A cast-iron bathtub is a classic version of this plumbing product. Despite the fact that on sale today there are designs made of other materials, for example, from acrylic or steel, cast iron is still quite popular. This is associated with a number of advantages of such equipment: first of all, a bathtub made of cast iron has a high level of strength, which ensures a long period of operation, which can reach about 50 years. It is impossible to damage or bend. Also, such a bath is characterized by a high level of stability, it has low thermal conductivity, so the water in it will cool much more slowly.
Our review today is dedicated to cast-iron bathtubs, however, before moving on to reviewing the best models, we decided to help you with a series of tips regarding the selection of such products. The fact is that the choice of bath should be approached strictly individually. It is not a fact that the model you like is suitable specifically for your bathroom in terms of dimensions or other parameters, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the rules for choosing a bathtub made of cast iron.
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when buying a cast-iron bathtub?
All such constructions are divided into three main groups - built-in, attached and detached. The first variety, due to the peculiarities of its design, is best suited either for a private house, or for the first floors of an apartment building. It will have to be installed with the participation of a professional. Attached models can be rectangular, rounded, there are also designs with a cut end - they are attached to one of the walls of the room. Separate ones are flat-bottomed, there are products installed on legs or special reinforced supports. They can even be placed in the middle of the bathroom.
There are quite a lot of colors and shapes of cast-iron bathtubs today - you can choose according to your taste, and experts recommend purchasing a model of such a color so that it fits organically into the interior of the room. According to the shape of the product are rectangular, square, round, oval, triangular and so on. The location of the drain also plays an important role, since proper connection to the sewer will ensure that there is no moisture in the bathroom.
Our review includes only the most famous models produced by reliable manufacturers who have long been engaged in the production of these products. When developing the rating, we took into account the opinions of specialists, user reviews, as well as the price-quality ratio of the design. We hope that after reading our article you can easily choose the most suitable model for yourself.
The best cast-iron bathtubs of the year
10. Station wagon VCh-1500 Nostalgia
Our rating is opened by one of the most compact models that can only be found on the Russian market. Due to its modest dimensions, this bathtub fits perfectly into the interior of even a small room - it is only 150 cm long and 70 cm wide. The maximum capacity is 196 liters, the mass of the product is 96 kg - it cannot be installed alone because of such a large weight, however, this parameter is significantly less than other models, which will be discussed later.Despite not modest dimensions, even a tall adult will feel very comfortable in it.
The model refers to freestanding structures, but most users prefer to install it near one of the walls. It is designed in a classic style, covered with a traditional layer of enamel, which is applied in layers, so that it is not subject to damage during use. Soundproofing is good here, there is no need to additionally cover it with soundproofing materials, unlike metal products.
Benefits:
- Compactness;
- Superior roominess;
- Significant depth;
- Enamel of one color, does not change color during operation;
- Not too wide side.
Disadvantages:
- The bottom is quite slippery, to ensure safety, you will need to additionally put an anti-slip mat there.
9. Roca Continental
Most users characterize this Spanish-made model as having excellent value for money. Experts note the presence of anti-slip coating - this factor will be appreciated by families with small children, as well as older people. Such a bath does not need special care for enamel. The only thing that cannot be done is to use harsh and aggressive cleaning products that incorporate abrasive particles. Overall dimensions are also not too large, the weight is very significant - 73 kg, capacity is 161 liters. Due to the low center of gravity, the bath can be installed directly on the floor, without the use of special supplies or support legs.
The enamel is strong enough, practically not subject to external influences, so in this bath you can even bathe pets. It has a dazzling white color, which over time does not begin to turn yellow, in addition, it has a faint glossy gloss that makes it even more attractive. The enameled coating is applied in six steps, due to which the effect of the greatest smoothness arises. The sides are sheer, which can significantly increase the capacity of the structure. The walls are quite thick, so they will almost not make noise during the collection of water.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Beautiful appearance;
- Non-slip coating;
- Thoughtful bottom shape, due to which all the water will go into the drain.
Disadvantages:
- The legs included in the kit allow you to adjust only the level, not the height;
- The warranty period is not very long - only 10 years against 25 on average for other manufacturers.
