From mental health benefits1 to immune system support2, cold water therapy has a handful of potential benefits. While our team of fitness industry professionals agrees that cold plunges and cold exposure don’t replace a balanced training program, adequate sleep, and proper protein intake, cryotherapy may be one of the best muscle recovery tools to elevate your training and recovery protocol.
RELATED: Ice Bath Benefits
In this Nordic Wave Cold Plunge review, I’ll walk you through our hands-on cold plunge experience with the vertical design, temperature settings, and chiller capabilities.
Health, Fitness, and Recovery Is Our Thing
For this Nordic Wave Cold Plunge review, Lindsay Scheele, GGR expert tester and ISSA-certified personal trainer, took the plunge to test a variety of different specifications on this vertical cold plunge tank.
Lindsay tests, scores, and reviews everything from the best treadmills for home gyms to the best saunas. You may also recognize Lindsay from the Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel.
Lindsay (and all of our GGR expert product testers) use our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology to rate a variety of categories on a 1-to-5-star scale. To determine some of the best cold plunges on the market, we scored a variety of categories, including:
- Overall value: Is the price tag worth what you get? Is the price comparable to other cold plunges?
- Ergonomics: Is this cold plunge tank or tub suitable for a variety of sizes and heights?
- Durability and construction: Does the brand disclose the materials? Will it hold up to continuous water exposure?
- Conveniences: Is there a chiller to control the water temperature? Can it be controlled via app?
- Draining and cleaning: Where is the drain valve located? How often is draining and cleaning required?
The Viking Gen 2 Cold Plunge from Nordic Wave is a vertical cold tub option that allows you to sit in an upright position. It also comes with a chiller and filtration system. The biggest updates from the original is that the chiller now heats and you can choose between the 0.8-horsepower standard chiller and a 1-horsepower Elite chiller. The 2-inch-thick insulated walls allow for temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit or as high as 104 degrees.
What our tester says:
“This vertical cold plunge is compact, durable, can heat and chill, and comes in at a comparable price to other cold plunge tubs. I like the upgraded version of the Nordic Wave Viking.”
A Quick Look at the Nordic Wave Cold Plunge
Nordic Wave is a company dedicated to cold water immersion therapy, with its website offering pretty much just The Viking Cold Plunge tub and some accessories. When browsing the website you may notice there are some breathwork and guided steps on how to cold plunge. The company partners with Peak Flow, an app dedicated to your well-being through breath training.
When it comes to the tub itself, you’ll have three color options to choose from, a step stool, and you can choose between the standard chiller or the elite chiller, which offers more horsepower and better performance for a higher cost.
The Gen 2 version of the Viking Cold Plunge also has a heating feature that allows you to heat the water up to 104 degrees, so you’re getting both a cold plunge and hot tub in one unit.
For those who want a little more space than this vertical cold plunge offers, Nordic Wave has also released an XL version. It’s more spacious, includes dual-interior steps for safer entry, and Nordic Wave claims the XL can hold one or two people, though we haven’t tested this ourselves yet. However, the XL version costs $8,999 when not on sale, so you’ll be paying significantly more to have that larger space.
Before You Buy
- The Viking tub comes in three different colors: Charcoal Gray, Slate Blue, or Arctic White.
- This cold plunge tub is eligible for FSA and HSA through TrueMed.
- The Viking Plunge has both cooling and heating settings, so you can use it as both a cold plunge and hot tub.
- You can buy a dedicated Nordic Wave phone holder if you want to follow along with a breathing app or use a countdown timer.
Nordic Wave Cold Plunge Video Review
Is the Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Worth It?
Cold plunge tubs are often worth it for ice bath veterans who have experience with cold water therapy. This usually starts with cold showers and DIY cold plunges at home. If you have cold water immersion experience under your belt, investing in a dedicated cold plunge with temperature control and a filtration system can be worth it. But if you don’t have experience with cold plunging, you might want to start with basic cold exposure to see if it’s a habit worth building.
RELATED: Ice Bath vs Cold Shower
The same goes for someone who has experience with lifting weights: Investing in one of the best squat racks on the market makes sense for home gym owners with tons of repetitions under their belt. But the beginner lifter is better off starting with a pair of the best adjustable dumbbells.
All that to say, the Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge tank is priced at $6,499, which is a bit more expensive than other cold plunges we’ve tested with built-in chiller and filtration systems. The main difference between the Nordic Wave and other cold plunge tubs at similar prices is the vertical design. Rather than this tub offering a bathtub-style format, it’s more of a barrel. Our tester Lindsay didn’t mind the vertical design, but notes it could be difficult for older folks or anyone with mobility or balance issues.
