In 2023, shopping for bathtubs in an already saturated market can be pretty overwhelming, at least it was for me the first time I had to and that was when there were a lot fewer options. And just like you, I searched online and offline for the bathtub that’d be just right for me and I got lost along the way.
Also, just like you, I checked a couple of online guides to make the decision less of a task and a lot of them were pretty complex and/or vague. Fast Forward a couple of years later and I decided to write a buyer’s guide that simplifies the process for first-timers and the less experienced shoppers.
What to Look out for when Shopping for the Best Bathtubs in 2022
Since there’s an infinitely long list of bathtubs to choose from, particularly in 2022 where new products are pumped into the market daily, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up making the wrong pick.
So, make sure you get your money’s worth, there are certain features to look out for before you decide to make the purchase.
Type
The type of bathtubs available include:
- Standard bathtubs
- Freestanding tubs
- Clawfoot tubs
- Soaking tubs
- Whirlpool tubs
- Walk-in tubs
Your choice would depend on the intended use, available bathroom space, and the design theme you’re going for. For instance, standard tubs would be suitable for the shopper with limited space who is going for something not-too-fancy but that is a little bit heavy on aesthetics.
Pictures of the different types of available bathtubs are available all over the web, so make sure you check before clicking the purchase button.
Material
The material used for the construction of the bathtubs determines not only the price but also the durability, weight, and ease of installation. For instance, acrylic and fiberglass tubs being the most popular on the market are completely waterproof, lightweight, durable, easy to install, and more affordable than their steel counterparts which are heavy and may have a complicated installation process.
Other materials (even though rare) include copper, stone, and marble. These may be too expensive for the average user.
Size
As was mentioned previously, bathtubs come in different sizes. However, the choice of size of the bathtub should not be a difficult one to make as all you need to know is the available space you have in your bathroom and your intended use.
Ensure you use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of the spot you intend to place it and that of the doors the bathtub would have to squeeze through before getting in. The last thing you want is to get a bathtub that can’t even get into the bathroom.
Intended usage
What do you plan to use it for? What is the estimated number and age of people that are going to make use of it? The answer to these questions heavily influences your final decision.
For instance, if you have a family with small children in it, you would want to go for a highly durable material like steel that can withstand the rigors of family life and that is shallow enough for the lids to easily climb in and out of. Likewise, if you plan to use it for personal reasons like a home spa, a deeper tub or a whirlpool tub would suffice.
Additional features
Since the market is highly competitive, manufacturers are doing their best to give you more for a lot less. This is seen in most modern bathtubs as some of them come equipped with additional features that make the installation and day-to-day usage more convenient.
- Built-in overflows
- Pre Drilled tubs
- LED lights
- Remote-controlled features
- A bath pillow
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Bathtubs in 2022
1. Ferdy Boracay Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub
Simplistic, yet packs a punch. This bathtub from Ferdy sits comfortably at the top of this list for a reason you’re about to find out shortly.
It comes in a pretty (but safe) oval shape which can prevent or reduce the incidence of corner-related injuries. Also, being a freestanding bathtub makes installation a breeze. If these and the features listed below are more of your cup of tea, which is the case for most single people (or at least people without small kids).
Features
- Acrylic/polyethylene/Fiberglass material
- Modern style
- Oval shape
- 67.72*28.74*28.94 inches
- Double-walled insulation
- Freestanding design
Pros
- Easy to install
- Simplistic yet aesthetically pleasing
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- Increased height suitable for deep soaking
Cons
- Depth is not suitable for a family with small children
2. Empava Acrylic Alcove Whirlpool Bathtub
She sits pretty in whatever bathrooms she graces. These bathtubs from the people over at Empava blend beauty with functionality and durability seamlessly.
With its contemporary design and ¼ glass wall, the Alcove is ideal for the individual who wants a reasonably-sized, reasonably-priced, premium-looking bathtub that would serve for the near and distant future.
Features
- Fiberglass/acrylic material
- Contemporary design
- Rectangular shape
- Whirlpool type
- 59.49*29.53*22.05 inches
- Hydrotherapy massage feature
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
- Spacious
- Durable build
Cons
- The corners may not be too safe for children
3. Vanity Art Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub
By now you can tell I’m biassed towards bathtubs with simple designs and I know there are a lot of people out there with similar preferences. This however did not take away the objectivity that was put into the selection of thus bathtubs as the third and final item on this list.
This bathtub is easy to set up and also because of its simplistic design it is suitable for a wide array of bathroom designs, including modern, midcentury, industrial, etc. This is suitable for the space-conscious shopper who still wants a safe, durable bathtub that is not a hassle to install or clean.
Features
- Acrylic/fiberglass/Resin material
- Rectangular freestanding design
- Contemporary style
- 59*29.5*24 inches
Pros
- Simple yet esthetic
- Little to no installation is required
- Easy to clean
- Durable, insulating material
- Lightweight
Cons
- Could be more spacious
- Height unsuitable for small children
Summary
Getting a bathtub for your new apartment doesn’t always have to be a highly demanding task. This review/ guide listicle was aimed to summarise the thought processes involved when deciding on this new bathroom furniture in 2022.
