Ice Barrel Cold Therapy Barrel
Ice Barrel 500
The Ice Barrel 500 is an upright, foam-insulated barrel that holds 94 gallons and has built-in steps and a seat. It runs on ice out of the box, and its ports take a chiller you buy separately.
- Ice-Cooled
Where it’s made
According to the maker:
- “Made in the USA,” Ice Barrel says, with no state named
- Materials Recycled BPA-free plastic, source not stated
$1,74999USD
79% below the median for cold plunges. It runs on ice, and most cold plunges we list include a chiller.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, and you pay the same price. Price as recorded in our catalog on Oct 10, 2026.
Good to know: The price doesn't include a chiller, which Ice Barrel sells separately.
Before you order
This page gathers what Ice Barrel publishes about the Ice Barrel, checked Oct 10, 2026, and adds up what it costs to install.
Who should buy the Ice Barrel?
The Ice Barrel 500 suits someone who wants to try cold plunging for under $2,000 and doesn't mind buying ice. The barrel stands upright with a seat and steps inside, foam-insulated to R16, and Ice Barrel says it fits bathers up to 6'9".
When the ice runs get old, Penguin sells a chiller package that fits it. Desert Plunge's Exclusive comes with a chiller for about twice the price.
What does it take to install?
The barrel weighs 104 pounds empty and close to 900 full, so set it on a slab, pavers or a deck that can carry that. It needs no power at all on ice. A chiller connects through the 3/4-inch ports on the side, and the drain spout needs assembling.
What does the Ice Barrel cost all in?
| Cost | Amount | Where the figure comes from |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $1,749.99 | The regular price at Ice Barrel, recorded Oct 10, 2026. |
| Ice | Ongoing | Bagged ice each time you plunge, more in summer |
| Chiller | $2,199.99 | Penguin's package for the Ice Barrel 300, 400 and 500 |
| Filtration | Not included | Ice Barrel names no filter for the barrel alone |
By our math, the barrel with Penguin's chiller package comes to about $3,950, before any sanitizer.
This guide draws on Ice Barrel's 500 product page and FAQ and Penguin's chiller listing, read Oct 10, 2026.
By the numbers
Price in context
Where it sits among the 10 cold plunges we list
At $1,750, the Ice Barrel 500 is the cheapest of the 10 cold plunges we list. The dearest is the Morozko Ice Bath at $16,990.
What to know before you buy
These decide how it holds the cold and what it asks of your home.
- Ice-CooledAn ice-cooled tub needs no power, since you chill it with ice or cold tap water. It's the cheapest way into cold therapy.
Specifications
From Ice Barrel’s own listing, checked when the page was written.
| Brand | Ice Barrel |
|---|---|
| Model | Ice Barrel 500 |
| Type | Cold Therapy Barrel |
| Heat | Ice-Cooled |
| Materials and power | Passive, recycled plastic |
| Where it's built | “Made in the USA,” Ice Barrel says, with no state named |
| List price | $1,749.99 USD |
| Where to buy | Ice Barrel |
| Price recorded | Oct 10, 2026 |
How it compares
We'd weigh the Ice Barrel against these 3 models from our catalog.
- Penguin Chillers Cold Therapy Chiller
$1,949.99–$2,099.99
Penguin's Cold Therapy Chiller cools a barrel or tub you already own
- Desert Plunge Exclusive Cold Plunge
$3,698
On sale for $3,248 for nowDesert Plunge's Exclusive ships with its chiller in the price
- Penguin Chillers Beyond Cold Summit
$6,999.99
Penguin's Summit is a stainless tub with the chiller built in
| Product | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,749.99 | $1,949.99–$2,099.99 | $3,698On sale for $3,248 for now | $6,999.99 |
| Heat | Ice-Cooled | Active Chiller | Active Chiller | Active Chiller |
| Power | n/a | 120V Plug-In | 120V Plug-In | 120V Plug-In |
| Links | Buy | See it | See it | See it |
Ice Barrel Cold Therapy Barrel
Buy the Ice Barrel 500
$1,749.99
Buy at Ice BarrelWe may earn a commission when you buy through this link, and you pay the same price.
