Owning the best alcove bathtub rewards you with invaluable benefits. It’s space-saving and offers a memorable, deep-soaking experience. And most often, it’s less expensive and easier to install than other tubs.
Essentially, you’re here to find the best alcove tub. To keep you reassured, I’ve done my part to round up the best alcove bathtubs for the money. And for the best experience, I give premium quality, safety, and user comfort a top priority. So, regardless of the model you choose, you’re guaranteed the best value for money.
Also, I try to be as versatile as possible to satisfy different needs. Hence, my review will cover alcove bathtubs at different price brackets and of different materials. Welcome, and let’s explore together.
10 Best Alcove Bathtubs
Table of Contents
1. KOHLER K-1100-RA-0 Expanse Curved Bath
Key Features
- Lightweight scratch-resistant acrylic
- Curved integral apron creates more room and allows for easy installation
- Integral tile flange keeps the water off the walls
- Textured bottom provides a non-slip grip
- One-year limited warranty
Kohler Expanse is a thoughtfully designed tub for those that need a little extra room. And as far as elegance goes, this alcove tub can easily take the crown.
Among its most defining features is the curved integral apron. It adds to the already contemporary look, allowing the tub to complement a variety of bathroom fixtures. Also, the integral design allows for easy installation.
But the integral apron is more than just a thing for beauty and stress-free installation.
Apparently, the curve offers much-need extra room. The tub is designed for one, no doubt. Nevertheless, it can squeeze in two average-sized people.
Also, it pairs with the Expanse curved shower rod to create more bath space. All the while, it stays within the standard 5-foot length. Besides, the curve isn’t overly pronounced.
As such, this is a tub that creates more room in that little available space.
Kohler Expanse offers more than just a great design idea. It’s also durable as far as the construction goes. Acrylic, for instance, makes it resistant to scratches and chips. And to build your confidence, Kohler Expanse comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Is Kohler Expanse an excellent alcove tub for soaking? Well, this tub has a soaking depth of 12-5/8 inches. So, I wouldn’t say it’s the best for soaking. Nonetheless, it suits the purpose, particularly when you factor in the large than standard 60-gallon capacity.
Kohler Expanse is a right-drain alcove tub. It comes complete with a tile flange to keep the water from seeping into the wall. Notably, it has a textured bottom for non-slip performance.
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2. American Standard 2461002.020 Cambridge Soaking Bathtub
Key Features
- Lighter yet durable Americast material
- Excellent heat retention
- Patented StanSure non-slip bottom
- Glossy and scratch-resistant porcelain enamel finish
- Contoured lumbar support and beveled headrest
- Lifetime limited warranty
American Standard has a nearly legendary status as far as bathtubs go. For a long while, it has set the standard for quality and elegance. And in the world of alcove bathtubs, American Standard Cambridge tub scores highly. It combines luxury, user comfort, and extreme durability.
This alcove tub uses the Americast material, a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to cast iron. Well, besides weight savings and cost, such exclusive technology rewards you with a ton of benefits.
The Americast material has excellent heat retention qualities. Hence, it eliminates the need to add insulation. It keeps bath water warmer for longer and offers a quieter showering experience.
Of course, the Americast material is exceptionally durable. After all, this alcove tub comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Cambridge tub is finished in non-porous and glossy porcelain enamel. It retains luster and remains scratch-resistant for years. Aside from durability, the porcelain enamel finish is easy to clean.
This alcove tub also gives safety a top priority. It boasts the exclusive StanSure slip-resistant surface. And unlike previous models, it has 56% more coverage. For this reason, it improves bathroom safety dramatically.
In terms of user comfort, this tub doesn’t disappoint. It slopes 26 degrees from the vertical to provide excellent lumbar support. Aside from the contoured lumbar support, this tub has a beveled headrest.
So, how much can this tub hold? Well, Cambridge tub has more than basic capacity, holding up to 60 gallons. Also, it’s 14 inches from the bottom to the overflow. Thus, it offers a satisfying soaking experience.
Notably, this alcove tub weighs 161 pounds and has a drain on the right-hand side.
