Safe Step vs. Kohler Walk-In Tubs
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April 7, 2025
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According to a 2024 AARP survey, approximately three-quarters of Americans over 50 would prefer to remain in their current homes as they age. This growing “aging-in-place” trend has increased demand for home modifications like walk-in tubs that enhance bathroom safety while maintaining seniors’ independence.
When considering walk-in tubs, two popular manufacturers stand out: Safe Step and Kohler. While Safe Step emphasizes customizable therapeutic options and safety features, Kohler delivers premium design, comfort, and a reputation for luxury bathroom fixtures. This article compares these leading walk-in tub providers to help you determine which one better suits your needs.
Key Findings
- Kohler walk-in tubs range in cost from $5,500 to $33,000, and this includes installation.
- 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.
- Both companies provide comprehensive installation services, handling the removal of your old tub and connecting plumbing.
- Safe Step offers a more extensive lifetime warranty covering more components and labor than Kohler’s limited lifetime warranty.
FYI: If you’re researching various walk-in tub options, check out our comprehensive guide to the best walk-in tubs available today.
Kohler vs. Safe Step Comparison Table
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|---|---|---|
| Editor's Ratings | ||
| Feature | ||
| Step-in threshold | 3 inches | 4 inches |
| Price range (with installation) | $5,500 to $33,000 | $7,500 to $13,000 |
| Manufacturing location | Not specified | Made in the U.S. (Tennessee) |
| Warranty coverage | Limited lifetime on tub; 1 year on parts | Lifetime on tub, parts, and labor |
| Door width | 17.25 inches | Wide (exact measurement varies) |
| Jets | Adjustable water and air jets | 10 hydro-jets plus air jets |
| Showroom availability | Available through select retailers | No physical showrooms |
| Installation time frame | Typically one day | Typically one day |
| Anti-scald technology | On some models | Yes |
| Contact | ||
| Phone Number |
Call for best price:
800-985-2943 |
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| Website | See Pricing Links to Kohler |
Company Background and Reputation
Founded in 1873 in Wisconsin by Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler, Kohler began as a foundry producing steel and cast iron farming equipment. A decade later, the company expanded into plumbing fixtures and has since become one of the most respected names in bathroom and kitchen products worldwide. Their commitment to “gracious living” drives their design philosophy, combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality.
Safe Step, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, focuses exclusively on walk-in tubs and showers. Unlike many competitors who manufacture overseas, Safe Step produces all of their walk-in tubs in their Tennessee factory. This domestic manufacturing approach allows the company to maintain strict quality control standards while offering customizable products designed specifically for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
According to the Better Business Bureau, Safe Step maintains an A+ rating and scores 4.3 out of five stars on Consumer Affairs. Kohler, while not BBB accredited, holds a solid reputation in the home fixtures industry as well, although specific ratings for their walk-in tub division are harder to isolate from the company’s broader product lines.
Core Product Lines
Kohler offers several walk-in tub models designed to fit standard bathroom spaces:
- Standard walk-in tub: Kohler’s standard walk-in tub model measures approximately 60 inches long by 32 inches wide.
- Walk-in tub and shower combination: Tub and shower combinations include a showerhead for versatile bathing options.
- Two-seater walk-in tub: Two-person walk-in tubs feature dual seating for couples.
- Wheelchair-accessible tub: These models are designed with wider doors and better access for wheelchair users.
- Oversized (bariatric) tub: These larger models accommodate plus-sized individuals.
Safe Step’s product lineup includes three main categories:
- Walk-In Tubs: This basic model features low-entry thresholds and textured seating for safe, comfortable bathing.
- Walk-In Showers: This model eliminates high tub walls while providing traditional shower functionality.
- Hybrid Tubs: This model combines walk-in tub features with shower functionality for maximum versatility.
While Kohler emphasizes elegant design and premium materials, Safe Step focuses on customizable therapeutic features tailored to individual needs. Both companies prioritize safety, but their approaches to luxury and comfort differ slightly in execution.
