Getting a bathtub to fit in your luxury bathroom is no walk in the park. The best luxury bathtubs are hidden in the market by other well-marketed tubs. To sift through unworthy options and get the ideal purchase is something that requires a lot of finesse and a wealth of information on bathtub features.
The said bathtub features include size, capacity, style, finish, installation, warranty, materials, and water depth. The size dictates how much space the bathtub will take up in your bathroom. Some may not fit in your space, and you need to understand that before you swipe your card. Additionally, the water capacity will influence how much water you use per bath. Water depth is also a key consideration and will affect the user experience. Depending on the depth, you can even feel weightless and more relaxed in the tub. Style and finish options are quite numerous and will have an impact on the installation and use of the tub. Examples include walk-in tubs, standard tubs, combination tubs, and more. You should review the installation type as well to see if it fits into your plans. Good construction materials and a suitable warranty can also put some options in the running for the title of the best luxury bathtub. These features formed the basis of how we reviewed the tubs listed below with Ella Fiji MB3666 Acrylic Alcove Bathtub as our top pick.
Other features: right drain, digital control, four LED chromotherapy lights, Infusion Microbubble Therapy
If you are looking for a luxury right drain bathtub, the Ella Fiji MB3666 Acrylic Alcove Bathtub fits the bill. In contrast to the Kohler K-710-W Iron Works Historic Bathtub, this option works best if your bathroom theme is a little more modern.
One highlight of this tub is the infusion microbubble therapy, which is unique to this bathtub with regard to the rest of today’s list. The micro-bubbles that surround you while you are immersed in this tub have several benefits. One is their effectiveness in getting rid of impurities on your skin. This includes dead skin.
Some of you have skincare regiments that involve getting rid of dead skin, and this tub will help you skip some steps. Also, these bubbles have a secondary purpose, which is to release more oxygen.
Oxygen stimulates collagen production on your skin and is anti-inflammatory. These are both good for the health of your skin, especially in terms of hydration. The third benefit of these bubbles is that they pop, release energy, and keep water warm.
This tub also falls in the same category as the editor’s choice in that they both offer chromotherapy. Evidence of this is in the four LED lights positioned on the sides of the tub.
One can’t forget the panoramic glass front panel is why the tub looks so modern. Finally, the tub has a digital control that allows you to control all its functions.
What we liked: We liked the tub’s warranty, although it covers buyers for a much shorter time when compared to other options listed. We also liked the infusion microbubble therapy that has loads of benefits for your skin. Moreover, you have chromotherapy as well in the same package and digital control for all bathtub functions.
What could be better: since the drain is pre-punched on the right side of the tub, it might prove harder to install in some situations.
Other features: drop-in installation, 26 air bubble massage jets, 1HP air blower, 0.75HP pump, center drain
This Atlantis Whirlpools 4170IDR Indulgence Bathtub is the only drop-in tub to feature on this list. You will thus have the most challenging time installing this tub in your bathroom. This is because users need to build a frame to support the tub as well. Additionally, extra costs are a byproduct of the installation process.
Twenty-six air bubble massage jets are part of the array of impressive features you will see alongside this bathtub. They are powered by a one horsepower air blower built into the tub.
This tool also adds eight water jets to the mix. These water jets are directional and adjustable. Backing them up is a 0.75HP pump. With both the air bubble and water jets combined, taking a bath in this tub is guaranteed to leave you relaxed.
Assuming you purchase this tub, remember to account for a center drain as you build the installation frame. Cleaning this tub can as well be easy since it comes with a non-porous surface. Also, the high-gloss finish can be attractive in a bathtub.
What we liked: The combination of water and air jets will leave you relaxed after a bath. We also liked the non-porous and easy to clean the tub surface. Finally, a 10-year warranty is given to buyers.
What could be better: Installation of the tub will be more expensive and harder to do. However, it does leave you with a lot more options when styling your bathroom.
