Use a modality for a reason — not because an athlete on Instagram owns one. Heat: warmth, comfort, relaxation, easier movement. Cold: dials down pain and soreness perception — useful when something is angry and you want relief.
The honest part: routine long cold plunges right after strength training may actually blunt some of the adaptations you trained for. Cold isn't "more recovery" — it's a specific tool with a specific job and a real trade-off. Reason first, then temperature.