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3. KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122R Alcove Bathtub
Key Features
- Robust cardboard packaging
- Acrylic, fiberglass, and resin construction
- Space-saving drop-in design
- Gentle lumbar support
- Adjustable legs
- One-year limited warranty
KINGSTON might not be a popular bathtub brand to many out there. At least not like Kohler and American Standard. Even then, it’s gaining traction, particularly with the release of this alcove tub.
This alcove tub is pretty much what you’d want if you’re on a budget. Though less expensive, it promises premium quality and comfortable soaking experience.
I want to commend KINGSTON for the premium packaging. This tub ships in a thick ½-inch corrugated cardboard packaging. Hence, the possibility of damages is almost zero.
KINGSTON alcove tub has a sleek, contemporary appearance. And with clean, modern lines, it blends in well in most bathrooms.
This alcove tub combines acrylic, fiberglass, and resin materials. The reinforcement, comprising fiberglass and resin materials, add more life to this alcove tub. Overall, it lasts twice as long as standard acrylic tubs.
Thanks to the drop-in design, this tub is space-efficient, easy to install, and has more bath space. Also, it comes with adjustable feet that keep it level.
Notably, this tub sits higher off the ground, around 3.5 inches. Hence, the inside tends to be a bit shallow. Nonetheless, it still holds up to 64 gallons.
At 30 inches, KINGSTON tub is a bit on the narrow side. But provided you’re not a big guy, this tub fits comfortably.
The front apron provides a sleek, minimalist appearance. Also, it covers all pipes and plumbing components for a flush look.
The inside slopes gently for lumbar support. And as far as drain location goes, this tub works with drains located on the right side.
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4. KOHLER K-716-0 Villager Bathtub
Key Features
- Durable cast iron with enamel finish
- Gentle-sloping lumbar support
- Non-slip texture
- Low step-over height
- Limited lifetime warranty
The Villager tub is easily Kohler’s most popular tub. It combines durability, style, and safety to provide timeless luxury. As far as appearance goes, Kohler Villager tub rewards you with graceful, elegant lines. And with the deep enamel surface, it creates a timeless look.
Well, Kohler Villager is one solid, hefty alcove tub. At 316 pounds, you’ll need extra hands to install. Nonetheless, extreme durability and years of beauty are worth the effort.
Cast iron construction offers years of service. Besides, you get a limited lifetime warranty. This tub promises scratch-free, stain-free, and impact-resistant performance for generations. Also, it’s easy to clean.
Kohler Villager tub has a gentle slope for lumbar support. And with a textured bottom, it promises non-slip performance. Also, the non-slip texture is part of the enamel. As such, it guarantees long-lasting safety.
Integral apron speeds up the installation process. Moreover, it adds a flush appearance.
At 30 inches, this tub is ideal for one person. Notably, it has a low step-over height of 14 inches. That makes it ideal for persons with disabilities.
Kohler Villager tub is a bit smaller than basic models. It has a soaking depth of 8-5/8 inches and holds 33 gallons. Nevertheless, it performs exceptionally well for a soaking tub.
This tub has the drain to the right size. Also, it comes with a built-in flange.
5. Kaldewei Cayono Soaking Bathtub
Key Features
- Porcelain-coated enamel steel
- Non-slip, anti-bacterial surface
- Eco-friendly material and construction process
- 30-year limited warranty
This alcove tub hails from a German manufacturer. And as with most German products, it promises excellent quality and durability.
It comes in steel, coated in porcelain enamel. It’s cost-effective, durable, and easy to clean. And at 130 pounds, it’s heavier than acrylic counterparts. Nonetheless, it’s much lighter than old-fashioned enameled cast iron.
Also, porcelain-enameled steel holds more weight. At 1000 pounds weight limit, it can take a lot of weight without developing dents or cracks.
The surface is entirely slip-resistant to guarantee safety. Notably, this tub has an anti-bacterial surface. Hence, it stays free of mold and mildew.
This is one sleek tub that comes in standard 5-foot length. But with an inside width of 24 inches, it’s a bit narrow. So, I wouldn’t recommend it for massive guys.
As for the soaking depth, it’s 11 inches. I’d say it’s not overly deep for pets and kids. Still, it promises a satisfying soaking experience. Also, it holds up to 35 gallons.
It’s a good thing that this tub promises eco-friendly material and production process. Also, it’s ETL-certified to meet the safety standards. As for the drain, it’s located on the right. Notably, this alcove tub has a 30-year warranty.
