Ice Barrel: Reviewing an Easy-to-Use and Accessible Brand of Ice Baths

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

Key Features:

• Portable, lightweight and compact design
• Two models, 77-gallon capacity or 105-gallon capacity
• Easy-flow drainage system with a connection to any standard hose

Hydrotherapy has gained a lot of momentum with an increase in the popularity of cold plunge tubs and ice baths. Check out just about any social media platform and you can easily find videos of people hopping in freezing pools, tubs of ice or other forms of cold plunges. As the popularity of cold plunges has surged, companies have quickly developed cold therapy products in a variety of sizes, designs and price points. Most cold plunges carry both a hefty footprint and price tag, making them impractical for a good chunk of the population. This is where the Ice Barrel brand aims to stand out from the competition.

The creators of the Ice Barrel line of ice baths wanted to create the most accessible and convenient form of cold therapy. Unlike many of the cold plunges on the market that take up a lot of space, Ice Barrel's vertically shaped ice baths are compact, lightweight and easy-to-use. They're also less expensive than many of the high-end cold plunge tubs on the market.

Curious whether this cold plunge is the right fit for you? In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about the Ice Barrel 300 and Ice Barrel 400 models to help you make that decision. We will explore design, features, performance, customer reviews and more. Continue reading to find out whether Ice Barrel's brand of cold therapy is the one for you.

How Do Ice Barrel Ice Baths Work?

The Ice Barrel 300 and Ice Barrel 400 are both safe for indoor/outdoor use, so they're more or less ready to dive into once they've been set up in your desired location. Here's a look at how you use them:

Cooling the water

The 300 and 400 models don't come with built-in chiller units, although the 300 has an inlet port that you can connect to a separate chiller. If you're not using a chiller, you simply fill either model with a combination of water and ice. Ice Barrel chiller units are still in the works as of this writing, but you can sign up for pre-order.

Since Ice Barrels don't come with a thermometer or temperature regulator, it may be worth purchasing one. The company does sell thermometers individually or as part of their cold plunge maintenance kit, which costs $129.99.

Immersion

Once you have your ideal temperature, you'll enter the barrel and ease yourself in. So what is the ideal temperature? There are a lot of conflicting recommendations out there. But, according to Dr. Tracey Zaslow, a primary care sports medicine doctor at Cedars-Sinai, an orthopedic hospital in California, the majority of studies recommend somewhere between 50 to 60 degrees. Ice Barrel recommends a temperature less than 60 degrees as well. As you become more accustomed to ice baths, that range may change.

How long you stay in the Ice Barrel is also dependent on your experience with cold water immersion. Recommendations range from two minutes all the way up to 15 minutes but Ice Barrel suggests a range of two to 10 minutes. If this is your first time hopping in frigid waters, you will want to keep it short as being submerged in cold water has a risk of hypothermia if you stay in too long. Ice Barrel also encourages users to have another person present when using the Ice Barrel, particularly during your first time. Given the potential for numbness resulting from a cold plunge, getting out safely may pose a challenge.

According to several reviews and the manufacturer, the water can be left in the Ice Barrel where it typically stays cold for a few days, depending on the weather.

Drainage and maintenance

Both models feature an easy-flow drainage system that connects to a garden hose. To empty the barrel, you connect it to a standard hose and drain the water. This feature is intended to help prevent build-up of bacteria and extend the life of your Ice Barrel.

Although Ice Barrel ice baths are designed to need little in the way of maintenance, regular cleanings are a good idea. The company recommends changing the water every four weeks or as often as you prefer. You can clean your Ice Barrel using household soap or detergent. The company also sells cleaning products individually or as an all-in-one maintenance kit.

What Are the Benefits of Cold Plunges?

Ice Barrel cites the same potential benefits as similar cold plunge tubs, which include:

• Reducing plain and localized inflammation
• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Enhancing mood
• Improving cognitive function
• Supporting post-workout recovery

Although the popularity of cold plunging has outpaced the scientific research up to this point, some experts say that relieving muscle soreness seems to have more supporting evidence than the other claims.

