Safe Step vs. American Standard
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March 21, 2025
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Three-quarters of Americans 50 and older would prefer to remain in their current homes for as long as possible, according to a 2024 survey from AARP. “Aging-in-place,” as it’s known colloquially, means staying in one’s home and community instead of moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. With accessible products like walk-in bathtubs, seniors can comfortably age in place while lowering their risks for falls.
When shopping for a walk-in tub in the U.S. market, two brands might come to mind: American Standard and Safe Step. While American Standard offers a remarkable 86 self-installed models plus three professionally installed models, Safe Step focuses on quality over quantity with customizable walk-in tubs, showers, and hybrid options.
In this article, we’ll compare the walk-in tubs from American Standard and Safe Step head to head, examining their features, safety elements, installation process, and costs to help you decide which company has what you’re looking for.
Key Findings
- American Standard offers nearly 90 walk-in tub models that range in cost from $5,700 to $14,800 (excluding installation for most models).
- Safe Step walk-in tubs cost between $2,500 and $8,000 for the tub itself, with total costs including installation ranging from $7,500 to $13,000.
- American Standard offers self-installed and professionally installed options, while Safe Step focuses exclusively on full-service installation.
- Safe Step includes a more comprehensive lifetime warranty that covers the tub, door seal, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers, and labor.
FYI: If you’re looking for walk-in tubs with more luxurious features, check out our rundown of the best overall walk-in tub manufacturers.
Company Background and Reputation
Founded in 1875 as the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, American Standard has a long history in the bathroom fixture industry. Over the company’s 150-year history, American Standard pioneered innovations like built-in tubs, mixed hot and cold water faucets, and one-piece toilets. Today, they offer a wide range of bathroom products, including toilets, showers, faucets, sinks, and, of course, walk-in tubs.
Safe Step, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is a more specialized company focusing exclusively on walk-in tubs and showers. While newer to the market than American Standard, Safe Step has made a name for themselves through their dedication to safety features and domestic manufacturing. All Safe Step tubs are made at their Tennessee factory, which the company claims allows for better quality control, responsiveness in service, and affordability.
On the website of Consumer Affairs, American Standard has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and they earned a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau. By comparison, Safe Step has a Consumer Affairs rating of 4.3 stars and a BBB rating of A+.
Core Product Lines
American Standard’s extensive lineup includes 86 self-installed tubs across three categories: acrylic, gel-coated, and safety tubs. The company also offers three “Liberation” models with professional installation, featuring 44 hydrotherapy jets, quick drainage, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy. These Liberation models vary primarily by size:
| Liberation model | 2848 | 3052 | 3260 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width in inches | 28 | 38 | 32 |
| Length in inches | 48 | 52 | 60 |
| Depth in inches | 37.5 | 40 | 37.5 |
Safe Step, by comparison, offers three main product lines:
- Walk-In Tubs: These feature low-entry thresholds and textured seating for comfortable, safe bathing.
- Walk-In Showers: These eliminate high tub walls while providing traditional shower functionality with optional shower wands.
- Hybrid Tubs: These combine a walk-in tub with shower functionality for maximum versatility.
Although American Standard offers more model options, Safe Step has only a handful of models that can be customized with additional features.
To learn more about our hands-on experience with each brand, read our American Standard walk-in tub review and Safe Step review.
Safety Features
Both American Standard and Safe Step prioritize safety, but they differ slightly in their approaches:
- Entry threshold heights: Safe Step tubs feature a low-entry threshold of 4 inches across all models. American Standard’s threshold heights vary by model.
- Door design and sealing mechanisms: American Standard offers both inward and outward-swinging doors, providing options based on bathroom layout and personal preference. Safe Step features wide doors and a no-strength locking handle that makes it easier to operate, particularly for those with strength issues.
- Anti-slip surfaces and texturing: Both companies include anti-slip surfaces. Safe Step provides textured floors and seats in all models; American Standard’s texturing varies by model, with the Liberation line featuring textured floors.
