Not every ice bath suits every space, budget or goal. Some buyers need something compact for a home gym corner. Others need a unit tall enough for full-body immersion, or portable enough to move between a studio and an outdoor session. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for and matches each option to the right choice from C11’s range, so you can buy with confidence the first time.
Ice Bath or Cold Plunge? A Quick Note Before You Buy
“Ice bath” is the term most people search for, but what you’re actually shopping for is a cold plunge — a tub with a built-in chiller and filtration system that holds a precise, consistent temperature automatically. No bags of ice, no guesswork, no water that’s freezing at 7am and lukewarm by lunchtime. Every unit in this guide is a cold plunge supplied by C11, using Avantopool’s Finnish-engineered cooling and filtration technology.
What to Consider Before Buying an Ice Bath
Before comparing individual units, work through these five questions:
- Where will it go? Indoors, a covered patio, or fully outdoors and exposed to weather?
- Who’s using it? Just you, your household, or multiple clients per day in a gym or clinic setting?
- How tall are the main users? Full-body immersion needs enough internal length — this matters more than most buyers expect.
- Does it need to move? A fixed home installation is different from a unit that needs to travel between locations or sit outside for team sessions.
- What’s the budget, including running costs? Purchase price, power consumption and water/filter maintenance all factor into the real cost.
Ice Bath Comparison: The C11 Range
All four models are built by Avantopool and supplied and installed by C11. Here’s how they compare at a glance:
| Model | Capacity | Length | Users | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinos EvoCompact home or first commercial unit | 300L | 120cm (154cm with steps) | 1 person, full immersion | Most space-efficient option |
| Kinos PlusTaller users wanting true full immersion | 320L | 140cm (174cm with step) | 1 person, full immersion | 20cm longer, single-piece fiberglass shell |
| KuuraDesign-led home installations | 320L | 180cm | 1 person, full immersion | Midnight Opal finish, integrated headrest |
| HankiGyms, studios, teams, outdoor use | 450L | 120cm (146cm with step) | Up to 3 standing / 1 fully submerged | Portable, external chiller, IPX4 outdoor-rated |
Every model holds a set temperature anywhere from 4°C to 40°C, and includes continuous UV water purification, digital WiFi temperature control and an RCD-protected power supply as standard.
Best Ice Bath for a Home Gym
If space is tight and you want a straightforward, always-ready cold plunge, the Kinos Evo is the natural starting point. At 300L capacity and a footprint of roughly 120 × 79cm, it fits into a home gym corner, garage or utility space without needing extensive room. It reaches its target temperature in a few hours and holds it automatically, so it’s ready whenever you are.
Best Ice Bath for Full-Body Immersion (Taller Users)
Standard-length tubs can feel cramped for taller users. The Kinos Plus is built specifically to solve this — it’s 20cm longer than the Kinos Evo, with a single-piece gel-coated fiberglass shell for a smoother, more premium finish. If you’ve tried a shorter tub and struggled to submerge comfortably, this is the model built for you.
Best Ice Bath for Design-Conscious Buyers
For buyers building a dedicated wellness space and prioritising how it looks as well as how it performs, the Kuura stands apart. Its Midnight Opal acrylic finish means every unit is uniquely patterned, and the sculpted interior includes an integrated headrest and ergonomic floor for longer, more comfortable sessions. At 180cm, it’s also generously sized for full-body immersion.
Best Portable Ice Bath for Gyms, Studios and Teams
If your ice bath needs to move — between a studio and an outdoor location, or simply needs to be relocated as your space changes — the Hanki is the only model in the range built for that. It pairs a lightweight, durable pool with an external cooling and heating unit that can be disconnected and moved on its own wheels. It’s IPX4 rated for outdoor use, fits up to three people standing or one fully submerged, and can even be linked to external tanks for higher-volume commercial use.
Best Ice Bath for Commercial Use
Gyms, clinics, and recovery studios have different needs to a single home user — throughput, hygiene between multiple users, and durability under daily use all matter more. All four C11 models are commercial-capable, with continuous UV purification built in to help maintain water quality across multiple daily users. The Kinos Evo and Kinos Plus suit a fixed commercial installation with steady footfall, while the Hanki is the better fit where a studio or team needs flexibility to move or share the unit across locations.
How Much Does an Ice Bath Cost in Ireland?
Prices in the C11 range start at €5,950.00 inc. VAT for the Hanki and run to €13,500.00 inc. VAT for the Kinos Plus, including VAT. Beyond the purchase price, the main ongoing costs are:
- Electricity: roughly 2–5kWh per day to maintain temperature, depending on the model and ambient conditions
- Filters: replaced every 2–6 months depending on usage
- Water changes: every 1–3 months for the Kinos Evo, Kinos Plus and Kuura, or every 3–7 days for the Hanki
Compared to buying ice regularly for a DIY setup, a dedicated cold plunge typically works out more cost-effective for anyone using it more than a couple of times a week — and it’s ready to use instantly, with no prep time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ice bath is best for a home gym?
The Kinos Evo is the most compact option and works well in tight spaces like a home gym, garage or utility room, while still offering full-body immersion for one person.
What’s the best ice bath for tall users?
The Kinos Plus is built specifically for taller users, offering 20cm more length than the standard Kinos Evo for true full-body immersion.
Is there a portable ice bath option?
Yes. The Hanki is C11’s portable model, with an external chiller that can be disconnected and wheeled between locations, and an IPX4 rating for outdoor use.
How much does an ice bath cost in Ireland?
The range starts at €5,950.00 inc. VAT for the Hanki and runs to €13,500.00 inc. VAT for the Kinos Plus, including VAT, with running costs of roughly 2–5kWh per day and periodic filter and water changes.
Can one ice bath work for commercial and home use?
Yes. All C11 models are suitable for both home and commercial installation, though gyms, clinics and studios with high daily usage often prefer the Kinos Evo or Kinos Plus for a fixed installation, or the Hanki where flexibility is needed.
What size ice bath do I need?
It depends on your height and how many people will use it. A single average-height user is well served by the Kinos Evo (300L), taller users should consider the Kinos Plus or Kuura, and groups or teams should look at the Hanki, which fits up to three people standing.
Not Sure Which One Fits Your Space?
C11 supplies and installs the full Avantopool cold plunge range across Ireland. Browse the full range or get in touch and we’ll help you match the right model to your space, budget and goals.
