WaterRower Original review

The WaterRower Original suits people who want a rower that looks like furniture and goes away between workouts. It is built from solid Appalachian hardwood, hand-finished in Danish oil and made in Rhode Island, with six wood finishes listed. Resistance comes from the patented WaterFlywheel, a paddle spinning in a water tank, so the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. WaterRower says the machine runs quietly with only the sound of moving water and that, stood upright, it takes up no more floor space than a dining chair, which matches this list's focus on quiet, stowable cardio. The S4 Bluetooth Monitor shows stroke rate, intensity and distance and connects to WaterRower Connect and other apps. There is no screen with classes, and the seat sits only 12 inches off the floor unless you add the HiRise adapter. The warranty covers the frame for 5 years and parts for 3 years. We could not verify the USD price from our location.

Who it is for

living rooms where the rower stays on display and must run quietly

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Patented WaterFlywheel resistance that rises as you row harder
• Stores upright in about the floor space of a dining chair
• S4 Bluetooth Monitor connects to WaterRower Connect and other apps
• Solid Appalachian hardwood in Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Vintage, Shadow and Club
• Seat sits 12 inches off the floor, with a HiRise adapter to 20 inches

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: WaterRower says it operates quietly with only the sound of moving water
• Strength: Upright storage without tools
• Strength: 5-year frame and 3-year parts warranty
• Weakness: No built-in touchscreen or class library
• Weakness: Low 12 inch seat height unless you buy the HiRise adapter
• Weakness: USD price could not be confirmed from this location, so check the US store

Key facts

• Resistance: Water (WaterFlywheel)
• Storage: Stands upright
• Monitor: S4 Bluetooth
• Warranty: 5-year frame, 3-year parts
• Made in: Rhode Island, USA

Where it ranks

WaterRower Original is No. 2 in our Best Rowing Machines verdict.