- Grab bars: Both companies include grab bars. Safe Step includes two grab bars with all tubs. American Standard offers various configurations depending on the model, with both internal and external bars available.
- Emergency drainage systems: Quick drainage is essential for walk-in tubs. American Standard’s Liberation tubs drain in under two minutes, while Safe Step tubs use Quantum Quick Drain Systems, which can drain a tub in about three minutes.
Safe Step offers some safety features other tub manufacturers don’t, such as:
- Anti-scald technology: This prevents the tub water from becoming too hot.
- Overflow drains: These prevent the tub from overfilling.
- Sanitary gel coats: This optional feature makes the tub resistant to mold and easy to clean.
FYI: One study found that injurious falls are almost 2.5 times more likely to occur in the bathroom, compared to the living room. This underscores the safety walk-in tubs can provide.
Comfort and Therapeutic Options
Both companies offer therapeutic features in all of their tubs, although the specifics differ slightly by model. Here are the most important features you can expect from each brand:
- Water and air jets: American Standard’s Liberation tubs feature 44 hydrotherapy jets (16 water, 28 heated air). Safe Step offers 10 hydro-jets that can be adjusted for speed and location to target specific body parts, plus additional air jets for increasing circulation and skin hydration.
- Heated surfaces and temperature maintenance: Both companies offer heated seats and backrests. American Standard’s Liberation tubs have an in-line heater to regulate temperature, while Safe Step’s heated seat and backrest keep you warm during filling and draining.
- Therapeutic add-ons: Both companies offer chromotherapy and aromatherapy options. Safe Step’s chromotherapy system alternates between seven different colors, while the aromatherapy system allows for the use of essential oils. Although little research supports the use of aromatherapy to reduce stress, several scents, including lemon, have demonstrated mood-boosting capabilities.
- Hand-shower options: Both companies offer hand-shower options and walk-in tub and shower combinations.
Installation
While American Standard requires self-installation on a majority of their models, Safe Step will install all of their models.
American Standard offers professional installation only with their three Liberation models. For the other 86 models, you’ll need to handle installation yourself or hire a contractor. The Liberation tubs are installed by the Safety Tube Company, which is affiliated with American Standard Brands. The process begins with an in-home evaluation to provide a price estimate.
Safe Step takes a more comprehensive approach to installation. The company handles the entire process from consultation to installation:
- A Safe Step specialist comes to your home for a free consultation.
- They assess your bathroom and help you select the appropriate model.
- The company removes your existing tub or shower as part of the installation.
This full-service approach can be particularly appealing to older adults who may not want to coordinate separate installation services. We also find it convenient to pay one company a lump sum to handle the entire process. Compare this to American Standard, which, depending on the tub, might require purchasing the fixture and hiring a contractor and plumber to install it properly.
Warranties Comparison
Warranties will vary slightly by the model, but Safe Step generally provides a more comprehensive warranty on their walk-in tubs.
American Standard provides a lifetime warranty on the tub shell and installation labor for their Liberation models. For their self-installed models, warranty coverage varies, and installation concerns are not typically covered. Components like faucets, seals, and motors generally have more limited warranty periods.
Safe Step offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Their lifetime warranty covers the following:
- The tub itself, including any manufacturing defects
- Door seals
- Faucets
- Water pumps
- Heaters
- Blowers
- Parts
- Labor
The only exception is caulking, which is covered by a more limited two-year warranty. This extensive coverage demonstrates Safe Step’s confidence in their products and provides significant value to consumers worried about potential repair costs.
Performance and Customer Experience
An analysis of customer feedback on online review sites revealed some notable differences between Safe Step and American Standard:
American Standard
One reviewer from Jacksonville, Alabama, praised both the low-pressure in-home estimate from American Standard and the installation process. She goes on to note: “As far as the tub, I love just sitting in there. I love changing the colors. It’s very relaxing. I’d had a Jacuzzi before, and it’s getting harder and harder to get in and out. So, that’s why we went this way and I couldn’t be happier. I’m very happy with the product. My mother is 98. She had not been able to get into a bathtub for years. So, she loves it.”
