Cameron Allen
Table of Contents
Welcome to Grappler Graveyard! Your home for all things related to combat sports, making people better athletes, wellness, nutrition, and recovery. Creeping through our website you will find that we are one of the best resources on the internet for the practice of cold plunging, ranking on Google for over 25 different topics! Crazy right? Anyways, let’s say you are newb to this whole cold plunging thing (we were there too) and decided that you maybe want to take the leap and get a device for yourself, this list if for you. In this article, we go over the 8 Best
Click here to jump to the reviews on all the listed tubs.
Best Beginner Cold Plunge [List] (With Chillers)
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Best On Budget: Ice Barrel 300 or Ice Barrel 400 & Chiller of Choice
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Most Affordable
Cold Plunge & Chiller: The ModPLunge -
Best at Home
Cold Plunge : The Edge Tub -
Best at All-in-one
Cold Plunge : King Kool Plunge Standard (L/XL) or The Model 1 -
Best Designed Cold Plunges: Portal & Brainpod 2.0 by Polar Monkeys
Best Beginner Cold Plunge [List] (Without Chillers)
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Cryospring Ice Bath (Tub Only)
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The Edge Tub (Tub Only)
Things To Pay Attention To and Decisions You Have to Make
You do not want to go into this purchase blindly, otherwise, you may be overpaying for a device that may not have the best specs or even worse thinking that buying a cheap plunge is going to get you the results you are after.
First, I believe it is good to assess both your financial situation and your goals here. Get honest with yourself, how likely are you going to stick with this new habit? Do you really understand how cold plunging would impact your health? Our goal here is to help aid you in this decision-making process because over the past 3 years we have become super-nerds about the topic of cold plunging.
Flow Rate of Water
The flow rate in the water just has to do with how much the water seems to be moving (due to the jets inside the tub). The whole cold plunging practice is pointless if you water is still and has no flow to it. Why? I’ll tell you.
Our bodies are incredible. When we submerge our bodies in cold water, in a last-ditch effort to keep us warm, our bodies form what is known as a thermal layer… think of it as a thin layer of skin that forms at the very tips of our skin. The job of this thermal layer is to keep us as warm as possible for as long as possible.
If you do not break this thermal layer, the cells within our body are no activated properly and it makes the whole experience pointless… Flow in your water is good and makes the experience of cold plunging all the more worth it, especially on a cellular level.
Chillers & Horsepower (HP)
Chillers are a huge factor in your cold plunging experience. If you do not care for buying some fancy schmancy tub, be our guest, but having a super-powered chiller will be your best (and worst) friend.
The chiller is responsible for cooling the water in your tub, helping filter the water to keep your tub clean, and creating that flow in the water that we just talked about. The higher the horsepower of your chiller the faster it will cool and the higher the flow rate of the water but the downside is that a more high-powered chilling unit could increase your electric bill.
Most chillers run 24/7.
Do You Even Want a Chiller?
Yes, you want a chiller. Do you need one to
You don’t have to go with anything crazy here but I would personally avoid a $5,000
Portable or Stationary
Now the cool thing about cold plunging is the optionality that you have for a lot of these systems. You really can go and customize the way you experience the practice and companies like The
If you live in a rented space and dread the idea of moving a stationary, 175 lbs bathtub, when that lease is up, the portable (or inflatable)
Define a Budget
To be completely honest, this should be the first thing you think about but we felt as though the previous information was equally important. The hassle with finding a good cold plunge within your budget is that many sites have similar spec systems that vary in price.
Do you go with a low HP stationary system for $5,000 with Plunge or with a powered inflatable cold plunge that costs $6,000 with Inergize Health? Or maybe you opt out of the whole chiller thing and decide you want to plunge but not break your bank account with something like the $1,200 Ice Barrel (review)… the options are endless and be overwhelming to sort through.