If you're interested in cold plunging for health and wellness purposes, your purchase of an Ice Barrel could be eligible for reimbursement under a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account. After checkout, you have the option of using Truemed to apply for a Letter of Medical Necessity, which you can submit to your HSA or FSA provider along with your Ice Barrel receipt.

A Detailed Look at the Ice Barrel Models

Ice Barrel offers two types of cold-plunge baths, the Ice Barrel 300 and Ice Barrel 400. Engineered using advanced rotomolding technology, Ice Barrel features thick walls designed for durability. The barrels are primarily constructed with low linear density polyethylene (LLDPE), a lightweight, durable and non-toxic plastic derived from high-quality recycled materials. The material uses a UV-resistant formula to enhance durability and prevent fading over time. 

Here's the rundown of their features and specifications:

Ice Barrel 300

Specifications

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Capacity: 77 gallons
• Dimensions: 30.5 inches (H) x 35.5 inches (W)
• Weight (empty): 61 pounds
• Weight (filled): 700 pounds
• Color options: Black
• Recommended max user height: 6 foot 2 inches
• Recommended max user weight: 250 pounds
• Materials: Non-toxic, recycled plastic
• Price at time of publication: $1,199.99
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Delivery: Ships within 3 weeks of order date. Shipping cost calculated at checkout. See shipping details

The Ice Barrel 300 is the newer of the company's ice bath models. It's shorter and doesn't have the same elongated shape as the 400, which makes it more of a "step-in" than a "climb-in" ice bath. Because of the size and shape, Ice Barrel recommends the 300 for people up to 6'2" and 250 pounds.

The barrel and lid are fully insulated, so Ice Barrel recommends choosing this model if you live in an area with warmer weather.

Unlike the 400, the 300 model is "chiller-ready." It has an inlet port ready to connect to a chiller unit, with no modifications required.

Ice Barrel 400

Specifications

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Capacity: 105 gallons
• Dimensions: 42 inches (H) x 31 inches (W)
• Weight (empty): 55 pounds
• Weight (filled): 930 pounds
• Color options: Black or tan
• Recommended max user height: 6 foot 6 inches
• Recommended max user weight: 300 pounds
• Materials: Non-toxic, recycled plastic
• Price at time of publication: $1,199.99
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Delivery: Ships within 7 days. Shipping cost calculated at checkout. See shipping details

The Ice Barrel 400 is the company's original ice bath. It has more of a classic barrel shape than the 300 model and is nearly a foot taller. It comes with a stand to improve stability and a step stool for easier access in and out.

The upright design makes for easier full-body submersion than the 300. It also allows you to sit in an upright position which, according to Ice Barrel's FAQ section, helps the body and mind focus and relax. Ice Barrel recommends the 400 for people up to 6"6' and 300 pounds.

Unlike the 300, the Ice Barrel 400 isn't fully insulated and doesn't have a built-in connection for a chiller unit. For those reasons, it's probably the better choice for people who live in colder climates and would rather use the ice-and-water method instead of cooling the water with a chiller.

Ice Barrel Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Ice Barrel line of ice baths has advantages and disadvantages. Here's a look at some of the high points and potential sticking points:

Pros

• Simple design
• Easy-to-use
• Compact
• Portable/lightweight
• Accommodates most body types
• Less expensive than many cold-plunge tubs with integrated chillers

Cons

• Models don't come equipped with built-in chiller unit to keep water cold (although Ice Barrel plans to offer chillers in the future)
• Ice Barrel 400 model will need modifications to incorporate a chiller
• Water likely won't stay cold for longer than a few days
• Full-body immersion is easier in horizontal tub-style cold plunges, especially for taller people

Price

Selling for $1,199.99 plus shipping, these ice baths aren't the most expensive options nor the most budget-friendly. Since the Ice Barrel does not come with a temperature regulator or cooling unit, you should factor in the cost of ice and water when considering the price.

On the other hand, Ice Barrel offers a 15% discount to current and former U.S. service members and their spouses and dependents, as well as first responders (law enforcement, EMS and firefighters).

