The Best Walk-In Tub Manufacturers of 2024
If you’re hoping to age in place, then a walk-in tub is one of the best ways to make your home safe for the long haul. These bathroom fixtures, through a combination of low entry thresholds and nonslip surfaces, can prevent falls in the bathroom. As a caregiver, I have seen how walk-in tubs can both prevent injury and alleviate the stress that comes from bathing.
Through personal experience with my clients, as well as my own consultations with manufacturers, I’ve created this list of the best walk-in tub manufacturers, in which I’ve ranked my favorite brands by cost, installation, safety, and comfort.
Pro Tip: In case of falls in the bathroom, it’s always good to have a medical alert system. To learn more, read my guide to the best medical alert systems.
Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors in 2024
- Kohler : Best Designs
- American Standard : Best Range of Walk-In Tubs
- Safe Step : Best Therapeutic Options
Our Favorite Tubs Compared
|
Kohler
 |
American Standard
|
Safe Step
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating out of 5 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Approximate price range (includes installation) | $5,500-$33,000 |
$5,225 to $10,904 |
$7,500 to $13,000 |
| Standout features |
|
|
|
| Read More | Kohler Review | American Standard Review | Safe Step Review |
1. Kohler - Best Designs
What We Like Most:
- Safe water ozone cleaning system
- Quick drain
- Bath walls in many textures, patterns, and colors
- Multiple shower head options
Overview
Kohler proves that a walk-in tub doesn’t have to be an eyesore. My clients who are more concerned with interior design love the fact that they get to choose the color, texture, and pattern of their bathwalls, as well as the design of their showerhead on their walk-in tub/shower combos — be it modern, traditional, or contemporary. Of course, the walk-in tubs from Kohler still have those safety features I look out for, like grab bars and a three-inch step height, as well as therapeutic features like bubble and hydro-massage jets. Unfortunately, the information on Kohler’s website about specific models is lacking, but I can tell you that my most stylish clients love relaxing and taking care of themselves in their Kohler walk-ins.
Kohler’s walk-in tubs range in price from $5,500 for a standard tub, not including installation, all the way up to $33,000 for a premium tub with installation included. On its own, installation costs $2,500 to $8,000, and the tubs come with a lifetime limited warranty. Call 800-707-5276 to get a free quote from an authorized dealer. To learn more, read my review of Kohler walk-in tubs.
Pros
- Wide range of luxury features
- Fast fill and drainage systems
- Extra-wide doors
- Optional hydrotherapy and chromotherapy
- In-house installation
Cons
- Not available in all of the U.S.
2. American Standard - Best Range of Walk-In Tubs
What We Like Most:
- 44 air, water bubble, and hydro-massage jets
- Anti-slip floor and seat
- Lifetime warranty on parts and labor
- Hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy available
Overview
American Standard has nearly 40 different walk-in tubs to choose from, ranging in price from just over $6,000 to nearly $12,000. But whichever tub you choose, you’ll benefit from a lifetime warranty on parts and labor, just as you would with Kohler and Safe Step. Since American Standard is a manufacturer and not a direct-to-consumer company, you can buy it at third-party retailers. When I searched for my ZIP code in Portland, Oregon, I found four showrooms within 10 miles, but they’re also available from wholesalers and retailers. However, American Standard still does the installation, so you won’t have to worry about finding yet another third party to perform this service.
The model that my clients have had the most success with is the Gelcoat Value Series, which currently retails for $6,079. It has a ton of safety features that I look for, like a two-minute drain, a safety grab bar, and a built-in chair. However, it doesn’t skimp on the therapeutic elements of a tub, like whirlpool jets and air jets.
That being said, the company has some negative reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with overall ratings of 2.3 and 1.67 out of five stars, respectively. Many people had bad experiences with customer service, but unfortunately, that’s the case for most of the walk-in tub companies on the market. However, my clients had good experiences, so it really depends on the people you’re dealing with.