This is truly why we think the
Best Beginner Cold Plunges with Chillers
Okay, so you have decided the choice that you are going to go with a chilling unit. Great, the first big decision is out of the way. We have broken down the best
Best Budget Cold Plunge : Ice Barrel 300+ 1/2 HP to 1 HP Chilling Unit
In our opinion, if you are not looking to spend a good penny on a tub itself, your best bet at getting something decent is going to be the products from Ice Barrel. Yes, they still are not “cheap” per se because I think in a lot of ways it’s tone-deaf to say $1,199 is not a lot of money but in the world of cold plunging this is the best (and most affordable) option you can go with.
Now there are two models that Ice Barrel offers. If you plan on adding on a chilling unit you should go with the Ice Barrel 300 because it has a port that allows you to connect a chilling unit/filtration system to the tub. These cold plunges come with an insulated tub, a lid, and a step stool.
The Ice Barrel 400 is an effective, compact and durable tool that makes it easy to incorporate cold therapy into your wellness and recovery routine. We’ve designed our product to fit most body types and almost any kind of home, gym or apartment. Use code 'Grapplersgraveyard' to save on checkout
Cons
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The verticalcold plunge experience, may not be the comfiest for taller people -
Unless you get a chilling unit there is no filtration system that comes with either of these tubs
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Have to add ice each time if you go without the chilling unit
Most Affordable Cold Plunge & Chiller: The ModPlunge
If you want an upgrade from the Ice Barrels that were mentioned above we believe that the ModPlunge is going to be the best overall beginner
If that is not what you want out of your
Your gateway to unparalleled cold water therapy in the comfort of your home or backyard. Engineered with identical components found in brands commanding twice the price, the Modplunge is a testament to quality and affordability. Using our code 'Grapplersgraveyard' you can save up to $300 on your purchase.
- Best beginner cold plunge
- Quiet pump & chiller will cool the water down to a frigid 39 degrees
Cons
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Taller people will feel cramped in this tub
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Smaller than most
cold plunge tub
Best at Home Cold Plunge : The Edge Tub
I think the best thing about the Edge Tub s the fact that it is durable option to choose from but they actually have two options if you are a taller person. I do not like feeling cramped while I am plunging and at least with the Edge Tub you have an option to fix that with the Legacy Option or the Elite Option.
The chilling unit here is solid boasting at 3/4 HP and is super easy to set up. Overall this
Experience the ultimate in cold plunge therapy with the Edge Tub Legacy. Whether you're on the move or setting up at home, its compact chiller unit, boasting just over 3/4 HP, rapidly cools water to 37 degrees Fahrenheit in 5 hours, surpassing industry standards. With 30+ options to choose from The Cold Plunge Store has you covered! *TALLER FOLKS SHOULD CHOOSE THE ELITE MODEL*
- Quick and easy set up
- Powerful chiller competing with some of the best tubs on the market (.8 HP)
- World-Class Filtering system to make water clean
Cons
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Price point is on the high end
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The Legacy option is smaller and may make you feel cramped inside. Upgrading one size bigger will cost you more.
Best at All-in-one Cold Plunge : Model 1 or King Kool Pluge
Now let’s say you do not want the hassle of picking a chilling unit because you are overwhelmed with the options out there. Or maybe you do not want two pieces of exercise equipment taking up all the space in your garage, balcony, or basement… if you fit into these camps, a All-in-One
Now there are plenty of systems out there that are you are going to run in to and jumping back an force between sites if going to be normal but remember The Cold Plunge Store has over 30 options to choose from but the biggest issue here is that all these all-in-one options will be more than $6,000. That does not seem too beginner friendly in our eyes in terms of price but for those that want this specific type of tub the choice is yours. We think the two bets options that are beginner friendly would be the Model 1 and the King Kool Standard (XL for taller people).
Pros
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Both are all in one options that make it easy for you to maintain and set up
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Both have great specs. King Kool comes with the option to integrate a speaker into the system
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Most luxurious way to
cold plunge -
both have ozone sanitation system and great filtration
Cons
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Like having another a/c unit
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Big and clunky. Will take up a bunch of space so put it somewhere with room.
