You probably think that getting the best bathtub possible is just a matter of finding one you like and plopping it in place, right? That is, unfortunately, not the case. There are lots of different factors that you need to consider to make sure that you get not only a tub that you like but also one that you can actually install correctly in your home.
For instance, you need to be aware of what type you want for your bathroom. There is a multitude of choices on the market, but they won’t all fit for your bathroom setup, so you need to be sure to get the right one. After that, you need to find one that fits your aesthetic and the space you have in mind while also helping you to stay on budget. Thankfully, we were able to find lots of different types for our list that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges. We also made sure to find tubs that are made with high-quality materials and are as easy to install as possible. Read on to find the tub of your dreams!
More features: interchangeable white legs available This model is a freestanding tub that is made with acrylic that has been reinforced with fiberglass. It has a capacity of 55.6 gallons and an overflow height of 15.5 inches. Its metallic feet can be swapped out for white ones to better match your bathroom décor. This tub is relatively lightweight as it weighs in at 101.4 pounds. What we liked: There is a lot to like about this bathtub, but perhaps the best thing about it is its classic looking design. Whether you are updating a bathroom or building a new house, getting a tub like this will easily help to take you décor to the next level. It is also very easy to make sure that this tub fits with your design, thanks to the fact that you can get different color legs to better fit your style. Something else that really helps to set this tub apart from other freestanding models is the fact that, while it is quite durable, it is also relatively lightweight. Many clawfoot tubs weigh upwards of 300 pounds, while this model is only about 100. That makes it a lot easier to get into place. This model can also hold a lot of water for its size, as it has a capacity of 55 gallons. What could be better: This is an awesome tub. It looks great and is large enough to really get comfortable in for a nice long bath. Its only issue that we found is that it is a bit tricky to get in and out of. The high sides make this process more difficult than with other models, especially since the bottom is so slick. This can be combatted by adding a non-slip mat to the bottom of the tub, but even still, the sides are a bit too high.
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Ove Decors Castor 69
Features
More features: hydro “Soft Touch” electronic control panel; HydrOzone ozone sanitation system; 6 fully directional adjustable PVC jets
This tub is a drop-in model that is crafted with fiberglass and acrylic. It has an overflow height of 15 inches and can hold up to 45 gallons. It only weighs 85 pounds. This tub is quite wide and has 6 fully adjustable jets. It also has a built-in sanitation system and easy to use control panel.
What we liked: Drop-in tubs like this are a nice way to quickly update a bathroom thanks to their easy installation process. This model also comes equipped with 6 fully directional jets. While these jets are not always the easiest to move, they do allow you to set up the whirlpool feature exactly the way that you want, which will really serve to make your bath that much more relaxing.
To operate these jets, you simply need to use the simple and straightforward control panel. This soft-touch panel is really easy to use and set up, which is always a plus. Something else that works well for this tub is its self-cleaning “HydrOzone” feature. While you will still need to occasionally wash out the tub yourself, this feature helps to keep the tub looking its best for a much longer period of time.
What could be better: This tub has a lot of premium features that make it an excellent option. One such feature is its jets, which are quite powerful and very relaxing. Unfortunately, these jets are also quite difficult to move into different positions. They have a tendency to stick a bit, especially after the tub has been filled. However, if you get them into the right position before you have water in the tub, they do seem to work a bit easier.
More features: brushed nickel integrated overflow and push pop-up drain included
This model is a freestanding tub that is made with acrylic and fiberglass. It also features stainless steel, resin, brass, and a brushed nickel overflow and drain. This tub is relatively short and narrow, making it better for smaller spaces. It can hold up to 55 gallons and weighs around 150 pounds. It has an overflow height of 14.5 inches.
What we liked: When it comes to a simple yet elegant looking design that will help to bring your bathroom up to modern standards, you can’t do much better than this model. This tub is exquisitely designed to help give your bathroom a modern chic type of appearance while also allowing you to take relaxing and soothing soaks within it.
This tub is designed to drain from its center. This is unique when compared to other tubs, but it is really beneficial. Since the tub drains towards its middle, it is much less likely for any water to get trapped anywhere. This will help to prevent any stains from forming. It also comes with a drain, which is nice since it will keep you from accidentally getting something that doesn’t fit this style of the tub.
What could be better: Though this tub is exquisitely designed, it is still relatively difficult to install. Most bathrooms are set up for the bathtub drain to be close to one side of the wall or the other. This model, however, requires a drain that is in the middle of the floor. If you are trying to update your bathroom with this tub, that also might mean that you need to relocate the drain, so make sure you take very careful measurements so that you know whether or not you can fit it correctly.
