Compare our top 4 bariatric walk-in tub companies
Model | Safety Tub 6032 | Walk-in Bath | Big4One | Wide Deep |
Dimensions | 32” by 60” | 32” by 60” | 33” X 66” | 32” by 56” |
Seat width | 24.75” | 21.5” | 24” | 22” |
Capacity | 70 gallons | 80 gallons | 127 gallons | 80 gallons |
Threshold | 7” | 3” | 5” | 2.6” |
Luxury features | Dual massage system | Up to 27 air and hydro jets | Up to 16 air and 19 hydro jets | Water jets |
Customer satisfaction | Read reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
Safety Tub 6032 | 32” by 60” | 24.75” | 70 gallons | 7” | Dual massage system | |
Walk-in Bath | 32” by 60” | 21.5” | 80 gallons | 3” | Up to 27 air and hydro jets | |
Big4One | 33” X 66” | 24” | 127 gallons | 5” | Up to 16 air and 19 hydro jets | |
Wide Deep | 32” by 56” | 22” | 80 gallons | 2.6” | Water jets |
More details on our top bariatric walk-in tub companies
American Standard Walk-in Baths
- Bariatric model: Safety Tub 6032
- Financing: Yes
- Customizations: Door placement; acrylic or gelcoat finish
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Why we picked it
With its wide seat (24.75-inch) and door (18-inch), Safety Tub 6032 from American Standard is a good option for larger bathers. The tub, which is 32 inches wide, 60 inches long and 37 inches high, holds 80 gallons of water.
Included in the purchase are a patented door system technology, color-matched drain and overflow and a slip-resistant floor. The tub is available in the colors white and biscuit. Add-on options include a premium adjustable jet system, deluxe back massage, air bubble massage system and a fast-draining option.
The company also offers a design consultation and expert installation service.
What reviewers like
Overall, customers have a positive experience when working with American Standard to purchase and install their walk-in tubs. They often say the sales representatives were knowledgeable and helpful, and the installation teams were professional and efficient. Customers appreciate the safety and convenience of the walk-in tubs, as well as the jets, lights and aromatherapy.
Rhonda, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Texas, said: “We needed something that was large enough to accommodate and that wasn't a fly-by-night organization. We had a wonderful experience with American Standard all the way around. Our sales guy took the time to walk us through the process and really take a look at the area, what requirements we would have, what limitations he saw if any, and any additional accommodations. ... He was fantastic. The same can be said about the installer. Everybody's using the tub. My 35-year-old son came over to our house. He is 6'4 and he went, ‘I fit in this tub. I'm taking a bath.’"
Stewart, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Illinois, said: “I like the width of the seat of American Standard. Most of the tubs are only 17, 18 inches wide. The American standard tub seat is 25 inches wide. I got this for my wife and she's fairly large, and those smaller tubs, she just would not have been able to fit in. The sales rep did a good job presenting it and what our options were. The quality of work done by the installers was very good too.”
What to consider
At 5 inches, the threshold step into the tub is one of the highest of the four that we’ve selected. If you have mobility issues, it’s important to take that into account before committing to the American Standard bariatric option. Some customers also noted that due to the size, they had to upgrade their hot water heater, and some faced minor issues with installation.
Kohler Walk-In Bath
- Bariatric model: Walk-in Bath
- Financing: Yes
- Customizations: Door placement; tub color; background color; shelf, tray and grab bar add-ons
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Why we picked it
The bariatric tub from Kohler makes a good choice for larger bathers. The dimensions of the Walk-in Bath are 32 inches by 60 inches and the seat and door width is 21.5 inches. It holds 80 gallons of water.
Kohler walk-in tubs in general offer extra deep bathing seats, easy-to-reach controls, a multifunction hand shower and heated backrests (with three heat level settings). The tubs also have easy-to-grip handrails and feature a fast-drain technology Kohler calls exclusive.
What reviewers like
Kohler customers like the brand's trustworthiness and the quality of its products. They appreciate the convenience and safety features like the jets and heated seats.
Barbara, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Texas, said: “I liked the width of the base of the door where it was wider than some of the others are because my husband at 13 feet has very large size. It has a little bit of an exceptionally high cost but I have to agree with that. The quality of the walk-in bath is very good. I really enjoy it."
What to consider
In terms of luxury features, this tub offers up to 27 air and hydro jets. Kohler was our top pick overall on our walk-in tubs guide, and it ranks high for a reason. Kohler makes high-quality, reliable products. That quality comes at a price, though. If you’re looking for a very basic model, you may want to consider a different company. Kohler offers financing options and often runs promotions on its site, so ask your representative about discounts.
Ella's Bubbles
- Bariatric model: Big4One
- Financing: Yes
- Customizations: Door and drain placement; therapy options
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Why we picked it
We chose the Big4One from Ella’s Bubbles because this bariatric walk-in tub accommodates big and tall bathers who are up to 7 feet tall. The tub also offers an extended seat with a roomy interior which, according to the company, allows bathers to recline.
Big4One comes fully equipped with air and hydro jets, including an independent foot massage pump and a bidet feature, Tanner Tattini, an Ella’s Bubbles chief sales and marketing manager, shared.
