Joolca Hottap Go: Real-World Review of the $550 Portable Shower

The Joolca Hottap Go, a portable shower sold by the Australian company Joolca, is gaining attention for outdoor use. Thomas Ricker, Deputy Editor of The Verge, tested the product and shared his evaluation.

The unit features a built-in 12L water tank and uses propane gas for heating. It is priced at $554 (8% off the regular price of $599). In the U.S., pairing it with a $165 optional battery pack creates a fully self-contained hot water system. In Europe, users can utilize a generic battery pack worth around $100.

Challenges Addressed by the Hottap Go

Traditional portable shower designs often require external containers and long hoses. This design poses tripping hazards and complicates setup. The Hottap Go eliminates these issues with its integrated design.

Additionally, the Hottap Go circulates water until it reaches the desired temperature. Unlike typical “instant” portable showers that require discarding cold water initially, this system avoids water waste. The Verge praised this feature, describing it as “water-saving.”

Design Philosophy and Storage Innovations

A standout feature of the Hottap Go is its ability to house all accessories within the main unit. The hose, shower head, gas cartridge, and battery can all be stored inside the water tank, making it easy to transport and store.

The shower head includes a flow adjustment feature and comes with a magnetic holder. The Verge noted that such attention to detail reflects Joolca’s thorough research into the shortcomings of existing portable propane showers.

Battery Concerns

The Hottap Go requires a 12V power source for water circulation and its display to function. However, it does not come with a built-in battery, necessitating an external power source.

In the U.S., Joolca sells a 12V/5A magnetic battery pack for $165, which can be attached to the main unit. This product is not available in Europe, so Ricker used an €85 ($100) generic battery pack from Amazon. This external attachment may be a drawback for users seeking fully integrated portability.

Performance in Real-World Use

In practical usage, the Hottap Go received high marks for its ability to maintain consistent hot water temperatures. The 12L tank provides enough water for two showers, making it sufficient for single-user, back-to-back use.

However, The Verge noted that the water pressure was “neither outstanding nor disappointing.” They also cited the preheating process as a drawback, as it takes a few minutes to deliver hot water.

Overall, The Verge awarded the Hottap Go a score of 8 out of 10. Points were deducted for its “very high price,” the optional and externally attached battery, the wait for hot water, and its average water pressure.

Target Audience

With a price exceeding $550, the Hottap Go is not a casual purchase for most camping enthusiasts. However, it could be a worthwhile investment for those living in camper vans for extended periods, working in outdoor environments, or attending multi-day music festivals where shower facilities are unavailable.

Ricker himself tested the product while living a van life, using it for post-surf showers and cleaning up after cooking. His evaluation is based on real-life usage, adding credibility to the review.

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Editorial Opinion

In the niche category of portable showers, the Hottap Go sits at the high end of the market in terms of price. In the short term, its sales are likely to be limited to those who understand its value as a premium product. Its integrated 12L tank and storage-friendly design set it apart from competitors, but the separate and external battery remains a significant cost barrier.

From a longer-term perspective, the design philosophy of the Hottap Go could potentially raise industry standards. Features such as its water-saving preheating system and all-in-one accessory storage may influence future products. However, unless Joolca incorporates a built-in battery and reduces the price in its next model, its market reach will remain narrow.

As an editorial team, we are keen to see how Joolca’s design capabilities evolve in upcoming generations of this product.

References

• “Are you filthy enough for a $700 portable shower? ”, by Thomas Ricker — The Verge, 2026-07-11T07:00:00.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.theverge.com/reviews/963814/joolca-hottap-portable-shower-review