Which bathtub is better - acrylic, steel or cast iron?

Despite the growing popularity of showers, traditional baths are not losing ground. After all, they are created for complete relaxation and restorative sessions using essential oils, sea salt or aromatic foam. In terms of comfort, the latest generation models are in no way inferior to hydroboxes. But it is important to know which bath is better so as not to make a mistake with the choice and enjoy water procedures for a long time.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the material and manufacturing technology. Not only the operational characteristics of the bowl, but also its appearance, as well as transportation and installation options depend on these parameters.

Today baths are made from:

• cast iron
• become
• acrylic
• kvarila
• tempered glass
• stone – natural or artificial
• tree
• copper

Steel, cast iron and acrylic are the most widely used - they are used both in mass production and for the production of luxury products. The remaining materials are intended for creating designer models, mainly in the singular.

Features of cast iron baths

They have a long history. Having appeared in our everyday life back in the 17th century, cast iron bathtubs still remain leaders in the plumbing market, despite growing competition and the emergence of new materials. Isn't this evidence of their undeniable advantage over their steel and acrylic counterparts?

Advantages of cast iron baths

• Low thermal conductivity. The water in such a bowl does not cool down for a long time, allowing us to bask in special comfort. However, it cannot be said that cast iron holds the lead in heat capacity; with the advent of acrylic, it had to “make room”. It turned out that the polymer hot tub keeps water hot 2 times longer.

Of course, a lot depends on the thickness of the walls of a particular model, ventilation in the bathroom and other conditions. Therefore, it is difficult to say unequivocally which bathtub is better - acrylic or cast iron , when it comes to heat capacity.

• Durability. At this point, the cast iron bathtub is still out of competition. Its minimum service life is 50 years, but this is far from the limit. If treated with care and cleaned with mild detergents without abrasive particles and caustic acids, the bowl will retain its enamel coating, which means it can serve more than one generation of the family.

Tip : when bathing your pets, it is better to place a rubber mat in the bathtub so as not to scratch its surface. For the same reason, it is not advisable to place metal buckets and other containers in the font that can damage the enamel.

1. Sustainability. Another undeniable advantage of cast iron plumbing. Due to its massiveness, the font will not tip over, even if a person with a lot of weight sits on its edge.
2. Enamel strength. The coating does not fade over time, does not become thinner, and causes a pleasant tactile sensation. The outer side of the bowl is often painted in bright colors, which allows you to diversify the design of the products. But enamel requires special care, otherwise it will turn yellow, become covered with microcracks and begin to deteriorate.
3. Low noise level. The bath fills almost silently. This is the advantage of a cast iron bowl over a steel one.
4. Easy to care for. Unlike, for example, acrylic models, cast iron bathtubs are not capricious and do not require special cleaning products. On the contrary, they are recommended to use a simple soap solution with vinegar, washing powder, bleach or soda.

But you need to wash the bath regularly, after each use. If there is no serious contamination, warm water will be enough, and if there are stains, rusty streaks or deposits, you can use any alkaline-based product.

Important: after washing, the bowl should be dried. Then lime deposits and rust will not appear in places where the enamel is chipped or near the drains. If the humidity in the bathroom is low, you can simply open the door and wait until the surface of the bathtub dries. If this is not enough, wipe the bowl with a paper towel.

Disadvantages of cast iron baths

• The large weight of a cast iron bathtub easily turns from an advantage into a disadvantage when it comes to delivery and installation of the product.

The wall thickness of a high-quality bowl should be at least 5 mm; it is not surprising that its weight ranges from 90 to 120 kg. It is impossible to lift such a plumbing fixture to a high floor alone - the participation of 3-4 people will be required. A bulky full-size bathtub will not fit in a passenger elevator, so in the absence of a freight elevator, it is carried up the stairs, where there is an additional problem of turning around on the landings between flights.

At least two people are also involved in installing the font. All this creates difficulties and makes you doubt the advisability of purchasing a cast iron model.

Attention: bathtubs from foreign manufacturers have thinner walls and are much lighter, without losing any quality. Particularly famous are the products of the Catalan brand Roca, which in 1925 was the first to begin mass production of cast iron bathtubs.