6. PROFLO 60″ x 42″ Alcove Soaking Bath Tub
Key Features
- Scratch-resistant acrylic construction
- Pre-leveled base and integral apron for easy installation
- Extra-wide design for couples
- 5-year limited warranty
It’s high time I introduced you to an alcove tub that’s larger than standard. So, if you’re a couple, I need your utmost attention.
At 60 inches, the PROFLO tub is as long as standard tubs. However, it’s wider at 42 inches. As such, it can fit a couple comfortably. Also, massive guys can count on this alcove bathtub.
Aside from being wider, this tub is also deeper. It’s 19 inches from the bottom to the rim. Also, the overflow sits 17-3/4 inches from the bottom. And with a 75-gallon capacity, it’s one perfect alcove tub for deep soaking.
This tub has a sleek, classic look. As such, it adds to the overall look of your bathroom.
Well, the PROFLO tub uses high-quality acrylic material. So, despite the massive size, it only weighs 100 pounds. As such, the installation process isn’t as exhausting as other tubs of the same size.
Notably, the acrylic finish promises scratch-resistant performance. Also, it’s resistant to stains and easy to clean.
This tub includes an integral apron and pre-leveled base for easy installation.
As far as durability goes, this alcove tub doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Moreover, it’s factory-tested to guarantee flawless performance.
7. KOHLER K-1123-RA-0 Archer Bath with Comfort Depth Design
Key Features
- Lightweight acrylic construction
- Sophisticated beveled edges
- Gentle lumbar arch contours to your body
- Textured non-slip bottom
- Deep-soaking depth
The Archer line of tubs is renowned for its sophisticated style. Beveled edges and curved base give this alcove tub an exceptionally eye-catching appearance.
Aside from breathtaking beauty, this tub promises relaxing comfort. The gentle lumbar arch, for instance, conforms to your body contour. Hence, it provides hours of hugging comfort.
This tub comes in acrylic. It’s relatively lightweight, weighing 82 pounds. Hence, it’s not cumbersome to move during installation. Also, acrylic rewards you with excellent resistance to scratches and stains. Again, it coordinates with most products from the Archer collection.
This comfort design tub boasts a textured bottom for non-slip performance. Also, it comes complete with an integral flange and apron. For this reason, it’s much easier to install.
Archer comfort design tub adopts a brilliant design idea. It has a 19-inch step-over height. Surprisingly, it has the same depth as standard 21-inch tubs. This is possible thanks to the slotted overflow.
As for the soaking depth, this tub has a water depth of 15 inches. So it’s slightly deeper than a typical tub. Also, it holds 60 gallons, making it ideal for deep soaking.
This tub has a right-hand drain design. It doesn’t come complete with a slotted overflow drain. Hence, you’d have to buy separately. Notably, it’s compatible with Kohler 7271 and 7272 Clearflo slotted drains.
Best Alcove Bathtub: Complete Guide
Material
Alcove bathtubs come in a variety of materials. Based on your choice, it can break or improve the soaking experience.
Acrylic is the most popular material for alcove bathtubs. It’s a lightweight, solid, and scratch-resistant material. Also, it’s insulating in nature. However, acrylic tends to develop cracks in contact with acidic cleaners. Again, it can’t handle heavy falls. Most often, acrylic tubs last up to 10 years.
Fiberglass combines durability and ease of cleaning. Mostly, it’s used with acrylic for reinforcement purposes. Another advantage of fiberglass is that it can withstand most cleaning agents. Also, you can get it in different colors.
Cast iron, though expensive, heats pretty well. It withstands heavy falls, and in most cases, promises lifetime durability.
Stone resin or porcelain is the most expensive. It’s highly durable and with excellent anti-corrosion properties. Also, it maintains color and quality over time.
Size
The tub’s ideal size will be determined by two things: the available bathroom space and the user needs.
For a large, spacious bathroom, you can settle for the longest alcove tub you can get. But for a cramped up bathroom space, a smaller tub will suffice.
You also need to consider user needs. If you need a tub for bathing your pets or kids, then a freestanding bathtub will be a good choice. But for relaxing and stretching, you’ll need a tub with more room.
Capacity
You need to determine the capacity in two ways.
