If you’ve made up your mind that you want a home rowing machine, good for you! Rowing machines are one of the best workouts ever, and you can’t go wrong having one in your home gym- even if that “home gym” is your bedroom or guest room!
When you consider that most people don’t have space for more than one piece of equipment, this makes a rowing machine the obvious choice since you don’t really need to do any other type of workout. Rowing works 86 percent of the muscles in your body, so one rowing machine workout a day, and you are done!
The problem arises when you have tight quarters at home. You’ll want to know how big the rowing machine actually is once it is assembled. Aside from inspecting its maximum weight capacity, you also need to ask, “How much does a rowing machine weigh?”
Let’s face it, no rowing machine, regardless of price and suite of functions, will work for you if it’s too heavy to move around or if it won’t fit in your room!
You could make charts and write down this info then compare, or you can simply refer to the chart I’ve made that shows you all the dimensions, machine weight, and weight capacity of the most popular rowing machines on the market today.
Sit down for just a few minutes and you will find everything you need to know about the weight of a home rowing machine and whether the one you choose will fit in your space.
Size & Weight Matter
When speaking about rowing machines, two words you will probably hear over and over are weight and size.
This is because a rowing machine does take up a bit of floor space, while some models take up more space than others. The same is true with the weight of the machine. Depending on the resistance type and the material used for the frame, some rower models will be heavier than others.
While most have wheels or some way of folding them, other rowing machines store upright against a wall, taking up no more space than a dining room chair.
Don’t forget that, in addition to the actual size of the machine, you’ll need a bit of free space around the rower. You need room for your elbows as you pull the chain and your back as you lean, and to make getting on and off the device easy for you.
You want that perfect combination of hefty weight capacity (so you don’t feel as though the machine will fall apart under your weight), size dimensions that allow you to work out comfortably, and a machine that doesn’t have to be so heavy that you can’t move it yourself.
Factors Affecting How Much a Rower Weighs
Several factors contribute to the weight of a rowing machine. An air rower, such as the Concept2 model, only uses a fan blade for air resistance. This means that this machine won’t weigh as much as a water rower like the Ergatta. The latter does not only have fan blades, but it also has a water tank that contains a few gallons of water to work.
The material that the rower is made from will also make a difference in the weight. For example, the Ergatta frame is made from cherry wood, which weighs considerably more than one made from composite materials.
In addition to the resistance type and frame materials, some rowers have large monitors, which will add to the total weight of the machine.
Which Resistance Type Is Best?
Everyone has their own opinion as to which type of machine feels best to them. If you can try out a few models with different resistance types – water resistance, air resistance, or magnetic resistance – you will find at least one that you feel comfortable with.
Most people pick either water rowers or magnetic resistance rowers. Water rowers are unique because they can make you feel as though you’re rowing on water. No other resistance types produce gentle swooshing sounds, and that’s soothing to many.
Magnetic resistance rowers are incredibly quiet, and many users choose them for the varying levels of resistance that get their heart rate going. Many models have monitors that make them a bit heavier, but it’s these monitors that make the rower fun to use.
Picking the type of resistance you want in a rower will help you to narrow down your choices.
Read Our Article on the Most Popular Machine Right Now!
Weight and Dimensions of Popular Rowing Machines
I’ve created this table to help you choose the best machine that will work for you.
