Renowned for its myriad physical and mental health benefits, cold-water therapy gained momentum in the 1960s as a form of post-exercise recovery for top athletes.
Now, ice baths have entered mainstream culture, and they're just as commonplace in the locker room as they are in A-list homes.
Celebrities such as David Beckham, Harry Styles, and Courteney Cox are all firm advocates of the trend, often sharing their newfound morning routines on Instagram - and perhaps they're onto something.
Are ice baths good for you?
Dr Mark Harper, anaesthetist, cold-water swimmer, and author of Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure, reveals: “There’s a lot of evidence from clinical trials about outdoor swimming and dipping, but there’s very little on ice baths. There is preliminary evidence that regular cold-water bathing reduces inflammation, reduces the stress response, and has positive effects on mood and inflammatory-related conditions such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s, and arthritis.”
What is the ideal ice bath temperature?
In news that is sure to delight cold-water novices, Dr Harper suggests that a tub filled with ice may not be strictly necessary. According to the expert, “There is little to be gained from temperatures under 10°C. To get a good mental and physical effect, all that is required is water immersion that is less than 20°C.”
Dr Harper advises beginners to start with warmer water and gradually work up to the ice bath experience. “It’s best to begin with six immersions at temperatures between 10-20°C before attempting under 10°C,” he explains. “It’s important to get over the initial shock of immersing the body before putting your head in.”
Thinking about taking the plunge? A wide range of ice baths are now available on the high street. From luxury high-end tubs to inflatable ice baths, you can fill up with a garden hose, there’s something for everyone.
Best ice baths in the UK at a glance
- Best for beginners: Lumi Recovery Pod Portable Ice Bath - £119.95, John Lewis
- Best for when you’re on the move: The Cold Pod Portable Ice Bath - £104.99, Amazon
- Best for when money is no object: Urban Ice Tribe Steel Stock Tank - £348, Urban Ice Tribe
- Best for when you have limited space: Ice Frontier Elite Recovery Ice Bath Tub - £59.99, Amazon
- Best for an inflatable option: Pulsio Ice Recovery Bath - £54, Pulsio
- Best for tall ice bath enthusiasts: The MyoIce - £89, MyoMaster
- Best for when you’re on a budget: The Ice Co Ice Bath - £79, The Ice Co
Shop now
Best menstrual cups: 10 reusable period products that put the planet first
The best surf brands to shop in the UK for quality surf wear and accessories
Best hydrating drinks that boost electrolytes and help replenish your body after exercise
Best compression boots to assist with muscle recovery, and how they work
Best inflatable stand-up paddleboards in 2024, tried and tested
Lumi Recovery Pod Portable Ice Bath
- Best for: Beginners
- Weight: 3.5kg empty, 320kg full
- Dimensions: 80cm diameter x 75cm height
- Capacity: 320 litres
- Height restriction: This ice bath is suitable for users up to 6ft 7in
The cold-water curious will have heard of the Lumi Recovery Pod Portable Ice Bath. A great entry-level ice bath, it’s the brand’s smallest and most affordable option.
With easy-to-follow instructions, I set the Lumi Recovery Pod up in less than 10 minutes - something I appreciated while standing outside in the middle of February with the garden hose. Its thermo lid maintains the water’s temperature whilst you get ready, and the inflatable top ring made my experience surprisingly comfortable, with ample room to rest my head.
After the ice bath, I used the All-Weather Cover to store my Lumi Recovery Pod away and yes, it has survived snow, rain, and hail so far - impressive for the price tag.
If you’re an ice bath devotee looking for something more advanced, the Lumi Recovery Pod Max has a thermometer and doesn’t even require ice to reap the benefits. It takes up very minimal space when you store it away, too.
Note: This is a great choice for tall ice bath users. Lumi has tested the Lumi Recovery Pod on the Exeter Chiefs rugby team and it’s designed for anyone up to 6ft 7in.
Buy now £119.95, John Lewis
The Cold Pod Portable Ice Bath
- Weight: 3.2kg
- Dimensions: 75cm diameter x 75 height
- Capacity: 320 litres
- Height restriction: This ice bath is suitable for users up to 6ft 7in
If you’re looking for a portable ice bath that can be used at home, the gym, or on the beach, consider The Cold Pod Portable Ice Bath. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, it’s lightweight and easy to carry with six detachable legs.
To put its portability to the test, I loaned the Cold Pod Portable Ice Bath to a friend and was pleased to find it was quick to pack up, transport, and assemble again with a complimentary carry bag included in your order.
I used the Cold Pod Portable Ice Bath outside and found it was easy to drain, particularly handy if you’re on the move. For ice bath enthusiasts wanting to share the cold-water therapy experience, this is the portable option you’re looking for.
Buy now £104.99, Amazon
Urban Ice Tribe Steel Stock Tank
- Best for: When money is no object
- Weight: Approximately 19.9kg (Size 2ft x 2ft x 4ft)
- Dimensions: 61cm x 61cm x 122cm
- Capacity: 464 litres
Consider the Urban Ice Tribe Steel Stock Tank a sophisticated option if you’re looking to invest in an ice bath that complements the garden. Built from tough galvanised steel, the Steel Stock Tank is designed to withstand the elements and can be used as a garden feature post-ice bath.