First, consider the water capacity. Basic alcove tubs hold 40-50 gallons. Overall, ensure there’s plenty of water to cover your entire body.
Secondly, choose a capacity that fits you. For instance, it should accommodate the height and weight of each member of the household.
Tub Weight
How much does the tub weigh? A lightweight tub will reward you with easy installation. Also, it can sit comfortably on all types of floors. A heavy tub, on the other hand, might require extra hands to install. Moreover, most heavy tubs need to sit on reinforced floors.
Soaking Depth
Generally, alcove tubs are excellent for soaking. But for deep, memorable soaking, I’d recommend a 15-inch soaking depth as the adequate minimum. However, for every day soaking, you’ll be good off with at least 12 inches.
Step-Over Height
For people with disabilities, the step-over height or overall height deserves the utmost attention. Choose a tub height that allows you to get in and out comfortably. Also, this is a feature worth looking into if you plan to buy the tub for kids.
Non-Slip Surface
It’s not a feature you’ll find in every alcove tub. Nonetheless, it’s crucial for safety purposes. A slip-resistant bottom will keep you from falling when you stand on it.
Drain Location
Consider if you need a tub with a right hand or left-hand drain. Overall, you want something that sits flush with your existing shower drain. Though rare, some models come with a center drain. Most are designed to accommodate two people.
Water Usage
How many gallons of water do you use on average? Generally, a large tub with demand more water for a deep soaking experience. Also, it wastes more water in the process. Again, it needs a significant amount of energy to heat the water. So, if you aim to save water and energy bills, a small tub will work for you.
Budget
Alcove bathtubs are available in different price brackets. You can get inexpensive, cost-effective tubs. However, they might sacrifice some soaking and drain features. And most often than not, the quality is sub-standard. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a premium alcove tub on a tight budget.
Well, you can loosen your pockets for high-end, luxurious models. Such tubs come with extras, such as a neck rest, armrest, and lumbar support. Also, they have impeccable quality and durability.
Warranty
Warranty is essential, particularly for large purchases. Besides, an alcove tub can be pretty expensive. Hence, you want something that will protect your investment. At least a one-year warranty will suffice. A more extended warranty or lifetime warranty will be a huge plus.
Brand
For every product, there are those few world-class brands. Such brands have a reputation for premium quality, excellent service, and value for money. Hence, aim for top-of-the-line brands in the world of alcove tubs. Some of the top recommendations include American Standard, Kohler, Cayono, PROFLO, and KINGSTON BRASS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What’s the best alcove bathtub?
Answer: All the tubs on the list promise outstanding quality, performance, and user comfort. However, the winning model goes to American Standard Cambridge. It boasts patented materials that provide utmost durability. Also, it rewards users with head and lumbar support to improve the experience. Again, this tub keeps the water hot for longer.
Question: What’s the best alcove tub for couples?
Answer: Well, I’ll settle for two models. Though a standard tub, Kohler Expanse extends out at its widest point to provide room for two. The PROFLO alcove tub is another excellent choice. At 42 inches, it’s wider than standard 32-inch tubs.
Question: What’s the best alcove soaking tub?
Answer: Most models on the list will give you a memorable, soaking experience. But for a deeper soak, you’ll do well with the PROFLO alcove tub and Kohler Archer tub. They’re deeper and exceed the adequate minimum depth for deep soaking.
Question: What’s the best alcove tub for people with disabilities?
Answer: For the disabled, aim for a tub with a low step-over height. Hence, I consider Kohler Villager to be the best. At 14 inches, it offers easy accessibility for persons who are injured or physically limited.
Question: What’s the best cheap alcove?
Answer: KINGSTON is easily the best cheap alcove tub. It’s half the price of most tubs on the list. Still, it offers premium quality and performance. And at 15 inches, it promises a memorable deep-soaking experience.
Conclusion
An alcove bathtub is a space-saver. Complete with other fixtures, it offers a memorable and relaxing soaking experience. So far, I’ve covered the best alcove bathtub to consider. Essentially, you should aim for an alcove tub that’s safe, durable, comfortable, and with the right fit. And of course, one that fits your budget.
But out of curiosity, I’d like to know which alcove tub you find the best. Reply to us in the comment section for the benefit of all.