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Outdoor use could cause wear and tear if you are in a rainy area
In search of a top-tier cold plunge for either commercial or upscale residential purposes? Look no further than the King Kool Plunge. Renowned for its exceptional durability and robust exterior coating, this cold plunge stands out as the best overall all-in-one cold plunge for beginners who want that upscale experience. Using our code 'Grapplersgraveyard' at checkout can save you upwards of $300 on your purchase.
- Micron Filtration + Ozone
- All-in-one cold plunge system
- Has the option for speakers, LED, and grab rails to be added
- Premium of the beginner cold plunges
Best Designed Cold Plunges: Portal & Brainpod 2.0 by Polar Monkeys
It comes to not surprise that Polar Monekys tubs made it here on our list of top rated cold plunges for beginners. Now their tubs themselves are pretty comparable to any of the other options that are on this list but the big difference between these tubs are their designs. If you want some cool points when you have friends come over to plunge, these tubs will probably give you them.
Their designs are sick. The tubs themselves are not knockout the park but they are good enough on both capabilities and price to have as a viable option on this list.
Portal 2.0 vs Brain Pod 2.0
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This state-of-the-art plunge tub redefines your chilling experience, harnessing robust cooling, filtration, and sanitation mechanisms to provide crystal-clear, ice-free, and perfectly chilled water at your convenience. |
This state-of-the-art fully insulated plunge tub redefines your chilling experience, harnessing robust cooling, filtration, and sanitation mechanisms to provide crystal-clear, ice-free, and perfectly chilled water at your convenience. |
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This state-of-the-art plunge tub redefines your chilling experience, harnessing robust cooling, filtration, and sanitation mechanisms to provide crystal-clear, ice-free, and perfectly chilled water at your convenience.
- Best Option to get started with
- Beautiful and cool designs
- Chiller .8HP
- Condensation on the side of tub
- Cools to only 39°F
This state-of-the-art fully insulated plunge tub redefines your chilling experience, harnessing robust cooling, filtration, and sanitation mechanisms to provide crystal-clear, ice-free, and perfectly chilled water at your convenience.
- .8 HP Chilling Unit
- Multiple Designs
- Hot & Cold Tub
- App Controlled
- Price
- Not Easily Moved Around
Best Beginner Cold Plunges without Chillers
Not looking to hook up the electrical for your
Keep in mind that the majority of the tubs listed below have the capability to add a chiller at later times if you desire to upgrade your
Ice Barrel 300 or Ice Barrel 400
In our opinion, if you are not looking to spend a good penny on a tub itself, your best bet at getting something decent is going to be the products from Ice Barrel. Yes, they still are not “cheap” per say because I think in a lot of ways its tone def to say $1,199 is not a lot of money but in the world of cold plunging this is th best (and most affordable) option you can go with.
Now there are two models that Ice Barrel offers. If you plan on adding on a chilling unit you should go with the Ice Barrel 300 because it has a port that allows you to connect a chilling unit/filtration system to the tub. These cold plunges come with an insulated tub, a lid, and a step stool.
Cons
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The verticalcold plunge experience, may not be the most comfy for taller people -
Unless you get a chilling unit there is no filtration system that comes with either of these tubs
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Have to add ice each time if you go without the chilling unit
Cryospring Ice Bath (Tub Only)
Pros
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Ability to buy and add on a chilling unit later down the road
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Indoor and outdoor use
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Best way to incorporate a
cold plunge wellness routine into your daily habits without breaking the bank
Cons
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Add ice each time
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Taller people may feel cramped inside the tub
The Edge Tub (Tub Only)
Pros
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Ability to buy and add on a chilling unit later down the road
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Indoor and outdoor use
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Portable ice bath option that makes it easy to move around at any time
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Best way to incorporate a
cold plunge wellness routine into your daily habits without breaking the bank
Cons
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Add ice each time if you do not buy it with the chilling unit
Find the best cold plunges on the market. With over 30 options to choose from and world-class customer service, The Cold Plunge Store is the one-stop-shop you are looking for!