Other features: flat back, center drain, adjustable leveling feet, wide deck ledge
As for the American Standard 2691004.020 Townsend Soaker Bathtub, a lifetime limited warranty is one benefit buyers get. Other than that, soaking water depth of 17” is provided. The design of the tub is simple and features an acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement body; hence the tub is similar to the editor’s choice in that way.
Additionally, you can install the tub next to a wall or in the middle of your bathroom due to the presence of the flat back. For both options, installation is not all that complicated. You even have adjustable leveling feet to help you out. Finally, the wide deck ledge can help you get in and out of the tub with ease.
What we liked: We liked that you can install this both next to a wall and as a free-standing option. Durability has been enhanced by the fiberglass/acrylic mixture. Also, self-leveling legs help to keep the tub level after installation. Finally, a lifetime warranty is quite useful to get with your luxury bathtub purchase.
What could be better: This luxury bathtub is another one with non-existent downsides.
Other features: integral lumbar support, Safeguard® slip-resistant surface, reversible drain, free-standing
Another easy to install bathtub is the Kohler K-710-W Iron Works Historic Bathtub. This is because it is a free-standing option with a reversible drain. It also bears many striking similarities to the other Kohler option in our list, which happens to be the premium pick. One resemblance is in the lifetime limited warranty.
Also, we have highlighted above that enameled cast iron is used as the primary construction material. While we don’t recommend testing the durability of the tub with a hammer, it could probably hold out well for a few hits.
Users should as well appreciate the slip-resistant surface that lines the interior of the tub. Also, the makeup of the tub is 80% recycled materials.
Another aspect of luxury in this tub is portrayed in the feet. The antique-looking ball-and-claw feet will fit right in with other luxury bathroom fittings. This is especially true if traditional or Victorian-style bathroom designs are what you have in mind.
Do not forget that lumbar support is an integral part of this bathtub. You can relax in it while you rejuvenate your spine. To add to that, the 36-inch width is enough space to relax for most people.
Since soaking tubs need to have 14” of water depth at least, this option doesn’t qualify and instead falls under standard bathtubs.
What we liked: We liked the ball-and-claw feet, which are an exquisite touch. Another nice touch is that 80% of the extremely durable body of the tub is recycled materials. Also, slip-resistant surfaces do make using a bathtub safer. The bathtub can be a walk in the park to install even for DIYers since it is free-standing, has a reversible drain, and is mostly impervious to damage. The last thing our team loved from this tub is the lumbar support to keep users comfortable.
What could be better: Soaking tubs are better for dealing with back pain and upper body aches, and you miss out on that with this purchase.
Other features: 5-inch raised base, 2-inch center drain, artisan-crafted
Not many other luxury tubs can boast of a 130 gal. capacity. This option also works for a classic bathroom theme due to the metallic exterior. Also, four patina finishes are available for the copper tub.
Notably, 14-gauge hammered copper is used, so no complaints with regards to durability are expected. Also, since it is free-standing, the installation will be done away from the walls. This can be easy to do, although more space is required in your bathroom.
The product is made by 3rd generation copper artisans who have honed their craft hence the high-quality finished product. If you have never had copper accessories, you should know that their patina finishes tend to change over time. However, this is not a sign of depreciation.
What we liked: The copper body of the bathtub is quite durable. Also, it can look terrific in a classic bathroom with a metallic and rustic theme. Finally, the five-inch raised base and free-standing design make the tub’s installation easy.
What could be better: A warranty may help to underline the quality of the tub and assure buyers their purchase is protected. It will as well take up more bathroom space.
Other features: free-standing, center drain, solid surface
The ALFI Brand AB9952 67-Inch Soaking Bathtub also makes a name for itself among the free-standing bathtub options in the market. You can get your dose of luxury lounging in 17” of water while using this tub.
While stains are unlikely if you take good care of this tub, you have the option to use extra-fine sanding paper to remove stubborn blemishes. The tub comes with a center-drain, and to add to that, it is free-standing. This reduces some of the hassles that come with the installation.
Of note is that smooth resin composite material has been used to create the whole of this tub. Also, it is completed with a matte finish. There is a huge difference in durability between this and options like the Kohler series. Nonetheless, if you are careful while handling this tub, you may never have to replace it.
Another top feature is the Concealed Matte matching pop-up drain. Like the Aquatica Lullaby Nano Luxury Freestanding Bathtub, this product features a built-in overflow, which will allow the tub to get rid of excess water without dumping it on the bathroom floor.
What we liked: We liked that this is a free-standing tub with a center drain that doesn’t need complicated installation. As seen by the sanding paper remedy to stains, the maintenance of this tub is relatively easy. Also, the built-in overflow helps with water management in your bathroom.
What could be better: A more than $5000 price tag is hefty by most people’s standards, and it is what you have to pay to get this tub.
Other features: three-wall alcove installation, slip-resistant Safeguard surface, integral flange, left drain
The Kohler K-85-LL Tea-for-Two Bathtub has high water capacity. The tub’s design is simple and will likely fit into most bathroom designs as well. As for water depth, you get 19.5.” This is a lot more than you would get for a standard bathtub.
Notably, this tub weighs almost twice as much as the editor’s choice. You might need more stable flooring as a result if you are to add this to your bathroom. Also, do remember that it is recommended that you use a three-wall alcove installation for this purchase. If this is in the plans for your bathroom, you should find this tub to be an excellent option.
On top of the cast iron body is a protective layer of vitreous enamel glaze. This glaze and the entire construction of the tub is stain, scratch, impact, and rust-resistant. The bow that wraps this up is the slip-resistant glaze that ensures stability for users.
The use of 80% recyclable materials in making the tub is another reason to make this your selection.
What we liked: The durability of this tub’s construction makes this a once in a lifetime purchase. Even the lifetime warranty serves as a confirmation of how well the tub is made. Using recycled materials to build the tub helps with keeping manufacturing impacts on the environment low. Also, if you have decided on a color scheme for your bathroom, the variable color options will help you match it. Water depth and size are both quite impressive as well.
What could be better: In some situations, the weight of the tub can present a problem. Also, depending on the color option you pick, you might have to pay an arm and a leg.
Other features: 22 multi-directional jets, 6 massage modes, flexible drain, LCD touchscreen, LED lighting, onboard FM radio, and Bluetooth
The ARIEL Platinum PW1685959CW1 Whirlpool Bathtub is one of the top three highest capacity bathtub options on our list. This tub is relatively modern, and the number of innovations included to make use enjoyable is impressive.
Notably, this is a whirlpool bathtub, and you should be able to tell that as soon as you read the name. If you often have muscle or joint aches, this option can help relieve them.
The tub features 22 multi-directional jets placed in the right places to target your major muscles and joints. Further, six massage modes are part of the package. Of course, the tub needs a control terminal to allow you to activate the water jets, which is where the LCD touchscreen comes in.
If the lighting in your bathroom doesn’t help you relax, you can turn that off and instead turn the lights in the tub on instead. Adjustable color and brightness of the lights is another beneficial feature.
Also, this option isn’t likely to have any problems handling your weight and the water. This is due to the acrylic reinforced fiberglass construction. Another component you may like is the heat pump whose function is to help maintain warm temperatures in your water.
Some of us as well appreciate a good playlist while taking a bath. You don’t have to bring in your phone and a speaker to the bathroom and risk water damage. Instead, you can use the Bluetooth feature and inbuilt speakers to listen to your music.
Finally, an auto-shutdown feature is part of the package, and the bathtub’s electronic features will power down after 60 minutes to save on electricity.
What we liked: Most of the features in this tub are quite likable, including the fact that you can get six different massage types from included water jets. Also, the acrylic reinforced fiberglass body can hold its own against the weight of users alongside the water in the tub. Further, you have inbuilt FM radio, Bluetooth speakers, dimmable/color changing lights, and a heat pump. Your bath time is guaranteed to be relaxing with these features present. The control of these features is a breeze with the touchscreen, and finally, the whole design of the tub is attractive.
