Wellness Expert Michael Kummer Reviews All 3 Nordic Wave Cold Plunges

 

Few people have spent more time evaluating cold plunges from a wellness optimization standpoint than Michael Kummer. As one of the most respected voices in the biohacking and primal health space, Michael has tested dozens of cold plunges across multiple properties — and he just added all three Nordic Wave Viking models to his Kummer Home Spa.

In his latest review, Michael breaks down the Viking Hybrid, Premier, and XL — comparing build quality, chiller performance, footprint, and which model fits which user. As someone who's seen nearly every plunge brand on the market, his perspective is uniquely valuable for anyone serious about adding cold therapy to their routine.

 

 

Why Michael Kummer's Review Carries Weight

Michael isn't a casual reviewer. His Kummer Home Spa setup includes multiple cold plunges, saunas, and recovery tools that he uses daily and tests rigorously. He's reviewed plunges priced from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000, which gives him a uniquely grounded perspective on what's actually worth the investment.

His audience comes to him for one reason: he tells the truth about products. He doesn't review brands he doesn't believe in, and he's willing to call out shortcomings even on products he generally likes. So when Michael adds a brand to his personal home spa, it carries weight.

One thing that stood out throughout his review of Nordic Wave: he kept coming back to build quality and longevity.

The Three Nordic Wave Cold Plunges at a Glance

Michael emphasized that Nordic Wave's three models aren't variations of the same tub — they're fundamentally different designs serving different users.

 

Feature	Viking Hybrid	Viking Premier	Viking XL
Approximate Price	~$5,000	~$6,000	~$7,500
Style	Reclined / hybrid	Vertical barrel	Oversized vertical
Footprint	Medium	Smallest	Largest (33" wide)
Capacity	~85 gallons	~75 gallons	120–130 gallons
Required Chiller	Pro or Elite	Pro or Elite	Elite (required)
Best Use Case	Beginners, mobility	Traditional plungers	Larger users, couples

 

Build Quality: "Built Like Tanks"

Having tested countless cold plunges, Michael said one of the things that genuinely impressed him about Nordic Wave was the construction:

He pointed out that all three tubs share the same high-quality material — the textures vary slightly between models, but the underlying construction is identical. The plumbing, valves, and fittings on the back of each unit also passed his inspection: "They all feel very robust."

One detail Michael specifically called out as something he hadn't seen on other brands: extra drain valves. The Hybrid, for example, includes a midline drain valve in addition to the standard bottom drain. This makes partial water replacement simple — drain half, refill, and you're back in business without fully emptying the tub.

Viking Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds

Michael described the Viking Hybrid as the smartest design choice for many cold plungers — particularly those who want flexibility in how they use their tub.

What Michael Liked

The reclined back option without full vulnerability. Traditional horizontal tubs can feel exposing — Michael noted some users find that intimidating. The Hybrid's slanted back gives you the option to lean back without lying flat, which makes the cold plunging experience more accessible for beginners.

Easy entry, no step stool required. Michael could simply step over the side and get in. For users with mobility concerns, those new to cold plunging, or households where multiple people of different abilities will use the tub, this is a real advantage.

The split-top lid with extra insulation. Like David Moss Jr. before him, Michael appreciated the Hybrid's deeper-cutout lid that creates a tighter seal and better insulation than competitors.

Compact footprint. The Hybrid takes up less square footage than the XL while still providing more space than many vertical-only plunges. Ideal for smaller patios, garage setups, or anyone working with limited installation space.

Viking Premier: The Traditional Vertical Plunge

The Viking Premier is Nordic Wave's vertical barrel-style plunge — the original design that made them known. Michael noted that this style remains a favorite for many cold plungers, including his wife.

What Michael Liked

The upright squat position. For traditional cold plungers, the vertical design feels familiar and controlled. You can stand up easily if you need to exit quickly, which gives some users a psychological edge during the harder moments of a plunge.

Smallest footprint of the three. If patio or garage space is limited, the Premier is the most efficient option without sacrificing quality. Michael noted it requires the least overall square footage of the lineup.

Plenty of room for a 6-foot, 215-lb user. Michael (around 6'0", 210–215 lbs) reported no issues fitting comfortably. He could squat down with knees above the hip crease and still have ample room.

Compatible with either chiller. You can pair the Premier with the Pro Chiller (sufficient for most setups) or upgrade to the Elite Chiller for stronger performance.

Viking XL: Michael's Personal Favorite

Despite his appreciation for all three models, Michael was clear about which one he gravitated toward most: the Viking XL.

What Michael Liked

The size — genuinely massive. At 33 inches wide and holding 120–130 gallons, the XL is the largest plunge Michael has ever owned. He noted: "There's room for two people. You could plunge with your wife if she is into that as well, or if you want to suffer together."

Built-in seats on both sides. The XL's interior steps double as seats, which means you can sit at depth without strain — a real advantage during longer cold exposure sessions.

Comes with the Elite Chiller. Because of the larger water volume, the XL ships with Nordic Wave's 1.0 HP Elite Chiller — which Michael said matters: "You need that stronger chiller" for a tub this size.

Step stool included. The XL is tall enough that a step stool is essential for getting in and out comfortably. Nordic Wave's stool is sturdy, integrates well, and the chiller can be hidden underneath it to save floor space.

One important note for installation. Michael flagged this for anyone considering the XL: at 33 inches wide, you'll need a doorway at least 34 inches wide to bring it inside. Worth measuring before you order.

The Chillers: Pro vs. Elite

Both Nordic Wave chillers are proprietary designs that handle cooling, heating, and filtration. Michael walked through the differences in detail.

 

Spec	Pro Chiller	Elite Chiller
Horsepower	0.8 HP	1.0 HP
Flow Rate	5.4 gallons/min	5.8 gallons/min
Cooling Range	Down to 35°F	Down to 35°F
Heating Range	Up to 104°F	Up to 104°F
Sanitation	Ozone + filtration	Ozone + filtration
Required For	Hybrid, Premier (optional)	XL (required)

 

Why the Elite Chiller Matters for the XL

Michael shared an interesting observation from his own setup: he initially had the Pro Chiller running on the XL (a setup that wouldn't ship that way, but his test setup ended up that way temporarily). The result? Reduced flow rate meant some pollen debris collected on the water surface that the Elite would have filtered more effectively.

The takeaway: the chiller pairing matters. The XL ships with the Elite for a reason — its 160-gallon volume needs the higher flow rate for proper circulation and filtration.

Insulation, Condensation, and Indoor Use

Michael called out one detail that's often overlooked but matters significantly for indoor installations: insulated water supply and drain lines.

For anyone planning to install a Nordic Wave plunge in a basement gym, garage, or indoor wellness space, this insulation makes the difference between a clean, dry installation and one that drips condensation onto your floor.

The Nordic Flow App

Michael spent some time on the Nordic Flow app, which serves a dual purpose: chiller control and guided breathwork.

From the app, you can connect via Wi-Fi, set your target temperature, schedule when the chiller runs, and adjust how often ozone sanitation cycles activate. Michael especially liked the scheduling feature — for users with multiple plunges or who don't plunge daily, scheduling lets the chiller run only when needed, reducing energy consumption.

The app also includes guided breathwork sessions, meditation, and nervous system regulation tools — useful even without a Nordic Wave chiller. There's an optional subscription for additional content, but core functionality is available without one.

Maintenance Tips from Michael

Drawing on his experience maintaining multiple plunges across several years, Michael shared his maintenance approach:

Stay on top of filter changes. Michael checks his filters every two weeks and replaces them about once per month on average. He noted: "If the filter clogs up and flow rate is reduced, you put strain on the pump and that can cause the pump to burn out or stop working sooner than necessary."

Watch the flow rate indicator. Nordic Wave's chillers display gallons per minute on the front panel. If that number drops, your filter likely needs attention. The clear filter housing on the back also lets you visually inspect it.

Clean the spin-down sediment filter. The pre-filter is dedicated to catching larger debris before it reaches the chiller. Unscrew, rinse with a hose, and reattach. This protects the pump from damage caused by hair, grass, or pollen.

Drain partially every six months or so. Even with ozone sanitation and filtration running, Michael recommends draining and replenishing water periodically — especially in environments with heavy pollen, dust, or organic debris.

Winterize properly. If you're in a region with hard freezes, turn off the chiller and drain the lines to prevent filter housings from cracking or hoses from bursting.

Pricing and Long-Term Value

Michael was direct about pricing — Nordic Wave isn't the cheapest cold plunge brand, but he framed it as an investment:

He pointed out that the tubs themselves are essentially indestructible — they'll outlast the warranty period easily. The chiller is where mechanical wear happens over time, but Nordic Wave designed their chillers to be serviceable: side panels remove easily, and components like the water pump, vacuum pump, and temperature sensor can be replaced without sending the unit back.

The Viking tubs come with a 5-year warranty. The chillers carry a 1-year warranty, with strong serviceability beyond that.

Michael's Final Take

After spending significant time with all three Viking models, Michael's overall assessment was clear:

His simple summary for choosing between them:

If you're a big dude or want to plunge with a partner: Viking XL.

If you prefer the traditional upright style or have limited space: Viking Premier.

If you're new to plunging, want flexibility, or have mobility considerations: Viking Hybrid.

And his closing perspective on cold plunging in general — wisdom worth remembering:

Ready to Choose Your Nordic Wave Cold Plunge?

Frequently Asked Questions

 

You might also like:

• David Moss Jr. Reviews Every Nordic Wave Cold Plunge

• The Power of Vertical Cold Plunging

• The Importance of Breathwork When Taking a Cold Plunge