10 Best Bathtubs Consumer Reports 2020 [Reviews & Buying Guide]
Bathtubs are versatile bathroom fixtures that provide a nice, convenient place to bathe kids, wash your dog, or relax in during weekends. Although they are basic additions to any bathroom, this does not mean you pick the first one you come across. At the moment, there are many different types of bathtubs in the market. You should, therefore, have a clear picture in mind of what you want to invest in. Well, the following consumer reports will help you with that.
Best Bathtubs – [Reviews & Buying Guide]
1. WOODBRIDGE WHITE Acrylic Bathtub, B-0012/BTA-1506
Although WOODBRIDGE B-0012/BTA-1506 is not very costly, it is made of premium materials that other manufacturers rarely use because of the high cost. These premium materials not only make the bathtub long lasting but also gives it a modern look as well as making sure it is safe to use. The bathtub is also well-sized and will accommodate you beautifully.
The effective tub capacity is 55 gallons. Exterior dimensions, on the other hand, are 59 inches long by 29-1/2 inches wide by 21-5/8 inches deep. The bathtub also comes with a stainless steel brushed nickel overflow and a solid brass brushed nickel drain. It is shipped in super solid package to ensure safe delivery. WOODBRIDGE B-0012/BTA-1506 is suitable for 1 – 2 persons.
- Scratch-resistant surface will not stain plus it is easy to clean and maintain
- Made of acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass for superior durability
- Bottom has a stainless steel bracket that makes the bearing capacity 1000 pounds
- Gently sloping lines provide unrivaled comfort by following the natural curves of your body
2. Kingston Brass 60-Inch Alcove Acrylic Bathtub (VTDE603122L)
The overall dimensions of Kingston Brass VTDE603122L are 60 inches long by 30-11/16 inches wide by 22-1/6 inches high. The bathtub also has a decent water depth of 13-15/16 inches to overflow and the tub capacity is 58.6 gallons. The weight of the tub, on the other hand, is 95 pounds. It is crucial to note that a drain kit is not included.
But again, this should not be a real concern given the low price point of the tub. The tub is available in 2 styles, which are left hand drain and right hand drain. If the space in your bathroom is limited but you are not ready to sacrifice comfort, this bathtub is for you.
- Contemporary design enables the bathtub to blend perfectly with any bathroom
- Fiberglass and resin material reinforcement improves the durability of the tub
- Acrylic construction is durable and will stand the test of time
- Attached apron helps hide the underside of the tub
3. FerdY F-02522-55 Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub
Elegance and simplicity are the two things that perfectly define FerdY F-02522-55. The bathtub will not just provide an awesome place to relax in after a long, exhausting day but also will instantly improve the look of your bathroom. It is 55 inches long; hence, it can easily fit in most bathrooms. Moreover, it has a 15” soaking depth to make sure you have a memorable bathing experience.
The bathtub is designed to work with drain caps of different colors, and this means you can build it to match your own personality. This tub also comes with step-by-step instructions to help make installation a piece of cakewalk. Adjustable leveling feet are included too to keep the bathing tub stabilized on any surface.
- Sloped lumbar support provides additional comfort while bathing
- 100-percent glossy white acrylic is reinforced with fiberglass for superior durability
- Integrated slotted overflow in a minimalist and clean design allows for deep soaking
- Freestanding design allows you to indulge in an immersive, deep soak
4. Empava 48” Acrylic Freestanding Hydrotherapy Bathtub (EMPV-JTX011)
Setting up Empava EMPV-JTX011 is a walk in the park. Simply get a contractor and let him connect the drain, power, and hot/cold water inputs. The bathtub comes with all side walls for maximum convenience. Its outer dimensions are 47.24 inches long by 31.5 inches deep by 30.71 inches high. And the water capacity is 40 gallons, while the soaking depth is 21 inches.
It is an elegant and well-sized bathtub that will relax your body after a long day at work. When a child is using it, you should be around to prevent drowning. Other sizes Empava EMPV-JTX011 comes in are 52.5”, 67”, and 71”. These various sizes make it easy to pick something that fits in your bathroom nicely.
- 48pc air pin hole jets produce innumerable warm air bubbles
- ½ HP air pump offers ample power for the jet system
- Contemporary stand-alone design blends seamlessly into any bathroom décor
- Integrated seat lets the average adult bather to submerge in water up to their shoulders
5. KOHLER Underscore (R) Apron Alcove Bathtub (1956-RA-0)
The capacity of KOHLER 1956-RA-0 is enormous. It is 68 gallons, and this makes the tub perfect for someone looking for quality time. The bathtub is also rectangular, and this further increases its capacity, while preserving space in your bathroom. So, in a nutshell, this is a well-designed tub that can fit easily in most bathrooms yet does not sacrifice soaking space.
The general dimensions of the tub are 60 by 30 by 22.25 inches and the weight is 128 pounds. So, despite providing ample space to soak, this bathtub is fairly lightweight; hence, can be moved around pretty easily. The bathtub is also white so it can make a bold statement in your bathroom and match the décor there wonderfully.
- Slotted overflow does a good job of allowing for deep soaking
- Integral apron creates a finished and clean look
- Integral flange ensures water does not seep behind the wall
- Molded lumbar support provides additional comfort
6. Vanity Art VA6807 Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub, 71 inch
Vanity Art VA6807 is comfortable to soak in during weekends when all you want to do is relax and rejuvenate. It is also pleasing to the eye and will no doubt improve the overall look of your bathroom. It has an oval shape that makes it unique and aesthetically appealing. Plus it is white to blend and match fantastically with your bathroom décor.