• Difficulty of restoration. If chips or cracking of the enamel appear, you will have to use the services of specialists, since restoring the coating at home is problematic.

• Monotony. Cast iron has little flexibility when processed, so products made from it have a simple shape, close to the classic one: oval, rectangular or triangular (for corner models). Those who love extraordinary modern design are unlikely to like such restrictions.

When to choose a cast iron bathtub

A cast iron font on curved carved legs in the shape of lion paws is perfect for a bathroom in the Empire, Provence, retro or shabby chic style. An elegant bathtub can be freely installed with the rest of the composition around it.

A stable bowl will not require additional support, as is usually the case with steel or acrylic models. There will also be no need to build a podium to hide the unsightly auxiliary structure.

A classic style cast iron bathtub looks strict and elegant. Especially if the outer covering is painted in pastel colors or covered with hand painting.

Families with small children, elderly people or people with a lot of weight should also pay attention to cast iron models. Moreover, today manufacturers equip hot tubs with special internal handles, anti-slip coating and a comfortable seat for those who do not want to be completely immersed in water.

And for lovers of home spa treatments, cast iron bathtubs with hydromassage nozzles began to be produced. True, such devices are considered elite and cost accordingly.

Easy to install

Bringing a heavy cast-iron bathtub into the house is not so easy - one person cannot do it. This explains the difficulty in installing such products. They also need to be firmly fixed on a flat plane. They are usually placed on four cast legs.

To install an acrylic bathtub, you will need to assemble a metal frame and only after installing the bathtub on the frame can it be connected to the sewerage system. This makes the installation process somewhat difficult, but since all the parts are light, one person can handle it quite well.

Steel bathtubs are also fixed on legs, but their installation can be done by one person. To significantly increase sound insulation, a layer of polyurethane foam is often applied to the surface of the product or the bottom is covered with Penofol. In general, installation of a steel bathtub is the easiest.

Sound insulation of a steel bath: on the left with Penofol, on the right with polyurethane foam.

Steel bath

Acrylic bath

Cast iron bath

Results. Steel bathtubs can be called the easiest to install (however, in the case of applying polyurethane foam, the process becomes somewhat more complicated). The second place belongs to acrylic bathtubs, where you will have to tinker with making the frame. And the rating is completed by cast iron products, heavy and bulky.

Steel baths. Advantages and disadvantages

Steel plumbing belongs to the budget category. But a high-quality product can last up to 30 years without requiring replacement or large-scale restoration.

If you compare which bathtub is better - cast iron or steel , you can find arguments for and against each type.

Installation types

There can be three options: installation along one of the walls (the most common), corner placement and installation in the middle of the room. The latter option is used for large bathrooms when using large oval or round bathtubs. Which are often equipped with hydromassage and other pleasant extras.

Corner models are produced both symmetrically and with different sizes of sides adjacent to the walls. As a rule, the side opposite the corner is rounded. It is not only practical, but also looks beautiful.

Cast iron bathtubs, as a rule, are placed along the wall, less often they are placed in the center of the room. Due to the design features, they cannot be installed in a corner. As for steel and acrylic products, they can be mounted in any of three options. Finding the right model is not a problem.

Acrylic bath

Steel bath

Cast iron bath

Results. Once again we have two leaders - steel and acrylic products have more options regarding the type of installation. The cast iron baths remained in the shadows.

Advantages of steel models

1. Let's start with the design. Since steel baths are made not by casting, but by stamping, and the material itself is much more ductile than cast iron, strict restrictions are not imposed on the shape and size of the bowl. As a result, the model range is very diverse, allowing you to choose the appropriate option for both modern and classic interiors.
2. The price of steel plumbing, as mentioned above, is very affordable, due to the complete automation of production.
3. Bathtubs made of steel are at least two times lighter than cast iron. Their weight, depending on size, ranges from 15 to 50 kg. The bowl can be carried and installed alone, which is very convenient.
4. Caring for a steel bathtub is much easier, and it is more hygienic. Enamel baked at high temperatures does not form microcracks, from which it is difficult to remove limescale and dirt.
5. Modern models have hydromassage functions, are equipped with handles and soft headrests, do not slip, ensuring complete safety. In terms of comfort, they are superior to their cast iron counterparts and are not inferior to acrylic ones.