What could be better: With a warranty, this bathtub would be flawless.
Other features: reversible drain, free-standing, solid matte surface
Some of you want a modern luxury bathtub for a small bathroom. In such a case, the Aquatica Lullaby Nano Luxury Freestanding Bathtub is a perfect single person bathtub. Also, the water capacity reflects that this is for single person use. The water depth is 16.25”, so this option still qualifies as a soaking tub.
The free-standing design allows this tub to be placed anywhere in the bathroom as long as there is space. As such, planning for this tub’s installation is a lot easier. Also, note the reversible drain helps with convenient installation as well.
An air chamber is present in the design of the tub and, as such, serves as insulation to keep the temperatures of the water hot. Also, you will note the manufacturer mentions AquateX™ as the construction material. The upsides of using this material are fire resistance, heat resistance, and the tub is easily cleanable.
Your bathroom floor as well has a higher chance of staying dry since you have a built-in overflow. Additionally, the solid matte surface adds to the benefits of the tub by being warm and velvety to touch. Finally, the 25-year warranty is impressive despite being overshadowed by the lifetime warranty of the Kohler K-85-LL Tea-for-Two Bathtub.
What we liked: We liked that this luxury bathtub is small enough to fit most bathrooms. Other factors that can help with its placement in a variety of bathroom designs is the free-standing design and the reversible drain. The AquateX™ material used does have certain advantages with examples such as heat resistance, durability, fire-resistance, and easy to clean surfaces. Users get a 25-year warranty.
What could be better: This luxury free-standing bathtub doesn’t seem to have any downsides.
A luxury bathtub is expensive to acquire. As such, the biggest question you need to answer after deciding to purchase one is whether you will be getting value for money. Value is what separates regular luxury bathtubs from the best. The guide curated below will help you decide whether the value provided by any of the above options is worth your money.
You will see normal/standard bathtubs as well as luxury bathtubs as you look for your next bathroom fitting. Some of you can’t tell these two categories of tubs apart. However, a few markers can help you figure this part out.
The first marker of a luxury bathtub is the quality of materials used. Usually, luxury tubs are made from the highest quality materials, whether cast iron, copper, or acrylic. The materials used will also affect the longevity of the tub and how it looks.
Good looks are also an integral component of a luxury bathtub. After all, every luxury item has to have a tinge of elegance. Additionally, a luxury bathtub needs to be as comfortable as it looks.
There are various ways in which manufacturers ensure user comfort while using the tub. One example is lumbar support or a feature that allows people to sit and soak comfortably.
Some manufacturers go above and beyond by adding built-in music systems and FM radio. Since the goal is to help you relax, these features are ideal for the purpose.
Massage functions can even be added. These can be activated by using either water or air jets. Notably, most tubs with massage functions incorporate only one of these two types of massage jets. Some exceptional few like the Atlantis Whirlpools 4170IDR Indulgence Bathtub will include two kinds of jets in their designs.
Since you can pick only one out of numerous luxury bathtub options in the market, the right steps to take while choosing the best luxury bathtub are outlined below.
To start, decide on the type of bathtub that would be best for you. For instance, if you experience muscle aches a lot, you might want to get an option that supports massage.
Common bathtub types include whirlpool tubs, air tubs, soaking tubs, standard tubs, walk-in tubs, and combination tubs.
Standard tubs are the simplest in design and often have no extra features. They are as well the cheapest options in comparison to others. Plain soaking tubs are also simple in design. What sets them apart from standard ones is that they are deeper hence offer more water depth.
Massage options are the whirlpool tubs, air tubs, and sometimes combination tubs. The whirlpool options are the best at targeting major muscle groups and relieving tension in them. They push water jets into these muscle groups, and that gives a massage sensation.
If the pressure of water jets is too much for you, air jets are a suitable alternative. However, the jets still target the same muscle groups, although the pressure is more spread out.
Walk-in tubs make getting in or out of the tub a lot easier. For people with injuries or senior citizens, they provide a practical solution. However, our list of luxury tubs doesn’t include any walk-in tubs.
Finally, you have combination tubs that may be a mix of two or more categories. One example is the ARIEL Platinum PW1685959CW1 Whirlpool Bathtub, which qualifies as a whirlpool tub and a soaking tub.
Also, installation is predetermined during the manufacturing stages for each bathtub. Installation types you will come across are free-standing, drop-in, and alcove options. Free-standing installation may take up more space since the tub is fixed away from all the walls in the bathroom. The Soluna Nicole Copper Tub, is an example of a luxury freestanding bathtub.
Alcove options fit into a space between three walls. They are also rectangular or square in shape and leave one side for the user to get in and out. The Ella Fiji MB3666 Acrylic Alcove Bathtub is one alcove option with a glass front.
Finally, you have drop-in bathtubs. These will require that buyers build a frame to accommodate them. Additionally, these frames can be made to match everything else in the bathroom seamlessly.
Buying a modern luxury bathtub without taking note of the dimensions is setting yourself up for failure. You may get a modern luxury bathtub and find that it doesn’t fit into the space you have left. To avoid this, measure free space in your bathroom. After that, compare that to the size of the tub as per the features listed.
Additionally, plan for water use by checking out capacity. The Kohler K-85-LL Tea-for-Two Bathtub, for instance, will need more water than the ALFI Brand AB9952 67-Inch Soaking Bathtub each time you take your bath. Preparing for the extra cost that comes with that is also crucial.
The water depth determines whether you can soak in your new bathtub or not. If it is 14” or lower in-depth, the tub is not capable of covering an adult’s body. As such, soaking is not feasible in such an option. Water depth will also affect your overall experience with the purchase as soaking tubs are generally more comfortable.
The ARIEL Platinum PW1685959CW1 Whirlpool Bathtub shows buyers how the style and shape of the luxury tub can affect them. If you don’t have a good look at the tub and figure out how it fits your bathroom space, you may have a rude awakening when the product finally arrives. Remember that not all tubs come in rectangle shapes.
The materials used need to be solid, and the finish should have a pleasant outlook. This way, the tub will look appealing in your bathroom and serve you for a long time to come. The Kohler K-710-W Iron Works Historic Bathtub and other Kohler options that use enameled cast iron are some of the most durable options in the market. As such, durability is a critical selling point for them.
Buying a luxury bathtub is a huge risk since they are quite expensive. If one gets damaged, it means a few thousand dollars down the drain. You can protect your bathroom investment by purchasing a tub with an extended warranty. Tubs like the Aquatica Lullaby Nano Luxury Freestanding Bathtub, which have 25-year warranties or more, offer you peace of mind with the purchase.
Luxury tubs do tend to be expensive by most standards, but the prices also vary widely. Some of them may be in your budget range, while others may not. Confirm you can afford the tub before adding your credit card details to the payments section while checking out on Amazon.
Leveling feet and infusion microbubble technology are examples of extra features you may see as you shop around. The former makes installation easier while the latter is good for the skin. You will note additional features in other luxury tubs as well. If you value what these features can do for you paying extra to acquire them won’t be an issue.
The Ella Fiji MB3666 Acrylic Alcove Bathtub also features multiple benefits like the editor’s choice and is our team’s second favorite pick. Chromotherapy, Infusion Microbubble Therapy, and the glass front are its most likable features. These are our top three.
Number three on the list is the Atlantis Whirlpools 4170IDR. Its durability is unmatched. You will spend your whole life without having to replace it. If you understand the benefits and cons of all nine products, we are confident we can leave the decision making to you on which is the best luxury bathtub.
The American Standard 2691004.020 Townsend Soaker Bathtub is our Best Value option of the best luxury bathhtubs. It is an acrylic soaker bathtub with fiberglass reinforcement featuring center drain and 65-gallon water capacity.