I was impressed with its sleek design and could imagine this in the garden of a country home or on the patio of a modern townhouse. Its oblong shape enabled me to lean back and stretch my legs more than in comparison to traditional style tubs in order to relax, well, as much as is humanly possible during an ice bath. The best part? It was quicker and easier to set up in comparison to competitors as it didn't need inflating. Drainage was quick and easy too, all thanks to its threaded plug.
The Steel Stock Tank comes in four sizes with the option to purchase a headrest for added comfort and a chiller system that filters and regulates the temperature for you. This is a nice investment if you know you’ll take regular ice baths and have the space at home to showcase your newfound hobby somewhere other than TikTok.
Buy now £348.00, Urban Ice Tribe
Ice Frontier Elite Recovery Ice Bath Tub
- Best for: When you have limited space
- Dimensions: 75cm x 70cm
Founded by seasoned explorer and athlete, Ben Packard, Ice Frontier draws inspiration from his adventures in the Arctic. Designed to bring the experience of cold-water therapy home, the Ice Frontier Elite Recovery Ice Bath Tub offers a compact solution that is easy to set up and store away after each use. Whether you live in an apartment or have a small garden that you share with neighbours, consider this the gateway to cold-water immersion.
Never one to be great with instructions, I still found assembly simple. With detachable legs, an inflatable rim and a lid for easy storage, I set the ice bath up in less than five minutes. Despite its compact size and lightweight feel, the interior was surprisingly spacious and at £79, it’s also one of the most affordable options available.
The Ice Frontier Recovery Ice Bath is an excellent choice if you’re looking to try the trend in your small city apartment without getting on your housemate’s nerves.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon
Pulsio Ice Recovery Bath
- Best for: An inflatable option
- Weight: 3.5kg
- Dimensions: 85cm x 75cm
- Capacity: 370 litres
- Height restrictions: This ice bath is suitable for users up to 6ft 7in
One of the best inflatable ice baths on the market, the Pulsio Ice Recovery Bath comes at a smidgen of the cost of competitors. Designed to be used in the garden, at home, or on the move, its hard-wearing exterior and lightweight feel can withstand travel.
I used the ice bath in my garden in the middle of February and was impressed with its robustness considering the price and portability. With easy-to-follow instructions and a convenient hand pump, it was one of the fastest ice baths to set up - less than five minutes - and just as easy to pack away.
The Pulsio Ice Recovery Bath comes with a triple-layer construction, which helps to retain the ice bath’s temperature throughout the experience. Despite its compact size, the Pulsio Ice Recovery Bath is a budget-friendly option ideal for those looking to try their first ice bath.
Buy now £54.00, Pulsio
MyoMaster MyoIce
- Best for: Tall ice bath enthusiasts
- Dimensions: 75cm x 75cm x 90cm
- Capacity: +420 litres
- Height restrictions: This ice bath is suitable for users up to 6ft 9in
While searching for the best ice baths in the UK, I came across MyoMaster and was struck by its rave reviews. I tried the brand’s smallest and most affordable ice bath: the MyoIce.
With a sleek black exterior, it’s one of the best-looking ice baths on the market, but it’s not a case of fashion over function. Quick to set up, the MyoIce comes with six detachable legs and a large air pump, one of the easiest I’d used, for inflation. It has five-layer thermoplastic insulation that is designed to keep the water ice-cold, while its internal thermal lid ensures the water is clean for up to 10 days - so you don’t have to refill it every morning.
One of the larger ice baths tested, it was incredibly spacious with plenty of room for users up to 6ft 9in. It has a capacity of 420 litres and a hosepipe attachment for easy set-up, allowing you to multitask while it fills up. I’d recommend purchasing the additional thermometer and mat because these are two things I’d have appreciated throughout the review process.
Buy now £89.00, MyoMaster
The Ice Co Ice Bath
- Best for: When you’re on a budget
- Dimensions: 80cm x 75cm
- Height restrictions: This ice bath is suitable for users up to 6ft 7in.
The Ice Co Ice Bath stands out as one of the most purse-friendly ice baths on the market. Ideal for beginners, it boasts a compact, lightweight design that makes it effortless to set up solo. With straightforward instructions and a convenient hand pump, I had it ready to go in my garden in under 10 minutes.
Despite being one of the smaller ice baths, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. Plus, it proved quicker to fill, drain, and stow away than competitors. Note: the drain tap helps to prevent unwanted flooding in the back garden.
For added peace of mind, the package includes two puncture repair patches, which are good to have on hand if you’re planning to use the ice bath outdoors. At £79, I recommend the Ice Co Ice Bath for beginners on a budget.
Buy now £79.00, The Ice Co
Verdict
I looked for three factors during the review process: quick assembly, easy-to-follow instructions, and cost-per-use. The Urban Tribe Steel Stock Tank stands out as the most luxe on the market, and I love how stylish it looks in the garden. But as a beginner, this isn’t something I’m ready to invest in just yet. I also liked the portability and size of The Cold Pod Portable Ice Bath, two features to consider if you have limited space.
My top pick? The Lumi Recovery Pod, all thanks to its affordable price, easy set-up and sleek exterior. Consider this the gateway to ice baths for beginners.