If you’re worried about this, upgrading to the XL size may be a good option, as it offers more space, along with dual stairs to help users climb in and out of the tub.
Overall, Lindsay gives The Viking tub a 3-out-of-5-star rating. The smaller footprint might be worth it for some folks, but she notes that there are many other cold plunge tubs offering the same benefits (or more) for under $6,000.
Great for:
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Pairing with the best home sauna
- People wanting cold plunges with small footprints
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious cold plungers
- Folks who prefer bathtub-style ice baths
- Folks who want hot tub capabilities
Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Specs
| Price | $6,499 |
| Tub dimensions | 30″ L x 36″ W x 44″ H |
| Chiller dimensions | 21″ L x 12″ W x 17″ H |
| Tub weight | 60 lbs dry; about 820 lbs filled |
| Chiller weight | 62 lbs (standard), 77 lbs (elite) |
| Lowest temp | 35 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water capacity | 95 gallons |
| Power requirements | 120 volt |
| Extras | Filters, ozone sanitation generator, insulated lid, step stool, 10-foot power cord with GFCI protection |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty on the tub; 2-year warranty on the chiller |
Using the Nordic Wave Cold Plunge
The Nordic Wave Cold Plunge offers all the same benefits of cold plunges, but with a vertical design. The Viking tub from Nordic Wave offers a compact footprint and three colorways and features an integrated chiller system with multi-stage sanitation and ozone filtration systems for continuously clean water. That means you won’t have to worry about dropping in your own ice to chill the water; you can set the temperature and forget it.
GGR product tester Lindsay Scheele says her cold plunge experience in The Viking tub was comparable to most other tubs she’s tested, with the main difference being the orientation. “You’ll be very upright in this cold plunge, which I thought was unique,” she says.
RELATED: Cold Plunge Before or After Workouts?
The tub allows users to choose between hot and cold settings, so while most users will probably be looking for a cold plunge, you have the ability to heat the water up to 104 degrees, which is a standard temperature for hot tubs. At it’s coldest setting, the tub can be set as low as 35 degrees.
Lindsay also pointed out that you can use an app to remotely control the tub. For example, you can set the temperature while you’re still at work, and the tub should be ready by the time you get home.
Footprint and Portability
When it comes to footprint and portability, the Viking tub earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. With any cold plunge tub, you’ll need to find a final resting spot because once it’s filled with water, the tub isn’t going anywhere easily.
The Nordic Wave cold plunge tank weighs 60 pounds when empty, but despite its lightweight design, Lindsay says it’s difficult to move as there are no built-in handles. She said, “It’s a little bit awkward to move around, and you’re basically just bear-hugging this huge barrel.”
The plunge tank can hold 95 gallons of water, which means that when it’s completely filled with water, you’re looking at over 800 pounds in total. That said, if you’re going to have this tub live on a deck or indoors, we recommend getting the green light from a structural engineer—800 pounds is no joke.
One thing The Viking tub has over other cold plunges (like The Cold Plunge or the Sun Home Cold Plunge) is that it takes up about half the floor space. “The barrel-like design is a huge plus in my opinion,” says Lindsay.
Lindsay mentions that the footprint is so compact that she noticed a theme while reading through customer reviews: There are multiple reviews with customer photos showing The Viking tub connected and filled with water inside the customer’s bathroom.
Durability and Construction
The Viking tub is constructed from high-quality rotomolded plastic, which is also called rotational molding and is used to make plastic pallets, industrial crates, or bins. The benefit of rotational molding in plastics is the fact that it can create super durable single-piece plastic objects and containers, creating an easier surface to clean because you’re not dealing with a ton of nooks and crannies.
The Nordic Wave Viking tub is not only a single piece of rotomolded plastic, but it features foam-insulated walls to regulate the water temperature and keep the cost of running the chiller lower. The tub also comes with an insulated lid to prevent debris from falling in when not in use.
The tub connects to the stainless steel chiller with standard hosing. The chiller houses the filtration and sanitation system and an ozone generator to keep the water clean.
Lindsay was impressed with the durability and construction of the tub, saying, “It feels very high-end.” She gives The Viking tub a 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category.
Lindsay notes that when the tub was empty, it wobbled a bit as she held onto the edge of the tub getting in and out. But as soon as she tested the cold plunge with water, it felt completely stable.