To get started with a tub from American Standard, you’ll have to find a showroom, retailer, or wholesaler near you on the company’s website. Or, if you want more information, you can read my American Standard walk-in tub review.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty on parts and labor
- Chromotherapy available in seven colors
- Quick drain
- Bubble and hydro-massage jets
Cons
- Negative customer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB
3. Safe Step - Best Therapeutic Options
What We Like Most:
- Aromatherapy, chromotherapy, bubble, and hydro-massage jets available
- Anti-scald technology
- Grab bars and a sanitary gel coat
- Four-inch step-in height
Overview
A walk-in tub should be safe, of course, but it should also be relaxing. If you want a spalike experience in the comfort of your home, consider Safe Step, which manufactures a luxurious walk-in tub with 10 hydro-massage jets and a handheld shower wand for maximum relaxation. Aside from hydrotherapy, my clients love using its chromotherapy and aromatherapy, especially after a hard day of aches and pains. There’s even a built-in bidet for those hard-to-reach places!
But all these therapeutic features don’t take away from the safety of Safe Step tubs, which have a four-inch step-in height, an anti-slip seat and floor, two grab bars, and anti-scald technology. You can read about more tubs in my Safe Step walk-in tub review.
Safe Step only has one true walk-in tub to choose from, although it also offers a hybrid tub with a showerhead if you like taking showers. That’s not quite the selection of a company like American Standard, but sometimes, having too many choices can be overwhelming. The total cost of the tub, including installation, ranges from $7,500 to $13,000, depending on which features you choose to include. That’s the highest starting cost on this list, but again, this tub is more of the luxury variety. Fortunately, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty and has more positive customer reviews than American Standard and Kohler. Customers gave the company a 3.5 rating on Trustpilot, praising its quick, professional installation and great customer service. To get started, you can either request a quote online, or call their sales team at 888-204-1402.
Pros
- Multiple jet and therapy options
- Safety features like grab bars and anti-slip floors and seats
- Shower wands available
- Built-in towel bars
Cons
- More costly than other brands
Honorable Mentions
None of these walk-in tubs made the list, but they could still work for certain groups of people.
- Ella’s Bubbles: While Ella’s Bubbles offers a variety of bathtubs for one or two people, it was less than transparent with its pricing information, requiring me to talk to sales agents just to get a price range. I prefer transparent pricing, but this could work for you if you prefer that personal touch. Just beware; if you don’t answer, the company will just keep calling!
- Amazon: Amazon really is the everything store, and has walk-in tubs starting at just $1,500, which is the lowest price I’ve come across. But keep in mind that once you buy the tub, you’re on your own in terms of installation, and the customer service experience may be less than ideal.
- Home Depot: Home Depot also offers a wide range of tubs starting at just $1,600. That being said, the company won’t carry the tub inside your home; it will only leave it on your curb, so getting it in your bathroom and installed may not be worth the headache.
- AmeriGlide: Also a manufacturer of stair lifts, AmeriGlide offers both walk-in tubs as well as conversion kits, an alternative that can convert your existing tub into a walk-in version. However, looking at the fine print of the warranty, I was a bit disappointed that there was only a lifetime warranty on the door seals, and a 10-year warranty on the tub itself. I prefer tubs with a lifetime warranty on all parts, not just the door seals.
How We Chose the Best Walk-In Tubs
To evaluate each walk-in tub manufacturer, I used the following criteria:
- Cost: There’s no way around it; a walk-in tub will cost you several thousand dollars at a minimum. However, I looked for companies that cut costs where possible and gave preference to those who included installation in their estimates.
- Installation assistance: Ideally, the company should do the installation for you from start to finish. A lower-priced tub may seem like a bargain, but keep in mind that you’ll have to find people to install it and pay them handsomely.
- Safety features: Ultimately, a walk-in tub is meant to keep its bathers safe, so I looked for low entry thresholds, anti-slip surfaces, and ergonomic seats.
- Comfort features: Safety aside, many of my favorite walk-in tub manufacturers implemented luxurious features like chromotherapy, heated seats, and quick-acting drains.
- Customer reviews: Of course, I value the experiences of my clients, which is why I picked the top three companies that I did. These companies were the most reliable and provided safe bathtubs that kept seniors in their homes rather than in nursing homes.
