Icebound Essentials 1HP Hot + Cold
#3 in Over 1/2 HPFull review
A full-featured hot and cold 1 HP chiller for tubs of 100 gallons or more, at a premium price.
Amazon $2,499.99$2,499.99
The Icebound Essentials 1HP Hot + Cold is the better cold plunge chiller overall, rated 3.7 to 3.2. The Icebound Essentials 1HP Hot + Cold costs $124.26 less ($2,499.99 vs $2,624.25).
SaunaSpa Gale 1 HP Chiller and Heater
#9 in Over 1/2 HPFull review
A powerful hot and cold unit for a large tub, with ozone and app control. The short warranty in the manual is the catch.
SaunaSpa $2,624.25$2,624.25
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.
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 1/2 HP cold plunge chiller; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Icebound Essentials 1HP Hot + Cold | SaunaSpa Gale 1 HP Chiller and Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 35 $2,500 per HP ($2,499.99, 1 HP) | 33 $2,624 per HP ($2,624.25, 1 HP) |
| Coldest 15% | 100 down to 37 °F | 100 down to 37 °F |
| Sanitation 10% | 85 filter and ozone | 85 filter and ozone |
| Heating 10% | 100 heats to 107.6 °F | 100 heats to 104 °F |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Icebound Essentials 1HP Hot + Cold | SaunaSpa Gale 1 HP Chiller and Heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Compressor | 1 HP | 1 HP |
| Cooling capacity | - | 10,407 Btu/h |
| Lowest temperature | 37 °F | 37 °F |
| Heats | Yes | Yes |
| Highest temperature | 107.6 °F | 104 °F |
| Refrigerant | - | R32 |
| Water and build | ||
| Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Sanitizer | Ozone | Ozone |
| App or wifi | Yes | Yes |
| Voltage | - | 120 V |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |