Today, in the sanitary ware market, you can find bathtubs made of a variety of materials — cast iron, acrylic or steel. Steel structures are significantly cheaper than acrylic and weigh much less than cast iron baths. Quality steel products are in high demand. However, they should be chosen according to certain rules — then the bath will last a long time, it will retain a pleasant appearance, and so on. Therefore, we decided to start our review of the best steel baths of the year with the rules for choosing such products.
What do you pay attention to when buying a steel bath?
A steel bath can be made from stainless or ordinary metal. Products made of stainless steel are much more expensive, but users may not be afraid of corrosion. In addition, such material is absolutely safe for human health. Bathtubs made of ordinary steel are much more widespread; they have an enamel coating that facilitates operation and maintenance of the structure. However, an important point must be taken into account: over time, the bath may lose its original appearance, so after each bath or shower, the inner surface should be rubbed to a shine.
The average service life of the model directly depends on the thickness of the metal from which it is made. Almost all modern designs are produced using stamping technology, thanks to which, regardless of the presence of bends, the thickness of the material is maintained around the entire perimeter.
Steel baths have a lot of positive qualities — first of all, they weigh very little (as a rule, this figure does not exceed 50 kg), so they can be easily transported from one place to another, installation can be done independently, without involving someone more. Steel bathtubs are quite durable, differ in insignificant porosity, unlike cast iron. If you follow all the rules of operation, then the design can last at least 30 years.
Steel bath perfectly withstands significant temperature changes, hot water. It heats up almost instantly, but also cools down pretty quickly. If the model has various electrical elements such as a hot tub, then it must be connected to the grounding system without fail. The thickness of the walls of the bathtub is such that under the influence of water and the mass of the human body, they can begin to deform over time, so you should choose products equipped with additional stiffeners that will protect the model from the occurrence of such a defect.
When developing our review of the best steel bathtubs, we took into account feedback from users and professional plumbers, so only the highest quality models are included in our rating. In addition, we took into account the price-quality ratio of the equipment. We hope that after reading the review, you will be able to make the right choice and buy yourself a steel bath at a reasonable price that will last you a long time. So, let’s move on to our review of steel bathtubs.
The best models of steel bathtubs
10. Kaldewei Form Plus 310-1
This model is made in Germany, which immediately indicates a fairly high quality product. The enamel here is polymeric, can withstand decent physical exertion during the entire period of operation, if necessary, it can be easily cleaned with any detergent. According to users, dirt accumulates on this enamel much faster than on cast iron, but cleaning does not take much time. The manufacturer provides a 10-year product warranty.
Heat for a steel bath holds pretty well, heats up very quickly. Enamel does not have a corrugated surface, so you need to be careful in the bath, as it is slippery. There are no sides, so there is a high probability that water can spill onto the floor. Frame not included — must be purchased separately. The color of the enamel is preserved for a long time, does not turn yellow. The wall thickness is not the largest — only 2.3 mm, weight is 40 kg — it is quite possible to lift and move alone.
Advantages:
- Acceptable price;
- Insignificant mass;
- polymer enamel.
Flaws:
- Lack of sides;
- Made from thin sheet steel.
Kaldewei Form Plus 310-1
9. Roca Swing 180×80
This is a very economical model, which will cost about 10 thousand rubles. It is ideal for a small bathroom. The design provides for chrome-plated handles, which greatly facilitate the operation of the product — due to them, even a rather overweight person can easily rise to his full height in it. The height of the product can be changed due to the special legs that come with the kit. However, here you should be as careful as possible, since they are fixed with double-sided tape, so if you leave the bath just on its legs, then there is a high probability that the model will simply turn over.
The bottom has a special anti-slip coating, thanks to which the feet will adhere well to it even when the bath is fully filled. The depth of the bowl is 43.2 cm — the whole body can be immersed in the bath. Capacity of about 240 liters: the design is quite spacious and due to such a large volume it will retain heat much better. On the outer side there is an additional stiffening rib that does not allow deformation of the model during direct operation.
Advantages:
- There are comfortable handles made of chrome-plated steel;
- Virtually silent during water collection;
- Enamel does not turn yellow during operation;
- Acceptable price;
- The bottom has an anti-slip coating;
- Large capacity.
