Revel Recovery Arctic Cedar Ice Bath Review (2024)

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After trying out quite a few ice baths, I’ve got a pretty good sense of what works and what doesn’t. Revel’s Aura and Nova saunas had already impressed me for their price, so when I spotted their line of ice baths, I thought it was worth a try – especially for anyone into contrast therapy. They’ve got a few options, but I decided to start with the Arctic Cedar model.

Honestly, it was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision. I never really saw Revel’s ice bath range until a few months ago. But with the promise of cedar wood construction, Wi-Fi controls, and an adjustable temperature range, this model had me curious.

So, here we are – let’s see if the Arctic Cedar lives up to expectations and adds a practical edge to the whole contrast therapy experience.

Before Buying Revel Recovery Arctic Cedar Ice Bath

If you don’t feel like reading the full review, here’s the gist:

High-Quality Build: The Revel Arctic Cedar Ice Bath has a sturdy cedar wood construction and feels premium – definitely built to last.
Efficient Cooling: The chiller cools the water quickly and maintains a stable cold temperature for a single session. However, the insulation only holds for about 5-6 hours before the temperature starts to rise.
Convenience for Regular Use: For anyone using it daily, it’s far easier than constantly buying ice. It’s also low-maintenance, with clear water and easy draining, especially if set up near a drainage.
Price and Warranty: At $7,999 AUD (~$5,200 USD), it’s a serious investment but comes with a solid warranty (5 years for the tub, 2 for the chiller, 1 for the cover). Some freebies would be a nice touch, though, especially given the price.
Overall Verdict: Ideal for regular cold therapy or contrast therapy enthusiasts. Not for beginners, but if you’re committed, it’s a reliable, well-built option.

Perfect if you’re serious about cold therapy and want a durable, no-fuss setup for consistent use.

Revel Recovery Arctic Cedar Ice Bath Specifications

Materials: Western Red Cedar
Tub Cover: Weather-shield polyester insulated cover
Tub: Thermally Insulated 316 Marine Grade Stainless
Hoop: Stainless Steel
Accessories: Cedar Chiller Box
Ice Bath Weight: 75 kgs (165 lbs)
Chiller Weight: 30 kgs (66 lbs)
Outer Body: 135 cm (L) x 65 cm (W) x 73 cm (H) / 53” x 25.5” x 28.7”
Bath Volume: 400 Litres
Chiller Motor Box: 89 cm (W) x 58 cm (L) x 54 cm (H) / 35” x 22.8” x 21.2”
Inner Body: 126 cm (L) x 56 cm (W) x 60 cm (H) / 49.6” x 22” x 23.6”
Hose Length: 200 cm / 78.7”

Temp Range: 3°C – 42°C
Voltage: 220-240 Volts
Power: Cooling: 2000 Watts | Heating: 1700 Watts
Cost per hour: $0.35 AUD
Socket: Standard 10amp Plug for a Standard AU Socket
Lighting: None
Electrician Required: No
WiFi: Yes, with mobile app
Electrical Standards: AS/NZS 60335.2.40:2019 with AS/NZS 60335.1:2020 + A1
Residential Warranty:
- Tub: 5 years
- Chiller: 2 years
- Insulated Tub Cover: 1 year

Revel Recovery Arctic Cedar Ice Bath Honest Review

Revel Recovery Arctic Cedar Ice Bath

Priced at 7,999 AUD (approximately 5200 USD). Comes with a chiller and a comprehensive warranty coverage.

Apply and qualifiy for 0% interest in 30-36 payments.

Setup and First Impressions

They went all with the packaging. It took me 15 minutes to fully unbox this whole thing. I understand standard policy to keep products safe during deliveries, but I think this is a bit too much. It had three of us carry the thing from the truck down to my outdoor deck. On top of the 75kg ice bath, the wrapping was too thick. It was really that heavy.

Setting it up was fairly straightforward, though I’ll admit it’s not something you want to tackle solo unless you’re prepared. I’d say an extra set of hands makes the process smoother. I appreciated that the setup instructions were clear. The only tricky part was making sure everything was positioned correctly and ready for power – nothing complicated, but it does take a few steps to get right.

Space-wise, the tub is a bit larger than expected, so you’ll want to have a dedicated area ready, ideally near an outlet. The looks remind me of The Roman Ice Bath from Ritual Recovery.

Once it was in place, plugging it in was simple, and the whole thing powered up without any issues. If you’re limited on space, just keep in mind it’s not the most compact setup, but it’s manageable with a bit of planning.