Cleaning and Draining
One of the trickiest things about owning a dedicated ice bath tub is the fact that you’ll need to eventually drain it for proper cleaning. The website notes that the filter needs replacing every month, but doesn’t give instructions on how frequently to drain and refill with fresh water.
The vertical tub features a sloped floor to allow for draining and a dedicated drain valve with garden hose threading. The garden hose threading is ideal if you plan to set up the Viking tub outdoors or in a garage. These features earn the Nordic Wave Viking tub a 4-out-of-5-star rating.
Lindsay says as part of the testing process, the GGR product testing team used a water pump to drain the tub. She recommends keeping the draining process in mind when selecting the final cold plunge location in (or around) your home.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The vertical tub not only makes for a smaller footprint, but the barrel-like design was built with easier and more natural breathing in mind—according to the brand’s website—by keeping your body (and diaphragm) upright.
Depending on your preferences, the vertical tub might be a better option for you. But this may also depend on your height. The website’s FAQ section says there is enough room to accommodate most heights.
Lindsay found the plunge experience in The Viking tub to be roomy and comfortable. However, another GGR product tester who is 6 feet tall says he felt cramped and had to squat down inside the tank to get the water up over his shoulders.
Although both GGR testers were able to fit in the tub and didn’t have a problem getting in or out, both testers scored the ergonomics category at 4 out of 5 stars. Lindsay thinks it worth noting there is no seat built into the tub, which may make getting in and out tough for some people because the sidewalls are over 3 feet tall.
Nordic Wave vs Ice Barrel vs Inergize Cold + Hot Tub
The Ice Barrel is a way to incorporate ice baths into your workout recovery routine without having to use your bathtub. The Ice Barrel requires at least 40 pounds of ice to achieve appropriate cold plunge temps. Once filled, the barrel can maintain its temperature for one to three days depending on the surrounding environment.
What our tester says:
“It’s practical for someone who wants to take ice baths and doesn’t mind using actual ice. Plus, it’s not double walled for insulation”
The Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub allows you to regulate the water temperature with the touch of your phone. You can prepare the water for hot or cold therapy modalities depending on your needs. The inflatable tank is portable and comes with a duffle bag for packing up and bringing with you. The tank has a 60- to 70-gallon water capacity and you can choose your temperature between 37 to 105 degrees.
What our tester says:
“Several of us have tested this tub, and it has held up like a champion. I had to bend my knees in order to fit, but I felt as comfortable as one can during my experience.”
At the time of writing this review, the Nordic Wave and the Ice Barrel are the two most similar vertical-style cold plunge tanks we’ve tested. The footprint and water capacity are comparable, but the automatic water temperature control and filtration system is where the Nordic Wave beats out the Ice Barrel. If you cold plunge often, you will have to deal with buying ice every (or every other) time you want ice-cold water.
That said, is the chiller worth the $4,800 price difference between the tub with and the tub without? Personally, I’m not sure. So, if you’re looking for a vertical ice plunge option without an electronic cooling system, be sure to read our in-depth Ice Barrel review.
The Inergize Cold + Hot Tub is not a vertical tub, but it’s priced very similarly to the Nordic Wave Viking tub and offers one of the smaller footprints we’ve tested for horizontal plunges. It’s an inflatable tub that comes with a chiller that can both cool the tub to 37 degrees and heat to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. For the same price point as the Nordic Wave, you could have both a hot tub and a cold plunge. We have all the details on Lindsay’s hands-on experience in our Inergize Cold Plunge Tub review.
| Nordic Wave | Ice Barrel | Inergize Cold + Hot | |
| Price | $6,499 | $1,199 | $5,490 |
| Tub dimensions | 36″ L x 30″ W x 44″ H | 42” H x 31” W x 25” W | 51” L x 28” W x 30” H |
| Water capacity | 95 gallons | 105 gallons | 60-70 gallons |
| Chiller | Yes (heat and cold) | No | Yes (heat and cool) |
| Warranty | 5-year tub; 2-year chiller | Limited lifetime | 1 year |
Customer Experience
If you need assistance or have questions about the Nordic Wave Viking tub, at the bottom of the website you’ll find contact information including a phone number, email, live chat function, and business hours.
The brand offers a standard 30-day return policy on the Viking tub. To process a return, you’ll have to start by contacting support@thenordicwave.com within the first 30 days of delivery.
When it comes to the warranty policy, the website lists a five-year warranty on the tub and a two-year warranty on the chiller. The warranty covers defects but does not apply to normal wear and tear or surface contamination from the elements.