Other reviewers, like this one from Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, air frustrations related to American Standard’s use of third-party contractors, both for installation and warranty repairs. The reviewer writes, “Beware that American Standard uses outside contractors to do any and all warranty claim work. I have made several calls to American Standard repair number for warranty work to be done on our walk-in tub. We purchased the tub because of the Lifetime warranty and because of the safety getting in and out of the tub as seniors, We have been forced to use our guest bathtub with the unsafe high sides, because we can’t get anyone to get here to fix our walk-in tub.”
Safe Step
On the Consumer Affairs website, reviewers frequently praise the Safe Step installation process. One reviewer from Gilcrest, Colorado, writes, “The sales rep at Safe Step was nice and pleasant. My husband was very satisfied with his work. He talked to him in a language that he could understand. The installers were nice, too. I was shocked at how well they cleaned up after themselves. We had plaster downstairs and they cleaned up everything. You would never even know outside of having the hot tub in here that they were even here.”
A common critique of Safe Step tubs has been their lack of suitability for larger users. One reviewer from Kingman, Kansas, writes, “I saw the Safe Step Walk-In Tub on TV, however, after purchasing it, I’ve had some reservations. As a big guy standing 6’5″, I’ve found the tub a bit hard to get into because it’s not as spacious as I’d hoped. During the sales visit, the representative didn’t provide much insight into the tub’s dimensions, so I didn’t realize the size constraints until later. On the positive side, the installation was smooth and efficient; the installer did a great job, and it only took a day.”
If you’re looking for a larger walk-in tub, check out our rundown of the best bariatric walk-in tubs.
Cost Analysis
American Standard’s 86 self-installed tubs cost about $5,700 to $14,800, not including installation. Pricing is only available after an in-home assessment for the three Liberation tubs that include professional installation.
Safe Step’s pricing structure is a bit more transparent and standardized, as noted in the chart below.
| Product/service | Price range* |
|---|---|
| Walk-In Tub | $2,500-$8,000 |
| Walk-In Shower | $4,000-$10,000 |
| Hybrid Tub | $2,500-$10,000 |
| Installation | $5,000+ |
| Total | $7,500-$13,000 |
*The noted price ranges represent estimates. Actual costs will vary.
Safe Step currently offers several discounts:
- Up to $1,500 off plus a free showerhead (limited-time offer)
- Lowest price guarantee (will refund the difference plus $100 if you find a lower price)
- Discounts for people with specific health conditions ($750 per person or $1,500 per household)
- Discounts for AARP members, seniors, and veterans
American Standard offers third-party financing with any purchase of at least $10,000. If the loan is not paid within a year, the interest rate is 17.99 percent with a seven-year payment term.
Regarding warranties, American Standard provides a lifetime warranty on the tub itself as well as installation and labor for their Liberation models. Safe Step offers a more comprehensive lifetime warranty covering the tub, door seal, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers, parts, and labor, with only caulking limited to a two-year warranty.
Conclusion and Recommendations
If you’re looking for variety and potentially lower up-front costs with a DIY option, American Standard offers an extensive selection of 86 self-installed models, plus three professionally installed Liberation tubs with therapeutic features. If, however, you want a one-stop shop for walk-in tubs, then Safe Step will likely suit you better.
Safe Step is the better choice if you:
- Prefer a full-service experience with consultation and installation included.
- Value American-made products.
- Want a more comprehensive lifetime warranty.
- Have specific health conditions that qualify for their discounts.
- Prioritize ease-of-use features like the no-strength locking handle.
American Standard is the better choice if you:
- Want to see your tub in person before purchasing.
- Prefer to handle installation yourself or use your contractor.
- Need a specific size or configuration from their extensive lineup.
- Are looking for the most affordable option (Their self-installed models can be less expensive when factoring out installation costs.).