Buzz
For easing muscle discomfort, I typically rely on two methods: heat therapy and massage. However, I’ve always had to use them separately. A foam roller provides a quick and effective massage, while a heating pad or my car’s heated seats offer warmth, especially during gym commutes. Now, the HotRock heated roller has changed the game by combining both into one brilliant product.
What Exactly Is the HotRock?
While it’s called a foam roller, the HotRock isn’t made of foam. Instead, it’s a sturdy plastic cylinder with a hollow interior that plugs into an outlet. One end features a small screen to display the temperature and four buttons for power and settings. The opposite end has a compartment housing the attached power cord.
Yes, a wall outlet is required to operate this device. (Well, mostly—more details on that shortly.) It’s comparable in size to a typical mini foam roller, measuring just under 13 inches in length. The heating element, powered by wires coiled beneath the cover, covers approximately the central 6 inches of the roller. If you’re aiming to warm a larger area, like your upper back, you’ll need to reposition it multiple times.
The roller’s exterior is wrapped in faux leather (referred to as “marine-grade vinyl”) and is supposedly removable, though it fits quite snugly. Cleaning is hassle-free, as dirt and debris can simply be wiped off without needing to detach the sleeve.
How to Use the HotRock Heated Roller
HotRock provided me with a roller for testing. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, I opened the small compartment, retrieved the power cord, and connected it to an outlet. The roller included a drawstring bag designed to retain heat during warm-up, which I used as directed.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Connect the power cord (stored inside the small compartment) to a wall outlet.
Press the power button to activate the LCD screen.
Choose your desired temperature (ranging from 125 to 175 degrees, adjustable in 10-degree increments).
For sessions longer than 30 minutes, press the timer button and adjust the duration using the up and down arrows (up to 180 minutes).
Optionally, place the drawstring bag over the roller while it heats up.
Once the roller reaches the set temperature, remove it from the bag. It can be used while still plugged in.
How Long Does the HotRock Take to Heat Up?
The HotRock claims to reach 175 degrees in just five minutes, but in my experience, it took slightly longer—about eight minutes with the drawstring bag. (The company notes that it may feel warm a few minutes before the internal sensor reflects the target temperature.)
If you prefer a lower temperature, the HotRock heats up faster. In my tests, it reached 130 degrees in approximately three minutes.
What Temperature Should I Choose for the HotRock?
The maximum setting of 175 degrees worked well for rolling my back over clothing, but it was too intense for direct contact with bare skin. On the other hand, the lowest setting of 125 degrees felt ideal for use on exposed skin, like my legs.
While there are other heated massage tools available, such as the microwaveable MojiHeat, they don’t reach the same high temperatures—MojiHeat maxes out at 140 degrees for 30 minutes. If you need higher heat or longer sessions, the HotRock is superior, though it comes at nearly double the cost and requires managing a power cord.
Is the Power Cord an Issue?
One might assume the cord would become tangled or twisted during use while plugged in, but I didn’t encounter this issue. Typically, you’re rolling the device back and forth in a limited space, and the cord has sufficient slack to accommodate the movement without trouble. Additionally, the nine-foot cord length ensures you’re not restricted to staying close to the wall.
The roller’s interior is spacious enough that you don’t need to meticulously wrap or fold the cord. Simply tuck it inside, and it will stay secure.
However, since not every space has an outlet within nine feet, I tested whether the HotRock could be used unplugged. After heating it to 175 degrees, I stowed the cord and started a timer. The roller retained its warmth for several minutes, and by the five-minute mark, it was comfortably warm but no longer hot. This makes it suitable for a brief session if you’re in a location without easy access to an outlet.
Does the HotRock Offer Any Health Benefits?
Essentially, it’s another massage tool, so its primary benefit is that it feels good. Research on the health and recovery benefits of massage is inconclusive; some studies suggest it aids recovery or improves mobility, while others remain skeptical. Most experts recommend using heat or massage if they provide personal comfort and relief.
My main gripe with this kind of device is that when I crave heat for muscle relaxation, I’m rarely in the mood to get on the floor and exert effort to maintain proper pressure while rolling (it feels like too much work!). However, I understand that many people adore their foam rollers, so this could be a fantastic upgrade for them.
The HotRock website features testimonials from athletes, and the one that resonated most with me was from a CrossFit coach who arrives at the gym before 5 a.m., enduring freezing winter mornings. She turns on the heat, brews coffee, and uses her heated foam roller for a rolling session. It sounds absolutely delightful.
Pros and Cons of the HotRock
Pros
Combines heat therapy with self-massage
Power cord stores neatly inside the roller
Customizable heat settings up to 175 degrees F
Auto-shutoff timer for safety
Cons
No audible alert to indicate when it reaches the desired temperature
Requires proximity to an electrical outlet for operation
Higher price point compared to microwaveable alternatives
Specs
Temperature settings: 135, 145, 155, 165, 175 degrees
Timer settings: 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes
Length of roller: 12.75”
Diameter of roller: 5.5”
Length of power cord: 9 feet
