VERVE Ice Baths Compared: Elevate vs Thrive vs Cryos vs Kald

VERVE Ice Baths Compared: Elevate vs Thrive vs Cryos vs Kald

VERVE Ice Baths Compared: Elevate vs Thrive vs Cryos vs Kald

Last updated: April 2026 — Complete comparison of every VERVE ice bath model, from the entry-level Elevate to the commercial-grade Kald. Which one is right for you?

TL;DR: VERVE sells six ice bath configurations ranging from $3,999 to $9,999, and every single one includes a chiller — no paying extra for the part that actually makes it cold. The Elevate ($3,999) is the entry point with WiFi control. The Thrive ($5,499) adds 450L capacity and a 5-year tub warranty. The Cryos 2-Person ($7,999) seats two with ozone sterilisation. The Kald ($9,999) is the commercial-grade flagship with a 1HP chiller, stainless steel tub, and Nordic ThermoWood. All chillers cool to 3°C and heat to 40°C.

Why Every VERVE Ice Bath Includes a Chiller

This is the single most important thing to understand about VERVE's ice bath range: every model ships with a chiller included in the price. This is not the case with many competitors, who sell the tub at an attractive price and then charge $2,000-$4,000+ for the chiller separately. When comparing prices, always check whether the chiller is included or a costly add-on.

All VERVE chillers cool down to 3°C and can heat up to 40°C (yes, they work as hot tubs too). They feature ozone sterilisation, dual filtration, and WiFi app control as standard. This means you can set your target temperature from your phone, schedule cooling cycles, and monitor water quality — without filling a bathtub with bags of ice from the servo every morning like it's 2019.

The Complete VERVE Ice Bath Range

Prices current as of April 2026. Check vervefitness.com.au for latest pricing.

Model Price Chiller Capacity Key Features
Elevate $3,999 0.6HP 1 person WiFi app control, entry-level
Thrive $5,499 (was $8,499) 0.6HP 450L, 1 person (spacious) 170x80x58cm inner body, 100kg tub + 59kg chiller, 5-year tub warranty
Cryos 2-Person $7,999 0.6HP 650L, 2 people Ozone sterilisation, dual filtration, WiFi
Nord 1-Person (Ash Black) $7,999 (was $8,499) 0.6HP 1 person Ash Black Nordic timber finish
Cryos 2-Person (Ash Black) $9,999 1HP 650L, 2 people 316 stainless steel, Ash Black Nordic timber, dual 8cm stainless steel bands, WiFi
Kald (Commercial Grade) $9,999 (was $14,999) 1HP 650L Stainless steel tub, Nordic ThermoWood, 1HP chiller, ozone sanitation

Model-by-Model Breakdown

Elevate — $3,999 (Entry Level)

The Elevate is your entry point into the chiller-equipped ice bath world. At $3,999 with a 0.6HP chiller, WiFi app control, and the ability to cool to 3°C, it delivers the core cold water immersion experience without frills. If your priority is simply "I want consistently cold water without buying ice," this is the most cost-effective way to get there.

Best for: Home users who want a functional cold plunge at the lowest price point. Budget-conscious athletes who'd rather spend the savings on other gym equipment.

Thrive — $5,499 (was $8,499, Best Value Mid-Range)

The Thrive is significantly reduced from its original $8,499 price to $5,499 — making it arguably the best value in the range. The 450L capacity with a 170x80x58cm inner body gives a single user substantially more room than the Elevate. The tub weighs 100kg with a 59kg chiller, and it carries a 5-year tub warranty (compared to the standard 2-year on other models).

Best for: Taller or larger athletes who need more space. Anyone who wants the extended 5-year tub warranty for peace of mind. The current price reduction makes this the sweet spot of the range.

Cryos 2-Person — $7,999

The Cryos 2-Person steps up to 650L capacity with room for two people. Ozone sterilisation and dual filtration are included, which matters more when multiple people are using the same water. WiFi app control is standard. If you're running a PT studio, sports clinic, or have training partners who'll use it regularly, the two-person capacity makes logistics much easier.

Best for: PT studios, sports clinics, couples who train together, or anyone who wants extra space for full immersion.

Nord 1-Person (Ash Black) — $7,999 (was $8,499)

The Nord is a premium 1-person unit with an Ash Black Nordic timber exterior. It's the aesthetic choice — designed for homes where the ice bath will be visible and needs to look like a deliberate design element rather than a piece of medical equipment. Same 0.6HP chiller and functionality as the other single-person models.