If you're interested in a less expensive ice bath similar in appearance to the Ice Barrel 300, you might want to check out our PolarPod ice bath review.

Customer Reviews

On the Ice Barrel website, several really positive reviews are listed. Of course, these are the ones the company shares so keep that in mind. Still, they have some great things to say about Ice Barrel.

One user states, "The best investment I have made on myself is my Ice Barrel! Purchased it during a time where I wanted to elevate my mind and really dig deep past my own fears. The Ice Barrel is amazing, it allows me to do my ice baths in a comfortable position and practice my breathing techniques. I love how the ice and cold water are contained within the barrel. The staff at Ice Barrel are extremely helpful and have gone above and beyond any of my questions/needs."

Another reviewer writes, "I am loving the Ice Barrel. I usually use it after a workout and it is amazing how quick it kicks you into recovery. It is really well made and easy to empty and clean. I am working up to be able to stay in longer and longer each time, but what a great tool to have to help with both mind and body recovery."

Reviewers on other sites aren't quite as enthusiastic, although the number of reviews are limited.

Amazon

• Ice Barrel 400: Average rating 4/5 stars (10 reviews)

Rogue Fitness

• Ice Barrel 300: Average 4/5 rating (two reviews)
• Ice Barrel 400: Average 3/5 rating (five reviews)

Ice Barrel Accessories and App

Ice Barrel offers several accessories in addition to its ice baths. The list includes:

• Maintenance kit
• Water stabilizer
• Cleaning soap
• Cleaning brush
• Net
• Ice block molds
• Thermometer
• Lavender or eucalyptus epsom salt
• Replacement step stools, stands, lids and covers

Also, the Ice Barrel app is available from the App Store and Google Play. Features include:

• Expert-guided sessions
• Recording times and temperatures of your sessions
• Connecting with fellow cold-plungers

About the Company

Ice Barrel was founded in 2017 and is located in Denver. Founder and CEO Wyatt Ewing says he first started taking cold showers and baths after hearing about cold therapy from a fellow gym patron. After seeing initial improvements in his mood and stress levels, Wyatt decided to invent a cold-plunge barrel to get the full experience. According to the company, a team of industrial designers spent years developing an effective solution to many of the issues associated with cold therapy that occur in traditional tubs.

FAQs

How long does the Ice Barrel stay cold?

According to the manufacturer, the Ice Barrel can stay cold for a few days if covered with the lid and UV cover. Some reviews indicate that the water only stays chilly for a day. But this also depends on the time of year and general climate of where you reside. Also, the 300 model is fully insulated and will likely keep water cold longer than the 400.

What are the benefits of using the Ice Barrel for cold plunging?

Functionally, the Ice Barrel offers several benefits that most other cold plunges can not. It is lightweight, portable and very straightforward in use. The Ice Barrel doesn’t have any cooling system so there is no need to store it near a power source. So in terms of convenience, it may have an edge over competitors.

Using the Ice Barrel for cold plunging is claimed to offer many health benefits. Cold plunges are used to reduce pain, swelling and localized inflammation that results from exercise or overuse. It is also linked to alleviating both depression and anxiety while improving mood and brain function. According to Ice Barrel, cold therapy activates hormonal responses that helps to reduce whole-body inflammation. The cold plunge experience also is stated to help alleviate stress, improve exercise recovery time and initiate vasoconstriction of blood vessels.

Can I keep my Ice Barrel outside?

Yes! The Ice Barrel can be kept outside or inside. The accompanying lid will keep out debris and UV cover to protect it from sun damage.

Final Thoughts

In the world of wellness and fitness, ice baths have gained a lot of traction becoming a go-to practice for athletes, fitness enthusiasts and those seeking the potential benefits of cold therapy. Unlike its bulkier competitors, the Ice Barrel offers a compact, accessible and practical option for everyday users. Its portable and simple design offers convenience without frills and may be a particularly attractive option for those in small dwellings. While user reviews are mixed, the Ice Barrel certainly provides a straightforward way to experience the potential benefits of this wellness trend.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.