Ordering and Assembling the Nordic Wave Cold Plunge
After selecting your color of choice, you’ll have several payment options, including a traditional debit or credit card, Venmo, GPay, and PayPal. You’ll also have the option to pay in installments with Shop Pay (3- or 12-month options) or use TrueMed to pay with an FSA (flexible savings account) or HSA (health savings account).
PS: You may also like knowing there are military discounts available for current and former military (including military spouses and dependents), law enforcement, fire, and EMS. Be sure to look into that before checkout if a military discount applies to you.
There are two shipping options, and the website says there is a 1-2 week lead time at the time of writing. Free shipping is available in the contiguous United States, and orders will be delivered via FedEx and dropped at a ground-level entrance to your house or garage. You’ll need to schedule an appointment with FedEx to receive the delivery.
Select zip codes can also pay $199 for white glove delivery, where the delivery will be placed in a room of your choice, but you’ll have to finish the assembly. However, Lindsay noted that moving the plunge isn’t too bad with two people.
“Once it’s off the pallet, it’s movable with two people,” says Lindsay. “To get the tub, chiller, and hoses set up took about 10 minutes. After the initial setup, you can expect adding water to take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the water pressure in your home.
“I also like the fact that the brand sends a 10-foot power cord with the tub and chiller so you are able to reach an outlet,” Lindsay adds. She gives the ordering and assembly process a 5-out-of-5-star rating, saying, “It was pretty easy.”
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing this review, the Nordic Wave website has 296 customer reviews with an average score of 4.9, so customers seem to be very happy with their purchase.
Final Verdict of Our Nordic Wave Cold Plunge Review
If you’re looking for a cold plunge tub with a vertical design and an integrated chiller, the Viking tub from Nordic Wave is one of the few options on the market. The vertical design allows you to maintain an upright posture and may have a better effect on your breathing in cold water.
Most other cold plunge tubs look like bathtubs, which may be easier to use if you have any balance or mobility issues. The vertical tub with the step stool could be tricky to accommodate everyone in your household.
The vertical design creates a smaller footprint but doesn’t lack the water capacity at 95 gallons. It also has a sloped interior for draining and a drain valve with garden hose threading. Backyards and garages will have an easy draining system, but indoor use will still be tricky for draining and cleaning purposes, which is pretty standard for cold plunges. Overall, it’s a solid option for a vertical cold plunge.
Full Rating
Nordic Wave Cold Plunge
The Viking Cold Plunge from Nordic Wave is a vertical cold tub option that allows you to sit in an upright position. It also comes with a chiller and filtration system. Between the 0.75 horsepower chiller and the 2-inch-thick insulated walls, you can regulate temperatures of the 95-gallon tank as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Product Brand: Nordic Wave
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 5999.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
Nordic Wave Cold Plunge: FAQs
Does cold plunge actually work?
Research supporting the health benefits of ice baths is still in the early stages, but there is still evidence to suggest that cold water immersion (paired with breathing techniques like the Wim Hof method) may help boost mood1, provide immune system support2, and reduce perceived muscle soreness3.
Which cold plunge is the best?
The expert testers at Garage Gym Reviews selected the following cold plunge tubs as their top choices:
-Best Cold Plunge Tub Overall: Cold Plunge
-Best Cold Plunge for Athletes: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
-Best Vertical Cold Plunge: Nordic Wave Viking Tub
-Best Hot and Cold Plunge: Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
-Best Customizable Cold Plunge: Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub
-Best Outdoor Cold Plunge: Sun Home Cold Plunge
-Best Cold Plunge For Small Spaces: Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
-Best Insulated Cold Plunge: Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0
-Best Cold Plunge For Tall People: Ice Barrel 400
-Best Budget Cold Plunge: The Cold Pod
-Best Inflatable Cold Plunge: Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub
-Best DIY Cold Plunge: Tuff Stuff Stock Tank
Are there any dangers to cold plunge?
Folks with cardiovascular disease should check with their healthcare provider before considering an ice bath or cold plunge due to the natural blood pressure changes that take place while your body tries to regulate your internal temperature.
References
- Srámek P, Simecková M, Janský L, Savlíková J, Vybíral S. Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;81(5):436-442. doi:10.1007/s004210050065
- Kox M, van Eijk LT, Zwaag J, et al. Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014;111(20):7379-7384. doi:10.1073/pnas.1322174111
- Stanley J, Buchheit M, Peake JM. The effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy on subsequent exercise performance and heart rate variability. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(3):951-961. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-2052-7