Pro Tip: To learn more about specialized options like bariatric tubs for larger individuals, read our guide to bariatric walk-in tubs.
Safety Features
Both Kohler and Safe Step incorporate essential safety features; however, there are some key differences:
- Entry threshold heights: Kohler features an ultra-low, 3-inch step-in threshold, while Safe Step’s entry threshold is slightly higher at 4 inches. Low entry thresholds are key in reducing the risk of falls, which account for 80 percent of bathroom injuries, according to CDC data.
- Door design: Kohler offers an extra-wide 17.25-inch door with an airtight seal. Safe Step features wide doors with a no-strength locking handle specifically designed for those with arthritis or hand-strength limitations.
- Anti-slip surfaces: Both companies include textured flooring and seating. Kohler implements this across all models, while Safe Step extends the textured surfaces to both the floor and seat.
- Grab bars: Kohler includes handrails on both interior and exterior surfaces, with optional additional grab bars. Safe Step provides two strategically placed grab bars that are standard for all models. According to the National Institute on Aging, grab bars can prevent falls, particularly for seniors with mobility challenges.
- Drainage systems: Kohler’s fast-drain technology empties tubs quickly. Safe Step uses their Quantum Quick Drain System, which can drain a tubful of water in approximately three minutes.
Safe Step offers additional safety features, including:
- Anti-scald technology: This prevents water from becoming dangerously hot.
- Overflow drains: This prevents water spillage from overfilling the tub.
FYI: For more information about preventing bathroom falls, explore our aging-in-place guide with helpful tips for home modifications.
Comfort and Therapeutic Options
Both companies offer premium comfort features, although their therapeutic approaches differ:
- Hydrotherapy jets: Kohler provides adjustable water jets for massage of the back, leg, and foot. Safe Step includes 10 adjustable hydro jets that can target specific body areas.
- Air jets: Both companies offer air jet systems. Kohler’s creates thousands of tiny bubbles for a gentle, full-body massage effect, while Safe Step’s air jets assist with circulation and skin hydration.
- Heated surfaces: Kohler includes heated backrests, necks, and seats that use minimal energy (comparable to a standard light bulb). Safe Step provides heated seats and backrests that stay warm during filling and draining.
- Therapeutic add-ons: Both companies offer chromotherapy (light therapy) options. Safe Step’s system alternates between seven different colors. Both also offer aromatherapy systems, allowing for essential oil diffusion.
- Cleaning systems: Kohler uses a sanitary gel coat for easy cleaning, while Safe Step offers similar mold-resistant surfaces.
Installation Process
These companies’ installation approaches are remarkably similar. Unlike American Standard, which requires you to find your own contractor, both Safe Step and Kohler handle all aspects of installation, including plumbing and electrical connections. This full-service approach eliminates the need to hire separate contractors, streamlining the process for customers who may be intimidated by complex bathroom renovations.
According to Kohler, the company can install your walk-in tub in as little as one day. Safe Step makes similar claims. Ultimately, installation time will vary, predominantly based on your bathroom’s current setup.
Did You Know: For more guidance on updating your bathroom to fit your needs as you age, see our article on tips for buying a walk-in bathtub.
Warranty Comparison
Safe Step’s comprehensive warranty coverage offers a better value than Kohler’s.
Kohler provides a limited lifetime warranty on the walk-in tub shell, covering any manufacturing defects; however, this coverage doesn’t extend to the tub’s components and systems, which are protected by a more restricted one-year limited warranty. This means that after the first year of ownership, repairs or replacements for elements like faucets, jets, pumps, and electrical systems become the owner’s financial responsibility. Perhaps most notably, Kohler’s warranty doesn’t cover installation-related issues or labor costs for repairs, even during the initial warranty period.
