Best Bathtubs in 2024: Buying Guide

Nothing feels better than relaxing in a bathtub filled with warm water after a long working day. If your bathroom has only a shower, you’re missing out on something. You could still lay down in the shower but everyone’s going to worry about you if you do it.  This guide will be of great help if you’re looking for a bathtub replacement. However, there are certain factors you need to consider before purchasing a new bathtub. These include your budget, the frequency in which you’ll be using it, the tub’s material and style: jets or without jets. You’ll find all the information you need in this guide below. But before we begin, let’s explore some of the best bathtubs in 2024.

• KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L - Best overall

• PPBathtub Plastic Inflatable Soaking Bathtub - Best Value for the Money 

• Empava EMPV-JTX011 Hydrotherapy Acrylic Bathtub

• WOODBRIDGE B-0006 Freestanding Soaking Bathtub

• Tubble Royale Inflatable Bathtub

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Bathtub Experience

One of the most crucial questions to ask yourself is what kind of bathroom experience that you prefer. The variety of sizes, materials, and styles is so vast that it’s best to have a picture of your wants and needs. If you’re able to spend an hour in the tub and enjoy your relaxing time there, you should think about buying a soaking tub whose material can maintain the heat well. The soaking bathtub’s high heat retention material will enable you to relax longer before the water starts getting chilling. If you are a bigger person, a bigger-sized tub is more suitable for you. Don’t try to push yourself into a tub that’s too small, otherwise it’s going to cause you lots of frustration and disappointment. 

You also need to consider the frequency in which you’ll use Residential Walk-in bathtubs compared to a shower. Platform and freestanding bathtubs should suit you better if you are a passionate “tubaholic”.  On the other hand, if you take a bath only occasionally but use the shower often, consider buying an alcove style installation. 

The cost of installation and bathtubs can be the ultimate deciding factor for many consumers. For those that are more tightly budgeted and would like to optimize both space and cost, then alcove installations are the cheapest installation choice and the least expensive options for many acrylic tubs are offered at a price of $200. If you’re on a budget and are looking to maximize cost and space, many acrylic tubs start at $200 for the cheapest option and alcove installations are the least expensive installation option. On the other hand, while a whirlpool tub that’s platform-based will give you a luxurious experience, its cost is around $2000 to $6000. 

Materials 

• Fiberglass: This is a malleable, lightweight material. The cheapest type you can purchase is a fiberglass bathtub. However, it’s quite scratchable and doesn’t deteriorate very well, lasting around twelve years. Fiberglass whose finish is acrylic will last longer.  

• Porcelain-Enameled Steel: This is a steel-based material covered in porcelain enamel. The result is a low-cost, smooth, glossy, and durable finish that is easy to clean.

• Enamel-Coated Cast Iron: This outstanding material will be durable for as long as your house stands. Due to its hectic weight, it’s not suggested for sizable soaking tubs, particularly when filled with water, and it’s used best on ground floors. 

• Acrylic: This type of plastic features superior durability and a highly glossy finish. Solid acrylic is priced in the middle range and is more long-lasting than fiberglass. Another benefit of this material is that scratches are less visible because the color is all-around solid and consistent.   

Acrylic is a popular material for distinctively shaped whirlpools with shaped armrests and other detailing because it is easy to be forged into shapes. Its light weight is a critical characteristic in big bathtubs where structural elements are put damaging stress on.

Types of Bathtubs 

Standard Bathtubs

The two most popular bathtub sizes are 60x30 and 60x32 inches (measured in length and width). A normal tub with a rectangular shape, however, will have a smaller size, with 55x24 inches measured at the top and lowered to 45x22 inches at the bottom. These are common bathtub dimensions for both fiberglass and cast iron tubs. When shopping, make sure to select a tub with a drain in the right location, eight right- or left-sided to pair with your shower and tub faucet replacement.  

Claw-Footed Tubs

Well-known since the 1800s, claw-footed tubs are extremely traditional types. They are usually widely scaled and commonly constructed of cast iron. This style is often pricey partly due to the porcelain enamel material of the interior and exterior surfaces. 

Freestanding Tubs

Contrary to a standard tub, a freestanding bathtub is not cabinetry-surrounded or shaped into an alcove. The tub is able to stand on feet, or be coated or encased with customized panels and a tile, stone, or marble deck. This kind of tub, which is made to be self-supporting, can act as an opulent bathroom focal point.

Soaking Tubs

The average soaking tub is broader and deeper than a regular tub; some models are as long as 6.5 feet and can fit two adults. There are numerous varieties of soaking tubs available, from the traditional enameled cast iron claw-foot in a Victorian style to ultra-modern acrylic vessels.  Models can weigh anywhere from 225 to 2000 pounds, excluding  the water's weight, which can be substantial because soaking tubs need between 50 and 80 gallons of water at an average weight of 8.3 pounds per gallon. Water heating can also be a problem. An on-demand heater can be required in some circumstances, or a hot water booster might be added to supplement an existing water heater.

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• Best Alcove Bathtubs of 2024

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Whirlpool Tubs

A common choice today is the sunken whirlpool tub, which is available with a variety of relaxing and therapeutic choices in the form of single or multiple jets that are set up behind the tub in the walls behind the tub. You can also select from a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes, which include models that suit the standard 5- or 6-foot tub space. The hydromassage is among the more simple types of whirlpool baths, which recirculates bath water using a pump out of a few jets that are located strategically in the tub walls. The therapeutic air massage or “air bath” is another one that boasts an air system encasing the tub, indulging the bather with thousands of mild bubbles pouring in from little holes in the sides and bottom of the tub. 

Luxury systems with a combination of massaging jets and calming air bubble systems are available from manufacturers such as Jacuzzi, American Standard, and Kohler. These companies also provide baths with heaters that warm the air before it reaches the tub. If you're looking for a whirlpool tub, you should pick one with a powerful yet silent pump motor, UL listing and approval, and a detachable front apron for quick access to internal components and maintenance.

Walk-in Tubs

The walk-in tub provides a straightforward solution that combines safety and invigorating hydrotherapy for elders or anyone with limited mobility. A walk-in bathtub can be put in a regular bathtub space and is available in a number of useful sizes. The bathtub has a built-in seat that is comfy and chair-height as well as a grab bar for enhanced safety. Jacuzzi provides a walk-in bathtub with their revolutionary PointPro jet technology, which combines high-volume, low-pressure pumps with an ideal water-to-air ratio to massage the body softly yet thoroughly.  They are entirely adjustable and positioned in exact ways to provide a therapeutic massage. The walk-in bathtub from American Standard comes with choices like an air spa, a whirlpool, and combined massage systems. A powerful pump integrated into the tub's unique Quick Drain function allows bath water to be drained in under two minutes.

From what is presented above, buying the best bathtubs involves lots of planning and decision making. There’s a lot of information to take in, but we’ve summarized what we think are most important for you to know. In the long run, understanding the details of purchasing a bathtub will be worth it so there’s no regret later down the road.