In-depth review
Ergatta Rower Review (2027): Water Feel, Screen Brain
Full research review of the Ergatta: cherry WaterRower frame, 17.3-inch display, adaptive programs, and the membership math.
Ergatta Connected Water Rower
Cherry wood water rower built around a 17.3-inch connected training display.
- About 17 liters at standard fill, WaterRower tank design
- Tank capacity
- American cherry wood, dual rail
- Frame and wood
- Dual rail
- Rail
Our verdict
Ergatta's insight is that the best rower is the one that gets rowed, and its programs, races, and scenic rows are built to make that happen for screen-motivated athletes. Underneath, it is a cherry wood WaterRower with the same tank feel we rank first in this guide. The decision is therefore simple and financial: the hardware earns its price, and the membership must earn its monthly fee in rows you would otherwise have skipped.
What we like
- Large touchscreen with game-based and structured workouts
- WaterRower-built cherry frame and tank underneath the tech
- Calibrates workouts to your output rather than generic levels
What to watch out for
- Membership cost continues after the premium hardware cost
- Screen and electronics add failure points a plain tank never has
Who it is for
Rowers who train consistently when a program leads, and who want water feel instead of an air erg under the screen.
The training system
The 17.3 in display runs interval programs calibrated to your own output, competitive formats, and scenic rows. Calibration matters: workouts scale to the rower instead of assuming a fitness level, which owners credit for programs feeling hard but finishable in week one and month six alike.
Frame and tank underneath
American cherry, dual rail, WaterRower tank: the Ergatta rows like the Natural in this guide, with the same upright storage and the same soft sound. Cherry darkens with light exposure over time, a change owners generally like and buyers should expect.
The membership question
Without the subscription the screen has little to say, so count the membership as part of the purchase price across the years you plan to keep it. Owners split predictably: program followers call it the reason they row, spec followers call it a toll on a finished product. Both are describing the same deal accurately.
Key specifications
- Tank capacity
- About 17 liters at standard fill, WaterRower tank design
- Frame and wood
- American cherry wood, dual rail
- Rail
- Dual rail
- Capacity
- 500 lb per maker documentation (check current listing)
- Monitor
- 17.3 in touchscreen, membership content
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Programs make them row on days they would skip
- Frame looks and feels premium
- Water stroke is the same smooth feel as a plain WaterRower
Common complaints
- Subscription value divides owners sharply
- Software updates and Wi-Fi setup can interrupt a session start
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Ergatta product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Also consider
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood
The original ash wood water rower, dual rail, S4 monitor, stores upright.
- Tank capacity: About 17 liters at the standard fill level per maker gauge
- Frame and wood: Solid American ash, dual rail
Sources: WaterRower Natural product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cartChoose the Natural for the same stroke with no membership and a monitor that just measures. The saving buys a lot of rowing kit. Read our WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood review
WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash with Rosewood Finish
Ash WaterRower with a two-tone rosewood and black finish, built for heavier use.
- Tank capacity: About 17 liters at standard fill level
- Frame and wood: Solid ash with rosewood and black two-tone finish, dual rail
Sources: WaterRower Club product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cartChoose the Club for a darker wooden finish and heavy-duty positioning, again without a screen in the equation. Read our WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash with Rosewood Finish review
Research-based assessment: manufacturer specifications and documentation, cross-checked against retailer listings and recurring themes in published owner feedback. We do not claim hands-on testing we have not performed.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Does the Ergatta work without Wi-Fi?
Basic rowing works, but programs, updates, and profiles want a connection. Plan its home within router range, as you would a smart TV.
Can the Ergatta store upright like a WaterRower?
Yes, the frame is built on the same upright storage design, screen and all. Measure the tip arc and protect the display path when you move it.