8. Jacob Delafon Parallel E2947
This model is a fairly spacious design, which is made in a modern style. The product combines simplicity and fairly strict geometry of the lines. It has a white color, the shape of the bath is rectangular. One of the key distinguishing features in comparison with other models that are included in our rating of the best cast-iron bathtubs is the presence of an integrated headrest and a supporting backrest - this will be appreciated by fairly tall people. The design is made from reliable materials that can withstand significant shock loads.
Enamel is characterized by increased strength, it copes with the effects of abrasive or aggressive detergents. The overall dimensions are decent - 170x70x45, the capacity is 129 liters, the design is a wall model. It is worth noting that the enamel also has an anti-slip coating. It’s very convenient to lie in the bathtub even for a rather long time.
Benefits:
- Reliability;
- The depth is sufficient even for a tall person;
- Durable enamel;
- The presence of anti-slip coating;
- Ergonomic shape with headrest.
Disadvantages:
- Very narrow sides, where it will not work to put any hygiene products.
7. Roca Akira
This is a rectangular model, the drain and overflow in which is located in the central part along one of the long sides, so you can get in it sitting or reclining with much greater comfort.Safety is well thought out even at the production stage - the enamel has an anti-slip coating. If desired, you can order a model with special handles, which will be very convenient for older families or families with small children. The kit does not include legs, and besides, they are not always needed. The fact is that the model is quite heavy and can firmly stand on the base without additional fasteners.
Enamel perfectly resists wear and does not need special care. The so-called orange peel effect does not appear on its surface even during active use, when air bubbles form under the enamel layer, which gradually lead to a violation of its integrity. The width of the sides is carefully thought out, so it is very convenient to take them with your hands.
Benefits:
- The volume is quite suitable for both a child and an adult;
- The drain is located in the central part of the structure;
- The presence of anti-slip coating;
- Suitable width of the sides;
- It can be used as both a wall-mounted and a stand-alone model.
Disadvantages:
- The sides are slightly curved, so when installing near the wall, certain difficulties may arise.
6. Novial Archimed
This is one of the heaviest models among all the others included in our review of the best cast-iron bathtubs - its mass is 189 kg. It is difficult to install even by two, therefore it is best to call at least two more people for help during installation. The design itself is distinguished by regular and proportional forms. The bathtub is made in the form of a rectangle, it has a significant volume - up to the overflow line it can fit up to 285 liters of water. This design due to its shape will be ideal for installation in the podium. Bathtub will be appreciated by people who love minimalism and strict forms.
The glassy enamel coating with the addition of titanium is applied in four layers, which allows it to withstand significant loads, including cleaning using various abrasive or aggressive chemical compositions. Enamel thickness is 1.8 mm. Reliable and stable legs come with this product, which can be adjusted in height if necessary. At the bottom there are no any notches in which dirt can accumulate. The depth of the bath is 50 cm. The bottom has an anti-slip coating. If desired, you can order a model equipped with a hydromassage system. Decent width - one of the largest in the review, this parameter is 80 cm, so this design is best suited for a spacious bathroom.
Benefits:
- The coating is very reliable and durable, does not deteriorate under the influence of abrasive materials;
- The surface is smooth and even, there are no flaws;
- The volume is large;
- Made in a simple style.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Big mass.
5. Castalla Prime 180
Another Italian model, which is characterized by high quality workmanship and a long period of operation. Depth is 48 cm with overall dimensions of 180x80 cm. This design is one of the longest among all the products presented in our rating of the best cast-iron bathtubs. Four sturdy legs are supplied with the product - the construction height increases to 61 cm on them, and if necessary, they can be adjusted in height with the help of special bolts. The bath has a fairly large weight - as much as 150 kg. In addition, two metal handles made of chrome steel come with the bathtub, which makes the operation of the model even more convenient.
The enamel is snow-white, retains its original appearance throughout the entire period. It is applied in several layers, in addition, at the bottom there is a special anti-slip notch and a special coating. Up to the overflow line in the bowl of the bath can hold up to 242 liters of water. The bottom shape is thought out very carefully, so all the water will go into the drain hole, without leaving puddles in the bath.
Benefits:
- Original form;
- Together with a non-slip coating there is a special notch.
Disadvantages:
- Enamel coating does not always have the same thickness.