Safe Step, by contrast, offers a significantly more comprehensive warranty that extends far beyond just the tub shell, encompassing the door seal, faucets, water pumps, heaters, and blowers for as long as you own the tub. This broader coverage protects the most critical mechanical and electrical components that are essential to the tub’s functionality and therapeutic benefits. Safe Step’s inclusion of lifetime labor coverage is even more impressive, meaning you’ll never pay for service calls or technician time for warranty-covered repairs. The only exception to their lifetime coverage is caulking, which carries a more limited two-year warranty due to its natural deterioration over time.
Did You Know: There are a variety of federal and state-based programs that offer financial assistance for the purchase and installation of a walk-in tub. Read our guide to walk-in tub financial assistance to learn more.
Cost Analysis
With each company offering a variety of models –– not to mention the cost of installation –– it’s difficult to make sweeping generalizations about pricing. That said, in most cases, Safe Step will offer the cheaper walk-in tubs.
With installation included, a Kohler walk-in tub can cost anywhere from $5,500 to $33,000, while Safe Step will cost anywhere from $7,500 to $13,000.
Kohler Pricing
| Type of Product/Service | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tub (standard features) | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Hydromassage Tub (with jets) | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Specialty Tub (combo, two-seater, etc.) | $2,500 | $15,000 |
| Premium Tub (all luxury features) | $7,000 | $20,000 |
| Accessories | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Installation | $2,500 | $8,000 |
| Total Range | $5,500 | $33,000 |
Safe Step Pricing
| Type of Product/Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Walk-In Tub | $2,500 to $8,000 |
| Walk-In Shower | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Hybrid Tub | $2,500 to $10,000 |
| Installation | $5,000+ |
| Total Range | $7,500 to $13,000 |
Safe Step currently offers several discounts:
- Up to $1,500 off plus a free showerhead (limited-time offer)
- Lowest price guarantee (refunds 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
Kohler provides less information about specific discounts, though they may offer promotions through authorized dealers.
According to data from Angi (formerly Angie’s List), the typical price range for walk-in tubs across all brands is $4,000 to $22,000, placing both companies within the expected market range, with Kohler extending into the premium segment.
Pro Tip: To learn more about walk-in tub pricing across different manufacturers, see our complete guide to walk-in tub costs.
Performance and Customer Experience
Customer feedback for both companies reveals some common themes:
Kohler
Customers frequently praise Kohler’s aesthetic appeal and build quality. The combination of safety features with elegant design makes these tubs particularly appealing to those who don’t want their bathroom to look “medicalized.” The ultra-low, step-in threshold receives particular praise from those with significant mobility challenges.
One reviewer from Indiana writes, “The product itself is very relaxing. I appreciate being able to just get in and out easily, keeping clean as the water drains. It fills up in about seven or eight minutes and drains in about five. The back and seat warming feature is excellent, keeping the water warm and preventing any chills. I really enjoy using the jets feature for a soothing experience. Regarding the filling and draining process, it’s fast. I usually stand until the water reaches my preferred level before sitting. The seat warming feature is a highlight; it keeps the seat cozy through the filling process.”
Safe Step
Safe Step customers consistently highlight the therapeutic benefits of their tubs, particularly the adjustable jets and heated surfaces. The no-strength locking handle receives special mention from those with arthritis or hand strength limitations. Many customers also praise the comprehensive warranty, noting that it provides peace of mind for a significant investment.
Reviewers also praise the professionalism of the installation process. Michael H from California noted, “The team took the time to explain every step of the process before beginning, ensuring we knew what to expect. . . Leonardo expertly ran a dedicated electrical line from our basement fuse box to the second-floor bathroom, and you’d never even know they had been there. By 5 PM EST, the job was done, and we were guided through every feature of our new tub.”
Conclusion and Recommendations
When choosing between Kohler and Safe Step walk-in tubs, your decision should be based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Overall, if you’re looking for the most luxurious tub experience, then Kohler will likely be the better option. If price is top of mind, however, Safe Step offers more affordable options.
Safe Step is the better choice if you:
- Want American-made products.