What Is the Purpose of a Walk-In Tub?
A walk-in tub makes bath time much easier and safer for anyone with mobility issues, including seniors. Climbing in and out of a standard bathtub can be risky for anyone who suffers from balance problems, joint problems, stiffness, or weakness. It’s all too easy to lose balance and fall, which could result in bruises or even broken bones. A walk-in tub is much easier and safer to get into.
FYI: While Medicare won’t pay for some of the costs of a walk-in tub, there are other forms of financial assistance available. To learn more, check out my guide to paying for a walk-in tub.
What to Look for in a Walk-In Tub
A good walk-in tub should have the following safety features:
- Anti-scald systems: Anti-scald shower heads regulate the temperature of the water coming out of the showerhead or faucet, even if someone turns a tap on or switches on a water-using appliance elsewhere in the house. This is vital to protect delicate skin from burns.
- Anti-slip surfaces: Slips and falls are a risk for elderly people. Walk-in tubs should come with anti-slip floors and seats to help reduce the risk of falls.
- Quick-drain systems: Look for a quick-release drain feature that lets the bath user (or a caregiver or EMT) hit a button and drain the bath rapidly to prevent accidental immersion. Quick drain systems also make waiting for the bath to drain more comfortable, as users don’t have to sit for a long time before opening the door to leave.
- Grab bars: Many seniors are a little unsteady, especially when entering or exiting a tub or moving from a sitting to standing position. Check for ample safety bars for users to grab.
The above-listed safety features are a must. I also recommend you look out for:
- Low threshold: Many users who choose a walk-in tub do so because climbing into a standard tub is hard for them. Look for a low threshold to make sure the walk-in tub is easy to enter.
- Extra-wide door: A wider door makes it easier to get in and out of the tub, especially for larger users, or those who suffer from stiffness or pain in their hips.
- Self-cleaning systems: No one wants a buildup of mold or harmful bacteria in the water lines! Check that the system you choose is self-cleaning to keep water lines flushed and hygienic.
- Leakproof door seals: Any good tub should have a leakproof door seal with a lifetime guarantee to prevent bathroom flooding.
- Lifetime guarantee: A walk-in tub is a considerable investment. Be sure when purchasing yours that you’re guaranteed for life in case of any problems.
Easy-to-use buttons: Check out the controls on your tub of choice and make sure they’re easy to press, even for arthritic hands.
What Are the Different Types of Walk-In Tubs?
There are several kinds of walk-in tubs to suit different budgets and needs. Here are the most common:
- Inward swinging door: These are the most common walk-in tubs for home use, as they tend to be both the cheapest and the best to look at. For general use for an older adult with no special requirements (such as needing an extra-large or wheelchair-accessible tub), these are a good choice.
- Outward swinging door: While not as common as an inward swinging door, an outward swinging door is safer and easier for people with restricted mobility.
- Bariatric tubs: Bariatric walk-in tubs are made for those who weigh 300 pounds or more. They’re very similar to inward swinging tubs and have all the same safety features, but are larger and sturdier with a wider entrance.
- Wheelchair-accessible tubs: Also known as slide-in tubs, these walk-ins have a wider entrance and no step to climb over, making them ideal for wheelchair users who can be helped from their chair and into the seat. They’re larger and more expensive and take up more space due to their outward opening door, but for wheelchair users, they make bath time much simpler.
How to Choose a Walk-In Tub
With so many options to choose from, deciding on a walk-in tub can seem challenging, but if you follow these steps, it will seem much less daunting.
- Figure out what you need: Start by taking note of your loved one’s specific needs and conditions. Do they need a wheelchair-accessible or bariatric tub? Which safety features are a must for them?
- Figure out what you want: Once you know the size and shape of the tub you need, you can consider which extra features, such as massage or hydrotherapy, would be good for your loved one to have. Also keep in mind the maximum amount you’re willing to spend, which could affect these extras.
- Shop the market: Shop around and figure out which tubs tick off all your needs and still fit your budget.
With so many choices on the market, you are sure to find the best walk-in tub for the senior in your life. You can also read my guide on buying a walk-in tub to kick-start your process.
