The Plunge Review: My Thoughts On The Popular Cold Exposure Tool

As researchers learn more about the benefits of cold exposure, at-home ice baths have soared in popularity.

Featured in our roundup of the best cold plunge tubs, The Plunge is one of the most popular at-home cold tubs on the market today.

We’ve researched a lot of cold plunge options, and now our team is putting each one to the test.

In this review of the Plunge, we’ll cover everything you need to know, plus a firsthand account from our tester.

"Since getting the Plunge, I'm one year older, but after every ice bath in the Plunge I feel 1 day younger," mindbodygreen’s head of video, Andreas Von Scheele says.

"I've experienced a noticeable improvement in recovery times post-exercise, an appreciable boost in daily energy and what feels like a significant enhancement in overall resilience."

The Plunge is a rectangular tub that looks a lot like a standard bathtub. It’s made with acrylic and fiberglass and is insulated—so you can use it both indoors or outdoors. 

Best of all, there’s no need for a plumbing hookup, as the Plunge comes with its own filtration system.

As we mentioned, the Plunge comes with a built-in filtration system. This includes an ozone sanitizer for super small particles, and a 5 micron filter for larger things like hair, dirt, and skin cells. 

The Plunge also comes with a skimmer (which is especially helpful if your tub is set up outside) and an insulated cover that snaps on using attached buckles. 

mindbodygreen’s head of video, Andreas Von Scheele, tried the Plunge himself. Here’s what he had to say: 

“It has a very sleek modern design, made from a sturdy and insulated acrylic—so you can use it inside and outside. The tub is very easy to use and set up. It has a water flow and filtration system, which helps clean out contaminants and is very useful if you’re using the Plunge outside in below freezing temperatures so the water doesn’t freeze. I also love the insulated cover. It fits on really nicely and keeps the water clean. And I appreciate the horizontal format so you can really stretch out.” 

On the con-side, Andreas says he wishes the Plunge was available in a color that would allow it to blend in more with his outdoor space. “For outdoor use, the white really stands out—it would be nice if it came in a clay or forest green color,” he suggests. 

While the Plunge tub is only available in one shape and color, it is customizable in a few ways: 

Size: Choose between the Standard Plunge (67” x 43” x 24”) or the larger model called the “XL” (73” x 47” x 27”). 

Style: Both the Standard and XL models are available as either a strictly cold tub or a cold and hot tub. The hot tub feature costs an additional $500. 

Cooling speed: The Standard Plunge is available at a standard cooling speed or a “Pro” speed, which the brand says cools the water three times faster and is a better fit for hot climates. The Pro cooling feature costs an additional $1,000 for the Standard Plunge, whereas the XL Plunge automatically includes the Pro cooler (at a higher price). 

As you can see, pricing varies by the features you choose. Here’s how everything breaks down:

The brand makes all of the tubs at its factory in Lincoln, California and ships to the lower 48 states for free. At the time of publishing this article, lead time on a Plunge tub is about 4 weeks (shipping from California to New York).  

While Plunge tubs are designed to last for the long haul, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for any potential mechanical or electrical issues. The brand offers a one-year manufacturer warranty, which covers workmanship defects in the tub’s plumbing, electrical functions, and shell structure. 

Once reserved for athletes and hardcore wellness enthusiasts, hot and cold therapy techniques have become increasingly popular over the last decade or so. To better understand the benefits of cold plunges, we spoke with Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia.

“The cold plunge is a great biohack that can (and does) benefit us in so many ways,” says Bonney. “It has several effects on your neurotransmitters1, such as increasing both dopamine (which improves focus and motivation) and norepinephrine levels (which reduces inflammation and chronic pain symptoms). It can also lower cortisol levels, which decreases stress and improves sleep2.” 

“While cryotherapy is a great tool for most of us, I recommend that patients with high blood pressure avoid it due to the cold shock response,” Bonney advises. “When you plunge your body into cold water, your blood vessels constrict. This triggers an involuntary sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and even your respiratory rate. This is not an issue if you're able to compensate—but if you have high blood pressure or are on meds for high blood pressure, or a history of cardiovascular disease, then you may not be able to compensate normally.”

Bonney adds that pregnant people should also avoid cryotherapy. “A temperature drop in the body can provoke fetal growth restrictions, preterm birth, and other complications,” she explains.