Hydrocollators for Clinics & Therapy Use

Collection of Hydrocollators and chilling unit at Angelus Medical including Chattanooga M2, Chattanooga E1, Chattanooga C4 and more.

What Is a Hydrocollator?

What is a hydrocollator? It’s a reliable machine designed to provide warm, moist heat therapy, commonly used in physical therapy clinics, sports centers, and hospitals. By delivering consistent, penetrating heat, it helps relieve sore muscles and joint pain effectively. First introduced in 1947, the hydrocollator has remained a trusted tool among health professionals for decades.

How Does Hydrocollator Work? A hydrocollator is basically a big metal container filled with water. Inside, there are special reusable heat packs. The water is kept hot, usually between 160°F and 170°F (about 71°C to 77°C), by a built-in heater. The heat packs stay in the hot water until they are needed.

When someone needs treatment, a heat pack is taken out, wrapped in towels, and gently placed on the part of the body that hurts. The moist heat from the pack helps muscles relax, reduces pain, and gets blood flowing better. It's more effective than dry heat, like a heating pad, because it goes deeper into the body.

What are the Features of Hydrocollator Work?

• Stainless Steel Tank: Strong and doesn’t rust.
  
• Thermostat: Keeps the water at the right temperature.
  
• Heat Packs: Reusable packs filled with clay or gel that hold heat well.
  
• Safety Features: Includes things like lids that stay cool and switches that turn off the machine if it gets too hot.
  
• Different Sizes: Some models are small for home or tiny clinics; others are big and can move around on wheels.
  
• Easy to Clean: Designed with smooth parts, drains, and racks to make cleaning simple.
  
• Safe to Use: Most models meet important safety rules from health agencies.
  

Why It’s Helpful: Hydrocollators are great for:

• Helping with muscle pain and soreness
  
• Easing stiff joints from arthritis
  
• Calming down neck or back spasms
  
• Warming up muscles before stretching or exercise
  
• Improving blood flow to help healing
  

When It's Used: Doctors and therapists use hydrocollators to help people with:

• Arthritis
  
• Lower back pain
  
• Neck muscle tightness
  
• TMJ (jaw problems)
  
• Injuries from doing the same motion over and over
  
• Headaches caused by tense muscles
  
• Muscle pain in kids
  

What is a hydrocollator used for?

It's used to warm up heat packs for pain relief and to relax muscles.

Can I use a hydrocollator at home?

Yes! Smaller versions like the Chattanooga E-1 are great for home use if you're careful.

How long does a hydrocollator stay hot?

The packs stay hot for around 20 to 40 minutes.

Which hydrocollator is best for clinics?

For small clinics, the E-1 is a good pick. Bigger clinics might prefer models like the M-2 or M-4.

A hydrocollator is more than just a machine to warm up heat packs, it's a helpful tool that supports healing, reduces pain, and helps muscles work better. Whether you’re a therapist or someone recovering at home, using it the right way can really make a difference.

Top Hydrocollators We Offer at AngelUS Medical

At AngelUS Medical in Gardena, California, we help clinics and therapy centers find high-quality machines that make treatments easier. One of the most trusted devices we carry is the Chattanooga Hydrocollator M-2 M4, E1 and E2, also Richmar Hydra and Whitehall Model. It's great for clinics that see a lot of patients and need a reliable way to keep heat packs ready all day.

Chattanooga Hydrocollator M-2

The Chattanooga M-2 is a strong and dependable machine that heats moist packs called HotPacs. These packs help patients feel better by loosening muscles and easing pain. It’s easy to move, simple to use, and made for busy clinics.

Main Features of this M2 Model

• Big Tank: 14 gallons (52 liters) - This tank holds up to 12 HotPacs at once. That’s enough to treat several patients in a row or cover big body areas like the back.
  
• Safe Heat Range: 160-165°F (71-74°C) - This is the ideal temperature for moist heat. It’s warm enough to help the body but not so hot that it becomes unsafe, especially when packs are wrapped in towels.
  
