Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller
#2 in Up to 1/2 HPFull review
A cheap, quiet 1/2 HP kit for a large inflatable tub where 41 F is cold enough.
Amazon $449.95$449.95
The Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller is the better cold plunge chiller overall, rated 3.3 to 2.5. The Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller leads on value. The Ice Barrel Chiller wins on coldest. The Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller costs $3,550.04 less ($449.95 vs $3,999.99).
Ice Barrel Chiller
#15 in Up to 1/2 HPFull review
For Ice Barrel owners who want the matching app-controlled chiller. Anyone with another tub gets the same size compressor for far less elsewhere.
Ice Barrel $3,999.99$3,999.99
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller for value ($900 per HP ($449.95, 1/2 HP) vs $8,000 per HP ($3,999.99, 1/2 HP)).
- Choose the Ice Barrel Chiller for coldest (down to 37 °F vs down to 41 °F).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 1/2 HP cold plunge chiller; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller | Ice Barrel Chiller |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 76 $900 per HP ($449.95, 1/2 HP) | 0 $8,000 per HP ($3,999.99, 1/2 HP) |
| Coldest 15% | 50 down to 41 °F | 100 down to 37 °F |
| Sanitation 10% | 50 filter | 50 filter |
| Heating 10% | 50 heating not stated (neutral score used) | 50 heating not stated (neutral score used) |
| Noise 10% | 100 40 dBA | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Fox Plunge 1/2HP Cold Plunge Chiller | Ice Barrel Chiller | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Compressor | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Lowest temperature | 41 °F | 37 °F |
| Largest tub | 132 gal | - |
| Refrigerant | - | R290 |
| Water and build | ||
| Filter | Yes | Yes |
| App or wifi | - | Yes |
| Voltage | - | 120 V |
| Noise | 40 dBA | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |