You finally get to choose your own tub, so make this decision count! Check out our collection of the best bathtubs for a satisfying soak.
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What To Consider When Buying a Bathtub
Bathroom design can be really dreamy. Who hasn’t entertained a fantasy of sinking into a freestanding clawfoot tub to escape the world for a while?
But the reality is, bathroom fixture choices often hinge on the configuration of your bathroom: room dimensions, wall space (or lack thereof), access to your plumbing pipes, and the overall design and infrastructure of your house.
If you’re dealing with new construction, you could design around the tub of your dreams. But if you’re remodeling an existing bathroom, your choices may be limited. Whatever your situation, keep these factors in mind:
- Size: Your available space determines a lot. “With a smaller-sized space, some people choose to have a dual shower/bathtub [an alcove tub], while those with ample space have the luxury of choosing a free-standing style,” says Katie Simpson, interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. Then there’s the height of the tub walls. Do you need access for little ones or someone with physical limitations?
- Material and weight: These usually go hand in hand. A cast iron tub is more expensive and extremely heavy but durable. Fiberglass is lighter and stronger with low maintenance but can be prone to scratching or warping over time, according to Arnold Long, general operations manager at Mr. Blue Plumbing. “While higher quality materials like cast iron, natural stone and copper are very popular and desirable, they tend to be too heavy for many homes,” he says. Consider the weight of a tub filled with water when determining if there’s enough support for it (subfloor, construction).
- Shape: Are you looking at a traditional, classic rectangular alcove tub (paired with a shower, enclosed by three walls) or a freestanding tub, perhaps with a shower elsewhere? Do you want a corner tub or a deep soaker? Tub shape can also influence the overall style of the room. “Oval and round tubs tend to lean more modern,” Simpson says, “while rectangular tubs are more traditional.”
Best Alcove Tub
For an all-around alcove winner, look no further than the Kohler Elmbrook. It scores on price, its easy-clean acrylic material, a textured bottom for grip and safety and a low step-over height for easy in-and-out.
The super-clean design leans more modern, but could fit many types of bathrooms. If you’re doing a total redo or new construction, Kohler also offers other Elmbrook-styled fixtures to match.
Best Freestanding Tub
Simpsons says she loves the Rebecca freestanding tubbecause it makes a statement with its simple, elegant style. “Choose from four different trims for this sleek white acrylic tub and imagine how stunning this statement piece would look adorned in your bathroom,” says Simpson.
The acrylic finish is warmer than enamel, and the gently reclining sides allow for mega relaxation. A side-mount faucet placing is prime for a statement faucet. Your toes will never brush that cold faucet in your warm bath.
Best Drop-In Tub
If you have designs on a custom wall around your tub, the Devonshire from Kohlercan offer the design flexibility you crave. Drop-in tubs generally allow for a deeper soak with a lower step-over height. But if your subfloor is compromised, consider the final weight.
“Guaranteed to offer durability and convenience, this drop-in tub comes in a variety of colors and includes a reversible drain, which means you can rotate the tub on either side,” Simpson says.
Best Japanese Soaking Tub
“Both beautiful and functional, the Raksha Japanese soaking tubis handcrafted, featuring a rustic hammered finish, making it the ultimate luxury addition to your bathroom,” Simpson says.
The Raksha is clean lined, but that hammered copper finish commands attention. If you’d rather soak sitting up or want a freestanding tub without taking up too much space, a Japanese soaking tub could be just right for you.
Best Corner Tub
“The SW-148 bathtub is one of my favorites because it ticks two boxes,” says Tanya Klein, CEO of Anta Plumbing. “This sleek, modern bathtub works into a variety of design aesthetics, with its clean, modern, square lines. It measures just 41-in. x 41-in., which gives it a modest footprint, while still delivering a satisfying soak.”
Best Eco-Friendly Tub
“Not only is the NativeStone Avalon 62freestanding tub a designer’s dream, it’s my pick for the best eco-friendly bathtub because it is made of a proprietary material that combines jute and concrete,” says Klein. “Both materials are sustainable, and they weigh 40 percent less than traditional concrete, which saves money on shipping, as well as fuel costs.”
This tub comes in four natural colors that will perfectly showcase a beautiful faucet.
Best Walk-In Tub
The Kohler Walk-In Bathtakes top marks for the lowest step-in height on the market at a mere three inches. It also offers interior and exterior hand rails for support, hydrotherapy and bubble jets to ease tension and aches, a heated backrest for relaxing and reclining, a handheld showerhead and quicker fill and drain times.
Best Tub With Air and Water Jets
If you’re going for gold, the Seattle Luxury Massage Tubfrom Aquapeutics has it all: space for two, a built-in waterfall, mood lights and a handheld shower.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, it also has Bluetooth compatibility. That lets your play your favorite music and control six adjustable water jets, 11 small water jets and 20 bubble jets. The teak top surround adds a touch of elegance, too.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