• Automatic Safety Shut-Off: 180-185°F (82-85°C) - If the water gets too hot, the machine shuts off to keep everyone safe and prevent damage.
  
• Even Temperature Control: ±10% - The heat stays steady, so every pack works the same. This helps patients get the best results each time.
  
• Takes Time to Heat: 6-8 hours - Because the tank is big, it takes a few hours to heat up. Most clinics turn it on early so it’s ready when they open.
  
• Cool-Down Time: Around 3 hours - It cools down slowly, which helps protect the machine and its parts.
  
• Strong Build: Stainless steel with fiberglass insulation - The tank is tough and won’t rust. The insulation keeps the heat in, so the machine doesn’t need extra power.
  
• Easy to Move: 3-inch rubber wheels - These smooth-rolling wheels make it simple to move the M-2 from one spot to another without noise or trouble.
  
• No Plumbing Needed - You just pour water in and use the drain when needed. You don’t need to hook it up to pipes.
  
• Works with Regular Outlets: 110-120 V, 50/60 Hz, 1000W - You can plug it into a normal outlet, no special wiring required.
  
• Certified for Safety: UL and CSA listed - This means it meets important safety rules for medical equipment.
  
• Comes With: 12 standard Chattanooga HotPacs - You’ll have everything you need to start using it right away.
  
• Size & Weight: 27" long x 16" wide x 33" high; weighs 48 lbs (ships at 93 lbs)

Many therapists choose the M-2 because it works well every day, without problems. The large tank and steady heat mean they can treat patient after patient without waiting. It’s also easy to move around, so it fits well in different room setups.

Chattanooga Hydrocollator E-1: Small and Handy

The Chattanooga Hydrocollator E-1 is great for small clinics or solo therapists. It’s small enough to sit on a counter but still works really well.

What Chattanooga Hydrocollator E-1 Offers?

• Holds 3 gallons of water - good for heating up to 4 HotPacs at once
  
• Keeps heat between 160°-165°F - warm enough for therapy but still safe
  
• Safety shut-off at 180°-185°F - stops overheating automatically
  
• Heats up in about 2 hours
  
• Cools down in about 1 hour
  
• Made of strong stainless steel - easy to clean
  
• No insulation - may use a little more energy but lowers cost
  
• Size: 13" long, 8" wide, 16" high
  
• Weight: 15 pounds
  
• Plugs into standard outlets (110-120V)
  
• Usually comes with 4 standard HotPacs
  

Why Pick the E-1? If you don’t need to heat a lot of packs and want something simple, the E-1 is a solid choice. It works well, takes up little space, and is very easy to use.

Chattanooga Hydrocollator E-2 - Bigger and More Versatile

The Chattanooga Hydrocollator E-2 is a step up from the E-1. It’s great for clinics that treat more people or need larger HotPacs.

What Chattanooga Hydrocollator E-2 Offers?

• Holds 8 gallons of water - great for heating many packs, including different shapes and sizes
  
• Keeps heat between 160°-165°F
  
• Safety shut-off at 180°-185°F
  
• Heats up in about 4 hours
  
• Cools down in about 2 hours
  
• Stainless steel body with fiberglass insulation - keeps heat in longer and saves energy
  
• Size: 15" long, 13" wide, 20" high
  
• Weight: 29 pounds
  
• Plugs into standard outlets (110-120V)
  
• Usually comes with 6 HotPacs (2 Oversize, 3 Standard, 1 Cervical)
  

Why Pick the E-2? This model is better for clinics that need to treat more patients or use different kinds of HotPacs. It holds more, stays warm longer, and gives you more treatment options.

Both the E-1 and E-2 are strong, reliable, and easy to use. The E-1 is perfect if you have less space or just need the basics. The E-2 is better if you’re treating many patients or want to use different pack types like cervical or oversize packs.