Flaws:
- The enamel is quite thin, it must be handled very carefully;
- Water is drawn for a long time;
- The legs need to be further strengthened;
- Non-original design.
Roca Swing 180×80
8. BLB Universal HG B70H
This design of the Portuguese company, which has been on the market for a very long time — experts say that the products of this company are one of the highest quality among all available for sale. Not only in the enamel, but also in the steel itself, special polymer compounds have been added, which can significantly reduce the noise of the bath during water intake. Enamel is baked at a high temperature, giving it extra strength. It does not turn yellow over time, it will please the eye for a long time.
The sides of the bath are wide enough, you can put all the necessary hygiene products on them so that they are always at hand. It is made from a thick steel sheet (about 4.5 mm), therefore it has a decent mass — its weight is about 50-60 kg. It is problematic to install such a bath alone, but, nevertheless, it weighs much less compared to a cast-iron structure. In addition to adding polymer compounds during production, the manufacturer glues additional soundproofing plates on the outside. All corners are streamlined, there are no protruding sharp parts, so the model is absolutely safe in terms of operation.
Advantages:
- Subject to the installation technology, the model practically does not make noise;
- Covered with high quality enamel;
- The initial water temperature lasts about 30 minutes — according to this indicator, this model is as close as possible to acrylic bathtubs.
Flaws:
- Slippery bottom;
- Quite heavy, difficult to install alone;
- The legs will need to be further strengthened.
Bathtub BLB Universal HG B70H
7. Bette Ocean 180×80
It is a freestanding design, ideal for installation in a small bathroom. The model is characterized by a high level of strength, the enamel is durable, able to maintain its original luster during the entire period of operation. It is perfectly smooth, so it is quite easy to care for it, however, the manufacturer does not recommend using powder products to clean it because of the abrasive materials they contain. The bath is perfect for both bathing and showering. Its depth is decent — it is about 45 cm, thanks to which even a tall person can comfortably sit in it.
The bottom is equipped with an anti-slip coating that provides a high level of safety. The maximum capacity of the structure is 235 liters, due to which the water will cool rather slowly. The bathtub is made of 4 mm steel, so it weighs a lot. Another original point associated with this product is the location of the drain and overflow — they are located in the central part of the bath, when in most other designs these systems are located on one of the end parts.
Advantages:
- original appearance;
- Thick steel;
- Anti-slip coating.
Flaws:
- High price;
- Flimsy legs;
- Noisy.
Bette Ocean 180×80
6. Antika 170
Produced by a domestic company, it is not too expensive — this is one of the most economical models in our entire review of the best steel bathtubs. The bathtub bowl is made from cold-rolled steel sheet, the thickness of which is 2 mm. The enamel coating is applied in several stages, thanks to which such a surface becomes highly resistant to abrasive cleaners and even to food acids. The enamel is additionally covered with glass-ceramic, which is distinguished by the absence of pores and high elasticity, due to which microscopic cracks will not occur on it.
The bath perfectly tolerates the effects of hot water, as well as temperature changes. The design can be used not only for washing, it is allowed to wash clothes, wash street clothes, dye hair and so on. In this case, the coating will retain its original appearance. Included with this model are legs, and all the necessary drain and overflow fittings are also provided. Due to the fact that the product is made of steel with a thickness of 2 mm, it does not weigh too much. The width of the sides is small — only 2.5 cm, but this problem is easily solved by installing additional shelves, moreover, this design perfectly protects the floors from water ingress.
Advantages:
- Not slippery;
- Acceptable cost;
- High quality enamel.
Flaws:
- Makes a lot of noise when filling with water;
- You will have to additionally purchase a protective screen, since the attachment to the legs does not look very attractive.
Steel bathtub Antika 170
5. Donna Vanna white orchid 160×70
This model has an antibacterial coating, so it is allowed to bathe even infants in it. Bath does not require any special care. Comes with a sturdy and durable stand. It does not look very attractive from the outside, so it is advisable to buy an additional protective screen. It is mounted on a stand very firmly, does not stagger, does not require additional reinforcement. The bath is made of a sufficiently thick steel sheet — it will not bend under the weight of water and a person.
