
Features:
- Cools water down to 34°F and heats it up to 104°F
- High-quality Panasonic Japanese compressor
- Commercial-grade titanium heat exchanger with 26-foot high-grade titanium tube
- User-friendly removable digital control panel with 12ft extension cable
- Intelligent software programming for extended product life cycle
- One-year standard warranty with additional protection plans available
- Tubing Kit with everything you need to connect the system
The RevX Wellness 1.5 HP Chiller is a powerhouse designed for residential use, wellness centers, gyms, other commercial settings, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor placement. It excels in both cooling and heating water, offering a wide temperature range from a chilly 34°F to a warm 104°F, perfect for versatile hydrotherapy needs.
What sets this chiller apart is its focus on quality and durability. RevX is the only manufacturer using premium Panasonic compressors, ensuring reliability and efficiency. The commercial-grade titanium heat exchanger, featuring a 26-foot high-grade titanium tube, provides optimal performance and corrosion resistance. These industrial-grade components, coupled with the aluminum finned condenser produced in the U.S., make this chiller built to last.
To complement the chiller’s performance, RevX offers an optional sanitization kit that comes in a compact metal cabinet. This kit allows you to choose between a UV or Ozone setup, both of which include a micron filter. This addition makes it incredibly easy to maintain the water quality in your cold plunge setup, ensuring a clean and hygienic experience with every use. The compact design of the sanitization cabinet means you can easily integrate this essential feature without taking up much additional space.
The RevX chiller incorporates revolutionary intelligent software programming to extend the product’s life cycle. It allows users to customize the temperature change threshold before automatic adjustment, directly impacting the longevity of the unit. With auto-restart and temperature memory features, it ensures consistent performance even in the event of power failures.
You can get this chiller with the classic tub and sanitizer kit for $2748. The price makes sense when comparing to similar options as it has additional power to heat or cool faster, has high quality parts, and has a well designed easy-to-access sanitization kit. You can also get this chiller as a part of two other RevX tub bundles.
3. Penguin Chillers 1/2 HP HE Water Chiller
Where to Buy:
Features:
- 1/2 HP High Efficiency with 5,750 BTU/hr
- Titanium heat exchanger prevents copper corrosion in water
- Quiet operation with only 56 dBA noise output
- Durable steel construction
- Quality Workmanship Made in the USA
- 1-Year Warranty Included (Up to 3 Years Available)
The Penguin 1/2 HP High-Efficiency water chiller is a great budget option to pair with a medium-sized tub that is well insulated. This high-efficiency model is unique as it provides more cooling than normal 1/2 HP pumps without any extra power consumption. It provides more efficient cooling and does this with a larger coil that has more contact surface area and contact time.
Operating at a 56 dBA, it guarantees a quiet environment, enhancing the therapeutic experience without excess noise. Basic digital temperature control enables users to maintain exact cooling levels with a few touches of a button. Furthermore, it is an energy-efficient operation, consuming only 450 watts.
Some important things to know are that you will have to figure out your own filtration for this one if you want it, but the titanium heat exchanger does at least prevent copper contamination in your water. This model also does not have wheels but is light for a chiller at just 40 pounds.
For this chiller, you’ll need to get your own pump, filter, and tubings. At $929 the Penguin 1/2 HP HE model is still a great budget option for those looking to save some money or have a DIY tub setup in mind. A one-year warranty is included with 2 and 3 year options available for extra. Be sure to check out how to pick the perfect water pump for your ice bath for our pump recommendations.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Water Chiller for Your Cold Therapy
When shopping for a water chiller for cold therapy, there are several critical features and specifications to consider. Each element plays a crucial role in the chiller’s performance, ease of use, and maintenance. Understanding why these features are important will help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
UV Light & Ozone
UV light is used in water chillers to kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring the water remains clean and safe for use. There is no known virus or bacteria that UV light can’t kill. This makes it a solid feature for maintaining hygienic conditions, especially if the chiller will be used frequently or by multiple people.