Chattanooga Hydrocollator C-2 Model: Easy Cold Therapy for Clinics

Sometimes heat isn't the right choice, and that’s where the Chattanooga Hydrocollator C-2 Model comes in. At AngelUS Medical in Gardena, California, we offer this chilling unit to clinics that need a fast and easy way to keep cold packs ready for patient care. Whether it’s for swelling, soreness, or injuries, the C-2 helps you deliver cold therapy safely and efficiently.

What Does the C-2 Do?

The C-2 is not a heater, it's a cooler. It keeps ColPacs (reusable cold packs) cold and ready to use. These cold packs are used in places like physical therapy rooms or sports injury clinics to help reduce pain and swelling.

What are the Main Features of Chattanooga Hydrocollator C-2?

• Cold Temperatures: 10°F to 21°F (-12°C to -6°C) - This is the perfect range for cold therapy, it helps without being too cold for the skin.
  
• Fits 6 Cold Packs at Once - You can cool up to 6 packs at the same time, so you’re always ready for your next patient.
  
• Strong Stainless Steel Body with Insulation - It’s built to last and keeps the cold in longer, which also saves electricity.
  
• Cools Fast with a Heavy-Duty Compressor - The cooling parts are designed to chill the packs quickly so you don’t have to wait long.
  
• You Can Adjust the Temperature - Turn the dial to pick the right cold setting for each patient’s needs.
  
• No Plumbing Needed - Just plug it in and start using it, no pipes or fancy installation required.
  
• Rolls Smoothly on 3-Inch Wheels - Move it around your clinic without any heavy lifting or loud noise.
  
• Drain Valve for Cleaning - Makes it easy to clean and keep sanitary, especially after defrosting.
  
• Comes With 3 ColPacs - You get a few packs included, so you're ready to use the unit right away.

Size & Power Info Chattanooga C-2 Model

• Height: 33 inches
  
• Width: 21 inches
  
• Depth: 16 inches
  
• Weight: Around 140 pounds
  
• Power: Works with normal outlets (115V or 220-240V, depending on your region)
  
• Power Cord Length: 8 feet
  
• Uses R-134A refrigerant
  
• Made in the USA
  

Extra Info to Know

• You don’t need a pro to install it, just plug it in
  
• It meets international safety and quality standards
  
• It has replaceable parts (wheels, thermometer, compressor, etc.) so it lasts a long time
  

The Chattanooga C-2 is a smart, easy-to-use machine that keeps cold therapy packs chilled and ready for use. It’s perfect for clinics that treat sports injuries, surgery recovery, or just need cold packs often. It’s easy to move, doesn’t take much effort to maintain, and works right out of the box.

Whitehall Thermalator & Richmar HydraTherm

If your clinic needs a machine to warm up a lot of hot packs, two big names to know are Whitehall Thermalator and Richmar HydraTherm. Both do the same job, keeping hot packs warm for therapy, but they’re built differently and offer unique features.

Whitehall Thermalator - Strong and Reliable

Whitehall’s Thermalator is the old-school style that’s been trusted for years. It’s made to last a long time and is great for clinics that treat many patients every day.

What are the Main features of Whitehall Thermalator?

• Material: Made of strong stainless steel that won’t rust.
  
• Insulation: Has fiberglass inside to keep the water hot longer.
  
• Heating Style: Uses open heating elements to warm water quickly and evenly.
  
• Pack Capacity: Comes in different sizes to hold 4, 6, 8, or 12 hot packs. The T-12-M model fits 12.
  
• Temperature Control: You can adjust the temperature up to 165°F for deeper heat.
  
• Safety: Has special handles and knobs to protect your hands and a heat cut-off to prevent overheating.
  
• Storage Rack: Comes with a coated wire rack to keep packs upright and easy to grab.
  
• Size & Power: Mobile and non-mobile options; the T-12-M is 16" W x 26" D x 32" H and uses 120V power.
  
• Bonus Items: Includes hot packs and a hose for filling water.