| Rowing Machine Models | Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) | Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) | Machine Weight | Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| Hydrow | 86″ x 25″ x 47″ | 25″ x 33” x 86”(upright) | 145 lbs | 375 lbs |
| Teeter Power10 | 62.75” x 37.5” x 43.25” | 37.5” x 43.25” x 62.75”(upright) | 180 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Ergatta | 86“ x 23” x 40“ | 23” x 22.5” x 86”(upright) | Without Water: 76.5 lbs With Water: 103 lbs |
500 lbs |
| Aviron (Home Rower Version) | 97” x 22” x 43” | 54“ x 22” x 62“(foldable) | 93 lbs | 397 lbs |
| Concept2 Model D | 96” x 24” x 14” (seat height) | 25” x 33” x 54” |
57 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Concept2 Model E | 96” x 24” x 21” (seat height) | 27” x 47” x 54” (both models separate into 2 parts for easier storage) |
68 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Hydrow |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 86″ x 25″ x 47″ |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 25″ x 33” x 86”(upright) |
| Machine Weight |
| 145 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 375 lbs |
| Teeter Power10 |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 62.75” x 37.5” x 43.25” |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 37.5” x 43.25” x 62.75”(upright) |
| Machine Weight |
| 180 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 300 lbs |
| Ergatta |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 86“ x 23” x 40“ |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 23” x 22.5” x 86”(upright) |
| Machine Weight |
| Without Water: 76.5 lbs With Water: 103 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 500 lbs |
| Aviron (Home Rower Version) |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 97” x 22” x 43” |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 54“ x 22” x 62“(foldable) |
| Machine Weight |
| 93 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 397 lbs |
| Aviron (Home Rower Version) |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 97” x 22” x 43” |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 54“ x 22” x 62“(foldable) |
| Machine Weight |
| 93 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 397 lbs |
| Concept2 Model D |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 96” x 24” x 14” (seat height) |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 25” x 33” x 54” |
| Machine Weight |
| 57 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 500 lbs |
| Concept2 Model E |
| Assembled Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) |
| 96” x 24” x 21” (seat height) |
| Storage Requirements (Width x Depth x Height) |
| 27” x 47” x 54” (both models separate into 2 parts for easier storage) |
| Machine Weight |
| 68 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity |
| 500 lbs |
The only type of rower that I did not include in this list is the hydraulic piston rower, which I believe are not true rowing machines. While these machines do have a smaller footprint, they won’t give you the full-body workout that indoor rowers provide.
All of these machines offer terrific convenience since you can use them anytime you like, and they all offer some type of storage, either upright or folded.
How Much Does the Hydrow Weigh?
The Hydrow rower weighs 145 pounds and is one of the heaviest rowing machines listed above, but we’re not worried about that. It has wheels to make it easy to move around the house, and it can be stored vertically to save on storage space.
Besides, Hydrow’s heavy build is the reason why it is one of the most stable and durable rowing machines in the market today.
How Much Room Do You Need for a Rowing Machine?
The overall dimensions of a rower only tell part of the story. As I said earlier, don’t forget that you will also need space to get off and on the machine comfortably, and you will need room for your elbows to stick out as you pull on the rowing handle.
Sound Matters When Choosing Rowing Machines
One last note. If you live in an apartment building, duplex, or if you share your living space with others, you may want to purchase either a magnetic rowing machine or a water rower. An air rower, such as the Concept 2 model, tends to be rather noisy. On the other hand, the weight of the rower is minimal.
Magnetic rowers are the quietest model of workout machines, and I suggest you consider only magnetic models if you need to be as quiet as possible.
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If noise is not a concern, then you have a very wide range of rowers to choose from.
- Click Here to Read Our Detailed Ergatta Review!
The Bottom Line
If a machine’s weight is the deciding factor for you, then the Concept2 is the lightest. However, its dimensions when fully assembled also poses some challenge if you have limited workout space.
If you don’t have a preference, and if you’re wondering which machine I use, I personally own the Hydrow rowing machine. I also have a Teeter Power10 for alternate workouts.
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For me, the Hydrow is the perfect rowing machine, but this doesn’t mean that the Ergatta or other types of machines aren’t worth the money, it just comes down to your personal requirements.
All of the above devices are quality-made machines that will give you many, many years of comfort and excellent cardio exercise that your body will benefit from.
I hope this chart has helped you make the perfect choice for your home gym. Happy Rowing!
Written by Petra Amara – RowingCrazy.com
CEO & Founder of RowingCrazy, National Rower, Coxswain Womens Eight Team, Rowing Coach & Writer
Petra is a Mother of two and owner of Rowingcrazy.com. Petra lives and breathes rowing, she also has a passion for writing which lead her to start RowingCrazy.com to share her rowing experience and expertise with others.
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