The enamel is scratch resistant. It has a uniform color, does not make too much noise during filling, there are no cracks and chips, and with careful handling do not occur during operation. Enamel perfectly withstands even aggressive detergents. There is no noise isolation, but the bath, as mentioned earlier, does not make too much noise. If this moment does not suit you, then soundproofing can be done independently, especially since the market has everything you need for this.
Advantages:
- Stable stand with adjustable height;
- The bathtub is not too heavy, easy to install;
- Antibacterial enamel coating;
- Not sensitive to temperature changes, not deformed.
Flaws:
- High thermal conductivity.
Donna Vanna white orchid 160×70
4. White Wave Classic 170×75
Inexpensive design that is perfect for most compact bathrooms including dorms, hospitals and other similar public facilities. Its shape is rectangular, the walls are vertical, there is an overflow system. Legs are included. The bottom is perfectly smooth, so you should be careful — there is a high probability of falling. Many users have solved this problem by laying a rubberized mat on suction cups. The side is horizontal, wide enough, does not allow water to drain onto the floor.
The design is made of metal, the thickness of which is 1.5 mm — the bathtub weighs only 40 kg, it can be easily lifted even by one person. The depth is less than average — only 38 cm, so it will be problematic for a tall person to take a full immersion bath.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Attractive appearance;
- Small price;
- Ease of installation.
Flaws:
- Thin walls;
- It makes a lot of noise.
White Wave Classic 170×75
3. Kaldewei SANIFORM PLUS 375-1 Easy-clean
This thick-walled model opens the top three — the walls are 3.5 mm thick. This allows you to significantly reduce the noise level and prevent deformation during the operation of the model. The manufacturer’s warranty is as much as 30 years. Overall dimensions — 175x75x40 cm. As you can see, it is slightly smaller in depth compared to the average. If desired, you can create additional soundproofing. People who already use this design recommend sticking a special car soundproofing.
This model comes with a metal frame with legs. The front cover is smooth, there are no scratches at all. The bottom does not have a corrugation or a special coating, so it is rather slippery — it is advisable to lay a bathing mat. Enamel over time will not absorb pollution, it can be washed even without the use of special products. Any plaque is removed with an ordinary soft sponge and warm water, in extreme cases, you can add laundry soap.
Advantages:
- The bathtub is covered with high quality enamel;
- Does not absorb pollution;
- Acceptable price;
- Resistant to chips and scratches;
- Minor weight.
Flaws:
- slippery;
- Not very deep.
Kaldewei SANIFORM PLUS 375-1 Easy-clean
2. BLB Atlantica B80A
The model is excellent value for money. This design is very convenient, reliable, with thick walls — more than 3 mm. The enamel is durable, will last a long time, resists abrasion well, and is insensitive to detergents. The bottom and walls have an anti-slip coating. The bathtub comes with chrome-plated stainless steel handles, which makes it even more comfortable. The legs are stable and adjustable, the design will not wobble.
Due to the decent thickness of the bath almost does not make noise. The enamel coating is a little soiled, but all dirt is removed very quickly. The manufacturer’s warranty is 5 years. The front surface perfectly withstands significant loads, impacts, does not scratch. All materials from which the model is made are absolutely safe for human health and can be disposed of after use.
Advantages:
- Large capacity;
- Very high quality enamel;
- The enamel has an anti-slip coating;
- Acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- Marked surface.
BLB Atlantica B80A
1. Roca Contesa 170×70
Recognized leader in the Russian market among steel bathtubs. First of all, this design is characterized by low weight — it weighs only 29 kg. If the dimensions of the bathroom do not allow such a long structure to be placed, then you can choose a more compact model — 150 cm. The capacity of the bath is 195 liters. The set comes with reliable legs that will not loosen during operation, they can be adjusted if necessary. The enamel is non-marking, but there is no anti-slip coating, so you need to use it carefully so as not to fall and get injured.
Advantages:
- Price;
- High quality;
- Attractive appearance coupled with modern design.
Flaws:
Roca Contesa 170×70
At the end of the video
Well, our review of the best steel baths of 2020 has come to an end. We hope that the information we have collected will be more than enough for you to determine which of the presented models will be the most suitable. If you have any questions, wishes, or you just decided with your experience in choosing and operating such products, then welcome to comment on our article. Your opinion is very important not only for us, but also for all other users who decide to read this rating.