As an add-on, you can purchase microbubble therapy, which turns the water cloudy with tiny bubbles and is meant to “penetrate” the skin’s pores and exfoliate them. Heated seats and backrests are another add-on option that can help keep a bather warm while the tub is filling and draining.
What reviewers like
Many customers appreciate the variety of sizes and features offered by Ella's Bubbles, as well as the competitive pricing. The sales representatives are often described as helpful and knowledgeable. Overall, customers are satisfied with the tubs and enjoy the features and functionality they provide.
Donna, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Illinois, said: “I also liked the price compared to the other ones and with Ella's Bubbles, there was a variety of sizes that I could choose from. I was looking for something that was wide and long enough for my husband after he had hip surgery. I liked some of the width that some other companies had but they didn’t have so many sizes to offer.”
What to consider
According to the company website, before purchasing the tub, make sure the seat fits you. The seat length of the Big4One is 21 inches, so your measurement should be at least 21 inches or more. To measure this, Ella’s Bubbles suggests you sit in a chair and measure the distance in a straight line from the bottom of the chair’s backrest to the bottom of your knee.
Another thing to consider is the size of your bathroom door to ensure the tubs can be moved into your bathroom to install, explained Tattini. The smallest dimension on the Big4One is 33 inches, so you want to make sure your doorway is at least 33 inches wide, and most are, he said.
If you’re an extra tall bather — say 6 feet, 7 inches or taller — you may want to consider a new bariatric model, The Shak, which provides an extra six inches of legroom.
Boca Walk-In Tubs
- Bariatric model: Wide Deep
- Financing: Yes
- Customizations: Door placement; tub/faucet colors; rainfall showerhead; bidet
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Why we picked it
We chose the Wide Deep model from Boca Walk-in Tubs because of its low, 2.6-inch step-in and its door width of 22.3 inches. In general, Boca offers step-in heights between 2 and 3 inches, which are among the lowest in the industry and good for those who have mobility issues.
What reviewers like
Boca customers appreciate the knowledgeable and helpful sales representatives who explain the product and its features. The installation process is efficient and professional, with installers completing the job in a timely manner. Customers enjoy the low step-in height as well as the jets, aromatherapy and heated seats.
Bradley, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Virginia, said: “I have used that tub one time and I enjoyed it then. But my wife uses it most of the time and she loves it. Her leg had been broken and she couldn't lay down in a regular tub. To get up, she would need my arm to pull herself up. But now, she can get in and out, sit on that thing and take her own bath.”
What to consider
According to its website, all Boca walk-in tubs undergo rigorous quality control testing. The company has lifetime warranties for tub parts and components, but the one-year labor warranty only applies if you use a factory-trained installer. Be sure to work with Boca to find a qualified installer if you want to be eligible for the labor warranty.
What is a bariatric walk-in tub?
A bariatric walk-in tub is an easy-access bathtub that has a door and seat and is designed to hold large bathers over 300 pounds. In addition to a wide tub frame, these tubs typically have wide doors and wide seats. Many models are also wheelchair accessible. Since most walk-in tubs can only accommodate people who weigh 300 pounds or less, these tubs provide a safe and relaxing option for large bathers.
Bariatric walk-in tub features
Bariatric walk-in tubs have many of the same features as traditional walk-in tubs, including a door with a low threshold, an ADA-compliant seat, a nonslip floor and optional massage jets. The main difference is the tub’s size, which isup to 50% larger than a traditional walk-in tub. The large space, wide seats and wide doors allow large bathers toenter and exit the tub safely and comfortably.
Pros and cons of oversized walk-in tubs
Bariatric walk-in tubs have excellent benefits, but they may not work for everyone.
Pros
- Wide doors and low thresholds for safe entering and exiting
- Space for comfortable and safe bathing
- Optional massage features for joint and muscle relief
Cons
- May not fit into existing tub space
- Use a lot of water
- More expensive than traditional walk-in tubs
When shopping for a bariatric walk-in tub, choose a company that performs an in-home consultation before you purchase the tub. These consultations let you know if your existing space can accommodate a large tub and what construction needs to be done to ensure safe installation.
» RELATED: Pros and cons of walk-in tubs
How much do bariatric tubs cost?
Walk-in tubs manufactured by medium to high-end companies that offer lifetime warranties tend to run about $15,000 to $20,000, according to Dominic Telymonde, vice president of sales at Boca Walk-in Tubs. That does not include the cost of installation. Walk-in tub installation costs range from about $2,500 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of the job.
Is installing a bariatric tub different from other tubs?
“They are very similar, they are just taller, and require a little bit more work for the install,” Jamin Katzer, senior construction manager at Earth Saving Solutions in Denver, Colorado, said in an email. “The only major difference would be adding support for the additional weight that the bariatric tub would need,” he said, adding that could be easily satisfied.
» READ MORE: Best cheap walk-in tubs
Bottom Line
Bariatric walk-in tubs allow anyone with limited mobility to enter and exit their tub safely. These large tubs are designed for people who weigh up to 600 pounds and are a great choice if you’re looking for a safe bathing experience with extra space. Though these tubs typically cost more than a standard tub, they can be worth it for their ability to accommodate weight better than most walk-in tubs.
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