The dimensions of Vanity Art VA6807 are 70.9 inches long by 33.9 inches wide by 25.6 inches high. The bathroom is UPC certified and the manufacturer is committed to make sure you have the best experience ever with it. A round overflow and a flexible drain hose are all included for maximum convenience.
- Modern curved design enables the tub to match the decoration style of any bathroom
- Ergonomic design makes spa and bath experiences more comfortable
- Adjustable leveling feet stabilize the bathtub on any surface
- 100-percent pure acrylic keeps the water at the right temperature – warm/hot
7. American Standard Apron-Front Soaking Bathtub (2460002.011)
Installing American Standard 2460002.011 is extremely easy. And that’s because this soaking bathtub comes with a leveling grid and padded carrying bars. The dimensions of the bathtub are 32 inches wide by 60 inches long by 17.75 inches high. The basin length is 54 inches and the basin width is 26 inches. The bathtub also boasts a decent soaking depth of 14 inches, and its weight is 161 pounds.
Additionally, this tub is made with Americast backing that insulates it to deliver a quieter showering experience. The backing also insulates to help retain heat so bath water can stay warmer for longer. The material used to make the tub is porcelain. It is sturdy and easy to maintain. The tub boasts a capacity of 50 gallons, and it is rectangular to fit perfectly in your bathroom.
- Stansure textured floor surface is slip-resistant and easy to clean
- Formed steel layer is stable and strong
- Scratch-resistant glossy porcelain enamel finish is non porous and retains luster
- Integral tile flange and integral apron front
8. Delta Faucet Arata Freestanding Tub (B14627-6032-WH)
Delta B14627-6032-WH gives you a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in a deeply and wonderfully relaxing soak. It measures 32 by 60 by 22 inches. Although it is not the largest, this tub provides you with a nice place to relax in. The fairly compact design also makes this freestanding tub to fit in bathrooms with limited space.
What’s more, Delta Faucet B14627-6032-WH is covered by a limited 10-year warranty. Well, this shows how much the manufacturer believes in it. It easily accommodates a deck-mounted tub faucet for maximum convenience. Plus you can install it in such a way that it makes a statement with floor mount tub filler.
- Acrylic material is durable yet lightweight enough to make the tub easy to handle
- Integrated overflow and waste drain reduce potential leak points
- White finish enables the bathtub to blend with any bathroom décor
- Deep soaking depth offers a relaxing bath experience
9. ProFlo PFS6042LSKWH Alcove Soaking Bath Tub
ProFlo PFS6042LSKWH is factory tested before it is shipped. It is like all ProFlo products that undergo the same process to make sure quality control is not in question. ProFlo guarantees that this soaking bath tub will work flawlessly. And to prove that they mean it, they provide a 5-year tub warranty.
All these will give you peace of mind knowing that you are buying from a dedicated manufacturer that puts customer satisfaction before anything else. The weight of this bath tub is 100 pounds. It is fairly lightweight, and this means you should expect to have an easy time handling it. This tub is also well-sized and measures 60 by 42 inches. Plus it comes with a left hand drain and skirt for convenience.
- Installation is in a 3-wall-alcove configuration
- Acrylic material is high-quality and makes the tub durable
- Textured bottom is slip-resistant to keep you safe while bathing
- Oval design and white finish make the tub unique and aesthetically appealing
10. Grayley Alcove Bathtub 60 x 30
Grayley Bath Tub is not just made with quality materials but also it is cleverly designed. It stays warmer to the touch than traditional enamel or steel tubs. It is also more comfortable compared to conventional tubs. What’s even better, the price of this bathtub is within an affordable range. The tub is also nicely sized as it measures 30 by 60 by 22 inches.
It also has a decent weight of 80 pounds. The fact that it is light in weight does not mean it is flimsy. The cUPC and UPC approvals show that this bathing tub meets all the requirements of a safe and quality model. The drain of the tub is located on the right-hand side so you can have an easy time accessing it.
- Integral apron makes installation quicker
- Angled back offers extra comfort when bathing
- Very deep design allows full immersion and maximum enjoyment
- Tile flange makes installation simpler and prevents water from seeping behind the wall
Guide to Buying the Best Bath Tub
Bathtubs now come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are rectangular and oval bathtubs as well as small and large bathtubs. Moreover, different bathtubs are made of different materials. So, to avoid getting confused when it comes to buying one, you should consider the following factors.
Construction & Finish
Bath tubs made of acrylic and porcelain are durable and should be the ones to spend money on. They are also easy to clean and to maintain. Plus they are normally neatly finished and blend seamlessly into any bathroom décor.
Exterior Dimensions
You should check the exterior dimensions of the bathtub you are interested in to avoid ending up with something that will not fit in your bathroom as imagined. This means if you have a small bathroom, you should go for a small, compact bathtub and vice versa.
Soaking Depth
Your bathtub should have a decent soaking depth regardless of its size. Well, for a soaking depth to be regarded “decent”, it should be around 14 inches. Ideally, try to go for a bathtub with much deeper soaking depth if you are taller than the average person.
Conclusion
Before you buy a bathtub, you must check out a lot of factors, including the color, size, finish, and style. This is because modern bathtubs provide more than just a place to soak – they also help improve the aesthetics of bathrooms.
