Ice Barrel 500 review

The Ice Barrel 500 is the larger of Ice Barrel's two rotomolded tubs and the better buy for tall users. Ice Barrel lists it at $2,049.00 with a lid and protective cover, or $5,749.98 with the Ice Barrel Chiller, which holds water at 37°F. The barrel has R-16 insulation in the walls and lid, holds 94 gal (356 L), weighs 104 lb empty and fits users up to 6'9" in an upright seated position, with built-in steps and a seat inside. Chiller ports are 3/4" NPT, so you can start with ice and add cooling later. Ice Barrel backs the barrel with a limited lifetime warranty and ships it free in 7 to 13 days. The catch is that the base price buys a well-insulated tub, not a cold one: without the chiller you will be buying or making ice, and the chiller bundle costs nearly as much as The Plunge on sale. It is a strong choice for gyms, garages and anyone building up slowly.

Who it is for

tall users who plunge with ice or add a chiller later

Price

$2,049 one-time for the barrel with lid and cover; $5,749.98 with the chiller; free shipping.

Ice Barrel 500 $2,049.00 or from $171/mo with 0% APR
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• R-16 insulation in the barrel and lid
• Fits users up to 6'9" in an upright seated position
• 94 gal (356 L) capacity, 104 lb empty
• Built-in steps and seat inside
• 3/4" NPT chiller ports for the Ice Barrel Chiller

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Limited lifetime warranty on the barrel
• Strength: Free shipping, arrives in 7 to 13 days
• Strength: Can be upgraded later with a chiller that holds water at 37°F
• Weakness: Without a chiller you need ice to get the water cold
• Weakness: Chiller bundle costs $5,749.98
• Weakness: Upright position only, no laydown option

Key facts

• Capacity: 94 gal (356 L)
• Fits users up to: 6'9"
• Insulation: R-16
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Price: $2,049 (tub only)

Where it ranks

Ice Barrel 500 is No. 7 in our Best Cold Plunge Tubs verdict.