No surprises
What does an ice bath cost to run?
Honest UK numbers — in pounds, on your tariff. Compare bagging ice against running a chiller, and see the payback.
Your running cost
Bagged ice / month
£—
Chiller / month
£—
You'd save £— a month with a chiller.
Assumes a chiller uses ~1.2 kWh/day plus ~£8/month in filters. Ice cost is your figure × sessions. Estimates only — real use varies with ambient temperature and insulation.
Do you even need a chiller?
It depends on when you plunge. UK tap water is naturally cold in winter and warm in summer — so a chiller earns its keep most from late spring onward.
❄️ Winter only (Oct–Mar)
UK tap water sits around 8–12°C. An insulated tub with the odd bag of ice may be all you need. A chiller is a nice-to-have, not essential.
☀️ Year-round or summer (Apr–Sep)
Tap water climbs to 15–20°C and ice gets expensive fast. A chiller is the only practical way to hold a true 3°C — and it pays for itself quickly.
Our honest take
Plunge 3+ times a week or want it all year? Get a chiller. Winter-only and budget-conscious? Start with an insulated tub and add a chiller later.