Here are the dimensions if you’re planning to clear up some space for this ice bath:

Outer Body: 135 cm (L) x 65 cm (W) x 73 cm (H) / 53” x 25.5” x 28.7”

How the Features Work

First up, the cedar wood build didn’t disappoint. It’s as durable as it looks, and the natural resistance to decay makes me feel confident it’ll hold up even with regular use. Plus, the cedar finish gives it a classic look that doesn’t hurt to have around, especially if you’re setting it up in an outdoor space.

One of the main highlights here is the chiller system. It’s adjustable, letting you set the water temperature from as low as 3°C up to 42°C, which makes it versatile for both cold plunges and potentially even contrast therapy sessions. Adjusting the temperature is pretty intuitive, and it didn’t take long for the water to reach the target range, staying consistent throughout each session. I also noticed that the high-flow mechanism, which circulates water at 23 liters per minute, really does help maintain a steady temperature across the bath.

Wifi-Enabled Revel Ice Bath Smart Control App

Then there’s the Wi-Fi-enabled mobile app. Through the app, you can control the settings remotely, so there’s no need to constantly bend over and adjust things manually.

It’s practical, and I can see it coming in handy, especially if you want to get everything set up without stepping into the cold water first. Only downside is letting your phone fall to the tub. It should’ve had a free magnetic phone holder.

The Revel Hydro-Crystal Ozonator™️ for water sanitation is another feature that I appreciate. For months, I haven’t had to worry about water quality as much since it’s doing the work to keep things clean.

Actual Performance

Using the Revel Arctic Cedar Ice Bath has been pretty smooth so far. Once it’s set to the right temperature, it gets there quickly and stays consistently cold during each session, which is exactly what you want for a reliable cold plunge. No warm patches or uneven cooling, so the experience feels just right from start to finish.

I’m 5’9″, and the tub is comfortable enough for me to sit in for a full session. I couldn’t stretch all the way out, but it’s spacious enough that I can settle in comfortably without feeling cramped.

For a single session, the temperature stability is spot on. I did notice, though, that if I left the water in there for a while, it starts to warm up a bit after 5-6 hours. Even for a 316 Marine Grade Stainless material, I expected it to be at least an hour or more (6-7 hours). Not a dealbreaker for me, since I usually use it once a day, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning multiple sessions – you might need to give it a quick re-chill between uses.

The water circulation does a good job keeping everything even and fresh, and I was happy to see that the water quality has stayed clear and clean over several uses. I haven’t had to deal with any buildup or murkiness yet, which is a big plus. It feels low-maintenance and easy to use, making it easier to stick with a regular routine.

How Maintenance Was

The Revel Arctic Cedar Ice Bath is refreshingly low-effort. After several uses, I haven’t seen any issues with water clarity, which I’m guessing is thanks to the built-in Ozonator. It keeps the water looking clean and odor-free, so I haven’t felt the need to empty and refill it as often as I thought I might.

For better upkeep, it’s a good idea to keep your tub close to a drainage spot. On my outdoor deck, I had to install a PVC pipe specifically for draining my ice bath tubs since I end up reviewing different models every now and then. If you’ve got an area with enough soil, that should work fine too. But if it’s set up on a deck or patio, you’ll definitely want to manage drainage carefully to avoid any risk of mold buildup over time.

The cedar wood itself seems durable and hasn’t shown any signs of wear or mildew, which is a relief. A quick wipe-down here and there has been enough to keep it looking good.

Value for Money

At $7,999 AUD (around $5,200 USD), the Revel Arctic Cedar Ice Bath is a real investment, but it makes sense if you’re using it daily. When you compare the cost of stocking up on ice packs every time, having a dedicated setup saves both time and hassle in the long run. Plus, many ice baths can last up to three years if they’re kept clean, so for anyone planning on regular use, it feels like a worthwhile commitment.

The warranty here is also reassuring. It covers the tub for 5 years, the chiller for 2 years, and the insulated cover for 1 year, which gives some peace of mind about durability. I will say, though, that for this price, it would have been a nice touch if they’d thrown in a few extras. Some of its competitors offer little freebies or add-ons, which can be a nice perk when you’re spending this much.

Energy-wise, it only costs 0.35 AUD per hour for its average temperature. It usually goes higher than that the colder it gets, but it didn’t had that much of a difference.

All things considered, though, it’s a solid choice for someone committed to regular cold therapy or contrast therapy. The build quality, thoughtful features, and warranty make it a reliable option if you’re serious about your routine.

They also offer 0% interest for 30-36 payments if you don’t feel going lump sum.