4. Artex Cont
This model has one of the most durable enamels among all the bathtubs presented in this review. It is made with the addition of titanium and applied in seven layers, which makes it practically insensitive to shock loads, cleaning with abrasive or aggressive compounds. The appearance is aesthetic. Four durable legs come with the product, with which you can also adjust this model in height. With their help, the bath can be lifted up to 57 cm, the depth of the structure is 42 cm. The model is a wall-mounted product, it is not very large in weight - only 85 kg. Alone, of course, you won’t be able to install it, but you can cope together.
The bottom has an almost imperceptible bias towards the drain, this moment does not cause any discomfort. It is coated with special anti-slip compounds, which ensures a high level of safety. If desired, you can order a model with handles along the long sides. The product does not make much noise during water collection in order to provide an even higher degree of sound insulation; a small distance should be left between the bathtub and the wall - about 3-4 mm, which is then filled with silicone sealant or glued with a special waterproofing tape.
Benefits:
- Perfectly even enamel coating;
- Attractive appearance;
- Insignificant mass;
- Reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- To tall and full people, the tapering part may not seem too comfortable.
3. Jacob Delafon Adagio De Lux 170 * 80
This model of French production, made of cast iron of the highest quality, opens the three leaders. As with most of the designs included in our review of the best cast-iron bathtubs, it has a reliable anti-slip coating. However, it also has one very important feature - a pneumatic hydromassage system, which allows you to achieve even greater comfort while swimming. Overall dimensions are slightly larger than average - 170 cm in length, 80 cm in width. This design does not fit into a very small bathroom, but it fits perfectly into a medium and spacious bathroom. The volume is also not the largest - 214 liters. The manufacturer provides a guarantee for its products for 25 years.
The hydromassage system is represented by a large number of nozzles: 12 air nozzles, 4 are additionally provided for the back, 6 for the sides and 2 for the legs. The model also has a prefabricated steel frame of increased strength, on which the bathtub will stand very firmly. The bottom has a small relief, ergonomic armrests are provided on the sides.
Benefits:
- The most complete set;
- Long warranty;
- Spacious, if desired, even two people can fit in it;
- The presence of anti-slip coating;
- There is a hydraulic and air massage function with pneumatic control.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Depth below average.
2. Eleganza Schale
In second place is the German bathtub, which is distinguished by its excellent style, so this model will be very interesting to look in the interior, made in both classical and modern spirit. The product has an asymmetric shape, the enamel has a perfectly white color, which will not fade over time. Its layer is absolutely even, so that the bathtub will look shiny during the entire service life.
Luxurious legs capable of withstanding a significant mass are supplied with the product, so even a fairly dimensional person can use the bathroom. On the legs there is a golden or bronze engraving, which makes the product even more popular. In general, the bath itself is a freestanding structure, so it is best to install it in a spacious room.
Benefits:
- The original design of the legs included in the kit;
- Not too large overall dimensions;
- An interesting design that allows the design to fit well into the interior of any style.
Disadvantages:
- Costly;
- Heavyweight;
- A tall person will not be quite comfortable even in a reclining position.
1. Goldman ZYA-31
It is this model that has become the recognized leader in our rating: both users and experts talk about the excellent price-quality ratio of this bathtub. In addition, it has a rather deep bowl - this parameter is 47 cm. The set includes strong legs, due to which you can adjust the level and height of the installation. Convenient handles made of chrome steel are provided on the long sides, and they also have slight bends. The handles are very strong and reliable, but with wet hands they must be taken carefully, otherwise there is a chance that the palms will slip. The coating is high quality and very durable.
Enamel at the bottom has anti-slip pimples. They are far enough apart, therefore, dirt will not accumulate between them - this moment is much more convenient compared to notches that perform the same function. Enamel does not withstand the effects of abrasive cleaners too well, so it is better not to use them.
Benefits:
- Low price;
- Deepened bowl;
- Decent volume;
- Anti-slip coating;
- The beads are even and have a sufficient width.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy.
In conclusion, the video
Well, our rating of the best cast-iron bathtubs is coming to an end. We hope that the information contained in it will be complete for you, and the problem of purchasing such a product will be much easier to solve. If you have any questions, wishes or you just want to share your experience of buying an iron bath, then you are welcome to comment on this article.
(3 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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