Are you looking for the best tub to enjoy a nice soaking every day? Well, you can never go wrong with a drop-in bathtub. What is a drop-in bathtub, you ask? It is fast becoming a trendy pick, and more people are now buying these to complement their bathroom décor.
You must choose carefully because a drop-in bathtub is a long-term option and requires a bit more work to install. But not all of them are created alike, which is why we’ve created this list of the best drop-in bathtubs that you can buy. In this article, we strive to remain unbiased and objective by considering all the factors that contribute to the best drop-in bathtub. We will discuss various points, such as the material, which includes acrylic, cast iron, or other options, size, shape, and cost as well. Do you wish to learn more? Continue reading, and you will find more details about drop-in bathtubs. Let’s go!
More features: adjustable pop-up drain, lumbar supports and armrests, textured floor, available in white, biscuit and dune colors
The Kohler Devonshire Drop-In Bath has a traditional and classic rectangular shape and design, which adds elegance to your bathroom décor. It is made from high-quality acrylic material, which makes it highly durable and gives it a specific luster and refined look. Next, it has a depth of 20 inches, making it deeper than your standard bathtubs. Its lightweight construction is easy to carry and can be installed effortlessly as well. The depth of the tub, combined with its curved back and armrests, make it a wonderful choice for any bathroom.
What we liked: The Kohler Drop-In Bathtub has a sleek and refined look, and its curved back allows you to place your head comfortably without having to bend your neck too much. It is also fantastic for short and tall people alike.
What could be better: The Kohler Drop-In Bathtub doesn’t come with a drain, so you will have to buy one separately. Keep in mind that it might not work with all types of drains.
More features: durable, stain and fade-resistant, glossy porcelain finish, slip-resistant surface, self-leveled base
The Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub is made from high-quality and durable fiberglass-reinforced acrylic, which makes it sturdy, lightweight, and gives it an elegant and refined look so that it complements any bathroom décor. It has a bright white color that you will be attracted to instantly. Additionally, the drop-in rectangular bathtub has a regular shape and size that makes it compatible with most spaces, providing it a superb fit within smaller spaces.
What we liked: This affordable drop-in soaking bathtub can be installed on both right and left-side drains. It also has a slip-resistant surface that makes it safe to get in and out of the bathtub.
What could be better: This Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub has a wide surrounding, which will require you to install a larger faucet than a normal one. In addition, it is advertised as 54 inches, but the useable space is less than that, which makes it difficult for taller people to use.
More features: slip-resistant bottom, manufactured and assembled in the USA, fade-resistant, 6 whirlpool jets
This Carver Tubs 6-Jet Whirlpool Drop-In Two Person Acrylic Bathtub is designed to provide you with a luxurious bath, with its 6-jets designed to hit different parts of your body with pulsating streams of water that invigorate and refresh you instantly. It is made from high-quality acrylic that is reinforced fiberglass material to make it lightweight, durable, and long-lasting. As if it’s not enough, the drop-in bathtub has a refined and stunning white look that complements your bathroom décor, and its compact size makes it the perfect addition to your bathroom.
What we liked: This drop-in rectangular bathtub is large enough to fit two people and has powerful jets. The whirlpool jets swivel 180 degrees to hit every part of your body.
What could be better: This drop-in bathtub doesn’t have drilled holes for overflow and drainage, which will add to the installation costs.
More features: pre-leveled tub bottom, undermount installation option, molded backrest and lumbar support
The American Standard Evolution Oval Bathtub is made from high-quality acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement, which increases its durability. It has an elegant white finish that makes it look beautiful in any bathroom. Next, the oval drop-in bathtub is lightweight and can be easily transported and installed in any bathroom. It also has a pre-leveled tub bottom, and it allows for a greater capacity of water. The bathtub also has a pre-drilled drain hole, and an undermount installation option is also available.
What we liked: This oval drop-in bathtub helps you bathe comfortably with its higher water capacity, and it can easily accommodate tall people. The textured bottom of the bathtub makes it safe for you to get in and out without slipping.