Why Choose Whitehall? Pick the Thermalator if you want something tough, simple to use, and can handle high heat. It’s best for clinics with lots of patients and staff used to regular cleaning.

Richmar HydraTherm - Modern and Easy to Maintain

The HydraTherm by Richmar is built with newer technology and is easier to clean and operate.

What are the Main Features of Ruchmar HydraTherm?

• Material: Made from a special plastic that doesn’t rust or dent.
  
• Insulation: Keeps heat in and only needs to be cleaned twice a year.
  
• Temperature Control: Digital screen lets you set heat between 120°F and 140°F with good accuracy.
  
• Safety Features:
  
  • Automatically shuts off at 170°F
    
  • Alerts you if water is too low
    
• Storage Choices:
  
  • A shelf system with easy handles above water
    
  • A traditional rack for more packs
    
• Pack Capacity: Fits up to 12 HydraHeat packs
  
• Deluxe Features:
  
  • Built-in electric drain so you don’t need to lift buckets
    
  • Fold-out shelf to prep hot packs
    
• Size: Around 30" W x 20" D x 33" H
  
• Hot Pack Type: Uses HydraHeat packs that stay warm for about 45 minutes
  

Why Choose Richmar? Get the HydraTherm if you want less cleaning, digital controls, and extra safety features. It’s a great choice if you’re trying to cut down on maintenance or avoid rust.

Why Buy from AngelUS Medical?

Buying from AngelUS Medical isn’t just about getting equipment, it’s about getting real support. We help doctors, clinics, and therapists find the right tools and make sure they understand what they’re buying. Here's why so many clinics trust us:

Trusted by Clinics Across the U.S.

We’ve helped hospitals, therapy centers, and chiropractic offices all over the country for over 20 years. Our team knows what medical professionals need and how to help them stay within their budget.

Shipping You Can Count On

We ship both nearby and far away. Here’s how we do it:

• Local Pickup & Delivery: We deliver within 50 miles of our Gardena, CA location to commercial buildings. We handle the delivery carefully, but we ask for elevators, ramps, or help if needed.
  
• Shipping Small Items: We use USPS, UPS, or FedEx for smaller packages.
  
• Freight Shipping for Large Items: For big equipment, we work with freight companies and give you up to 3 delivery options. We show you how it’s packed and share tracking info.
  
• Extra Protection: We pack everything securely. If we put it on a pallet or in a crate, there’s a small fee ($200 for pallets, $500 for crates).
  
• Important: If your item is damaged during shipping, take photos, tell the driver, and don’t sign for the delivery. Shipping fees are not refundable.

Warranties You Can Trust

We make it clear what’s covered:

• New Equipment: Most items have a 6-year warranty from the manufacturer.
  
• Refurbished Equipment: Includes a 90-day parts and labor warranty.
  
• Clearance Items: Come with a 15-day warranty.
  

Note: Warranties do not include pickup, delivery, or shipping costs. Those are extra if needed.

Talk to an Expert First

Not sure what you need? Our team is here to help you figure it out before you buy. This is especially important for big items, custom orders, or anything that needs freight shipping.

Clear Billing, Returns & Payment Rules

Here’s what you need to know:

• Pay Before We Ship: We won’t start working on your order or ship it until payment is made.
  
• Online Orders for Large Items: The website might not show the correct shipping fee. Pick “Local Pickup” and we’ll follow up with a real quote.
  
• Direct Quotes: We can send a full invoice with shipping included before you pay.
  
• How You Can Pay: Credit cards (small fee applies), bank transfers, pre-approved checks, or purchase orders (POs).
  
• Returns: If approved, returns made within 10 days come with a 20% restocking fee. Refunds are given as store credit only. No refunds for clearance or custom orders.
  
• Late Fees: Late payments are charged a 1.5% interest every month.
  

At AngelUS Medical, we believe in honesty, helpful service, and clear answers. Whether you’re a one-person practice or a big hospital, we’re here to make things easy and safe for you.

📧 Got questions or want a price quote? Email us at info@angelusmedical.com