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After testing over 15 different cold plunges, I came across a company I had never heard of before: Desert Plunge. My friend David Maus Jr, who has probably reviewed more cold plunges than anyone on the planet, told me they were some of the best value cold plunges for the price. So, I reached out to the founders, and they sent me both of their models: the Exclusive and the Wide. In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know about both plunges so you can decide if one of these is the plunge for you.
The Desert Plunge Exclusive
The Exclusive is their standard-size plunge, with interior dimensions of:
- Length: 47 ¼ inches
- Width: 24 ¼ inches
- Depth: 23 ⅞ inches
It’s not designed for balconies as the filled weight exceeds 1,000 lbs, but it’s perfect for backyard or garage setups. And although it's the smaller of the two tubs, it still allows for full submersion, reclining, and dunking.
The Desert Plunge Wide
The Wide model is the larger version—a full 7 ½ inches wider than the Exclusive. Built from a custom Grizzly 450 cooler, this thing is massive.
- Length: 46 ½ inches
- Width: 31 ½ inches
- Depth: 22 inches
If you’re a bigger athlete (6’1”-6'7" / 250 lbs and up), or you want a plunge that can comfortably fit two people at once, this is definitely the model to go for.
Features & Specs
Both the Exclusive and Wide include the same features (size being the only difference):
- Custom Grizzly cooler base - super insulated, prevents condensation.
- 12,200 GPH pump - (gallons per hour) for strong circulation.
- Active Aqua ¼ HP chiller - durable and reliable, cools to 39°F.
- Optional ozone system - for water cleanliness
- 4-part purification system - filters, valves, hoses, adapters, safety features.
- Insulated lid with latch locks - child-safe and weather-protected.
💡 My buddy actually swapped in a Penguin industrial-grade chiller during testing, which isn’t standard but shows how customizable the system is.
Setup & Maintenance
Setup is straightforward but not entirely plug-and-play, you’ll need stable ground and a bit of DIY to get it running. Once filled, the insulation is excellent: no sweating or condensation on the outside, and temperature stability is impressive (only 2°F increase after sitting unplugged overnight).
Maintenance is simple:
- Pull the main drain plug and water rushes out within minutes.
- Hose it down, quick wipe, and you’re good to go.
- Filters are easy to access with a bypass valve system.
For the specific things Desert Plunge recommends to care for the cold plunge. Check the website here for more details.
Price, Warranty & Customer Service
Let's talk numbers:
- The Exclusive is $3,048
- The Wide is $3,300
So you pay just a little more for the extra room with the wide, but both are well priced for the value. Both cold plunges come with a 1-year limited warranty covering defects and malfunctions (not misuse or improper installation).
And the founders, Matt and Bri, are hands-on and deeply committed to customer service. Every review I’ve come across echoes the same: if something goes wrong or you need support, they'll be there to help.
Who the Desert Plunge Is For
✅ Best fit for you if:
- You’ve been DIY’ing with freezers or barrels and want a reliable upgrade.
- You want a cold plunge that’s well-insulated and built to last.
- You like the “cooler-style” aesthetic.
- You want the flexibility to move it when drained.
- You’re looking for a larger setup for multiple people (Wide model).
- You want a lay-down, reclined posture—not upright like an Ice Barrel.
❌ Probably not for you if:
- You’re optimizing purely for aesthetics.
- You want something 100% plug-and-play with zero setup.
- You don’t like the idea of an external chiller.
- You prefer a vertical or upright plunge style.
Final Verdict
Out of all the cold plunges I’ve reviewed, Desert Plunge is easily one of the best value options. For around $3,000, you get great insulation, strong cooling power, easy maintenance, and reliable customer support, all without breaking the bank. The Exclusive is perfect for most people and the Wide is ideal for bigger bodies, multiple plungers, or anyone wanting that “giant bathtub” feel.
For my experience and the complete video review, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the benefits of cold plunging?
Cold plunges offer a range of benefits, including improved recovery, reduced inflammation, enhanced mental clarity, and increased resilience to stress. Whether you're looking to optimize athletic performance, boost productivity, or simply prioritize self-care, integrating a cold plunge into your routine can be a valuable investment in your health and wellness journey.
Does cold plunging help with weight loss?
Yes, but indirectly. Cold plunging activates brown fat (BAT), which burns calories to generate heat, slightly boosting metabolism. It also increases thermogenesis (heat production), which means your body uses more energy after a plunge.
How does a cold plunge chiller work?
The chiller is connected to the tub and a pump pulls the water from the tub into the chiller, circulating it through the chillers cooling system, then out of the chiller back into the tub. You can set the chiller to your desired temperature, as low as 39 degrees. The chiller will run until it reaches your set temperature then shut off. It will stay off until the water warms back up 2 degrees and then turn back on to begin cooling to your desired temperature again.
What kind of chiller does Desert Plunge use?
The Active Aqua 1/4hp chiller, which cools reliably down to 39°F.
Why doesn't Desert Plunge use a 1hp chiller?
Due to the superior insulation of the tubs the 1/4hp chiller is more than sufficient to keep your water cold and stay cold, even in the hottest climates. The 1/4hp chiller gets down to 39 degrees, the same as a 1/2hp or 1hp chiller but using less electricity. Most 1hp chillers will require a 20A dedicated circuit while a 1/4hp chiller and pump only draw 6.2A while running.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
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