What could be better: While the drop-in bathtub is perfect in many aspects, one thing that you need to consider is that you will have to buy certain models of American Standard drains to go with it, because other drains don’t work well with it.
More features: textured bottom, pre-leveled base, easy to clean, integrated overflow and drain
The PROFLO Drop-In Soaking Bathtub has a lightweight and durable construction and can easily accommodate up to 80 gallons of water, thus giving you the chance to enjoy a fabulous bath every time. The drop-in rectangular bathtub is made from durable and easy-to-care acrylic that is reinforced with composites to add to its strength and beautiful look. Also, it contains curved sides for placing your arms comfortably. The tub base is pre-leveled and has a slip-resistant bottom, which allows it to have a higher water capacity and to prevent slipping while getting in or out of the tub.
What we liked: Additionally, this soaking bathtub allows you to install it in a three-wall alcove configuration. It comes with pre-drilled holes for overflow and drainage systems.
What could be better: While the design is stunning, it might be relatively narrow for some.
More features: soaking design, slip-resistant bottom, white finish
The Carver Tubs White Drop In Corner Two Person Soaking Bathtub is an acrylic model with a beautiful white finish and a triangular design that makes it suitable for bathrooms that have space for corner bathtubs. It is made from high-quality acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, which makes it durable and gives it a refined finish. On top of that, the corner drop-in bathtub is big enough to accommodate two people and has a slip-resistant bottom that prevents you from slipping while getting in or out of the tub.
What we liked: This corner drop-in bathtub gives a luxurious look and feel to your bathroom and has a stunning white finish that doesn’t fade over time. It is large enough to accommodate people who are taller than 6 feet easily. At the same time, you can easily fit it into a small space.
What could be better: This drop-in bathtub doesn’t come with a drilled hole for overflow or drain, so you will have to get it done yourself.
More features: white finish, comfortable backrest slope, pre-drilled overflow and drain
The Duravit Starck Bathtub has a stark design and stunning white finish, which makes it a beautiful addition to your bathroom décor and allows you to enjoy a calming and relaxing bath every time. Also, the drop-in bathtub has a comfortable backrest slope that makes it convenient for you to sit in the tub and rest your head. It comes pre-drilled with overflow and drain holes, which makes installation easier for you. The drop-in bathtub weighs only 53 pounds, which makes it light and easy to move during installation.
What we liked: This drop-in soaking bathtub is made from high quality and refined acrylic material, which makes it highly durable and makes it a long-lasting product. Thanks to the lightweight construction, it is straightforward to install.
What could be better: While the drop-in bathtub is lovely, it would be much better if it came with the drain and overflow as well.
More features: integrated overflow and drain, slip-resistant bottom, easy to clean
The PROFLO Drop-In Soaking Bathtub is lightweight and has a durable acrylic construction that is reinforced with composites to add elegance and durability. It has a water capacity of 60 gallons and provides a comfortable and relaxing bath every time. Next, the drop-in soaking bathtub has curved sides for placing your arms comfortably. The base is pre-leveled and has a slip-resistant bottom that allows it to have a higher water capacity and makes it safer.
What we liked: This soaking bathtub can be installed in two ways: as a drop-in tub or as a three-wall alcove configuration. It also comes with pre-drilled holes for overflow and drainage.
What could be better: It cannot be flush mounted because of the uneven surface area, but this shouldn’t be much of an issue for most buyers.
More features: form-fitted backrest, molded armrests with elbow supports, dual accessory deck area
The American Standard Cadet Bathtub is oval-shaped and is made from durable and premium acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement, which gives it a sleek and beautiful look and makes it long-lasting. The product also offers a freestanding installation method and a form-fitted backrest that provides excellent support to your back as you sit inside the drop-in bathtub. Also, it has molded-in armrests with elbow supports so that your arms don’t get tired.
What we liked: The oval drop-in bathtub also comes with a dual accessory deck area that helps you keep your belongings and bath essentials safely on it as you relax. The bathtub is a neat addition to any bathroom décor.
What could be better: While everything looks excellent about the drop-in bathtub, one thing that can be made better is its compatibility with other types of drains.
