Ice Barrel 500
Upright insulated cold therapy barrel with built-in steps, chiller ports, and texturized seat. Works with ice or optional chiller.
Users wanting an upright cold plunge with chiller upgrade path
Our Verdict
Upright insulated cold therapy barrel with built-in steps, chiller ports, and texturized seat. Works with ice or optional chiller.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built-in steps and texturized seat for safe entry and exit
- Thick insulation maintains cold temperatures
- Chiller-ready with integrated 3/4-inch NPT ports
- Limited lifetime warranty on barrel
- Made from recycled materials in the USA
Cons
- Chiller sold separately at ,000
- Upright position not comfortable for everyone
- 104 lbs empty, heavier than the Ice Barrel 400
Full Review
Overview
The Ice Barrel 500 is the latest and largest model from Ice Barrel, featuring built-in steps, thick polyurethane foam insulation, and integrated chiller ports for connecting a third-party or Ice Barrel-branded chiller. The upright design provides full-body immersion up to the neck in a compact footprint.
Design and Build Quality
At 104 pounds empty, the Ice Barrel 500 is heavier than the original Ice Barrel 400 but significantly more feature-rich. Built-in steps and a texturized internal seat make entry and exit safe and comfortable. The thick polyurethane foam insulation maintains cold temperatures whether using ice or a chiller.
Cooling Options
The Ice Barrel 500 includes 3/4-inch NPT chiller ports for connecting to the Ice Barrel Chiller ($3,000) or any third-party chiller such as Penguin Chillers. Without a chiller, it works effectively with ice, and the insulation keeps temperatures cold for extended sessions.
Capacity and Comfort
With a 94-gallon capacity, the Ice Barrel 500 provides generous interior space for comfortable upright seated immersion. The spacious design accommodates most body types comfortably.
Who It Is Best For
Ideal for users who want an upright plunging experience with the flexibility to use ice or a chiller. The chiller-ready ports make it a future-proof investment.
Alternatives to Ice Barrel 500
More about “Ice Barrel 500”
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Ice Barrel 500 is sold as the barrel only for ,500. The Ice Barrel Chiller is available separately for ,000, or you can use a third-party chiller like Penguin Chillers.
The 500 is the largest and most feature-rich, with built-in steps, chiller ports, and a texturized seat. The 300 (,200) is smaller and fully insulated with chiller ports. The 400 (,200) is the classic barrel design without built-in chiller ports.
Final Verdict
Ice Barrel 500 scores 8.2/10
With a score of 8.2 out of 10, Ice Barrel 500 is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for users wanting an upright cold plunge with chiller upgrade path.