More features: several color options; lifetime warranty
This alcove tub is made with Americast and is covered with an enamel finish. This makes it very durable and easy to clean. It has a high capacity, as it can hold up to 60 gallons. It is relatively lightweight and somewhat short and narrow.
What we liked: If you are someone that is looking for a new tub because you want a good place to give your children baths, then this is a great option. It comes equipped with a lifetime warranty and is especially durable. This is thanks to its enamel finish and steel center layer. Regardless of how often you use this tub, it should be able to stand the test of time without any issue, making it an awesome option for you and your family.
This is also a very easy to install tub, which is to be expected with an alcove model. Not only that, but it is also available in many different colors, which makes it easy to match up with your existing décor.
What could be better: The biggest issue that we found with this tub is that it is a bit too short for most folks to stretch out. While the width of this tub is large enough for you to sit back and relax, the length leaves a bit to be desired. Anyone of average height will not be able to fully extend themselves and truly relax because of this shorter than average length.
More features: tile flange and integral tub apron
This is a very lightweight and easy to install tub. It weighs in at only 53 pounds, which does hurt its durability, though it is crafted with acrylic that has been reinforced by both fiberglass and resin. This tub can hold up to 58 gallons and has an overflow height of 14 inches.
What we liked: This is a fantastic tub if you are looking to save a bit of money but still get a quality product. This model is extremely lightweight. It only weighs about 50 pounds, which makes it a whole lot easier to get into place than some other tubs on our list. Even if you need to get it up several flights of stairs, you should have no problem doing so on your own.
Since this is an alcove tub, it comes with everything that you need to get it installed quickly and easily. The integral tub apron is well made, and the tub’s body is easy to keep clean, which is always a big plus.
What could be better: This tub is an extremely lightweight model, which makes getting it into place, and installing it is quite easy. Unfortunately, this lightweight design also means that this tub is more susceptible to scratches, bumps, and chips than other models. Though this model is made with reinforced acrylic, only parts of it have fiberglass, while the rest is resin. This makes it more susceptible to damage over time.
More features: 6 massage jets
This drop-in style tub is made with acrylic and has an extremely high capacity of 100 gallons. It also comes equipped with 6 different massage jets and supportive seats. This tub has a very large interior and can easily fit more than one person at a time.
What we liked: If you are in the market for a tub with an extremely high capacity so that you can get take a long and relaxing bath, then this is a great option. This model can hold up to 100 gallons at a time, making it the highest capacity tub on our list. It can also easily accommodate more than one person, which makes it great for couples.
This tub has built-in seats that are extremely supportive. Its large interior also comes equipped with multiple jets that can be used to help relax sore joints and muscles.
What could be better: Even though drop-in tubs are usually relatively easy to install, that is not the case with this model. This is mostly due to the massage jets. While these are a nice feature, the wiring that is necessary is not very easy to connect properly. The cording is a bit on the short side, which means you need to have a junction box in just the right spot, or you will need to move it. This could add a bit of cost to the overall installation price, which is definitely something to bear in mind.
More features: clawfoot style; center drain with pre-drilled overflow hole
This is an extremely durable freestanding bathtub. It is made with cast iron, which makes it very easy to clean. This tub can hold up to 36 gallons and has a large interior. Its clawfoot design is a classic look, and it also comes equipped with a pre-drilled overflow and center drain.
What we liked: For a very long time, cast-iron tubs were all the rage. They were loved for their simplicity and durability, and this tub is no different. Thanks to the materials used in the manufacture of this tub, it is very easy to keep clean and also nearly impervious to scratches, scuffs, or bumps. The center drain also helps to make keeping the tub stain and mildew free a cinch.
This tub is also on the longer side, which makes stretching out nice and comfortable. This model is also quite wide so that you will really be able to let yourself go and relax while you are in it. The cast-iron design also helps to retain heat better than acrylic, which is just another reason that this tub is so good for long and calming baths.
What could be better: While this tub is a wonderful throwback to older style models, it is somewhat on the small side. Though it is definitely wide enough and long enough to allow someone to stretch out and relax, it has a smaller capacity than most other models. This tub can only hold about 36 gallons of water at a time, which might not be enough to have a long soak in the tub.
More features: 4 tub feet finishes to choose from
This freestanding tub is crafted with acrylic, stainless steel, and fiberglass. This tub is extremely heavy, weighing in at 442 pounds. It is also quite spacious, though it can only hold 30 gallons. You can select from four different colors for the feet to better match your décor.