More features: stainless steel V-jets, powerful water pump, adjustable water/air pressure, anti-fungicide tubing
The Signature Bath Drop-In Whirlpool Bathtub with Stainless Jets has a 100-gallon capacity, as well as stainless steel V-jets on all sides, which allows for a luxurious and calming bath every time. Made from highly durable extra thick Lucite brand acrylics, the drop-in bathtub only weighs 110 pounds, which makes it easy to handle and install. It has a powerful water pump with adjustable water pressure, which allows you to set the whirlpool and jets according to your liking with a simple on/off operation.
What we liked: This drop-in bathtub comes with pre-drilled drain and overflow openings, which makes installation all the more manageable for you. This oval drop-in bathtub also has anti-fungicide tubing that prevents dirt and bacteria buildup.
What could be better: This drop-in bathtub doesn’t come with a heater, so you will have to spend more if you need one.
Buying the right drop-in bathtub may seem like a simple task, but it actually requires a lot of research. The type of drop-in bathtub you choose will affect how much you get to enjoy your bath daily, and since this is a big investment, it will not be something that you can change or replace easily. Once it is installed, nothing much can be done about it. Drop-in bathtubs take the lead over regular bathtubs as they provide more space and utility while taking up less space in your bathroom.
The best drop-in bathtub is challenging to pick, especially with the multitude of options available on the market. But we can help you narrow down between a few select options, and you can take your pick from them. By following our guide, you will be able to make a sound decision and select the right product, which in turn will result in enjoyable baths for a long, long time.
The first thing you should look out for is the size, and for this, you will have to measure the space you have in your bathroom. Drop-in bathtubs come in all sizes, so you can take dimensions and then decide on which products fit the bill. Another thing you need is to think of the shape of the drop-in bathtub, and there are plenty: oval, corner, rectangular, and many more. This will also depend on the space you have available, as well as your preference. For instance, the Kohler K-1184-0 Devonshire Drop-In Bath should fit most standard settings, while the Carver Tubs TMS7248-6 Jet Whirlpool Drop-In Bathtub is a larger model that may not be suitable for all bathrooms.
When it comes to materials, most drop-in bathtubs are commonly made of acrylic materials and are reinforced with fiberglass, such as the American Standard Evolution Oval Bathtub. These are lightweight and durable, which makes them easy to transport and install. In addition, they also give a polished and finished look, thus adding to your bathroom décor.
Also, you can consider copper drop-in bathtubs if you are looking for some old-timey elegance. Alternatively, if you prefer sturdiness overlooks, opt for cast iron drop-in bathtubs. Keep in mind that other materials might cost more than acrylic.
The capacity of the drop-in bathtub plays a major role in the selection, and it largely depends on how you like your baths.
While some people merely like to sit in warm water, others like to lie down a bit and soak themselves completely. If you prefer the former, you can choose a drop-in bathtub with a capacity that lies between 40 to 60 gallons.
As you increase the capacity, you will be able to go deeper into the water or just lay back and let the water calm you down. People who prefer to immerse themselves fully can choose the 100-gallon variants, such as the Signature Bath LPI13-W-LD, or greater.
When it comes to drain placement, there are three common options: left, right, or both. If you have an idea of which side your bathroom drain is on, you will not have to put much thought into the process. Some drop-in bathtubs come with only a left drain or right drain option, but if you would like to be extra careful, you can go for the bathtubs that provide you with both left and right drain configurations.
Overflow height also comes into play, as it will determine at what height the bathtub will drain out excess water. If you like to be immersed in water as much as possible, you can go for the PROFLO PFS7242AWH with 15” overflow.
You should keep in mind whether the drop-in bathtub you like comes with pre-drilled holes or not because you might have to drill holes or have your plumber do that. If you don’t want to shell out more money, it is wise to choose those options that have pre-drilled holes.
The weight of the drop-in bathtub comes into play when you consider how much effort you will be putting into the installation. Also, for heavier people, it is recommended to go for drop-in bathtubs that are heavier and sturdier. This way, you will be assured that your drop-in bathtub will last a long time and won’t buckle under pressure or heavy usage.
