Rowing Machine NerdWaterRower Natural vs S1: Wood or Stainless Steel?
These two WaterRowers feel exactly the same to row - same patented water flywheel, same self-regulating stroke, same S4 monitor - but they look very different and cost very differently. The Natural is handcrafted hardwood at around $1,200; the S1 is brushed stainless steel at around $3,100. That's a big premium for what is, functionally, the same machine in a different material.
So this is almost entirely a question of aesthetics, budget, and how much the stainless look is worth to you.
Verdict: The far better value for most - the S1 is for buyers who specifically want the steel look.
WaterRower Natural vs WaterRower S1: at a glance
| WaterRower Natural | WaterRower S1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Price | ~$1,200 | ~$3,100 |
| Resistance | Water (variable; self-regulating tank) | Water (patented WaterFlywheel), self-regulating |
| Monitor / screen | S4 (pace, distance, watts, calories, HR) | S4 Performance Monitor |
| Connectivity | S4; optional Bluetooth (Connect module) | Bluetooth via optional ComModule accessory; PC link via USB |
| Max user weight | 375 lb (170 kg) | ~1,000 lb (frame capacity) |
| Footprint / size | ~84" × 22" × 21" (213 × 56 × 53 cm) | ~83 in L x 22-23 in W x 21-22 in H |
| Storage | Stands upright on end; front wheels | Stands vertically on front wheels |
| Warranty | 5-yr frame / 3-yr parts (home use) | 1 year; upgradeable to 5 yr frame / 3 yr parts with registration |
Full WaterRower Natural review Full WaterRower S1 review
The rowing: identical
There's no meaningful difference in the row itself. Both use the same WaterFlywheel with smooth, self-regulating water resistance that scales with effort, the same pleasant whoosh, the same S4 monitor showing pace, distance, watts and heart rate, and both stand upright on front wheels for storage. Blindfolded, you couldn't tell them apart.
Both also carry the same monitor limitation - the S4 is basic and lacks built-in Bluetooth, needing the extra-cost ComModule for app connectivity - and both have very high frame capacities (around 1,000 lb), so they suit virtually any user.
Frame and looks: the real difference
The Natural's handcrafted hardwood is the classic, warm WaterRower look that suits a living room and is what most people picture when they think of the brand. The S1's brushed stainless steel frame is design-forward, industrial, and highly distinctive - a deliberate statement piece, and arguably even more durable.
This is genuinely a matter of taste. Some buyers love the stainless aesthetic and the indestructible feel; many prefer the warmth of wood. Neither rows better - you're choosing a look.
Price and value
The Natural costs less than half as much for the same rowing experience. The S1's premium pays purely for the stainless steel frame and its design appeal, not for any performance or data advantage - in fact both share the same basic monitor.
For most buyers, that makes the Natural the obvious value pick: you get the entire WaterRower experience for under half the S1's price. The S1 is justified only if the stainless look is something you specifically want and will pay a large premium for.
Choose the WaterRower Natural if…
- You want the same water feel for less than half the price
- You prefer the classic, warm handcrafted hardwood look
- You want the best value in the WaterRower range
- You don't see the point of paying more for the same row
Choose the WaterRower S1 if…
- You specifically want the brushed stainless steel aesthetic
- You want a design-forward statement piece and don't mind the premium
- You value the industrial look and ultra-durable steel frame
- Budget isn't a primary concern
Our verdict
For the vast majority of buyers, the WaterRower Natural is the clear choice. It delivers the identical rowing experience - same flywheel, same feel, same monitor - for less than half the S1's price. There's no performance reason to spend more.
The S1 is a niche pick for buyers who genuinely want the brushed stainless steel look and are happy to pay a large premium for it. It's a beautiful, distinctive machine, but you're paying for the material and the design, not a better row. If aesthetics drive your decision and budget doesn't, it's defensible; otherwise, save the money and buy the Natural.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between the WaterRower Natural and S1?
- They row identically - same water flywheel, feel, and S4 monitor. The Natural has a handcrafted hardwood frame at around $1,200; the S1 has a brushed stainless steel frame at around $3,100. The difference is the material, looks, and price, not performance.
- Is the WaterRower S1 worth more than double the Natural's price?
- Only if you specifically want the stainless steel aesthetic. The two machines row exactly the same and share the same monitor, so the S1's premium pays purely for its design-forward steel frame, not any performance or data advantage.
- Do the Natural and S1 use the same monitor?
- Yes - both use the WaterRower S4 monitor, which shows the essentials but lacks built-in Bluetooth (you need the optional ComModule for app connectivity). Neither is the choice for data-rich training; both are about feel.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.