Similar to UV light, ozone is another method of sanitizing water. It is an oxidizer that helps break down contaminants, eliminate odors, and reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses. An ozone-equipped chiller can significantly enhance water quality and safety.
Filter (20 micron vs 150 micron)
The filter’s micron rating determines the size of particles it can remove from the water. A 20-micron filter offers finer filtration, capturing smaller particles compared to a 150-micron filter. Finer filtration is better for maintaining clear water and preventing the buildup of debris in the system, which can affect performance and hygiene.
That said, how fine of filtration you need for a cold plunge is debatable, as you are not drinking the water. While it can’t hurt to choose the best filtration, as it can help the water last longer before it needs to be drained, water can also be treated with a stabilizer to help with this issue. The filters provide a dual purpose to not only to keep the water clear but to also extend the life of the chiller.
Water Pump or Water Circulator
A water pump or circulator is key to maintaining an even temperature throughout the water bath. It ensures efficient heat exchange and prevents cold spots, providing a consistent and effective cold therapy experience. This
Power Consumption
Power consumption impacts the operational cost of running a water chiller. Energy-efficient models can significantly reduce electricity bills, especially if the chiller is used extensively. This can be judged by the run time.
Wheels and Weight
Wheels obviously enhance the portability of a water chiller, making it easier to move around as needed. This feature is particularly useful in multi-use spaces, for those who need to move the plunge setup often, or who are simply unable to lift the chiller. However, in most cases, this will not be a significant factor, as most people tend to leave it in the same area for long periods of time.
Hose and Input/Output Capability Size
The size of the hose and input/output capabilities determine the ease of connecting the chiller to your water source and bath. Compatibility with standard hose sizes ensures a hassle-free setup and flexibility in use. In general, the more horsepower your chiller has the bigger you want your inputs and hoses to be.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote control and monitoring of the chiller via a mobile app or web interface. Instead of leaning over, or going outside to check on the chiller, you can do it anywhere in Wi-Fi range. This feature adds convenience by enabling adjustments to settings from a distance, making it easier to manage your cold therapy sessions.
Touchscreen/Mobile App
User-friendly interfaces, such as touchscreens or mobile apps, simplify the operation of the chiller. They allow for quick control over settings and features, making it more convenient to make adjustments or to simply check the temperature.
Warranty
Most of these chillers include at least a one-year warranty that protects your investment by covering repairs or replacements due to manufacturing defects. The duration of the included warranty and options for an extended one, is something to carefully consider. While we trust our choices for the top water chillers, we always recommend getting an extended warranty, simply for peace of mind.
Noise Level (dB)
The noise level, measured in decibels (dB), affects the comfort of using the chiller, especially in quiet environments. A lower dB rating means the chiller operates more quietly, minimizing distractions during therapy sessions or in shared spaces.
Final Thoughts
In the end, picking the right water chiller for your ice bath or cold plunge is super important to make your cold therapy sessions as good as they can be. Think about how well your tub keeps the cold in, how cold you want your water, and how you want your water cleaned. We also looked at how long these chillers last, ease of use, power usage, and what extra features they have to help you decide which one is the best for you.
Our favorite is the Penguin Cold Therapy Chiller because it’s easy to set up, strong, durable, and priced well to work well for just about anyone. It’s made specifically for cold therapy, has a powerful motor, is outdoor rated,
But we know everyone is different, so we’ve found a few other great chillers, too. Whether you’re looking for something that cleans the water really well, heats the water as well as cools it, or connects to your Wi-Fi, there’s a chiller out there for you. Remember to think about things like if it has a UV light to keep the water clean, how big the filters are, and to keep mobility in mind.
The best chiller for you also depends on what you want out of your cold therapy, how much space you have, and how much you’re willing to spend. Investing in a chiller means you’re investing in convenient cold therapy. If you need any additional help choosing a chiller, chat with us at Plunge Junkies today!