The weight factor is also important to consider if you are looking for a 2-person bathtub since it should be able to withstand your combined weight with ease. For instance, the Carver Tubs Drop-In Corner Two-Person Soaking Tub is quite a reliable option here.
The durability of the drop-in bathtub largely depends on a number of factors, many of which we discussed above. For instance, it is affected by weight, material, capacity, etc. When speaking about durability, it is meant that the bathtub shouldn’t develop any cracks or break even after years of repeated usage.
In this regard, you will have to take into consideration the materials from which the bathtub is made because it will give you a sense of the strength and sturdiness of the product. Naturally, you won’t be getting drop-in bathtubs every now and then, so you should strongly consider getting a bathtub that is durable, can easily accommodate your weight, and also the weight of water.
Another key factor when choosing the right drop-in bathtub is the availability of a non-slip surface. Normally, bathtubs can get slippery when they encounter water, and this becomes the cause of many accidents. This is why you should get a drop-in bathtub with a non-slip surface so that you are safe while getting in or out of the bathtub.
You can also find this out from the product images because a non-slip surface has a textured design that helps keep your feet from slipping, such as seen with the American Standard Evolution Oval Bathtub.
When buying any product, its warranty is always an important point to consider, as it safeguards you against getting a damaged product.
It’s recommended to shortlist those drop-in bathtubs that have a warranty of at least one year so that you won’t have to pay up for any damages or to replace the bathtub if it breaks or its jets stop functioning.
Some manufacturers also give 10-year, 15-year, or even lifetime warranties, which is a major plus point when buying drop-in bathtubs.
You can also consider a number of other secondary factors while choosing the best drop-in tub for your bathroom. Most manufacturers design drop-in bathtubs with value-added features, such as massage jets, heaters, Bluetooth speakers, whirlpool jets, and much more.
You can do without these features, but having them will go a great deal towards ensuring comfort and relaxation for you whenever you take a bath.
If you compare drop-in bathtubs with their regular variants, you will find that drop-in bathtubs are generally more affordable, which is also why they are highly in demand.
For instance, a decent drop-in bathtub, such as the Kohler K-1184-0 Devonshire, can set you back around $500 to $700, whereas a high-end luxurious drop-in bathtub with all the bells and whistles can go for as high as $20,000! The most expensive option on our list is the Carver Tubs TMS7248-6 that costs around $1,600.
Naturally, you would have a predefined budget for how much you want to spend on your drop-in bathtub. This will help you narrow down the choices as you explore online.
Otherwise, if you are looking for drop-in bathtubs based on their features, you can expect to spend a little more than your budget. If affordability is not a problem for you, you can weigh each drop-in bathtub against one another based on the value it provides.
If you have some experience in tub installation or frame construction, you can try it. Keep in mind that it contains many detailed steps that you must read thoroughly before attempting installation.
An undermounted drop-in bathtub has a sleeker and seamless appearance and uplifts your bathroom instantly. You can ask your plumber or technician to tell you whether it is possible to undermount a bathtub in the space available so that you have a clearer picture.
This way, the water will continue to remove any dirt that might be on the walls or floor of the tub. If you are more particular about cleaning, you can get a spray bottle and fill it with some inexpensive white vinegar or use a cleaning solution. You can use this to clean your bathtub inside out once or twice a week, and your drop-in bathtub will stay brand new for a longer period of time.
While our drop-in bathtub reviews should be more than enough to help you with a decision, we place our money on Kohler K-1184-0 Devonshire Drop-In Bath. It’s exquisite, beautiful, and really complements your bathroom décor. Moreover, it has a greater depth than other traditional bathtubs, giving you a real luxurious bath experience.
In the second place, we have the Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub, which doesn’t cost much and boasts a fade-resistant, glossy porcelain finish.
Lastly, the Carver Tubs TMS7248-6 Jet Whirlpool Drop-In Bathtub is the best option if you are looking for something larger. It has a higher water capacity than other bathtubs and a design that makes it easy to install in small spaces. It is probably the best drop-in bathtub that can take the couple’s bathing experience to the next level.