Structural and stainless steel in plumbing production – which is more reliable?

The quality and functionality of steel hot tubs is influenced by the bowl molding technology.
Inexpensive bathtubs are produced by hot stamping from sheets of structural steel, which is characterized by ductility and ease of processing, but does not have good corrosion resistance. In order to protect against corrosion, the outside and inside of the font is covered with one or two layers of acrylic enamel. To prevent chipping and improve adhesion, adhesive compounds are used. When inspecting the bowl, pay attention to the quality of the coating and the shape of the edges. The enamel should lie flat, without spots, bubbles or tears, and the edges should be even and smooth to the touch. Typically, high-quality, thick-walled enamel bathtubs last from 10 to 15 years. Enamel sanitary ware coatings are poreless, so moisture, soap scum and dirt do not accumulate in the bathtub. The bottom and walls of the bowl are easily cleaned of dirt, and no cloudy streaks remain on the surface of the font. Under the influence of abrasives and aggressive reagents, the protective layer quickly becomes thinner, but with the help of special care products for enamel bathtubs, you can extend the service life of your plumbing fixture by several years. Premium brands also add dirt-repellent and antibacterial additives to their enamels, making it easier to clean the bowl.

Stainless steel is a more expensive and high-status material with high resistance to damaging factors. Such bathtubs look very impressive, but they are not easy to care for due to the easily soiled surfaces. Wash off soap stains and grease stains immediately, without waiting for the dirt to stick firmly. But a stainless steel bathtub is more durable - with proper care you can count on 30 years of operation or more.

Disadvantages of steel bathtubs

Steel bathtubs have as many disadvantages as advantages, but most of them can be eliminated independently, using improvised means:

1. Fast cooling of water. Steel bowls do not hold heat well - this is one of the main disadvantages. But they heat up quickly, so to take a shower we don’t have to put our feet on a cold surface.
2. Danger of capsizing. If we place ourselves poorly in the bathtub and disrupt its stability, we risk falling along with it.
3. Deformation from gravity. Under a massive person or object, the bathtub bends, which leads to cracking of the enamel.
4. Low noise absorption. The thin walls of the bathtub ring under the running water, so it’s impossible to fill it quietly.
5. Rust on chips. Cast iron oxidizes much less than steel. Therefore, bowls made of this metal in places where the enamel has been chipped almost do not rust. Steel containers do not have this advantage, which is why they deteriorate much faster.

Fortunately, improving the performance of your bathtub is not difficult.

The first thing you need to do when installing the bowl is to ensure that it is securely fixed. The standard “legs” that come with the kit are usually not enough. You can build wide supports from red brick (silicate does not tolerate moisture well) - this is the most successful solution. To avoid damaging the appearance of the plumbing fixtures, all auxiliary structures and pipes are covered with a decorative screen.

Applying polyurethane foam to the back of the bowl solves two problems at once: additional sound and heat insulation appears. As a result, the water hits the walls less loudly and maintains its temperature longer. Instead of foam, you can use technical cork or vibration insulation - a bitumen-based material designed for noise protection of cars.

How to check the quality of a steel bathtub

If in the question of which bathtub is better , preference was given to a steel bowl, it is very important not to make a mistake with the choice when purchasing. Then such plumbing will last a long time, making water procedures truly comfortable. At the same time, the cost of the product will be much lower than that of the same acrylic, which does not always have an adequate price-quality ratio.

What to pay attention to:

• The thickness of the walls of the steel bath should be 2.5 - 3 mm. In the store, we cannot determine this indicator by eye, but we can move the container to feel its weight. If the bathtub gave in easily under our pressure, the manufacturer clearly saved on material by making the walls thinner than required by the standard.

• Defects in the enamel coating are another sign of low-quality plumbing fixtures. Sagging or an excessively thin layer through which the base is visible, roughness, foreign inclusions and other defects of this kind are unacceptable. If the enamel does not lie in an even layer, over time it will crack from uneven loading, making the bath unusable. The “correct” coating is smooth and pleasant to the touch, and has a uniform color.