- Prefer a comprehensive lifetime warranty covering parts and labor.
- Need specific therapeutic features for medical conditions.
- Qualify for their health-condition related discounts.
- Value ease-of-use features like the no-strength locking handle.
Kohler is the better choice if you:
- Prioritize elegant design and premium aesthetics.
- Want the absolute lowest step-in threshold (3 inches).
- Prefer a well-established brand with a long history.
- Are looking for specific decorative elements to match your bathroom.
- Want to see products in person at select retailers before purchasing.
Both companies offer quality walk-in tubs with comprehensive installation services, making either a solid choice for improving bathroom safety while aging in place. Your final decision may come down to specific features, aesthetic preferences, or budget considerations.
FYI: If you’re concerned about bathroom safety beyond just bathing, consider exploring our guide to the best medical alert systems for additional protection against falls and emergencies.
Methodology
We evaluate walk-in tubs based on the following criteria:
- Safety features: We thoroughly assess safety elements, including low thresholds, grab bars, anti-slip surfaces, and emergency drainage systems. With one in four seniors falling each year, these types of safety features are essential in one’s bathroom.
- Comfort features: We examine therapeutic options like hydrotherapy, air jets, heated surfaces, and additional wellness features. These comfort elements often determine whether a tub merely provides functional bathing or delivers genuine relief for arthritis, circulation issues, and muscle pain.
- Installation process: Each company’s installation service is evaluated for comprehensiveness, efficiency, and professionalism. Companies that handle every aspect, from removing the old tub to completing the setup of the new one, typically receive higher ratings in our assessment.
- Pricing transparency: We analyze whether companies provide clear, up-front cost information and whether included features justify the price compared to their competitors. We appreciate manufacturers who offer straightforward pricing without requiring in-home consultations first.
- Warranty coverage: We examine the scope, duration, and specific inclusions of each warranty program. Comprehensive coverage reflects a manufacturer’s confidence in their product and significantly impacts long-term ownership costs and satisfaction.
- Customer reviews: We incorporate feedback from actual users through third-party review platforms to identify common satisfaction points and recurring issues. This real-world perspective ensures our assessment isn’t limited to manufacturer claims alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if a walk-in tub will fit in my bathroom?
Both Kohler and Safe Step design their tubs to fit in spaces previously occupied by standard bathtubs. Both companies provide free in-home consultations to assess your bathroom and recommend appropriate models. Kohler tubs typically measure around 60 inches long by 32 inches wide, while Safe Step offers several sizes ranging from 47 inches to 53 inches long and 28 inches to 31 inches wide.
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What is the difference between air jets and water jets?
Water jets (also called hydro jets) propel water with pressure, similar to a jacuzzi, providing a more forceful massage experience. They’re effective for targeting specific muscle groups and relieving tension. Air jets create thousands of tiny bubbles for a gentler, full-body massage experience. Many premium walk-in tubs, including models from Kohler and Safe Step, include both types of jets.
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How long does it take to fill and drain a walk-in tub?
Fill times depend on your home’s water pressure but typically range from six to 10 minutes. Drain times are more critical since you must wait for the water to empty before opening the door. Kohler’s fast-drain technology and Safe Step’s Quantum Quick Drain System both empty the tub in two to three minutes, significantly faster than standard bathtub drainage.
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Will my water heater handle a walk-in tub?
Walk-in tubs typically hold 40 to 80 gallons of water, while standard residential water heaters (with 40-to-50 gallon capacities) may not provide enough hot water to fill the entire tub. Kohler and Safe Step representatives can assess your current water heater during consultation and recommend solutions if needed, which might include installing a larger water heater or a tankless system.
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Does Medicare cover walk-in tubs?
Unfortunately, Medicare typically does not cover walk-in tubs as they’re considered “home modifications” rather than durable medical equipment. However, some Medicare Advantage plans might offer partial coverage. Additionally, some states provide home modification assistance through Medicaid waivers for qualified individuals.