What we liked: One of the biggest complaints against freestanding tubs is that they are not very deep. This model, on the other hand, is deep enough that you can fill it nearly to the top before the overflow engages. It can be filled up to 15 inches deep, which should be plenty. This tub is also quite long, making it ideal for stretching out and relaxing after a long day.
This durable tub is also very easy to match up to your bathroom colors and design. There are multiple different feet colors to choose from. This will allow you to find the one that matches your vision for your bathroom with ease.
What could be better: Even though this tub is made out of acrylic, it truly feels like an old school cast-iron tub. This is especially true when you consider its weight. This model is exceedingly heavy, as it tips the scales at an astound 442 pounds. Of course, this is before you add in some water as well. When full, this model weighs in at 680 pounds, which might be too much for your floor. It would be a good idea to add some reinforcements to the structure of your floor before adding this tub due to its weight.
More features: 14 Whirlpool jets, 6 are swivel water jets, and 8 are air bubble jets, Heat Pump, Bluetooth radio, 2 headrests, Waterfall faucet, LED underwater light, computer control panel
This is an extremely high capacity acrylic and fiberglass tub. It can hold up to 82 gallons of water at a time. This tub is also quite spacious and can easily fit two people at once. This model also features lots of extra features, like jets, a heat pump, Bluetooth speakers, headrests, a control panel, and an LED underwater light.
What we liked: Though there are many different types of tubs, most of them operate in a very similar fashion and have for many years. This tub, however, feels like something that fits better in our modern world. It has lots of nice features, such as Bluetooth speakers and an integrated computer control panel that allows you to operate either a heat pump or the different types of jets.
These futuristic features make this a unique bathing experience that is sure to help you relax. This tub is also quite comfortable thanks to its headrests and molded seats, which are extremely supportive.
What could be better: The best thing about this tub is that it is quite large and spacious inside. This is, unfortunately, also its biggest issue as well. To put it mildly, this is a very large tub that needs a ton of space to work properly. As such, you need to make sure that you have a bathroom space large enough to accommodate it properly. The last thing that you should want is for your tub to completely dominate the space, which is precisely what this model will do in a smaller room.
Finding a new tub can be a tricky business. There are so many different options available out there that it can be quite difficult to find the one that is right for you. But don’t worry! We have taken the time to put together a comprehensive buying guide and answer some frequently asked questions so that you can buy with confidence.
As we mentioned above, there are tons of different features to keep in mind when you are looking for a new tub. In this section, we will meticulously explain each of these factors so that you can find the perfect tub for your bathroom.
The very first thing that you need to figure out before you get your new tub is the type that your bathroom can handle. Of course, if you are doing a complete bathroom renovation, you can pick any of the types you desire, though that will add a considerable amount to the cost. The different types that you can choose from for your new tub are as follows:
Tubs by Installation Type
Once you have settled on the type of tub that you want to get for your bathroom, the next thing you need to figure out is the dimensions. The dimensions include the length, width, and height of your new tub. You need to make sure that you measure this out as carefully as you can. The last thing that you want is to get a new tub into the bathroom, only to find out that it doesn’t fit!
If you are looking for a larger tub for a larger bathroom, then the Carver Tubs TMS7248-6 is a great option. This tub is quite large, making it an awesome option for anyone that has a lot of space to fit their new tub. If, however, you need a smaller model, then the Woodbridge B0011B is a good choice. It is shorter and not quite as wide as other models, making it a good choice for a smaller bathroom.
Another big consideration is how much your new tub should weigh. The weight of any bathroom fixture is going to be determined by two different factors, which are the size and the material. Larger tubs are going to weigh more, especially if they are made with heavier materials, such as cast iron or fiberglass. These heavier tubs are much sturdier when compared to lighter options. Different types of tubs will also weigh more than others, as freestanding tubs tend to be on the heavier side, while drop-ins or alcoves are often lighter.
Another big consideration with the weight of your new tub is whether you can get it into place and whether your floors are up to the challenge. If you unconcerned with weight and want the sturdiest tub you can get, then the Kingston Brass Aqua Eden VCT7D7231NC5 is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are worried about the weight, then the Kingston Brass VTDE603122L is a better choice. This tub could easily be carried into place by one or two folks, thanks to its 53 pounds of overall weight.
More on Tub Weight and Dimensions
Tubs, as we have mentioned, come in many different shapes and sizes. They also come with lots of different design features that you can choose from. It is always a good practice to look for a model that allows you to find the exact color, shape, size, and design that you desire. That way, you can easily find the perfect fit for your bathroom. This is especially important if you are trying to renovate a space in an old home since so of these bathrooms do not have uniform measurements. The best tub for these types’ applications will be one that allows you to pick exactly what you want and need. That way, you are sure to get a great tub in your bathroom that you can use and enjoy for years to come.