• It is better to purchase plumbing fixtures from leading manufacturers - this is the most reliable guarantee. The German companies Kaldewei and Bette have proven themselves well, as well as Roca and BLB from Portugal. Among domestic companies, the products of the Verkh-Isetsky Metallurgical Plant, which meet modern standards and are cheaper than foreign analogues, inspire confidence.

Stainless steel baths

We are accustomed to metal hot tubs with an enamel coating, but there are, although less common, models made of stainless steel. So which bath is better ?

Stainless steel bowls are superior to enameled ones in all respects, except... price. Such bathtubs cannot be called budget - they will cost much more than plumbing fixtures made of cast iron or acrylic.

But we get a highly environmentally friendly, durable and damage-resistant product of any kind with an original, unique design.

Tip: to get rid of traces of water, which are very noticeable on polished shiny metal, the bowl should be wiped with a piece of dry natural cloth every time after bathing.

Stainless steel plumbing is an ideal choice for a bathroom in a minimalist, hi-tech or loft style.

Variety of sizes

Cast iron bathtubs made in Europe can have a length from 150 to 180 centimeters and a width from 60 to 90 centimeters. The standard length of the lower (inner) part is 110-120 centimeters. Modern technologies (changing the angle of the backrest, for example) make it possible to increase this size to 130-140 centimeters. Domestic cast iron bathtubs are made with a width of 70 centimeters and a length varying from 120 to 150 centimeters.

The variety of shapes of steel and acrylic products also implies a variety of sizes. As an example, let's take steel baths produced by the German company Kaldewei. The large model of this brand, Corpostar, has dimensions of 190 by 90 centimeters, and the small Miniform model has dimensions of 157 by 70 centimeters. The Japanese-style Kusatsu Pool model is distinguished by its increased depth (81 centimeters) and compactness (140 by 100 centimeters).

Bathtubs made from acrylic are equally varied in size. They can be large and small, wide and narrow, deep and not very deep. Corner and round options are available with different side sizes and diameters. If we talk about rectangular and oval models, their bowl can have a width from 70 to 170 centimeters, and a length from 120 to 190 centimeters.

Acrylic bath

Steel bath

Cast iron bath

Results. More modern steel and acrylic are again in the lead, leaving behind the good-quality but conservative cast iron. They make it possible to choose a product for any bathroom and for any purpose. For example, a large round bathtub can easily be used for two people at once. A compact corner option is for a small apartment.

Acrylic bathtubs: new technologies versus long-standing traditions

Bowls made of synthetic material - polymethyl methacrylate (colloquially plexiglass) are increasingly crowding out metal plumbing fixtures. The technology for manufacturing acrylic bathtubs is constantly being improved, so the growing interest in them is justified.

The price and quality of polymer baths depends on the manufacturing method. There are two of them:

• casting with subsequent reinforcement
• use of multi-layer sandwich type construction

1. Products made from cast acrylic (PMMA) are produced by pressing at high temperatures. To increase strength, bathtubs are reinforced with fiberglass or polyurethane and then sanded.

Cast acrylic has a smooth surface without micropores where pathogenic flora or dirt particles could accumulate. It is easy to clean, does not crack, and can withstand heavy loads. In case of minor damage, the surface of the bathtub can be restored independently by simple grinding or treating it with special pastes.

Hot tubs made of cast acrylic are expensive, but their service life is at least 15 years.

1. There is also an economy option - the so-called “sandwich”. The base is made of cheap ABC plastic and covered with a thin layer of acrylic.

It makes no sense to ask which bath is better in this case. Any damage to the acrylic coating in the sandwich bowl leads to direct contact of water with plastic, which is not moisture resistant. As a result, the bathtub is destroyed and has to be replaced with a new one. In addition, fragile plumbing fixtures can crack from impact or point loading and sag during bathing.

It is not surprising that budget options for acrylic bathtubs are designed for 3 to 4 years of service. You should buy them only in one case: if you want to regularly update the design of your plumbing fixtures, keeping up with fashion and without harming your wallet.

