VERVE Ice Bath Buyer's Guide: Elevate, Thrive, Cryos, Nord and Kald Compared

VERVE Ice Bath Buyer's Guide: Elevate, Thrive, Cryos, Nord and Kald Compared

VERVE Ice Bath Buyer's Guide: Elevate, Thrive, Cryos, Nord and Kald Compared

Last updated: April 2026 — Every VERVE ice bath compared: six models from $3,999 to $9,999 with chiller included. Features, capacity, build materials, and which one suits your needs.

TL;DR: VERVE sells six ice bath models, all with chillers included. Entry level: Elevate ($3,999). Mid-range: Thrive ($5,499). Two-person: Cryos ($7,999). Premium single: Nord Ash Black ($7,999). Premium two-person: Cryos Ash Black 1HP ($9,999). Commercial: Kald ($9,999). All cool to 3 degrees Celsius, heat to 40 degrees, and feature ozone sterilisation and WiFi app control.

The Complete Range at a Glance

Model Price Chiller Capacity Key Feature
Elevate $3,999 0.6HP 1 person Entry-level with WiFi app
Thrive $5,499 (was $8,499) 0.6HP 1 person (450L) 5-year tub warranty, 170x80x58cm inner
Cryos $7,999 0.6HP 2 person (650L) Dual filtration, ozone sterilisation
Nord Ash Black $7,999 (was $8,499) 0.6HP 1 person Premium Ash Black finish
Cryos Ash Black $9,999 1HP 2 person (650L) 316 stainless steel, Nordic timber, 1HP chiller
Kald $9,999 (was $14,999) 1HP Commercial (650L) Stainless steel tub, Nordic ThermoWood

Shared Features Across All Models

  • Cooling range: Down to 3 degrees Celsius
  • Heating range: Up to 40 degrees Celsius (yes, they heat too -- useful for hot/cold contrast therapy)
  • Ozone sterilisation: Built-in sanitation to keep the water clean
  • WiFi app control: Pre-set temperature, schedule sessions, monitor status from your phone
  • Filtration: Dual filtration on most models

Entry Level: Elevate — $3,999

The Elevate is the starting point. At $3,999, it is the most affordable way to get a proper chiller-equipped ice bath from VERVE. It includes WiFi app control and the same cooling capability (down to 3 degrees) as the premium models.

Best for: Home users trying cold water immersion for the first time who want a proper chiller system rather than relying on bags of ice.

Mid-Range: Thrive — $5,499

The Thrive steps up with a 450L capacity, 170 x 80 x 58cm inner body, and a 5-year tub warranty (vs the standard 2-year). Tub weight is 100kg, chiller is 59kg.

Currently reduced from $8,499 to $5,499 -- a significant saving on a well-specced mid-range model.

Best for: Committed home users and athletes who want a larger tub with a longer warranty. The 5-year tub warranty gives extra peace of mind.

Two-Person: Cryos — $7,999

The Cryos is the first two-person option at 650L capacity. Ozone sterilisation and dual filtration handle the increased hygiene demands of a shared tub.

Best for: Couples, training partners, small PT studios, or anyone who wants space to fully stretch out. Also suitable for larger individuals who find single-person tubs too restrictive.

Premium Single: Nord Ash Black — $7,999

The Nord Ash Black is a single-person tub with a premium Ash Black finish. Same 0.6HP chiller as the entry models.

Best for: Home users who want a premium-looking single-person ice bath that fits their home aesthetics.

Premium Two-Person: Cryos Ash Black 1HP — $9,999

The Cryos Ash Black upgrades to 316 stainless steel construction with Ash Black Nordic timber, dual 8cm stainless steel bands, 650L capacity, WiFi control, and a more powerful 1HP chiller for faster cooling and better temperature maintenance.

Best for: Premium home installations and high-end PT studios where build quality and aesthetics are paramount.

Commercial Grade: Kald — $9,999

The Kald is the commercial-grade option. Stainless steel tub, Nordic ThermoWood exterior, 650L capacity, 1HP chiller (cools to 3 degrees), and ozone sanitation. Currently reduced from $14,999.