Best for: Home installations where aesthetics matter — outdoor courtyards, poolside, or visible positions where the timber finish adds to the property.

Cryos Ash Black 2-Person with 1HP Chiller — $9,999

The premium Cryos Ash Black combines the 650L 2-person tub with 316 stainless steel construction, Ash Black Nordic timber exterior, dual 8cm stainless steel bands, and a more powerful 1HP chiller. The 1HP chiller cools faster and recovers temperature more quickly between uses — important for back-to-back sessions in a commercial or multi-user environment.

Best for: High-end home installations where both aesthetics and performance matter. Multi-user households or small studios with back-to-back sessions.

Kald (Commercial Grade) — $9,999 (was $14,999)

The Kald is the commercial flagship. Stainless steel tub construction, Nordic ThermoWood exterior, 650L capacity, 1HP chiller (cools to 3°C), and ozone sanitation. At its original $14,999 price, it was positioned as the top-tier commercial option. At the current $9,999, it's a serious bargain for commercial facilities.

Best for: Commercial gyms, professional sports teams, athletic facilities, recovery studios. Any environment where the ice bath sees heavy daily use and needs to look and perform at the highest level.

Chiller Comparison: 0.6HP vs 1HP

Feature 0.6HP Chiller 1HP Chiller
Cooling range Down to 3°C Down to 3°C
Heating range Up to 40°C Up to 40°C
Cooling speed Standard Faster — better for high-volume use
Recovery between uses Adequate for 1-3 uses per day Better for back-to-back sessions
Available on Elevate, Thrive, Cryos, Nord Cryos Ash Black, Kald

Both chill to the same minimum temperature (3°C). The 1HP unit gets there faster and recovers temperature more quickly after someone gets out. For home use with 1-2 sessions per day, the 0.6HP is perfectly adequate. For commercial or multi-user environments, the 1HP chiller is worth the upgrade.

Warranty

Component Standard Thrive Exception
Ice bath tub 2 years (home and commercial) 5 years (Thrive model)
Chiller 1 year (home and commercial) 1 year

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do VERVE ice baths include a chiller?
Yes — every VERVE ice bath ships with a chiller included in the listed price. This is a key differentiator from many competitors who sell the tub and chiller separately, often adding $2,000-$4,000 to the total cost. When comparing prices, always confirm whether the chiller is included.
Q: How cold can VERVE ice baths get?
All VERVE chillers cool down to 3°C. They also heat up to 40°C, so you can use the same unit as a hot tub for contrast therapy or general relaxation. Temperature is controlled via WiFi app.
Q: How often do I need to change the water?
With ozone sterilisation and dual filtration, VERVE ice baths can go weeks or months between water changes depending on usage and maintenance. The ozone system kills bacteria and the dual filtration removes particulates. You'll still want to monitor water clarity and change it when it starts looking less than fresh, but you're not draining and refilling after every session.
Q: Can I use it as a hot tub?
Yes. All VERVE chillers heat to 40°C. This is useful for contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold) or simply using it as a warm soak on winter evenings. It's not a spa with jets, but the temperature capability is there.
Q: What's the ideal water temperature for cold water immersion?
Research generally suggests 10-15°C for most recovery benefits. Going below 10°C increases the intensity but doesn't necessarily improve outcomes for most people. Experienced cold water users often work at 3-7°C, but beginners should start at 12-15°C and work down gradually. All VERVE chillers reach 3°C, giving you the full range to find your preference.
Q: Where should I put my ice bath?
Outdoors (courtyard, patio, pool area) or in a wet-area room (laundry, garage, bathroom). You need access to a power outlet and somewhere for overflow water to drain. The timber-clad models (Nord, Cryos Ash Black, Kald) are designed to look good outdoors. The Elevate and Thrive work well in garages or utility spaces.
Q: Which model is best for professional sports teams?
The Kald ($9,999) is purpose-built for commercial use — stainless steel tub, 1HP chiller for fast temperature recovery between athletes, Nordic ThermoWood exterior, and ozone sanitation. The Cryos 2-Person models also work well for team environments where two athletes can immerse simultaneously.

Find Your VERVE Ice Bath

Every model includes a chiller. WiFi control. Ozone sterilisation. Cools to 3°C, heats to 40°C. From $3,999 to $9,999.

View All Ice Baths