Reviews

After analyzing user reviews of steel bathtubs, we can conclude that the desire to buy the cheapest model can result in additional costs and dissatisfaction with the purchase.
Among the most common complaints: unexpected chips in the enamel, bad legs (unreliable, thin, just sticking to the bottom), sagging of thin-walled products.

As for the “noisy reputation” attached to steel, many say that they have not discovered this drawback.

Owners of acrylic bathtubs complain mainly about damage to the surface during use. It’s difficult to predict everything: someone has problems due to detergents containing abrasive particles, somewhere deformation has appeared due to too hot water. As a result, the coating becomes cloudy and the appearance suffers after only 3–6 years of use, instead of 10–20 under warranty.

Are you planning to take a relaxing bath, but the hydromassage is not working? You can master the repair of a hot tub yourself if the breakdown is simple.

You can read all about the pros and cons of a hygienic shower for a toilet in this article.

Results

So, if you decide to purchase a more reliable steel bathtub, this is an excellent solution, if you don’t save money and take a thick-walled one from a trusted manufacturer.

If the choice fell on an acrylic model, even better. It’s just important not to buy a fake, or a three-layer container with a thin layer of PMMA. It's better to look for "pure acrylic".

Advantages of acrylic bathtubs

• The ability to retain heat for a long time, a pleasant to the body, non-cooling surface.
• No noise when drawing water.
• The coating does not lose color or darken.
• Lack of toxic components (only in high-quality products).
• Light weight – no more than 30 kg.

Important : a bowl that is too light should be a concern when purchasing. It is either thin-walled or made of plastic “disguised” as acrylic. The optimal thickness of the walls of a PMMA bath should be 5 – 6 mm.

• Creative design, the ability to create plastic products of complex shapes. The bowls are intended mainly for modern style bathrooms . Although you can choose a classic model.

When comparing different types of bathtubs, buyers often hesitate: which is better - acrylic or steel. Both weigh a little, especially compared to cast iron bowls, have a stylish, modern appearance and are equipped with all the necessary safety features.

True, the cost of high-quality acrylic bathtubs is much higher. But they do not rust, do not need an enamel coating, which cracks over time, and have antibacterial properties.

Disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs

• An acrylic bathtub requires a supporting frame to help distribute the load and maintain its shape. It is advisable to purchase it not separately, but together with the bowl, choosing manufacturers who offer both positions.

• Special care products will be required, since acrylic can be easily scratched with ordinary powder or an overly hard brush. Due to instability to mechanical stress, it is not recommended to bathe pets in acrylic bathtubs, which may leave claw marks.

• Danger of deformation from hot water.

Choosing an acrylic bathtub. What to pay attention to

PMMA bowls are not cheap, which is why it is so important to purchase a truly high-quality option that is worth the investment. What to look for when purchasing?

1. There should not be an unpleasant “chemical” smell coming from the bathtub. If it exists, we have either a plastic analogue or a low-quality product.
2. Sufficient layer of reinforcement. You can check for the presence of fiberglass treated with epoxy resin by inspecting the side of the bathtub.
3. If you point a flashlight at the bowl, the light should not be visible through the thickness of the walls.
4. An important signal is that the shape of the bowl is too complex. Durable, injection-molded plastic does not require elaborate bends, which most likely serve as additional stiffening ribs for a thin-walled and fragile model.

Attention: the price of an acrylic bathtub cannot serve as the only guarantee of good performance properties. It happens that we have to pay extra for a brand or an original form of plumbing fixtures, but at the same time it does not have sufficient strength to last a long time. Only cast acrylic, at least 6mm thick, with the correct reinforcement, is truly reliable.

What is better to choose

Already from the comparative analysis it is clear that it is advisable to select something made of steel for the bathroom. To give advice on behalf of the editors, we decided to clarify what is in the bathroom of each team member. It turned out that steel bathtubs won again. Only for advanced owners it turned out to be soundproofed from below, which eliminated the ringing when drawing water and stands on 8 legs to prevent deformation when bathing two people of average size.

However, not everything is so simple here: almost all team members want to install cast iron bathtubs from European manufacturers when carrying out repairs, since some already have a chip, while others have a deformed bottom, despite 8 legs.