Tubs by Design
When it comes to picking a new tub, there are several different material options available to you. These include either cast-iron or acrylic, with some other materials, such as fiberglass or steel, added in for durability or aesthetic. Cast-iron is what older tubs were always made with because it is very easy to keep clean and is also extremely durable. It is, however, exceedingly heavy. Acrylic tubs, on the other hand, are not quite as durable but are much lighter and cheaper. This makes them easier to install as well since getting them into the right position is much simpler than it would be with a cast-iron model.
If you are looking for a great acrylic tub, then the Ove Decors Castor 69 is a fine option. It has the classic cast-iron look of a clawfoot tub while being much lighter and easier to install. Cast-iron is still a great option; however, in the right applications. If you have a reinforced floor and don’t need to get the tub up a ton of stairs, then something like the Signature Hardware 913358-60-RH would be a wonderful choice.
Tubs by Material
Something else that you need to carefully consider is the overall capacity of your new tub. This is usually two different numbers since some tubs are designed to only fit one person while others can fit many. The other aspect of a tub’s capacity is how much water it can hold at a time. Obviously, if you are looking to take a nice long soaking bath, you will want a higher capacity tub.
If you are looking to have some tub time with more than one person, then the ARIEL ARL-084 is a good option. This tub comes complete with two headrests, which makes it the perfect tub for a duo soak. When it comes to water capacity, we didn’t find any tubs with a higher one than the Carver Tubs TMS7248-6. This tub can hold an astonishing 100 gallons of water at a time. This will, of course, take a longer time to fill. If you want a smaller tub so that you don’t use as much water, then you should look into the Kingston Brass Aqua Eden VCT7D7231NC5, which can only hold up to 30 gallons of water at once.
Another important consideration when it comes to your new bathtub is going to be the height of the overflow valve. This feature will help to keep the water from flowing out over the top of your tub if you overfill it or take too vigorous of a bath. It will also determine the depth of the water in your tub when you fill it. The overflow height that you require should be based on who is using your tub. If, for instance, only adults will be using the tub, then you can get a higher overflow. On the other hand, if younger children will be taking a bath, you might want a lower one.
If you want the deepest water possible in your tub so that you can take a nice relaxing soak, then the Kingston Brass Aqua Eden VCT7D7231NC5 is a good choice. This tub has an overflow height of 15.4 inches, which should provide plenty of depth. If, however, you want a lower height, then the Signature Hardware 913358-60-RH would be a fine selection.
Though it might seem like something out of a futuristic novel, you can now get Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled bathtubs. This feature makes it nice and easy to connect your favorite device so that you can listen to your favorite music while you enjoy a nice relaxing bath. Of course, this will add a bit to the overall purchase price of the tub since this technology needs to be both easy to use and completely waterproof. Out of all of the different models that we looked into, the only one with this feature is the ARIEL ARL-084, so if that is something that you desire in your new tub, be sure to check this model out.
Whenever you are buying something new for your home, whether it be a new air conditioner, fridge, or bathtub, you always want to look for one that comes with a good warranty. That way, should anything fail with your new appliance through normal use, you will have some recourse to either get your money back or, at the very least, get the part replaced. You just need to be careful and read the terms very closely.
Some companies, even well-known entities like those on our list, will offer a misleading warranty. They will claim that everything is covered but then only cover it for a short amount of time. Or they will offer a long warranty that only covers some of the parts. By reading through the warranty information as closely as possible, you will have a better understanding of exactly what is and what isn’t covered under the company’s warranty.
Even though many different tubs come with very similar and basic features, there are some models out there that will make you feel like you are at a day spa rather than in your own home. Some of the best features to keep in the back of your mind are massaging jets, like those that come with the Hydro Systems Carli 6036 or the ARIEL ARL-084. In the case of the model from ARIEL, you can also enjoy headrests, heat pumps, and Bluetooth speakers to help you relax even more while you bathe.
Maintenance Tips and Interesting Facts
If you are looking for a classic looking, elegantly designed, and easy to clean the tub, then the very best option is going to be the Ove Decors Castor 69. This tub is by far our favorite of all the models we checked out, and we highly recommend that you look into it as well!
The Hydro Systems Carli 6036 is an excellent option if you are looking to get a tub that has built-in water jets. These jets, along with the high-capacity of the tub, will help to provide you with a soothing bathing experience.
If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom, then the best tub is going to be the Woodbridge B0011B. This tub is a unique design that is easy to clean and also quite durable, which makes it an awesome option for your bathroom.