Best for: Commercial gyms, recovery centres, PT studios, sports clubs, and any facility where the ice bath will be used by multiple people daily. The 1HP chiller recovers temperature faster between uses, which is essential in a commercial setting.

0.6HP vs 1HP Chiller: Does It Matter?

The 0.6HP chiller on the Elevate, Thrive, Cryos, and Nord will cool to 3 degrees and heat to 40 degrees -- the same as the 1HP. The difference is speed:

  • 0.6HP: Adequate for personal use where you set the temperature hours before you use it. Pre-cool overnight or schedule via the app. Fine for 1-2 uses per day.
  • 1HP: Faster cooling and better temperature recovery between users. Necessary for commercial settings with back-to-back use, or for larger tubs (650L) where the water volume takes longer to cool.

Warranty

Component Standard Thrive
Tub 2 Years 5 Years
Chiller 1 Year 2 Years

Installation and Setup Considerations

Before purchasing, consider these practical factors:

Water and Drainage

All VERVE ice baths need to be filled with water and connected to the chiller unit. You will need a water source (garden hose) for initial filling and a drain nearby for water changes. The ozone sterilisation and filtration systems extend the time between full water changes significantly, but periodic draining and refilling is still part of maintenance.

Power Supply

The chiller unit runs on standard Australian power. Place the chiller on a stable, level surface near the tub with adequate ventilation around it. The chiller generates some heat as it works (like any refrigeration system), so ensure the area around it is not enclosed.

Weight and Floor Strength

A filled ice bath is extremely heavy. The Cryos at 650L capacity weighs approximately 650kg of water alone, plus the tub and chiller weight. Ensure your floor can handle this load. Concrete is ideal. Timber decking or raised floors should be checked by a professional before installation.

Indoor vs Outdoor Placement

Ice baths can be placed indoors or outdoors. Indoor placement gives you climate control and weather protection for the chiller. Outdoor placement is popular in warmer climates but requires shade for the chiller and protection from direct weather. In hot Australian summers, an outdoor chiller works harder to maintain temperature -- a 1HP chiller (Cryos Ash Black and Kald) handles this better than the 0.6HP models.

Pairing Ice Baths with Saunas: Contrast Therapy

Many VERVE customers pair an ice bath with a Mysa Mirage infrared sauna for contrast therapy -- alternating between heat and cold. The protocol typically involves 10-20 minutes in the sauna followed by 2-5 minutes in the cold water, repeated 2-3 times. VERVE ice baths also heat to 40 degrees Celsius, allowing you to use the tub itself for warm immersion if you do not have a sauna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do VERVE ice baths come with a chiller?
Yes. Every VERVE ice bath includes a chiller unit. You do not need to buy ice or a separate chiller. Set your target temperature via the WiFi app and the chiller maintains it automatically.
Q: How cold do VERVE ice baths get?
All models cool to 3 degrees Celsius and heat to 40 degrees Celsius. The heating function enables hot/cold contrast therapy if desired.
Q: How do I keep the water clean?
All models feature ozone sterilisation and filtration systems that keep the water clean without constant draining and refilling. For commercial use, the dual filtration on the Cryos and Kald models provides additional sanitation capacity.
Q: Which ice bath is best for a home gym?
For most home users, the Elevate ($3,999) is the smart starting point. If you want a larger tub with a longer warranty, the Thrive ($5,499, was $8,499) is excellent value right now.
Q: Which ice bath is best for a commercial gym?
The Kald ($9,999) with its 1HP chiller, stainless steel tub, and 650L capacity is designed for commercial use. The 1HP chiller recovers temperature faster between users, which is essential for facilities with multiple daily users.
Q: Can I use a VERVE ice bath outdoors?
Yes, but the placement should be considered carefully. Outdoor exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat will make the chiller work harder. A covered or shaded area is recommended. The chiller unit should be protected from rain and direct weather exposure. Check the specific model's installation guidelines or contact VERVE for advice on your setup.

Related Resources

Find Your Ice Bath

Six models from $3,999 to $9,999. All include a chiller, cool to 3 degrees, and feature WiFi app control. Australian-owned, Gold Coast dispatch.

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